Top Space Conferences to Propel Your Space Ambition. 2024-2025 edition
Explore a selection of conferences offering opportunities for networking and collaboration. Perfect for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and space enthusiasts seeking to expand their horizons
Issue 97: Astronauts: 13,882.
This year the Space Ambition team is visiting a number of events. We’d be happy to meet you in person. Please ping our team members via LinkedIn or email:
Denis Kalyshkin (denis@spaceambition.org) visits New Space Economy Congress in Barcelona on October 1-2 and Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen on November 19-21
Alexandra Vidyuk (alexandra@spaceambition.org) participates in IAC 2024 in Milan on October 14-18
Dr. Ivan Khrapach (ivan@spaceambition.org) visits IAA LACSS2024 in Salta on November 04-09
In the fast-evolving space industry landscape, staying ahead requires more than just keeping up with the latest news. It demands active engagement with the community, continuous learning, and offline networking with the pioneers shaping the future of space exploration. Attending conferences is an invaluable way to achieve this, offering insights into cutting-edge developments and connecting you with like-minded professionals worldwide.
Below, we've prepared a selection of top space conferences scheduled until the end of 2025. These events are set to bring together experts from various sectors—government agencies, private enterprises, academia, and startups—to discuss innovations, collaborate on projects, and inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, these conferences are essential milestones to consider for your career trajectory.
This article aims to help you navigate the opportunities that lie ahead, providing insights into each event to help you decide which ones align best with your interests and professional goals. Check out also our previous article featuring 50+ conferences here.
Note: The conference details are accurate as of September 2024. Please check the official websites for the most current information before you make arrangements.
The main gatherings of the space industry
75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC)
When: October 14-18, 2024
Where: Milan, Italy
And the following 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC)
When: September 29 - October 03, 2025
Where: Sydney, Australia
The 75th IAC is the world's premier space event, drawing thousands of participants from over 70 countries. It's a melting pot of ideas where space agencies, industry leaders, and researchers converge to discuss advancements in space science, exploration, and technology. The congress features plenary sessions, technical presentations, and an expansive exhibition area showcasing the latest space innovations. Attending the IAC provides unparalleled networking opportunities and insights into international space policies and collaborations. In the previous year, our Co-founder, Nick Veliev, participated in the 74th International Astronautical Congress in Baku and praised it as an outstanding event. You can read his impressions here.
This year you will have an excellent opportunity to meet Space Ambition Co-founder and CEO of Beyond Earth Technologies Alexandra Vidyuk. Message her to arrange a meeting in person.
By the way, the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) which together organize the Congress, conduct a bunch of other events, both international and local affiliated, topical and broad-scope. Check their event pages (IAF, IAA) to be updated of their events calendar. Meet Ivan Khrapach, a Co-founder of Space Ambition and the author of this post, at one of these events, the IAA Latin American Conference on Small Satellite Technologies and Applications. Feel free to reach out to him if you'd like to arrange an in-person meeting.
Space Tech Expo Europe
When: November 19-21, 2024
Where: Bremen, Germany,
and Space Tech Expo USA
When: June 02-04, 2025
Where: Long Beach, California
The Space Tech Expo is a trade show and conference that brings together a diverse array of businesses, investors, and government agencies. This makes it an ideal platform for startups to connect with investors interested in various space industry sectors. Typically held in Long Beach, California (for the U.S. edition), and Bremen, Germany (for the European edition), the Space Tech Expo attracts thousands of attendees each year. We hope some of our readers will be able to attend the European event in November and meet our Co-founder Denis Kalyshkin.
Space Symposium
When: April 7-10, 2025
Where: Colorado Springs, USA
Hosted by the Space Foundation, the 40th Space Symposium is important for anyone involved in the global space community. It attracts leaders from civil, commercial, and national security sectors, fostering dialogue on critical issues and opportunities in space. The symposium offers live speaker sessions, open networking events, and exhibits, making it a fertile ground for networking and learning about the latest trends and policies shaping the industry.
Conferences fostering commercial space
SpaceCom
When: January 28-30, 2025
Where: Orlando, Florida, USA
SpaceCom is a conference and exhibition that connects commercial space applications with business innovation across various industries. It explores how space technologies can solve challenges on Earth, fostering partnerships between the space community and sectors like healthcare, energy, transportation, and agriculture. The event hosts Commercial Space Week, special co-location of 3 events that brings together leaders from the defense, commercial, and spaceport communities.
