Abu Dhabi. 11 September 2024. Global Aerospace Summit, the CEO-led meeting of the world’s aerospace supply chain, will place a larger focus on the rapidly expanding space sector at this year’s event. With the space industry experiencing unprecedented growth, the summit will see an expanded presence from leading international space agencies, industry innovators and thought leaders.
The global space economy is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, up from $630 billion in 2023, driven by advancements in space-enabled technologies, increased accessibility and commercial innovation. This underscores the sector’s vital role in shaping future industries, from communications to climate monitoring, and its potential to revolutionise traditional sectors through space-based applications.
Regionally, the Middle East is emerging as a significant player in the global space narrative and a hub for space activities and innovation. The region’s space economy is expected to triple, reaching $75 billion by 2032, fuelled by strategic investments, economic diversification and regional cooperation. Recently, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) partnered with the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) to launch a Medical & Research Astronaut Training Programme, aimed to equip Emirati astronauts with advanced skills for conducting space-based medical research, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in space exploration and innovation.
H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC said, “As the global space sector continues to evolve, collaboration across borders and disciplines have become ever more crucial. The UAE has been proactive in fostering partnerships with leading entities and academic institutions around the world and through these strategic alliances, we are leveraging collective expertise to address the complex challenges of space exploration, from advancing space-based medical research to developing sustainable technologies for long-term missions. We look forward to having insightful discussions that will further shape the global space economy at the Global Aerospace Summit and help us build a future where space benefits all of humanity, creating new opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and scientific discovery.”
Underscoring the Global Aerospace Summit’s commitment to fostering global collaboration and pushing the boundaries in space technology, the seventh edition will welcome representatives from more top space organisations, building on the success of previous years. These organisations include the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), National Space Science Agency (NSSA), Mexican Space Agency (AEM), French Space Agency (CNES), Portuguese Space Agency, Gabon Space Agency and the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST). Leading sponsors also include Minospace, a Beijing-based SME focussed on satellite design and manufacturing for the NewSpace market, and Maxar, a US-based space technology and intelligence company.
Ricardo Conde, President of the Portuguese Space Agency, comments: “Competitiveness in the space sector is becoming increasingly crucial for promoting sustainable development and technological innovation. Portugal firmly believes that diversifying operators is a vital strategy for enhancing competitiveness and the entry of new players broadens collaboration and innovation. Our commitment is to foster an inclusive space ecosystem where geographical location isn’t a barrier but a catalyst for new opportunities. Portugal’s neutral stance enables us to collaborate with international partners across the globe without aligning with specific geopolitical blocs, ensuring a diversified and accessible space industry.
As the rotating president of the Ibero-American Network of Space Agencies, Portugal is committed to creating effective cooperation programs, democratizing access to space, and ensuring the widespread benefits of space technologies.”
The summit’s agenda will feature in-depth sessions with speakers from these organisations, among others, with discussions on international partnerships, space domain awareness, and the economics of space exploration. H.E. Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of the MBRSC, will give a keynote on “Milestones and Future Endeavours Shaping the Nation’s Space Ambitions,” while Pilar Zamora Acevedo, Executive Director of the Colombian Space Agency (AEC), will join a panel on ‘International partnerships enabling access to space and economic growth’.
Other high-profile speakers include Ricardo Conde, President of the Portuguese Space Agency; Luca del Monte, Head of Commercialisation at the European Space Agency (ESA); Dylan Taylor, Chairman & CEO of Voyager Space; Declan Lynch, Chief Revenue Officer and General Manager at Privateer; and Torsten Hoffmann, the award-winning filmmaker and director of FORTITUDE, a documentary about the people, perils, and promises behind the emerging space industry.
Hoffmann comments: “After spending three years covering the most promising people and projects in NewSpace, it is now time to bring the film to audiences worldwide. The 7th Global Aerospace Summit presents an invaluable opportunity for me to connect to the decision makers and thought leaders in the industry. I look forward to sharing some previews of the documentary, planning global movie premieres, and exploring new partnerships for producing follow-up documentaries on the industry.”
This year’s Global Aerospace Summit is set to be a defining event for the space industry, driving critical conversations and partnerships to chart the sector forward. Hosted in Abu Dhabi, the event will reinforce the UAE’s leadership in space, creating a dynamic platform to exchange groundbreaking ideas and drive collaboration among global industry players to forge next-generation innovations.
The two-day event will take place on 25-26 September at the St. Regis, Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi.
