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.

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.

NeoSpace Europe

https://space-agency.public.lu/en/news-events/news/2026/neospace-europe-navigating-emerging-opportunities.html

The Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) is relaunching its annual commercial space conference under a new identity, NeoSpace Europe, themed "Navigating Emerging Opportunities." The event replaces the former NewSpace Europe gathering and features dedicated tracks on space commercialization, emerging technologies, and women in space, alongside a student talent challenge running October 19-20. €45-€95. Luxembourg. October 20, 2026.

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.

2026 International Mars Society Convention

https://convention.marssociety.org/

The International Mars Society Convention brings together scientists, engineers, and visionaries to advance human exploration and settlement of Mars. $0-$350. Los Angeles, CA. October 22-24, 2026.

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.

Spaceport Norway 2026

https://www.spaceport-norway.com/2026/northstar-tickets  

North Star Rising 2026 is a two-day Oslo conference focused on Arctic situational awareness, defense space capabilities, capital markets, and European-Norwegian space collaboration. Notable speakers include Christian Hauglie-Hanssen (Director General, Norwegian Space Agency), Katya Gorbatiouk (London Stock Exchange), and Josef Wiedemann (Isar Aerospace). NOK 0-19,500. Oslo, Norway. October 27–28, 2026.

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.

4th Annual Space Economy Summit

https://events.economistenterprise.com/space-economy-summit/

The Economist Enterprise's 4th annual Space Economy Summit, themed "Maximising returns to Earth: the infinite potential of space," will convene senior leaders from business, government, and investment to examine commercially credible space technologies and how satellite data, Earth observation, and microgravity research can deliver measurable returns across industries including agriculture, energy, finance, and healthcare. Speakers include Martine Rothblatt (Founder and CEO, United Therapeutics), Taylor Jordan (Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director, Office of Space Commerce, NOAA), and Congressman Mike Haridopolos (Chairman, House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics). $0-$1,299. Orlando, FL. October 28-29, 2026.

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.

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.

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.

The 8th Summit for Space Sustainability

https://www.swfsummit.org/

The 8th Summit for Space Sustainability, co-hosted by the Secure World Foundation, the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), and the Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Federal District, will convene policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to advance practical solutions for long-term space sustainability. Marking the first time the summit is held in Latin America, the agenda covers debris mitigation, space governance, Earth observation applications, and sustainability principles for lunar and Martian activities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sign ESA's Zero Debris Charter, a community-driven initiative with over 250 signatory organizations from 35 countries. $25-$250. Brasília, Brazil. November 4-5, 2026.

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.

Space & Satellites USA 2026

https://events.reutersevents.com/space/space-satellites-usa

Space & Satellites USA 2026 is an invitation-only, 250-person senior executive summit focused on orbital scale, cybersecurity, and defense acquisition strategy, featuring Chatham House roundtables and debates. Confirmed speakers include NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Firefly Space CEO Jason Kim, Apex Space CEO Ian Cinnamon, and Northwood CEO Bridgit Mendler. $0-$2,499. Washington, D.C. November 9-10, 2026.

33rd Space Simulation Conference

https://www.iest.org/meetings/space-simulation-conference

The IEST (Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology) Space Simulation Conference is a international forum on space hardware environmental testing, bringing together engineers, technicians, and scientists from industry, government, and academia to present and exchange ideas on simulating the space environment for R&D and qualification. The conference is supported by NASA, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and Northrop Grumman. Annapolis, MD. November 16-19, 2026.

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.

State of Satcom Cybersecurity

https://www.bigmarker.com/access-intelligence-llc1/state-of-satcom-cybersecurity

This online roundtable, hosted ahead of CyberSat 2026, will examine the evolving cybersecurity landscape for the satellite communications (SATCOM) industry, including risks introduced by cloud integration, multi-orbit architectures, and digital ground systems. Free. Online. November 19, 2026.

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.

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.

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, 2026.

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.

Lunar Grounding Challenge

https://work.crowdplat.com/challenge/lunar-grounding-challenge

NASA's Tournament Lab challenge is seeking innovative engineering designs and operational solutions to safely neutralize extreme electrostatic charge buildup on astronauts returning from lunar surface Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) at the lunar South Pole. Phase 1 is open to submissions to identify promising design and operational concepts. Up to five finalists will be selected for Phase 2 to refine designs for final judging and prize allocation of $150,000 total. Submission deadline for Phase 1 is January 15, 2027. 

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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Astro Digital Takes SPAC Deal to Scale Satellite Manufacturing

https://www.satellitetoday.com/finance/2026/09/29/astro-digital-takes-spac-deal-to-scale-satellite-manufacturing/

Satellite manufacturer Astro Digital plans to go public via a SPAC (special purpose acquisition company) merger with Proem Acquisition Corp I at a $587 million enterprise value, with the deal expected to close in Q1 2027. The transaction includes $50 million from a PIPE (private investment in public equity) led by Proem Asset Management and Leon Capital Group. Astro Digital has delivered nearly 40 satellites for customers including NASA, Boeing, and EchoStar, with revenue growing from $25 million in 2024 to a projected $50 million in 2026, and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 14% in 2025. The company targets $500 million in revenue by 2032, driven by constellation-scale production, U.S. civil and defense programs, and M&A.

