Arizona’s space sector has undergone a transformative journey since the inaugural 2023 Arizona Space Summit, which laid the groundwork for the state to emerge as a leader in the global space economy.
Building on the momentum of the 2024 Summit, which emphasized workforce development, governance, and cross-sector collaboration, the 2025 Arizona Space Summit marked a pivotal moment.
This report synthesizes three years of progress, anchored by a bipartisan effort of the state’s policymakers, the revival of the Arizona Space Commission under Governor Katie Hobbs’ leadership, the strategic integration of space with high-growth industries like semiconductors, and Arizona’s ascent as a hub for commercial space innovation.
We extend our sincerest gratitude to all participants, our host, Dr. Simon Peter “Pete” Worden, the Chairman of the Breakthrough Prize Foundation and the Executive Director of the Breakthrough Initiatives, and the speakers and sponsors who contributed to the 2025 summit’s success. Thank you to the organizing committee members for crafting a strategic agenda that will inform Arizona’s space sector roadmap for growth.
Through the leadership of ASU’s Interplanetary Initiative, the Arizona Space Summit has become the premier annual forum for driving collaboration, innovation, and international partnership in the state’s rapidly evolving space network.
For further information and to join the community visit www.azspacesummit.com
At Northrop Grumman’s Gilbert, Arizona, facility, teams transport Gateway’s HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost). HALO arrived from Turin, Italy, where Thales Alenia Space fabricated its primary structure. The module will undergo final outfitting in Gilbert before being integrated with the Power and Propulsion Element and launched to lunar orbit.
PHOTO DATE: 2025-04-03
LOCATION: Gilbert, Arizona
PHOTOGRAPHER: Josh Valcarcel
CREDIT: NASA/Johnson Space Center
Space Arizona SUMMIT
Organizing Committee Members:
Ashley Busada Greater Phoenix Economic Council
Bob Olson
Arizona State University, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
Brett Mecum Cadmus Public Affairs, LLC
Carter Wright Arizona Commerce Authority
Chris Haberle Northern Arizona University
Devin Patterson
Kansas Department of Commerce
Eric Miller PADT
Erika Hamden University of Arizona
James Crowell Crow Industries
Jessica Rousset
Arizona State University, Interplanetary Initiative
Karyn MacVean Arizona Commerce Authority
Megan Fitzgerald
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Oliver Dean
Arizona State University, Knowledge Enterprise
Sarah Schilens
Arizona State University, EdPlus
Scott Smas
Arizona State University, NewSpace
Steven G. Zylstra
Arizona Technology Council/SciTech Institute/Arizona Space Commissioner
Taryn Struck
Arizona State University, Interplanetary Initiative
Zaheer Ali
NewSpace Finance
Partners:
Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA)
Arizona State University (ASU)
Arizona Technology Council
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Greater Phoenix Economic Council
Northern Arizona University (NAU)
University of Arizona (UA)
Sponsors:
Arizona State University
Arizona Commerce Authority
University of Arizona
Willmeng SRP
MJS Designs
InterLnX PADT
Howe Industries
Virgin Galactic City of Tucson
Rose Law Group
Qwaltec
Stellar Isle
Constellations Brands
6/21
Little Rituals
Report Authors:
Jessica Rousset
Arizona State University
Summit Photographers: Charlie Leight
Arizona State University
Report Design: Arizona Commerce Authority
2026 Supporters:
Arizona State University
Arizona Commerce
Arizona’s ascent as a space industry powerhouse will be built not only on its worldclass semiconductor sector, vast testing ranges, growing talent pipeline, and culture of innovation, but also on its established depth as a space supply chain state. By fusing the strengths of its universities, industry, and government, Arizona is positioned to lead across the entire spectrum of space activity - including space hardware, launch and testing, workforce development, law and policy, and the full innovation lifecycle. Leveraging its robust supply chain which spans advanced manufacturing, microelectronics, and a dense network of suppliers, Arizona offers companies the ability to prototype, test, and scale rapidly, all within a collaborative and business-friendly environment. Targeted investments in infrastructure, education, and startups, combined with a bold regulatory and branding strategy, will ensure Arizona’s leadership in the new space age, driving economic growth, global engagement, and inspiration for generations to come.
