World Space Week 2026
https://www.worldspaceweek.org/p/highlights
World Space Week (WSW) 2026, the largest annual space event on Earth, runs October 4–10 under the theme 'Rocket Revolution,' highlighting the rapid expansion of commercial launch access. Key activations include a Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Expo on October 9, ESA Open Days across Germany, Spain, and the UK, and the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, Türkiye, October 5–9. Major sponsors include ULA, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, Firefly Aerospace, Airbus, and BAE Systems. October 4-10, 2026.
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International Astronautical Congress 2026
https://www.iac2026.org/
The 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) is organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and will be hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA). The event gathers over 6,000 space sector professionals and researchers, with 2026's core theme "The World Needs More Space" emphasizing international cooperation, space safety, accessibility, and peaceful exploration. €0-€1,950. Antalya, Turkey. October 5-9, 2026.
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SATExpo Middle East
https://satexpome.com/
SATExpo Middle East 2026 is the UAE's premier satellite and space technology event, co-located with CABSAT and focused on accelerating growth across the MEASA (Middle East, Africa, and South Asia) region's satellite services ecosystem. The event will feature the SATExpo Summit with strategic and technical sessions, a Startup Zone, satellite innovation showcase, and matchmaking program connecting buyers, operators, and government decision-makers. Dubai Exhibition Center, Expo City, Dubai, UAE. October 5-7, 2026.
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14th European Space Power Conference
https://atpi.eventsair.com/espc2026/
The 14th European Space Power Conference (ESPC 2026), organized by ESA's (European Space Agency) Power Systems Division, will bring together space power professionals from industry, government agencies, and academia to address key topics including power management, solar generators, energy storage, and nuclear power. €480-€1,500. Estoril, Portugal. October 5-9, 2026.
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ASTRA Space Workshop 2026
https://sites.google.com/view/astra-workshop-2026
The ASTRA Space Workshop is a two-day interdisciplinary event hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) focused on artificial intelligence, space technology, robotics, aerospace, sustainability, and space policy. The event brings together students, researchers, faculty, industry professionals, and policymakers to discuss the future of intelligent and sustainable space operations. $0-$135.23. Daytona Beach, FL. October 8-9, 2026.
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Space Summit Asia/Pacific 2026
https://www.selectbioconferences.com/spaceap2026
Space Summit Asia-Pacific 2026 will convene academic researchers and commercial companies focused on LEO biomanufacturing, tissue chips, 3D-bioprinting, organs-on-chips, and the emerging commercial space station ecosystem. Keynote speakers include Liz Warren, ISS Deputy Chief Scientist at NASA; Michael Roberts, CSO of the ISS National Laboratory (CASIS); and Kuniko Okada, General Manager at Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JMASS). $299-$1,100. Narita, Japan. October 13-14, 2026.
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Up/Link SpaceTech Business Summit
https://www.uplinksummit.com/
Up/Link: The SpaceTech Business Summit is a two-day, invitation-reviewed executive gathering capped at 200 attendees, focused on capital formation, commercial adoption, and structured deal-making through curated 1:1 meetings. Day one covers capital markets, insurance, banking, and venture selection, with speakers from NYSE and Fidelity Investments; day two addresses commercial and defense procurement, lunar resources, low-gravity manufacturing, and orbital compute. $475–$3,950. New York, NY. October 20–21, 2026.
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14th IAASS Conference
https://www.iaassconference2026.org/
The 14th International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS) Conference, themed 'Together for a Safe Space Frontier,' will address critical space safety topics including space traffic management, international space governance, cyber threats to space systems, lunar search and rescue, and aviation safety during launch and re-entry operations. €400-€1,160. Juan-les Pins, France. October 20-22, 2026.
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European Space Agency’s SPAICE Conference 2026
https://spaice.esa.int/2026/
The European Space Agency's third annual SPAICE Conference will convene leading researchers, engineers, and industry experts at the intersection of artificial intelligence and space exploration. Topics will span on-board autonomy, data-driven mission operations, Earth observation foundation models, planetary exploration, and AI applications for space safety. Speakers include Microsoft Research AI for Science Technical Fellow Dr. Christopher Bishop and Autodesk Research London Director of Physics-Informed AI Dr. Nathan Kutz. Noordwijk, Netherlands. October 21–23, 2026.
