The Rise of the Spacefaring Nations

In this live conversation, held on November 22, 2022, we continue the Opening the Final Frontier campaign with a conversation on The Rise of the Spacefaring Nations. The exploration and commercialization of space has contributed enormously to economic progress, from electronics miniaturization to location services, satcom and Earth observation. But the roster of spacefaring nations has not kept pace, with only ten countries having demonstrated orbital launch capability and seven having operational launchers. As new launch systems come online and new spaceports are developed, however, the club is poised for growth. Hear what’s next from the companies with operational launchers, leading-edge developments and ambitious plans – and how they may grow economic opportunity for rest of the world.

Joining our moderator, Robert Bell, Executive Director of SSPI, guests included:

Steven Eisele, Vice President, Business Development, Virgin Orbit

Negar Feher, Chief Revenue Officer, SpaceRyde

Steve Wolfe, Deputy Executive Director, Global Spaceport Alliance