Agenda
December 16th
Welcome and Introduction
Fast Money- SMC Space Ventures, AFWERX and Space Force Accelerators
Learn how SMC Space Ventures, AFWERX and Space Force Accelerators work together to connect startups to government organizations and resources in the space industry.
Asteroid Rocks and Moon Landings
From robots scooping rocks from the surface of galaxy-traveling asteroids, to preparing for the return of humans to the surface of the Moon, we’ll cover all aspects of scientific and civil exploration of the solar system.
From Space Rock Returns to Financial Returns – An Investor Panel
Some investors spend a lot of their time looking to the stars for the next venture capital opportunity. It’s a market unlike any other, but does that change the math on equity-based investment?Don’t forget to submit your questions for the panel!
Building Up a Business Looking Down at Earth
How Earth observation is one of the real moneymakers in the space category and what’s ahead for the industry.
Introducing the launch of the World's First Space Technology and Human Longevity focused Rolling Fund in partnership with AngelList
Fireside chat with the General Partners and team from SP8CEVC covering the verticals of Space Technology and Human Longevity.
Building the Workforce of the Future
Advancing the United States’ leading role in space will require developing a workforce that’s up to the challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has opened up opportunities to imagine new models for how and where the next generation of scientists and engineers is trained, and to find new ways for professional experience to be more integrated into the curriculum. This session will explore how universities and industry can work together to build robust talent pipelines that create digitally fluent, agile workers for the future. Panelists will also discuss strategies to build diverse workforces that leverage different perspectives and experiences to drive innovation, and new approaches to enable workers to be continuous learners throughout their careers.
Founders in Focus
We sit down with the founders poised to be the next big disruptors in the space industry. Here we chat with Araz Feyzi, co-founder of Kayhan Space, which provides situational awareness to satellite operators.
Sourcing Tech for Securing Space
Lt. General Thompson is responsible for fostering an ecosystem of non-traditional space startups and the future of Space Force acquisitions, all to the end goal of protecting the global commons of space. He’ll talk about what the U.S. is looking for in startup partnerships and emerging tech, and how it works with these young companies.Don’t forget to submit your questions for Lt Gen Thompson!
Fast Money – Working with the Army to Operationalize Science for Transformational Overmatch
Learn about DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory and the xTech Program of prize competitions that accelerate innovative solutions that can help solve Army challenges.
Launching a Launch Startup
The launch business is booming, but besides SpaceX and Rocket Lab, there isn’t anyone far enough along to truly capitalize in terms of new space startups. We’ll talk to the founders of companies hoping to be next in line.
Founders in Focus
We sit down with the founders poised to be the next big disruptors in the space industry. Here we chat with Will Edwards, CEO of Firehawk Aerospace, a custom rocket engine design and manufacturing company.
Crafting the Kuiper Constellation
Amazon is set to create its own global constellation of LEO satellites – a very different type of gadget from what Amazon SVP of Device & Services Dave Limp is used to overseeing. He’ll tell us how Project Kuiper fits in with Amazon’s grand plans.
Bridging Two Eras of Human Spaceflight
When Kathryn Lueders started working at NASA in 1992, it was the peak of the Space Shuttle era. As she begins her leadership of the Human Spaceflight Office this year, a new and exciting era is just beginning. Lueders will discuss the possibilities and challenges of the new systems and technologies that will put the first woman and the next man on the surface of the Moon… and perhaps Mars.Don’t forget to submit your questions for Kathryn Lueders!
University Showcase – Boldly Innovating in Space, for Space (Part One)
Technologies to Go Boldly in Space – For the past half century, space exploration and technology has been earth-centric. We’ve studied the earth, orbited the earth and sent images of distant places back to earth. In the coming decade, we’ll embark on a new commitment: We’re going to space to stay. We’re committing to space commerce, space habitation and space exploration in order to not just stay in space, but to extend our human footprint into this solar system. To be successful, we need bold people and new technology to build and deploy the next generation of space capabilities. We need to capture these space opportunities, avoid potential threats and deliver on the promise of a multi-planet human race.This session showcases our partners USC and MIT, as they provide insight into their space programs. They are joined by university partners UCLA, ASU and Caltech, showcasing a range of emerging space technologies. Working with the Aerospace Corporation, these emerging capabilities can be evaluated and integrated into government space-faring missions for communicating, navigating, and exploring in space with NASA, NOAA and the Air Force.
