Space-Comm Expo Europe reveals speaker line up

Image courtesy Space-Comm 

Over 5,400 delegates, 250 exhibitors and 200 speakers from 50 nations will attend the event with inspirational speakers, unrivalled access to government and business leaders and showcasing cutting edge and innovative space technology. The event is seen as timely, with European leaders looking to capitalise on the successful launch last week of Europe’s most powerful rocket to date, Ariane 6 and advance ambitions for the future of the European space industry.

Space-Comm Expo Europe will have presentations from more than 200 speakers, including:

• Baroness Lloyd of Effra CBE, Minister for the Digital Economy, DSIT
• Luke Pollard, Minister of State, MoD
• Dr Paul Bate, CEO, UK Space Agency
• Major General Paul Tedman CBE, Commander, UK Space Command
• Chad Anderson, CEO, Space Capital
• Rob Desborough, General Partner, Seraphim Space
• Katya Gorbatiouck, Head of Investment Funds, London Stock Exchange
• Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor, The Economist
• Col. Dasilva, Commander, Delta 10, US Space Force
• Dr James ‘JD’ Polk, Chief Health and Medical Officer, NASA
• David MacKay, Astronaut & Pilot
• Anthony Baker, CEO, Satellite Vu
• Andy Hindley, Head of Defence and Security, Telespazio
• Joshua Western, CEO, Space Forge
• Luc Piguet, CEO, ClearSpace

Speaking at last year’s Space-Comm Expo, Dr Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency, said: “This is truly a remarkable event, bringing together industry, government and science – it really is the place to be. For me, as head of the European Space Agency, it’s an extremely important event, one of the highlights of the year.”

In the UK and Europe, space has never been more important to defence and security with an uncertain geopolitical climate and vital to modern economies reliant on space infrastructure for communications, navigation, finance, energy and emergency response. In the UK the sector is valued at £18.6 billion to the UK economy, the European Space Agency (ESA) has a budget of €22.1 billion from 2026-28 and the global industry is valued at an estimated $1 trillion by 2030.

Will Whitehorn OBE, Executive Chair of Space-Comm Expo and Chair of Seraphim Venture Capitalists, said: “We are in the midst of an industrial space revolution and right now an explosion in the dual use of satellite data and technology for defence and civilian purposes. Launch capacity, satellite constellations and orbital infrastructure are accelerating exponentially, with SpaceX’s mega launch Starship being a key driver. 

"The SpaceX and xAI merger announced recently will be seismic for the industry and investors and mirrors Seraphim’s thesis that global mega trends AI, climate, defence and connectivity, are converging in orbit. Space-Comm Expo provides a vital forum for leaders from government and business to promote collaboration and drive investment to accelerate the full potential of the UK and European space sector.”

Space-Comm Expo will feature speakers from NASA, ESA, UN, NATO, the UK Space Agency and space agencies from across Europe, alongside defence, business, entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, astronauts and academics. The event is free to attend the expo, with paid options for the Conference and business networking. Programme highlights include an international Government & VIP Programme, Defence and National Security summit and symposiums on investment, insurance and international space law.

The two-day event features four conference theatres, keynote speakers, panel sessions, meet the buyer programme, technology displays and networking. Sponsors and exhibitors include Airbus, Babcock, BAE Systems, Barclays, DLA Piper, D-Orbit, DiSTI, Fragomen, GHGSat, Lockeed Martin, OHB, PA Consulting, Relm Insurance, Serco, Skyrora, Sofant, Space Logistics Network, Telespazio and ViaSat.

The expo will feature primes, SME’s and start-ups showcasing technology from across the supply chain, including spaceports, launch, satellites, navigation, propulsion, EO, ISAM, life sciences, AI, robotics, optics, manufacturing, software, electronics, chemicals, components, testing and other advanced solutions.