Business of Space Conference 2025

 

February 23 – 25, 2025

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) // Huntsville, AL

Engage with top academics, business leaders, innovators, and policy influencers working on the new space economy. Dive into keynote presentations and discussions that foster collaboration between researchers and space economy industry stakeholders. These conversations will present the latest insights into the new space economy and shape future academic and policy research.


REGISTER NOW

 


Registration Fees

Early Bird Rate


$425

Register by January 24.

Standard Rate


$525

Register by February 17.

Federal Employees & Military Personnel

$225
Register by February 17.
Verification Required

UAH Students/
Faculty & Staff

$150
Register by February 17.
Verification Required

National Space Club Members

Space Club Early Bird Rate

$325
Register by January 24.
Verification Required

Space Club Standard Rate

$425
Register by February 17.
Verification Required


Call for papers

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) College of Business invites submissions for the Business of Space Conference 2025, taking place on the UAH campus from February 23 to 25, 2025. The theme of this year's conference is “Creating Solutions with Partnerships: Opportunities and Barriers.” Submissions will be accepted until November 15, 2024.

Learn more and submit your paper

Keynote Speakers

 

Kevin Engelbert 

Manager of the In Space Production Applications (InSPA) portfolio at NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

Ben Roberts

Ben Roberts

Founder and CEO of Sky Orchard Finance and Advisory Services, LLC

opce spacebusiness akhilrao

Akhil Rao, Ph.D.

Acting Agency Chief Economist, NASA

Lunch Speakers

 

Damon Feltman

Damon Feltman  

Founder of OXR Consulting, LLC, Interim President of the Space Force Association (Huntsville Chapter) and Board Chair of the Association of Commercial Space Professionals

Colonel Michelle Idle

Colonel Michelle K. Idle 

Deputy Commander of the Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California 

David Livingston, DBA

David Livingston, DBA 

Founder and host of "The Space Show," executive director of the One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. (OGLF) and subject-matter expert for space-related topics

Speakers

 

Tim Alatorre

Tim Alatorre

Co-founder, COO, Chair of Board at Above: Space Development Corporation

Jingning Ao

Jingning Ao, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at Morgan State University

Rose Croshier

Rose Croshier

International Relations Specialist within the Office of Space Commerce covering Africa, South America, India and parts of Europe.

Olivia Holzhaus

Olivia Holzhaus

Founder and CEO, Rhodium Scientific, Space Biotech

Izzy House

Izzy House 

Director of marketing strategies for the Global Spaceport Alliance, author of a space marketing book series, host of the "Space Marketing Podcast" and organizer of the 'Space for Kentucky Roundtable"

Li Wu Hsu, Ph.D.

Liwu Hsu, Ph.D. 

Associate Professor of Marketing, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, College of Business

Tracy Lamm

Tracy Lamm

Director of Human Exploration Advanced Capabilities, Lockheed Martin Space

Yeolan Lee, Ph.D.

Yeolan Lee, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Management, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, College of Business

Juan Lopez

Juan Lopez

Director of Product Management, Enterprise Technology at Blue Origin

Sven Modell

Sven Modell

Professor at Alliance Manchester Business School at the University of Manchester, UK, and a visiting professor at the Norwegian School of Economics and Turku School of Economics

Molly Mulligan, Ph.D.

Molly Mulligan, Ph.D.

Director of Business Development, Redwire Space

Daria Opekunova

Daria Opekunova, MBA

Senior Technical Product Manager, Blue Origin

Ryan Robertson

Ryan Robertson

Vice President of Space Sector Business Development, Space Florida

Kenneth Shields

Kenneth Shields

Senior Director of Business Development, Sierra Space

Reggie Spivey

Reggie Spivey

Chief Operating Officer, Tec-Masters, Inc.