NorthStar Earth & Space Goes Public After SPAC Merger 

https://www.satellitetoday.com/finance/2026/10/02/northstar-earth-space-goes-public-after-spac-merger/

Canadian space domain awareness (SDA) company NorthStar Earth & Space completed its business combination with SPAC Viking Acquisition Corp I, resulting in a combined entity valued at ~$300 million. The closing included $30 million in PIPE financing, earmarked to accelerate the scale-up and orbital deployment of NorthStar’s proprietary space-based sensor constellation. NorthStar serves vital government and defense entities, including the Royal Canadian Armed Forces' 3 Canadian Space Division (3 CSD) and the US Space Force, alongside major commercial satellite operators.

On-Orbit Security Startup Fortastra Raises $30M in Series A

https://www.satellitetoday.com/finance/2026/10/08/on-orbit-security-startup-fortastra-raises-30m-in-series-a/

On-orbit security startup Fortastra raised a $30 million Series A round led by First In, with participation from Upfront, Space Capital, Rsquared, Side Door Ventures, ATX Ventures, and existing investors. Founded by SpaceX alum and Hermeus co-founder Mike Smayda, the company launched its Watchdog V0 spacecraft pair on SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare mission, with capabilities including rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO). Fortastra plans to use the funds to build two larger operational prototype spacecraft and scale manufacturing infrastructure for a modular spacecraft bus.

Furientis lands $25M from Benchmark to mass-produce low-cost missile interceptors

https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/06/furientis-lands-25m-from-benchmark-to-mass-produce-low-cost-missile-interceptors/

Defense tech startup Furientis raised $25 million in a seed funding round led by Benchmark, its first-ever pure defense investment. The round follows a $5 million pre-seed round raised in May. Furientis was co-founded by former Virgin Galactic deputy chief engineer Brody Franzen who later joined Castelion, and former Virgin Orbit rocket engine testing lead Aris Simsarian. It aims to address a stark US military production gap, with the Navy receiving only 300-500 interceptors annually versus China's claimed 3,000 anti-ship cruise missiles per month, by manufacturing low-cost interceptors. 

Satellite radar tech startup Kapta Space raises $24M from Bill Gates-backed fund and defense investors

https://www.geekwire.com/2026/satellite-radar-tech-startup-kapta-space-raises-24m-including-cash-from-bill-gates-backed-fund/

Seattle-based satellite radar startup Kapta Space raised $24 million in a Series A round co-led by Washington Harbour Partners and Bison Ventures. Previous investors participating include MetaVC Partners alongside MYDA Capital, Entrada Ventures, Aurelia Foundry, and Fitz Gate Ventures. Capital will be used to expand manufacturing facilities, qualify hardware for spaceflight, and prepare for upcoming orbital demonstration missions for Kapta's lower-cost, highly steerable, MESA (Metamaterial Electronically Scanned Array) technology radar sensors for satellites. 

Portugal’s Omnidea Acquires Orbex Assets, Plans PrimeNEO Rocket

https://europeanspaceflight.com/portugals-omnidea-acquires-orbex-assets-plans-primeneo-rocket/

Portuguese space technology group Omnidea acquired most of Orbex’s UK intellectual property, manufacturing equipment, and brand, including two of Orbex's three buildings in Scotland, along with core engineering staff. Omnidea is adapting Orbex's original Prime small-launch vehicle into an evolved rocket named PrimeNEO, focusing on simplifying the design and improving overall manufacturability.

Hop Aero Raises $11M for Suborbital Point-to-Point Delivery

https://payloadspace.com/exclusive-hop-aero-raises-11m-for-suborbital-point-to-point-delivery/

Suborbital point-to-point logistics startup Hop Aero raised $11 million in funding following participation in the Y Combinator summer batch, led by Initialized Capital. It will fund the development and scaling of Hop Aero's full-scale suborbital delivery vehicle, Rook 2, with initial flight testing slated for mid-2027. Rook 2 is designed to transport cargo and autonomous drone swarms rapidly across long distances via suborbital delivery. 

Satlyt, founded by a former Google and SpaceX product manager, raises $8M to run AI on satellites

https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/01/satlyt-founded-by-a-former-google-and-spacex-product-manager-raises-8m-to-run-ai-on-satellites/

Satlyt, a Sunnyvale-based software startup co-founded by former Google and SpaceX Starlink product manager Rama Afullo, raised an $8 million seed round led by Houston-based Non Sibi Ventures. The company builds software enabling AI models to run across multiple satellites, targeting operational efficiencies such as onboard anomaly resolution and sensor data processing to reduce costly ground downlink. In an earlier demonstration, Satlyt deployed Google DeepMind's Gemma model on a Momentus spacecraft, cutting transmission size for software error reports by over 60%.