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2026 von Braun Space Exploration Symposium
https://astronautical.org/events/vbs/
The 19th Annual VBS invites commercial aerospace executives, defense policy analysts, university researchers and systems engineers to address strategic priorities and technical execution under the theme, "Accelerating Exploration." The focus areas are lunar and planetary exploration architectures, space technology and engineering innovation, and defense and sovereign space capabilities, alongside a student and early career showcase. $25-895. Huntsville, AL. October 26-28, 2026.
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Silicon Valley Space Week
https://svspaceweek.com/
This year's SVSW focuses on space defense tactics, secure satellite communications, and improving collaboration between commercial tech companies and government/military buyers. Professionals in the space sector are invited to the Satellite Innovation Conference targeting commercial space, and the MilSat Symposium, targeting national security and defense. $150-$1,895. Online and in-person in Mountain View, California. October 27-29, 2026.
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CyberSat 2026
https://www.cybersatsummit.com/
CyberSat 2026, now in its 10th year, is a four-day space cybersecurity forum featuring both unclassified and classified (TS/SCI) programming, covering AI-driven threats, satellite network defense, nation-state TTPs (tactics, techniques, and procedures), and live on-stage hacking demonstrations. Keynote speakers include US Space Force Deputy Chief for Cyber and Data Charleen Laughlin, Assail CEO Alissa Knight, and National Reconnaissance Office Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Luke Shibilski. $299–$1,199 (unclassified); classified add-on $349–$599 extra. Reston & Chantilly, VA. November 2–5, 2026.
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Space Policy and Law Course for 2026
https://www.space-institute.org/space-policy-and-law-course-2026-cpd/
The London Institute of Space Policy and Law invites government policymakers, space agency personnel, military officers, satellite operators, insurers, lawyers, and post-graduate researchers to its Space Policy and Law Course 2026. The interactive online course is 15 hours with CPD accreditation for Solicitors and Barristers in England and Wales, and covers space environment, technology basics, orbit characteristics, and orbit management alongside more specialized legal frameworks and security and governance. £1,550. Online. November 2-4, 2026.
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APSCC 2026
https://apsccsat.com/
The 27th annual APSCC (Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council) Space Conference & Exhibition will gather satellite and space industry professionals across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss connectivity, market insights, and partnership opportunities under the theme "Fueling the Asia-Pacific Space Economy." The three-day event will feature panel discussions, case studies, executive interviews, and an exhibition showcasing the latest satellite and space technologies. Denpasar, Indonesia. November 3–5, 2026.
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NASA MAX POWER
https://www.nasa.gov/maxpower/
MAX POWER is a public aerospace exposition and airshow showcasing American air and space technology in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Highlights and exhibits include historical NASA mission flight demonstrations, a technology showcase covering drones and autonomous vehicles, and next-generation flight concepts. The event focuses on progress within NASA's primary directorates and is designed to engage students, industry stakeholders, and the public in the future of US spaceflight and aviation infrastructure. Tickets for the different events range from $49.24 to $275. Merritt Island, FL. November 7-8, 2026.
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9th Space Tech Expo Europe
https://www.spacetechexpo-europe.com/
Space Tech Expo Europe, Europe's largest B2B space event, returns to Bremen for its 10th anniversary, convening the European space supply chain across launch services, satellite operations, communications, ground systems, and more, with four dedicated conferences covering industry, small satellites, connectivity, and a tech forum. $0–$350. Bremen, Germany. November 17-19, 2026.
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AGU Fall Meeting 2026
https://www.agu.org/annual-meeting
The world’s largest annual gathering of Earth and space scientists hosting over 25,000 attendees from over 100 countries, AGU26 will cover over 25 scientific sections bridging Earth sciences, planetary geology and space physics. Topics include planetary sciences and exoplanetary habitability, space physics and aeronomy, earth observation and remote sensing, and interdisciplinary data science and AI. $0-$1,320. San Francisco, CA with hybrid options. December 7-11, 2026.
