Space Tech Conference 2013

Opening Keynote Address

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory carries out a wide-ranging program of exploration in space and Earth sciences. After building and operating America’s first satellite, Explorer 1, JPL sent robotic spacecraft to all of the solar system’s planets. Today its research activities include active programs in Earth sciences, using technologies developed for planetary missions for remote sensing of Earth, as well as in space-based astronomy, designing and launching instruments and spacecraft to search for exoplanets and examine space objects such as galaxies and nebulae. JPL also leads NASA’s program of Mars exploration, with a broad range of missions deploying rovers, landers and orbiters.

Commercial Crew & Cargo

With NASA focused on deep space missions, private US companies are likely to operate most, if not all, flights between Earth and the International Space Station, saving NASA money and bringing millions of dollars to American enterprises. Key industry players such as Boeing and NASA will examine the latest developments in commercial crew and cargo, discussing the implications for America’s space economy.

Commercial Crew & Cargo - Continued

Continued Session

Space Tourism: New Horizons and Industry Growth

As carriers and spaceports gear up to take some of the first private paying astronauts to low-Earth orbit and beyond, are we on the cusp of mass space tourism? What are the potential growth projections for this segment of the industry? Also, what does it mean for private enterprises and educational institutions looking to undertake research and development, scientific experiments and small satellite launches? How will this affect local as well as the wider economy and push the space industry to become a trillion dollar industry?

NASA's Space Launch System: The Business Case for Space

Innovation Update: Mars One - Humans on Mars in 2023?

Mars One is a not-for-profit organization that will take humanity to Mars in 2023, to establish the foundation of a permanent settlement from which we will prosper, learn and grow. Before the first crew lands, Mars One will have established a habitable, sustainable settlement designed to receive astronauts every two years. To accomplish this, Mars One has developed a precise, realistic plan based entirely on existing technologies. Mars One founder, Bas Lansdorp will share the latest updates from this exciting venture to create the first space settlement.

Closing Remarks

Keynote Address: Golden Spike: Opening Commercial Human Lunar Exploration

Golden Spike is a US commercial space company consisting of former NASA engineers, program managers, Agency executives, and others. Golden Spike’s lunar transportation architecture is based around a “head start” approach, which maximizes the use of existing and in-development systems. The company has retained prominent advisory experts in government relations, media, spaceflight, and financing, and engaged 10 space forms in its Lunar Lander Systems Study (LLaSS). Dr Stern will describe the commercial space stage on which Golden Spike’s emergence was set, and then go on to describe Golden Spike’s business model and expected ROI, lunar architecture, and forward plans.

Silicon Valley Meets Space - Getting From Business to Enterprise

The disruptive and innovative culture of Silicon Valley is fueling entrepreneurs who are starting a new generation of commercial space companies. In his talk, “Singularity University”, International Space University & Moon Express Co-Founder Bob Richards discusses the opportunities associated with leading a private enterprise to the Moon.

Private Funding and New Space Industries – The VC’s View of Space

The potential for private business in space is enormous. Although space commerce so far has been dominated by the satellite and launch industries, other NewSpace sectors are emerging. Space tourism and entertainment, microgravity research, manufacturing, asteroid mining, R&D, transfer services, satellite repair and space debris removal are just some of the verticals with long-range potential. Crucial to these sub-sectors is identifying the likely sources of their investment capital and overcoming obstacles to their financing.

Technology Transfer: Opportunities for Growth

This session explores the transference and integration of space technology into non-space commercial applications. From telemetry and remote monitoring to aerospace life support systems, space programs are a potent, often untapped source of innovation and systems expertise for ground-based applications such as Intelligent City technology and infrastructure, engineering, mining, biomedicine and healthcare. The session explores current trends and future uses for space-qualified technology, and offers companies alternative market environments to increase manufacturing activity and export sales.

Expanding Space Commerce – Hot Opportunities

No longer the exclusive preserve of NASA and government agencies, space is ‘fair game’ for commercial organizations. So what are the top emerging opportunities for space entrepreneurs, aerospace and adjacent industry suppliers to pursue? This session examines some of the products and technologies required to support the ever-expanding space economy. Key focus areas include: cyber security, 3D printing and nanosatellites.

Innovation Update: The Google Lunar X Prize - Latest Updates

Since 2007, teams all over the world have been fundraising, designing and building lunar spacecraft with their eyes on the Google Lunar X PRIZE. With a total purse of $30 million, the Google Lunar X PRIZE inspires considerable innovation as well as much discussion and debate. In this roundup, the Google Lunar X PRIZE Senior Director, Alex Hall, will review the status of the prize, discuss its impact to date and explore the outstanding issues and questions to be addressed by the teams and the X PRIZE Foundation in the time remaining until December 31, 2015 – the prize end date.

Keynote Address: The Business Case for Space

We are in a global economy. As DoD, NASA and the NRO prepare to meet the challenges of adverse budget impacts, ever-increasing satellite development and launch costs, new strategies, notably disaggregation, must be employed to meet national security needs. This new approach to national security space requirements poses challenges and opportunities.

Military Perspectives - Changing Requirements

This session examines new approaches to meeting Space requirements through effective disaggregation strategies. Speakers will highlight the role and promise of disruptive technologies and the unique role played by small businesses.

Acquisition Requirements and Supply Chain Opportunities

Led by NASA JPL’s Acquisition Division Manager, Karl C. Bird, this session will provide key insights into the space procurement requirements of government and commercial organizations in the current climate of stringent budget cuts and economic uncertainty. Key experts from Raytheon and other prime contractors will offer vital information not only about acquisition needs, but also regarding the processes that companies wishing to cement their position within the space supply chain must observe. 

Closing Keynote Address: California: Where Aerospace Grew Up