Satellite Conference and Exhibition (SATshow)
When: March 10-13, 2025
Where: Washington, D.C., USA
For professionals in satellite communications and services, this conference is a must-attend. It is devoted to the advancements in satellite technology, addressing topics like broadband connectivity, Earth observation, and satellite-enabled services. The event gathers operators, manufacturers, and service providers, offering a platform to discuss challenges and opportunities in the satellite sector.
Small Satellite Conference
When: August 11-13, 2025
Where: Salt Lake City, USA
The Small Satellite Conference is dedicated to the innovation and development of small satellites. It brings together academia, industry, and government to collaborate on small satellite missions. The conference addresses technological advancements, mission designs, and the increasing role of small satellites in providing cost-effective solutions for space missions.
International collaborations and policy discussions
Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX)
When: May 7-9, 2025
Where: New Delhi, India
GLEX is an international forum organized by IAF that discusses the future of space exploration. It covers lunar exploration, Mars missions, and deep space exploration. The conference promotes global collaboration, sharing insights on international missions and technological advancements essential for future explorations.
European Space Agency (ESA) Industry Space Days
When: September16-17, 2026
Where: to be announced
ESA Industry Space Days facilitate partnerships between ESA and European industry players. The event focuses on innovation, technology transfer, and business opportunities within Europe's space sector. Industry Space Days 2024 recently passed on September 18–19 in the Netherlands. The event featured presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and 170 industry exhibition booths. ESA welcomed 2,300 registered participants representing 1,100 companies from 42 countries. Don't miss the chance to attend the next event in two years—be sure to book in advance!
Empowering the next generation
Space Generation Congress (SGC)
When: October 10-12, 2024
Where: Milan, Italy
Organized by the Space Generation Advisory Council, SGC empowers students and young professionals in the space sector. It provides a platform for the next generation to engage with today's leaders through discussions, workshops, and networking events. Attending SGC can be a transformative experience for young professionals seeking to make their mark in the space industry. The event is coupled with the International Astronautical Congress (IAC).
International Space University (ISU) Space Studies Program
When: June 30 - August 22, 2025
Where: Seoul, South Korea
ISU's Space Studies Program is an intensive course covering all aspects of space programs and enterprises. While not a traditional conference, it's a unique educational opportunity that brings together participants from diverse backgrounds. The program includes lectures, team projects, and professional visits, offering deep insights into the global space sector.
Specialized conferences for niche interests
International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Automation in Space (i-SAIRAS)
When: November 19-24, 2024
Where: Brisbane, Australia
i-SAIRAS explores the role of AI, robotics, and automation in space missions. It brings together experts to discuss how these technologies can enhance mission capabilities, from autonomous spacecraft operations to robotic planetary exploration.
International Conference on Space Operations (SpaceOps)
When: May 36-30, 2025
Where: Montreal, Canada
SpaceOps provides a technical forum for the space operations community. It addresses state-of-the-art operations principles, methods, and tools. The conference is ideal for professionals involved in mission planning, ground systems, and operational aspects of space missions.
Space Resources Roundtable
When: normally in June. 2025 dates to be determined
Where: Golden, USA
This event centers on the utilization of extraterrestrial resources. Topics include mining and processing technologies for the Moon, Mars, and asteroid resources. It's an essential conference for those interested in the future of in-situ resource utilization.
Maximizing your conference experience
The next two years will be exciting for the space industry, with numerous conferences offering platforms to learn, share, and connect. These events are more than just dates on a calendar; they are opportunities to be part of the conversations and decisions shaping the future of space exploration and technology. Attending these conferences can significantly impact your career. Consider the following strategy to maximize these opportunities. It might seem obvious, but it's truly important and makes a significant difference:
Set clear objectives: decide whether you want to learn about specific technologies, meet potential employers, or find collaborators for a project.
Engage proactively by immersing yourself in workshops, asking questions during sessions, and participating in networking events; connecting with speakers and fellow attendees can forge meaningful relationships. Enhance your professional presence by using platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with others and share your experiences and insights. Cultivating a wide-ranging, high-quality network is essential for success in any domain, be it science or entrepreneurship.
After the conference, follow up with new contacts: a simple message expressing appreciation for a conversation can solidify professional relationships.
Mark your calendars, prepare your agendas, and get ready to propel your career to new heights in the space industry. See you at one of these events!