Engineers working with Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner test the spacecraft’s seat design in Mesa, Arizona, focusing on how the spacecraft seats would protect an astronaut’s head, neck and spine during the 240-mile descent from the International Space Station.
PHOTO DATE: 2017-02-21
LOCATION: Mesa, Arizona
CREATOR: Boeing
CREDIT: Kennedy Space Center/Boeing
HIGH-IMPACT COLLABORATION
From Local Champions to Global Stakeholders
The 2025 Arizona Space Summit brought together a dynamic cross-section of the space sector, with robust attendance from academia, industry, government, and international representatives. Major research universities including Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University were well represented, alongside leading aerospace companies such as Honeywell Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Boeing, Virgin Galactic and Viasat. The event also welcomed innovative startups, venture capitalists, and the continued participation of public agencies like the Arizona Commerce Authority and Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, reflecting Arizona’s growing role as a national and international space hub.
International engagement was a highlight, with delegates from the Office of the Honorary Consul of Germany in Arizona, the Honorary Consulate of Italy, the Consulate General of Peru in Phoenix, and the Consulate of Malaysia, as well as academic representation from the University
of Wollongong (Australia) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, underscoring Arizona’s global connectivity in the space sector.
Special remarks from Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego emphasized the city’s and state’s leadership in space innovation, noting the critical role of advanced manufacturing and semiconductor investments, such as the recent $100 billion expansion by TSMC in Phoenix, in powering Arizona’s space technology ecosystem. Gallego called for greater recognition of Arizona’s contributions to space, urging attendees to continue telling the state’s “incredible story” of innovation and economic impact and expressing optimism that “the best is yet to come” for Arizona’s space ambitions.
Representative Justin Wilmeth, also in attendance, has been a strong legislative champion for Arizona’s space sector, notably sponsoring the bill to designate Pluto as the official state planet, a nod to Arizona’s rich astronomical heritage and its ongoing leadership in space science and STEM education.
The summit’s proceedings were expertly guided by Dr. Pete Worden, Chairman of the Breakthrough Prize Foundation and a globally recognized authority in the space sector who is now based in Arizona.
Additionally, several of the newly appointed commissioners to the Arizona Space Commission spoke at the summit: Lisa Morris (Virgin Galactic), Erika Hamden (University of Arizona), Megan Fitzgerald (Embry-Riddle), Grant Anderson (Paragon Space Development Corp), and Brett Mecum (Cadmus Public Affairs).
The summit’s diverse and high-level attendance, coupled with strong leadership from public officials and sector experts, highlights Arizona’s momentum and ambition as a leading player in the future of space exploration and commercialization.
Arizona’s Space Economy Growth Roadmap
Vision
To establish Arizona as the premier Southwest hub for commercial space innovation by leveraging its unique assets: open land, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor infrastructure, research universities, startups and a collaborative business environment— while also capitalizing on its robust, vertically integrated space supply chain.
NASA teams work to set up the base camp for the Joint Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Test Team Field Test 5 (JETT5) in the San Francisco Volcanic Field in Northern Arizona on May 11, 2024.
PHOTO DATE: 2024-05-11
LOCATION: San Francisco Volcanic Field in Northern Arizona
PHOTOGRAPHER: Josh Valcarce
CREDIT: NASA/Johnson Space Center
Pathway
1. Set Statewide Strategic Leadership & Governance
The inaugural 2023 Summit identified Arizona’s unique assets: world-class universities, a robust aerospace/defense ecosystem, and a legacy of space exploration. By 2024, recommendations began crystallizing into action including the reauthorization of the Arizona Space Commission via HB2254, now revitalized under Governor Hobbs, with the support of Senate and House leadership, alongside industry, academic, and defense leaders. As of 2025, the Commission is positioned to streamline regulations, attract investment, and coordinate assets like Yuma’s spaceport, expanding the space sector’s economic impact for Arizona and the world. In alignment with statutory requirements, the Commission is developing a comprehensive strategic plan anchored by key pillars: Research & Development, Infrastructure, Workforce, Entrepreneurship, Marketing & Communications, Supply Chain, and Policy initiatives. These pillars will guide efforts to foster innovation, build robust industry partnerships, and ensure sustainable growth across Arizona’s space landscape.