Foundational Raises £8.2M for Satellite Laser Ranging

https://payloadspace.com/foundational-raises-8-2m-for-satellite-laser-ranging/

UK satellite laser ranging (SLR) startup Foundational emerged from stealth with an £8.2M ($10.8M) pre-seed round, which it claims is Europe's largest space-tech pre-seed to date. The round was led by Inflection, BACKED, and Adjacent, with participation from Type One Ventures and Final Frontier. Foundational automates SLR, a precise method for measuring satellite distances accurate to millimeter-level, combining satellite retroreflectors, automated ground stations, and a data software platform, with commercial service targeted for early 2027. 

Charter Space raises $5M to bring insurance to the stars

https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/30/charter-space-raises-5m-to-bring-insurance-to-the-stars/

Charter Space, an El Segundo-based space insurance brokerage, raised a $5 million seed round led by Crystal Venture Partners, with participation from fintech investors QED, Blank Ventures, Hustle Fund, and Gaingels, bringing total funding to $8 million. The company, founded by CEO Yuk Chi Chan and co-founder Yukun Yin, launched its nationally licensed insurance brokerage in May and is servicing over 50 companies across the U.S. space and defense industrial base.

Blackswan Space Raises €2.5M Seed to Fund RPO Kit Demo

https://payloadspace.com/blackswan-space-raises-e2-5m-seed-to-fund-rpo-kit-demo/

Lithuanian startup Blackswan Space closed a €2.5M ($2.8M) seed round led by Iron Wolf Capital, with participation from Lemonade Stand, NGL Ventures, and other investors, bringing total fundraising to €3.2M ($3.6M). The company develops RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations) hardware-software kits using vision-based navigation to enable autonomous spacecraft docking, sourced largely from commercial off-the-shelf parts.

Starlink spectrum deal boosts Musk plan to beat AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/10/starlink-spectrum-deal-boosts-musk-plan-to-beat-att-t-mobile-and-verizon/

SpaceX has agreed to purchase up to 14 MHz of nationwide 800 MHz low-band spectrum licenses from investment firm Grain Management, which originally acquired them from T-Mobile for $2.9 billion, to support a planned terrestrial mobile network for Starlink Mobile. Combined with SpaceX's previously FCC-approved $17 billion acquisition of 65 MHz of mid-band spectrum from EchoStar, the low-band addition is designed to provide indoor building penetration that satellite-only signals cannot deliver. The FCC also this week approved SpaceX's application to launch 15,000 next-generation Direct-to-Device satellites offering more than 100 times the bandwidth of the current generation, with commercial service targeted to begin by late 2027.

NASA issues long-awaited call to industry for private space stations

https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/10/nasa-issues-long-awaited-call-to-industry-for-private-space-stations/

NASA released a 360-page request for proposals (RFP) for its Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program, seeking private space station operators to succeed the International Space Station (ISS) in low-Earth orbit as early as 2030, with industry responses due December 8 and contract awards planned for April. Phase 1 winners are guaranteed at least $100 million, with Phase 2 covering station development and certification and Phase 3 purchasing at least four NASA astronaut missions to the private stations, making future phases worth billions. Expected bidders include Axiom Space, Voyager Space, and Vast Space. NASA is also offering to broker and furnish crew transportation for the first four NASA service missions, pricing a four-seat crew flight at $325 million and a cargo flight at $300 million for 2030.

Blue Origin unveils huge 'Power Tower' to boost solar electricity on the moon

https://www.space.com/astronomy/moon/blue-origin-unveils-huge-power-tower-to-boost-solar-electricity-on-the-moon-video

Blue Origin unveiled its 'Power Tower,' a 20-meter-tall vertically deployed solar array system designed to generate more than 10 kilowatts of power for lunar south pole base operations. The modular system evolves from the Lunar Array Mast and Power System (LAMPS) developed by Blue Origin subsidiary Honeybee Robotics under NASA's Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) project. The tower is intended to support NASA's Artemis Moon Base, currently in Phase 1 through 2029, with full operations targeted by 2032.

NASA Weighs Bulk Rocket Buys for $30B Moon Base Amid SpaceX Phaseout

https://www.tesery.com/blogs/news/nasa-bulk-rocket-purchases-30b-moon-base-spacex-phaseout

Bloomberg and Seeking Alpha reported that NASA is weighing bulk rocket purchases to support a lunar base plan valued at roughly $30 billion, framing the consideration as occurring amid a SpaceX phaseout. Neither report specified rocket providers, launch counts, or a procurement timeline, and no official NASA announcement or contract award has confirmed the underlying procurement decision or the phaseout characterization. A shift in NASA procurement strategy of this scale would materially alter competitive dynamics among heavy-lift launch providers.

Neutrino physicist wins 2026 Nobel Physics Prize

https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/10/neutrino-physicist-wins-2026-nobel-physics-prize/

Francis Halzen of the University of Wisconsin-Madison won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin. IceCube, which came online in 2011, uses 5,160 light sensors embedded across a full cubic kilometer of Antarctic ice to detect neutrinos produced by distant cosmic sources, including supermassive black holes in other galaxies. Key discoveries include the 2014 detection of three unprecedented high-energy neutrinos and 2022 evidence linking the active galaxy Messier 77 to high-energy cosmic ray emissions.