Christopher Udall

Christopher Udall

Managing Director, HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator powered by gener8tor

Taylor Yeazitzis

Taylor Yeazitzis

Graduate Research Assistant, The University of Alabama in Huntsville

 

 


Agenda

 

Sunday, February 23

Embassy Suites by Hilton // Downtown Huntsville
Jason Greene, Ph.D., Dean, UAH College of Business // Welcome

Enjoy beverages and hors d'oeuvres while networking with leading academics, business leaders, innovators and policy influencers working on the new space economy.

Menu includes:

  • Artisan cheese display
  • Antipasto display
  • Beef empanadas
  • Mini crab cakes
  • Chicken satay
  • Spanakopita
  • Goat cheese, sundried tomato crostini
  • Dessert: Mini mousse cups, assorted fruit tartlets, assorted petit fours and assorted macaroons

Dietary restrictions

If you have dietary restrictions, please contact us at opce@uah.edu by February 17, 2025. You may also include the restriction when you register.


Monday, February 24

Hotel/UAH Shuttle Schedule


Morning: Hotel to UAH

The conference will be held at the UAH Student Services Building. If you are staying at the Embassy Suites hotel, please meet in front of the hotel starting at 7:20 a.m. for free transportation to the UAH campus. The shuttle will run continuously until 8:30 a.m.


Afternoon: UAH to Hotel

The shuttle will transport participants to the hotel. Please meet in front of UAH SSB at 5:00 p.m. for free transportation.

Charles L. Karr, Ph.D. // President, The University of Alabama in Huntsville

Welcome to the second annual Business of Space Conference.

Session: The Rise of American Manufacturing in Space

Kevin Englebert // The Rise of American Manufacturing in Space


Engelbert will highlight recent successes by American entrepreneurs and researchers demonstrating scalable and sustainable in-space manufacturing technologies on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024. NASA’s in-space production applications (InSPA) portfolio provides government funding, along with other public/private funding and the support of the ISS national lab, to bridge the Valley of Death for technologies that benefit from the microgravity environment in low-Earth orbit (LEO) to produce advanced materials and products that serve markets on Earth. These materials will provide direct benefits to millions of people on Earth, strengthen U.S. Leadership in space and contribute to a rising manufacturing economy in LEO.

Izzy House // The Power of We: A Partnership-Driven Marketing Strategy

“We choose to go to the moon… not because it is easy, but because it is hard.” This iconic statement reminds us that great achievements are rarely done alone. Partnerships and collaboration have the power to elevate brands, build credibility, and drive success by combining strengths and resources. In this session, we’ll explore how those you work with can amplify your marketing strategy and inspire greater outcomes. Together, we can reach for the stars — because marketing success is better when it’s powered by “we.”

Enjoy a cup of coffee, tea or water while networking with fellow professionals. Whole fruit, packaged chips, chocolate chip cookies and granola bars will also be available.


Dietary restrictions

If you have dietary restrictions, please contact us at opce@uah.edu by February 17, 2025. You may also include the restriction when you register.

Boosting Spaceport Capacity via Infrastructure Investment & Partnerships – Florida’s Approach

Ryan Robertson


The growing demand for launch operations, manufacturing near the launch site, assembly integration and test, processing and refurbishment, and postflight recovery necessitates the expansion and enhancement of spaceport capacities. This session discusses the critical role of ground infrastructure in facilitating this expansion and enhancement, explores the strategic investments required to support increased demand from the space sector, and highlights a few ways strategic partnerships can sustainably boost spaceport capacity.

TBA

The composition of low earth orbit (LEO) activity has changed dramatically in the past decade. Since 2015, commercial communication satellites have dominated LEO satellite launches. Internet access is the driving force for this rapid expansion. We will highlight the economic forces pushing this growth, the externalities from the burgeoning activity, and the potential impacts of these LEO-based Internet capabilities on terrestrial economies.

Media and the New Space Economy: Insights from "The Space Show"

David Livingston, DBA


"The Space Show" has informed space enthusiasts about important issues influencing the space sector, including the new space economy, for 24 years. With a wealth of experience drawn from over 4,300 interviews with the biggest players in space economic development, host Dr. David Livingston provides insights and analysis on how "The Space Show" and space media more broadly serve as partners to stakeholders, helping to advance strategic objectives. This discussion explores opportunities and challenges of advancing the space sector from a space media lens.


