Space Summit 2026: Focus on Commercial Models Shaping Next Phase of Orbital Growth

Our Bureau - : Jan 8, 2026 - : 1:37 am

Space industry leaders, policymakers and investors will gather in Singapore early next month as Space Summit 2026 positions itself as a forum that defines how space activity moves from expansion to sustained commercial execution. Organised by Experia Events, the two-day...

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Organised by Experia Events, the two-day summit will take place on 2–3 February 2026 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands. The event comes as the global space sector enters what many see as a decisive transition, driven by falling launch costs, proliferating satellite constellations and growing pressure to prove long-term economic viability.

Unlike earlier industry gatherings that focused heavily on technological breakthroughs, Space Summit 2026 is expected to centre discussions on business models, investment structures, regulatory frameworks and partnerships needed to support scalable and sustainable growth across the space value chain.

From Rapid Expansion to Commercial Discipline

The summit arrives at a time when space activity is accelerating but margins are tightening. Satellite operators and service providers are facing rising infrastructure costs, regulatory complexity and investor scrutiny, even as demand for connectivity, Earth observation and space-enabled services continues to grow.

According to the organisers, the programme is designed to examine how companies are adapting to these pressures, including how they are managing capital deployment, supply chains and regulatory alignment as space becomes more market-driven. Panels will explore how execution and integration are increasingly determining success, particularly as the sector moves beyond early deployment into operational maturity.

Launch Economics, In-space Services and Asia Pacific Growth

Three core themes will structure the summit’s commercial agenda.

One session will focus on the evolving launch market, examining how new entrants and regional providers are reshaping access to space. Industry leaders from Agnikul, Equatorial Space, IHI Aerospace, Perigee Aerospace and PLD Space are expected to assess the economics of smaller launch vehicles, the impact of reusability and the strategic choices facing launch companies as competition intensifies.

Another panel will examine opportunities in the emerging in-space economy, including in-orbit servicing, autonomous systems and microgravity manufacturing. Participants from Infinite Orbits, Transcelestial, Zero Error Systems, Speciale Invest and NASA will discuss where near-term commercial value is likely to emerge and how long-horizon investments can be de-risked.

A third track will highlight the growing role of Asia Pacific, one of the world’s fastest-expanding space markets. Companies such as Addvalue, Eartheye, GomSpace and Satrec Initiative will explore regional demand for connectivity, disaster resilience and Earth observation, as well as cross-border partnerships and investment priorities shaping the region’s space ecosystem.

Senior Political and Industry Leadership

The summit will be attended by Dr Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, who will serve as Guest of Honour.

Keynote contributions are expected from Michael Schoellhorn, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Defence & Space, who will outline trends in system architecture, digital integration and international collaboration.

ST Engineering, a founding partner of the summit, will contribute perspectives on capability development and talent pipelines, reflecting Singapore’s role in regional space activities.
The programme also features participation from senior female leaders across space agencies, satellite operators and investment firms, reflecting broader changes in leadership across the sector.

Growing Agency Participation

Confirmed space agencies include the Brazilian Space Agency, European Space Agency, the German Space Agency (DLR), JAXA, the Malaysian Space Agency, NASA, the Philippine Space Agency, the UAE Space Agency and Thailand’s GISTDA. Their presence reinforces the summit’s role as a neutral platform for dialogue on regulation, capability development and commercial coordination.

GBP Aerospace & Defence Official Media Partner, to Lunch Space Publication

GBP Aerospace & Defence is the official media partner for Space Summit 2026. The official show daily- Daily News, will provide on-site reporting and analysis throughout the summit.
In parallel with the event, GBP Aerospace & Defence will also launch a new magazine titled 'Space Technology," a publication that focuses on commercial space systems, policy, industrial capability and emerging technologies, reflecting the sector’s growing importance across defence, civil and commercial markets.

Limited Exhibition and Sponsorship Availability

With strong interest from across the global space industry, organisers say exhibition and sponsorship opportunities are becoming limited. The exhibition floor will feature satellite operators, launch providers, technology developers and downstream service companies, offering direct engagement with government and commercial decision-makers.

Space Summit 2026 is expected to draw a broad cross-section of the global space ecosystem, at a moment when the industry is increasingly focused not just on reaching orbit, but on building commercially durable operations beyond it.

For editorial support, contact Jay Menon, Editor in Chief at jay.menon@gbp.com.sg. For advertising, contact Vittorio Rossi Prudente, CEO, GBP Aerospace & Defence, at vittorio.prudente@gbp.com.sg