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Challenges | Solicitations | Resources
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NASA Calls for Proposals to Accelerate Lunar Surface Technologies
https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-calls-for-proposals-to-accelerate-lunar-surface-technologies/
NASA issued the NextSTEP-3 Broad Agency Announcement Appendix A: Lunar Enabling Infrastructure Accelerator solicitation, targeting five critical capability gaps needed to establish a long-term Moon Base at the lunar South Pole: vertical solar array power generation, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) oxygen extraction from regolith, radioisotope Stirling nuclear power generation, in-space advanced manufacturing, and nanomaterials production. The solicitation is open to private industry, academic institutions, non-profits, and international partners participating through U.S.-led teams. NASA intends to use technical data and demonstration results from resulting contracts to shape future lunar acquisition strategies. Deadline: October 8, 2026.
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NASA TechLeap Orbital Clarity Challenge
https://occ.nasatechleap.org/
NASA's Orbital Clarity Challenge, the sixth in its TechLeap Prize series, invites applicants to propose low-cost, scalable approaches for measuring atmospheric density, pressure, or drag in low Earth orbit (LEO) to enable safer, more predictable satellite flight paths. Up to four winners will each receive up to $500,000 across three prize phases, with NASA also offering winning teams a complimentary LEO flight demonstration, bringing the total award pool to $2 million. A virtual information session is scheduled for September 22, 2026, with Phase 1 registrations closing October 28 and submissions due November 11, 2026.
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Rock and Roll with NASA Challenge
https://www.herox.com/NASARockandRoll
NASA is seeking innovative designs for a lightweight, compliant and durable rover wheel capable of carrying heavy cargo, handling freezing lunar nights and sprinting across sharp regolith at 24 km/h. The phased challenge is open to students, independent inventors and aerospace firms. The current phase Involves live physical prototype testing at the NASA Johnson Space Center Rock Yard. Prize: $155,000. Submission Deadline: November 4, 2025.
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NASA International Space Apps Challenge
https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/
NASA International Space Apps Challenge is the world’s largest annual global hackathon, inviting all-age multidisciplinary teams to solve Earth and space science challenges using freely available NASA open data. The 2026 theme is "The Next Frontier," focusing on space exploration, AI, Earth observation, climate, and human discovery. Hundreds of in-person local host events worldwide will coincide with a global universal virtual event. Teams produce open-source solutions spanning software apps, data visualizations, AI/machine learning models, educational tools, and physical hardware prototypes. November 14-15, 2025.
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NASA TechPort
https://techport.nasa.gov/help/fundingOpportunities
TechPort is designed to help external innovators, companies, researchers, and students find appropriate avenues to fund and develop technology in collaboration with NASA. The Interactive Funding Locator Tool allows users to scan open or upcoming NASA opportunities while the Direct Access to Official Space Agency Portals point users to the selection, evaluation, and proposal submission frameworks across NASA's primary directorates.
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Space Ecosystem | Startups | Deals
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Varda Announces $251 Million Series D to Scale Space-Based Pharmaceutical Processing
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/varda-announces-251-million-series-d-to-scale-space-based-pharmaceutical-processing-302893651.html
Varda Space Industries, a microgravity-enabled life sciences company focused on in-orbit pharmaceutical processing and hypersonic reentry capsules, raised $251 million in a Series D round, bringing total capital raised to $598 million. The round was led by Lux Capital and Natural Capital, with participation from Founders Fund, Khosla Ventures, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and others. Funding will support scaling launch cadence, deepening pharmaceutical partnerships, and advancing toward delivering the first medicine manufactured in space for patients on Earth. Since its first mission in 2023, Varda has completed six successful reentry missions, with over a dozen more launches and reentries planned through 2028.
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Hubble Network Raises $200M Series C at $1.6B Valuation
https://payloadspace.com/hubble-network-raises-200m-series-c-at-1-6b-valuation/
Hubble Network, a Seattle-based startup building a Bluetooth-based satellite asset tracking constellation, raised a $200M Series C at a $1.6B valuation, bringing total financing to $300M. Smith Point Capital led the round, with participation from Seraphim, Carthona Capital, Earthshot Ventures, RPM Ventures, and Y Combinator, following a $70M Series B in September 2025. Capital will fund expansion from 6 to 60 satellites by end of 2029, with next-gen satellites capable of tracking 10M+ devices each, enabling near-constant global coverage at a fraction of cellular tracking costs.