Lunch Menu:

Hot buffet with choice of lemon and thyme seared chicken breast or citrus and herb crusted wild salmon. Accompanied by a garden salad with ranch and a Greek lemon vinaigrette, brown rice and green beans. Dessert includes southern pecan pie and double chocolate layer cake. Served with sweet and unsweet tea along with lemonade.

Dietary restrictions

If you have dietary restrictions, please contact us at opce@uah.edu by February 17, 2025. You may also include the restriction when you register.

Connect and network with fellow professionals.

Keynote: Akhil Rao, Ph.D.

“We choose to go to the moon… not because it is easy, but because it is hard.” This iconic statement reminds us that great achievements are rarely done alone. Partnerships and collaboration have the power to elevate brands, build credibility, and drive success by combining strengths and resources. In this session, we’ll explore how those you work with can amplify your marketing strategy and inspire greater outcomes. Together, we can reach for the stars — because marketing success is better when it’s powered by “we.”

R&D Access to Space: Economic Challenges for a Broader Commercial Demand

Moderator: Christine Kretz


Panel:

Christopher Udall, HudsonAlpha

Olivia Holzhaus, Rhodium Scientific

Kenneth Shields, Sierra Space


At this point in space history, Research & Development (R&D) has primarily occurred in outer space through thousands of experiments on the International Space Station (ISS). As the New Space Economy approaches the end of the ISS era, questions abound on how commercial space enterprises will leverage outer space operations to advance the creation of products and services. In this session, panelists from major space industry stakeholders discuss economic challenges to a broader commercial demand for access to space R&D.

Enjoy a cup of coffee, tea or water while networking with fellow professionals. Roasted red pepper hummus, baba ghanoush and buffalo chicken blue cheese dip will also be served with tortilla chips, pita chips and sea salt deli chips.


Dietary restrictions:

If you have dietary restrictions, please contact us at opce@uah.edu by February 17, 2025. You may also include the restriction when you register.

Moderator: Yeolan Lee, Ph.D.


Panel:

Sven Modell Ph.D., University of Manchester

Daria Opekunova Ph.D., Colorado School of Mines

Liwu Hsu, Ph.D., The University of Alabama in Huntsville


Partnerships with academic researchers can lead to knowledge creation through theoretical frameworks and the application of concepts. While economics is well-established in academic literature, other business disciplines, such as accounting, finance, management, marketing, operations and information systems, are only beginning to consider space-related research contributions. This session features academic business researchers presenting their work and highlighting emerging business research streams, providing insight into how the new space economy may be advanced.


Space Mining as an Emerging Organisational Field: An Institutional Logics Perspective

Sven Modell Ph.D., University of Manchester

Space mining–prospecting and extracting minerals and resources from celestial bodies–has emerged as an integral part of the new space economy and is a frequent topic of discussion and research in space-related literature. In response to recent calls for management and scholars to take a greater interest in this economy, this session advances a theoretical framework that conceptualizes space mining as an emerging field. In contrast to prior research, which focused on what might constitute appropriate governance, this shifts our focus to how such regimes may be institutionalized as the field evolves. To understand the processes of institutionalization, we must utilize an institutional logic perspective and will explore three institutional logics centered on concerns with entrepreneurialism, sustainability and regulation. This session will also examine how the interplay between these logics has shaped the field of space mining and how they may impact future trajectories. Dr. Modell will discuss the implications of his observations for future research on space mining, including the institutional logic perspective.


Lunar Energy Solutions: Evaluating the Economic Viability of Lunar Surface Power Systems

Daria Opekunova Ph.D., Colorado School of Mines

Developing reliable and cost-effective power systems is essential for establishing a sustainable cislunar economy. This session will examine the economics of lunar surface power, focusing on cost structures, technological advancements and feasibility assessments. Drawing on terrestrial frameworks like levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), we will evaluate how these models can be adapted to address the moon’s unique environmental challenges, including prolonged lunar nights, radiation exposure and temperature extremes.