December 17th
Cislunar Space: Building a Self-Sustaining Lunar Economy
We are standing on the threshold of a post-scarcity human future. Cislunar space, the area between the Earth and the Moon, holds the keys to a tremendous wealth of opportunities.
Public-private Partnerships in the Domain of Space Defense
Hear from the head of the U.S. Space Force what it takes to secure an entirely new war-fighting domain, and how the newest branch of the U.S. military will be looking to private industry to make it happen.
Fast Money – Advancing Space Technology with NASA SBIR
Learn about the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs powered by NASA.
From Idea to Orbit
Rocket Lab has quickly become one of the most sought-after launch providers in the world. Founder and CEO Peter Beck will discuss the company’s approach to making space more accessible, from cheaper, faster launches to its new satellite platform.
Founders in Focus
We sit down with the founders poised to be the next big disruptors in the space industry. Here we chat with Pawan Chandana, co-founder of Skyroot, who is hoping to make spaceflight as regular, reliable and affordable as airflight.
Fast Money – NAVWAR SBIR/STTR Primer
The SBIR/STTR is a robust program designed to help small businesses address government needs while promoting commercialization. This session is dedicated to providing a primer on the program with tips on getting involved and getting engaged with the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR).
Bridging Today and Tomorrow's Tech
Corporate VC funds are a key source of investment for space startups, in part because they often involve partnerships that help generate revenue as well, and because they understand the timelines involved. We’ll talk about how they fit in with more standard venture to power the ecosystem.Don’t forget to submit your questions for the panel!
Fast Money – Introduction to In-Q-Tel’s investing activities in the commercial space sector
In-Q-Tel is a strategic investment firm that works with the national security community of the United States. For 20 years, In-Q-Tel has served one mission: to deliver the most sophisticated strategic technical knowledge and capabilities to the U.S. government and its allies through its unique investment model. Over the past decade, In-Q-Tel has been one of the most active investors in the commercial space sector, with a broad investment thesis that touches many aspects of the sector. This session will provide an overview of In-Q-Tel as a whole, as well as a discussion of the firm’s activities in the commercial space sector.
How to Get the Air Force to Buy Your Stuff
We’ll be talking about the best ways to understand what the Air Force needs and how to sell it to them.Don’t forget to submit your questions for Dr. Roper!
Fast Money – Enabling a dual-use business model with Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
Learn how you can take a part of DIU’s development of on-demand access to space, persistent satellite capabilities and broadband space data transfer
Founders in Focus
We sit down with the founders poised to be the next big disruptors in the space industry. Here we chat with Yotam Ariel, co-founder of Bluefield Technologies, a startup providing satellite-based emissions data.
Ground Control to Major Tom
Data connectivity and communications are key to commercial space monetization and the strategic plans for further space exploration and development. Hear from the key players about the state of play in the industry.Don’t forget to submit your questions for the panel!
Starburst x TechCrunch: Pitch Me to the Moon
During Pitch Me to the Moon, select space startups get a chance to pitch to Starburst and TechCrunch. 10 promising early-stage space startups will have an opportunity to present their innovations live to a panel of high-profile judges from across the industry.
In Space, No One Can Change Your Oil – Yet
Once a spacecraft is in orbit, it’s on its own – but what if it could be refueled, repaired, refurbished, and if necessary, retired? This panel will discuss how in-space operations could upend today’s engineering and business models.
Living and Working in Space
We’re on the verge of pushing the boundaries of space exploration to new, more sustainable heights. From ambitious commercial orbital habitats, to astronauts getting ready for longer trips to the moon and beyond, find out what it takes to make extended space stays a reality.
University Showcase – Boldly Innovating in Space, for Space (Part Two)
Bold Missions – For the past half century, space exploration and technology has been earth-centric. We’ve studied the earth, orbited the earth and sent images of distant places back to earth. In the coming decade, we’ll embark on a new commitment: We’re going to space to stay. We’re committing to space commerce, space habitation and space exploration in order to not just stay in space, but to extend our human footprint into this solar system. To be successful, we need bold people and new technology to build and deploy the next generation of space capabilities. We need to capture these space opportunities, avoid potential threats and deliver on the promise of a multi-planet human race.This session showcases our partners USC and MIT, as they provide insight into their space programs. They are joined by university partners UCLA, ASU and Caltech, showcasing a range of emerging space technologies. Working with the Aerospace Corporation, these emerging capabilities can be evaluated and integrated into government space-faring missions for communicating, navigating, and exploring in space with NASA, NOAA and the Air Force.