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Besxar is building an orbital semiconductor factory, one SpaceX rocket at a time
https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/09/besxar-is-strapping-advanced-chip-fabs-onto-spacexs-falcon-9-rockets/
Besxar, founded by former OpenAI staffer Ashley Pilipiszyn, is developing orbital semiconductor fabrication by mounting small chip-manufacturing canisters called 'fabships' onto SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket boosters, exploiting the vacuum of space to eliminate the need for pressurized terrestrial clean rooms. The company raised nearly $14 million, including a $9 million seed round led by Dauntless Ventures and Overture VC, and has already completed two successful test flights on a Starlink mission in July, confirming wafer samples were cleaner than Earth-manufactured counterparts. Besxar's long-term strategy targets Starship as a high-volume return vehicle, with the goal of supplying advanced power-regulation wafers to leading chipmakers serving data center, robotics, and electric vehicle markets.
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HEO Raises $25M Series B to Fuel GEO Expansion
https://payloadspace.com/heo-raises-25m-series-b-to-fuel-geo-expansion/
Australian non-Earth-imaging (NEI) startup HEO raised a $25M Series B led by Beaten Zone Venture Partners, with participation from Australia's National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, DCode Capital, Wunala Capital, and existing investors Airtree and Salus Ventures. HEO operates a network of 50+ sensors in orbit via partner constellations including Planet and BlackSky, and holds contracts with the NRO, UK Space Agency, and Australia's Department of Defence. Since its $8M Series A in 2023, HEO has tripled revenue year-over-year and aims to monitor 90% of all on-orbit space objects.
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Space Exploration | Development
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SpaceX’s Starship goes orbital, deploying first next-gen Starlinks
https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/09/starships-first-orbital-launch-gives-lift-to-spacexs-next-gen-starlinks/
SpaceX's 14th Starship test flight achieved the rocket's first-ever orbital insertion on September 28, deploying 26 Starlink V3 satellites from Starbase, Texas before splashing down north of Hawaii roughly three hours after liftoff, shorter than the 10 hours originally planned. Each Starlink V3, weighing ~2 metric tons and too large for Falcon 9, delivers 1 Tbps of network capacity, 10x more than current-generation satellites, with future flights capable of carrying up to 60 per mission. One of the six Raptor engines on Starship's upper stage and two of 33 on the Super Heavy booster experienced failures, continuing a pattern of Raptor 3 reliability issues across the last three flights, though the FAA confirmed a formal mishap investigation will not be required. Near-term objectives include catching Starship with the launch pad's mechanical arms, longer orbital flights, and in-orbit refueling demonstrations required for NASA's Artemis lunar landing missions.
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China launches 4 different rockets to orbit in 45 hours
https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/china-launches-4-different-rockets-to-orbit-in-45-hours-video
China launched four different orbital rockets in a 45-hour window from Sept. 15-16, 2026, flying from three separate launch sites with all missions succeeding. The lineup included two commercial vehicles: LandSpace's methane-fueled Zhuque-2E, which carried 10 satellites for the Qianfan broadband megaconstellation (targeting ~15,000 satellites), and Orienspace's Gravity-1, the world's most powerful solid rocket, which delivered nine more Qianfan satellites from a sea-based platform. Chinese state vehicles included a CASC Long March 12 carrying nine satellites for the SatNet megaconstellation (~13,000 satellites planned), and a Kuaizhou-11 deploying two Spacety radar Earth-observation satellites. While none of the four rockets attempted propulsive landings, the flurry underscores accelerating Chinese launch cadence and megaconstellation buildout.
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The International Space Station's 57.7-foot-long robotic arm, Canadarm2. Image Credits: NASA
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Astronomy | Astrobiology | Cosmology
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Gravity Seems Holographic. What Does That Mean for Reality?
https://www.quantamagazine.org/gravity-seems-holographic-what-does-that-mean-for-reality-20260925/
The holographic principle, formalized through the anti-de Sitter/conformal field theory (AdS/CFT) correspondence in the late 1990s, proposes that the entire contents of a volume of space can be encoded on its surrounding surface, suggesting gravity and quantum mechanics are mathematically equivalent descriptions of the same reality. Physicists such as Leonard Susskind view both 3D bulk volume with gravity and the 2D quantum boundary of the universe as equally valid, dual representations of reality. Physicists debate whether this implies the 3D universe is illusory and reducible to quantum information (qubits) on a lower-dimensional surface, whether the gravitational volume is the fundamental reality, or whether both descriptions are approximations of a deeper, unknown theory.
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