We will explore power generation options, such as solar arrays with energy storage, small modular nuclear reactors, power beaming and regenerative fuel cells, assessing their economic trade-offs and suitability for varied lunar applications. The role of in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) is highlighted as a key strategy to reduce operational costs. Additionally, we will consider the implications of scalable infrastructure for supporting small scientific missions and large-scale industrial or settlement activities.

By synthesizing technical and economic dimensions, this session provides a comprehensive framework for advancing lunar surface power systems. We will explore opportunities for innovation and investment, emphasizing the importance of a systems-based approach to power generation that can drive cislunar economic growth and foster international collaboration.


Leveraging Unique Marketing Strategies for Space Commerce: Marketing’s Role in Building Strategic Partnerships

Liwu Hsu, Ph.D., The University of Alabama in Huntsville

This session will examine the nuanced role of marketing in the burgeoning sector of space commerce, focusing on the adaptation of branding strategies to the unique challenges and opportunities presented. By incorporating classical marketing theories with dynamics peculiar to the new space economy, we will explore a framework for leveraging strategic partnerships to enhance brand value and market presence in space-related businesses.

Considerations for Public/Private Partnerships in the New Space Economy

Moderator: Jeremy Fehrenbacher


Panel:

Molly Mulligan, Ph.D., Redwire

Tim Alatorre, Above Space

Reggie Spivey, Tec-Masters, Inc.

Tracy Lamm, Lockheed Martin Space


The emergence of the new space economy has unlocked significant opportunities for commercial enterprises in low earth orbit (LEO) and beyond. As private sector activity expands alongside ongoing public space endeavors, the dynamics of public/private partnerships are evolving. This session brings together industry experts to explore the challenges and opportunities of fostering successful collaborations between government and industry stakeholders in the multi-domain arena.

Jason Greene, Ph.D. // Dean, UAH College of Business

Thank you for joining us at the 2025 Business of Space Conference.

 

Tuesday, February 25

David Puleo, Ph.D. // Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville

Welcome to day two of the second annual Business of Space Conference.

Session–The Promise and Perils of Microgravity Ventures: An Investor's Perspective

Ben Roberts

This keynote will examine the financial and operational challenges faced by entrepreneurs developing innovative biotech and advanced materials products and services in microgravity. It will also discuss the opportunities and risks of financing this nascent industry from the perspective of potential investors.

Building the Space Ecosystem – Diplomacy, Trade and Managing Traffic

Rose Croshier


The Office of Space Commerce (OSC), a small but rapidly growing office within the Department of Commerce, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the new space economy. This session will explore the challenges and opportunities OSC has encountered in implementing U.S. government commitments to international space cooperation, trade, and diplomacy while offering insights into what the future holds.

Enjoy a cup of coffee, tea or water while networking with fellow professionals. Sweet and salty snack mix, fruit and cheese platters and chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies will also be available.


Dietary restrictions

If you have dietary restrictions, please contact us at opce@uah.edu by February 17, 2025. You may also include the restriction when you register.

Moderator: Liwu Hsu


Panel:

Yeolan Lee, Ph.D., The University of Alabama in Huntsville

Jingning Ao, Ph.D.; Morgan State University>

Taylor Yeazitzis, The University of Alabama in Huntsville


Partnerships with academic researchers can lead to knowledge creation through theoretical frameworks and the application of concepts. While economics is well-established in academic literature, other business disciplines, such as accounting, finance, management, marketing, operations and information systems, are only beginning to consider space-related research contributions. This session features academic business researchers presenting their work and highlighting emerging business research streams, providing insight into how the new space economy may be advanced.


Geopolitical Ecosystems and Space Sustainability

Yeolan Lee, Ph.D., The University of Alabama in Huntsville

The space sector’s rapid growth and the rise of the new space era are being driven by the entry of private companies, such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, into the global space economy.

