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The 2024 Space Summit: Key Opportunities in the Space Domain

The 2024 Space Summit, hosted by the Potomac Officers Club on March 5, 2024, was an in-depth discussion about the threats, opportunities, issues, and goals in the space domain. The nation’s premier space experts, leaders, and executives delivered keynote addresses and explored various panel topics to over 110 companies that attended the summit.

To those who weren’t able to attend or are looking to gloss over the event’s highlights, read this article to learn more about opportunities in the space domain.

Understanding the 2024 Space Summit

When: March 5, 2024, 7:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Where: Hilton-McLean, 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA 22102

Amid the increasing global focus on space are new threats that the United States faces to assert dominance in the domain. Consequently, new opportunities arise, which the nation should take advantage of to strengthen its presence in the space sector.

The 2024 Space Summit analyzed how the space sector can mitigate threats and leverage these opportunities to solidify the superiority of the United States in the rapidly evolving domain. In the discussion, the nation’s partnerships and space technology investments were zeroed in to empower innovation.

Showcasing Major Opportunities in the Space Domain

Over the past year, the space sector underwent significant progress, particularly across the Joint Staff, the Intelligence Community (IC), and the Department of Defense (DoD). These developments culminated in the finalization of contract opportunities that the federal markets and government contractors can take advantage of.

In October 2023, the IC noted the expected growth of the global space economy to $1 trillion by 2030. While this presents many opportunities, it also presents many challenges to the U.S. space industry.
In October 2023, the Joint Staff also outlined the Space Command’s specific role and responsibilities in U.S. space missions and operations.
In December 2023, the DoD released space policies and strategies to protect on-orbit DoD and IC satellites from threats, particularly from China and Russia.

Also read: U.S. Space Force Ranks: List of Ranking in Order

Through these updates in the functions and responsibilities in the space federal landscape, major contracts were finalized by key government agencies, such as:

NGA’s issuance of RFP for Luno A, a $290 million IDIQ

Under the $290 million IDIQ for Luno A, the NGA plans to acquire unclassified GEOINT-based computer vision and analytic service capabilities. In line with the IDIQ, the agency issued a request for proposals (RFP), where multiple vendors can submit their plans for the program.

AFRL’s solicitation for the $250 million Defense Experimentation Using the Commercial Space Internet contract

The Air Force Research Laboratory is looking for multi-band satellite communications antennas for its $250 million Defense Experimentation Using the Commercial Space Internet contract. AFRL is accepting solicitations from multiple government contractors.

NASA’s RFP issuance for the $212.6 million MSFC Logistics Support Services II contract

NASA issued a draft request for proposals for the MSFC Logistics Support Services II contract. The agency requires specific responsibilities for management, materials, and operations under the $212.6 million contract.

Presenting Major Opportunities in the Space Domain — Photo by Ravil Sayfullin/ Shutterstock

An array of contracts were also concluded by space-focused agencies, such as the Defense Information Systems Agency, the Department of the Air Force, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Space Development Agency, and more.

Leveraging Space Opportunities at the 2024 Space Summit

The roster of speakers initiated the discussion at the 2024 Space Summit on how to leverage the opportunities that are present and emerging in the space landscape. Space leaders, who led these conversations, came from the premier federal space agencies.

Keynote speakers for the 2024 Space Summit include:

Gen. Stephen Whiting, Commander at the U.S. Space Command (Opening keynote)
Dr. Derek Tournear, Director at the Space Development Agency (Morning keynote)
Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, Director at the Missile Defense Agency (Afternoon keynote)
Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton, Deputy Chief of Space Operations, Strategy, Plans, Programs, and Requirements at the U.S. Space Force (Closing keynote)

How to Take Advantage of Major Opportunities in Space — Photo by metamorworks/ Shutterstock

Executives from government contractors and federal agencies focusing on the space sector also joined the summit to discuss specific panel topics in relation to the opportunities in the space domain. The 2024 Space Summit’s panel topics include:

Optical Space Data Relay Supporting Human Spaceflight Communications

‘Optical Space Data Relay Supporting Human Spaceflight Communications’ delved into the ongoing evolution of space communications and infrastructure. It also looked into the optical technology’s potential application in the nation’s warfighting capabilities.

Advancements in Commercial Space Imaging to Support Future US Defense & Intel Initiatives

‘Advancements in Commercial Space Imaging to Support Future US Defense & Intel Initiatives’ initiated conversations about the developments in commercial space imaging as well as related emerging technologies to support the DoD and IC.

Leveraging AI and Autonomous Solutions to Meet Current Threats

‘Leveraging AI and Autonomous Solutions to Meet Current Threats’ discussed the potential benefits of AI, human-machine interaction, and other applications in the space domain. Implementation and utilization of these apps were also discussed in the panel.

No Power, No Mission

‘No Power, No Mission’ focused on nuclear power in the space domain. A few notable topics discussed in the panel were the current nuclear power programs, opportunities for nuclear technologies, and other market-related initiatives.

Related article: SpaceX Starship: What Does the Future Hold?

Listing Key Takeaways at the 2024 Space Summit

Government contractors in the space domain had massive wins in 2023. Blue Origin secured the biggest contract at $3.4 billion, followed by KBR at $2.6 billion; Northrop Grumman at $1.8 billion; L3 Harris at $1.6 billion; and Capella Space at $1.4 billion.

At the same time, two key space government organizations, NASA and the Space Force, are spending more on research and development in 2024, encompassing space exploration, operations, security, and scientific subject matter. This presents opportunities for GovCon companies to contribute to the government’s space initiatives.

The 2024 Space Summit probed into these opportunities for government contractors to provide the nation with an edge in space competition. In addition, the summit presented opportunities where attendees could network among director-level executives from over 110 companies.