As an increasing number of private companies engage in space activities, sustainability issues–particularly the issue of space debris–are emerging. Currently, no frameworks exist to guide researchers in understanding and analyzing public/private partnerships within geopolitical ecosystems. This lack of structure makes it challenging to understand organizational design issues related to space debris and to analyze the key factors such as common pool resources, activities, actors, and both formal and informal institutional mechanisms.

Through in-depth analysis, this session concludes that both public and private organizations working in collaborative ecosystems have dual roles: generating space debris (polluting) and implementing mitigation measures (cleaning). These conflicting roles hinder the development of effective solutions to mitigate space debris.


Discursive Strategy in ‘Self-Celebritizing’ Entrepreneurial Firms: Video-Based Analysis of SpaceX

Jingning Ao, Ph.D.; Morgan State University

The discursive strategy involves using words, visuals and audio to inform stakeholders, shape perceptions and gain support. However, the use of discursive strategy on social media to self-celebritize entrepreneurial firms is not well understood, despite the potential benefits of increased visibility, reduced uncertainty and enhanced differentiation.

This session examines the use of discursive strategies through social media for self-celebritization through an inductive analysis of the 50 most-viewed SpaceX YouTube videos from 2008 to 2023. The findings suggest that videos serve as powerful tools for communicating ideas about disruptive innovation and inspire stakeholders to pursue future-focused developments.


Assessing a Socio-Technical Framework for Affordability Culture

Taylor Yeazitzis, The University of Alabama in Huntsville

Organizations tend to approach the topic of affordability solely from an economic perspective, but for large complex development programs, a holistic approach is necessary. This session explores a socio-technical framework to evaluate current affordability practices.

Socio-technical frameworks are used in complex organizations because they allow for the examination of both social and technical aspects as interconnected organizational components. However, research is limited when attempting to approach affordability from this perspective. This session aims to bridge the gap by validating a socio-technical framework of affordability using survey responses from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and industry members. The findings will contribute to a new approach to affordability and the development of an affordability culture within organizations.

Colonel Michelle K. Idle and Damon Feltman

In this session, Colonel Michelle Idle, Deputy Commander, Space Systems Command, will discuss Space Force acquisition organizations, how these work together and with other defense space acquisition organizations, and what Space Systems Command's philosophy of "Exploit what we have, Buy what we can, Build what we must" impacts the business of space. Space Systems Command's recent command plan will also be discussed. This session will be delivered in a fireside chat style, and will be moderated by Brig. Gen. (ret.) Damon Feltman, of the Space Force Association.


Lunch Menu:

Hot buffet with choice of spring herb and dijon pork tenderloin and grilled flank steak. Served with a classic Caesar salad, roasted red potatoes and grilled ratatouille. Dessert includes carrot and red velvet cake. Served with sweet and unsweet tea along with lemonade.

Dietary restrictions

If you have dietary restrictions, please contact us at opce@uah.edu by February 17, 2025. You may also include the restriction when you register.

Closing Remarks

Hank Alewine, Ph.D., CPA // Conference chair, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, College of Business

Thank you for joining us at the 2025 Business of Space Conference.

Tour Options:

United Launch Alliance (ULA) enterprise tour (Guided)

The shuttle will leave at 1:00 p.m. for the ULA enterprise tour.


U.S. Space & Rocket Center (Self-Guided)

Explore the U.S. Space & Rocket Center at your leisure.

See details below

Tentative Agenda

Sunday, February 23
5:00-6:00 pm: Welcome reception

Monday, February 24
8:30 am: Welcome and introduction
8:45 am: Keynote - Kevin Engelbert, NASA, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
9:30 am: Session - TBA
10:05 am: Coffee break
10:20 am: Session - Ryan Robertson
10:55 am: Session - Space Force
11:30 am: Lunch and keynote - David Livingston, DBA, "The Space Show," One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. (OGLF)
12:30 pm: Networking break
1:00 pm: R&D Panel - Christopher Udall, HudsonAlpha; Olivia Holzhaus, Rhodium Scientific; Kenneth Shields, Sierra Space
2:00 pm: Session - Izzy House
2:35 pm: Coffee break
2:50 pm: Academic Panel - Sven Modell, University of Manchester; Daria Operkunova, Colorado School of Mines
3:50 pm: Industry Panel - Tim Alatorre, Above Space; Tracy Lamm, Lockheed Martin Space; Molly Mulligan, Ph.D., Redwire; Reggie Spivey, Tec-Masters Inc.
4:50 pm: Closing remarks

Tuesday, February 25
8:30 am: Welcome
8:45 am: Keynote
9:30 am: Session - Rose Croshier
10:05 am: Coffee break
10:20 am: Academic Panel - Yeolan Lee, The University of Alabama in Huntsville; Jingning Ao, Ph.D., Morgan State University; Taylor Yeazitzis, The University of Alabama in Huntsville
11:30 am: Lunch and keynote - Space Force Association, Huntsville
12:30 pm: Closing remarks
1:30 pm: Enterprise tour at ULA (guided)or tour the Space & Rocket Center (self-guided)

Hotel/UAH Shuttle

The conference will be held at the UAH Student Services Building. If you are staying at the Embassy hotel, please meet in front of the hotel starting at 7:20 a.m. for free transportation to the UAH campus. The shuttle will run continuously until 8:30 a.m.


Venues + Location

Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville

Welcome Reception


Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
Orion Room // First floor
800 Monroe St.
Huntsville, AL 35801

Directions

UAH Student Services Building

Conference Presentations

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)
Student Services Building
1201 John Wright Dr.
Huntsville, AL 35899

Directions

Parking

Please park in the Student Services Building (SSB) lot K1 or lot W29 behind the engineering building. View the campus map here.


Hotel

Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville

800 Monroe St | Huntsville, AL

Book your room by February 10, 2025 for discounted rates!

 

Why should I book at the official conference hotel?

  • Complimentary scheduled transportation to and from the UAH campus.

  • Enjoy the conference welcome reception without the need to travel.

  • Continue informal conversations and networking with fellow attendees who are also staying at the hotel.

  • Shuttle service between Huntsville International Airport and the hotel.

Book Your Room by February 10th

Airport/Hotel Shuttle Service

Airport shuttle service is no longer available. Please arrange alternative transportation between the airport and hotel.


Tour Options

Enterprise Tour: United Launch Alliance (ULA)

February 25, 2025 // 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

The shuttle will leave at 1:00 p.m.

  • Participation is limited. Sign up early.
  • U.S. citizenship is required. View a full list of requirments and restrictions here.
  • Competing company/sector verification is required.
  • Deadline to sign up is February 10th. Register for the tour when completing your conference registration.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center 

February 25, 2025 // 1:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Transportation is not provided for this self-guided tour.

Present your conference badge for the discounted rate. 


Explore the Rocket City!

Huntsville Attractions

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore all the Rocket City has to offer while you’re in town. You’ll find we have a variety of attractions, whether you're interested in education, arts, nature or just pure entertainment. There’s no such thing as being bored in the Rocket City!

Visit asmartplace.com/targeted-industries to learn about Huntsville’s integral role in the contemporary space sector.

Things to do in Huntsville


Sponsors

We are pleased to offer a limited number of sponsorship opportunities for your organization to support this event.

Break Sponsor

Break Sponsor

Yulista TSG

In-Kind Sponsor

US Space and Rocket Center logo

Tour Sponsor

Sponsorship Opportunities

We are pleased to offer the following sponsorship opportunities for your organization to primarily support this event. There are a limited number of sponsorships available.

 

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities

Thank you to our planning committee members.

Hank Alewine, Ph.D., CPA, conference chair
The University of Alabama in Huntsville, College of Business

Lucia Cape
Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

Jeremy Fehrenbacher, MBA
Moog

Fathia Hardy
The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Office of Professional and Continuing Education

Tina Highfill, Ph.D.
Bureau of Economic Analysis

Christine Kretz
Karman Line Consulting

Yeolan Lee, Ph.D.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville, College of Business


Questions?