“If you look at a one year goal, it’s got to be a communication strategy. You have to start talking about the fact that one, we are in the race; and two, this is the place that will win the race.”
General Mike McGuire - Arizona Space Commission
Initiatives:
• Empower the Arizona Space Commission to lead statewide strategy, act as a central convening body, and advocate for industry needs at the state and federal level.
• Formalize an “Arizona Space Collective”: Regular engagement between the Space Commission, ASU, UA, ACA, and private sector stakeholders. Use summits and working groups to align vision, report progress, and set annual goals.
• Develop and publish an Arizona Space Economy Roadmap (annually), as the Commission’s statutory plan, informed by input from all key sectors, institutions, and AZ stakeholders. This process will leverage ad hoc committees and mobilize the broader Arizona space community to support and advise the Commission across strategic pillars.
2025 Arizona Space Summit panelists.
PHOTO DATE: M arch 20, 2025
LOCATION: Tempe, Arizona
CREDIT: Charlie Leight
2. Build a Statewide Ecosystem & Community
Arizona’s space sector is propelled by a dynamic, statewide framework that brings together established industry leaders, innovative startups, research universities, and a dense network of suppliers. This collaborative environment bolstered by associations such as the Arizona Technology Council, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Aerospace States Association and the Space Force Association, allows companies to access critical components, talent, and infrastructure needed to accelerate growth and innovation. By fostering these connections and building on its deep manufacturing and technology base, Arizona is laying the groundwork for a thriving, inclusive space community that supports the full lifecycle of commercial space activity—from research and development to production and workforce development.
“When I think about what we can do in Arizona to make that dream real, it’s not always focusing on the big rocket, on the launch system, on the launch pad, on the
mission systems. Right? It’s about all of those components and bringing that together to enable us to go to space to enable new companies, startups, to enable some of the existing that have been around for a long time to make all of this possible.”
Lisa
Morris - Virgin Galactic, Arizona Space Commission
Initiatives:
• Annual Arizona Space Summit: Continue and expand, with focused tracks for supply chain, investment, policy, workforce, and universityindustry collaborations.
• Year-Round Networking, Information Sharing, and Mentorship Programs: Exclusive highlevel events, direct university/industry matchmaking.
• One-Stop Resource Hub: “Space Business Concierge” portal or database for regulatory, facility, and funding opportunities.
PHOTO DATE: 2024-05-14
LOCATION: Arizona
PHOTOGRAPHER: Josh Valcarcel
CREDIT: NASA/Johnson Space Center
A curious cow watches as NASA astronauts Andre Douglas and Kate Rubins perform a simulated moonwalk in the San Francisco Volcanic Field in Northern Arizona.
Arizona’s geography with 83% public land, vast restricted airspace, and year-round clear skies offers unmatched opportunities for space testing and launch infrastructure. Streamlining FAA permitting will accelerate the development of Yuma Spaceport and Sierra Vista as reentry and hypersonic testing sites. Expanding hypersonic testing at Yuma Proving Ground, leveraging its 1,300+ square miles of restricted airspace and prioritizing legislative support, such as HB 2054, will centralize and accelerate space infrastructure investment.
I nitiatives:
• Develop Yuma & Sierra Vista into FullService Spaceports: FAA/DoD approvals, launch/recovery, and testing infrastructure, leveraging Arizona’s public land.
• Promote Arizona’s Open Ranges & Favorable Climate: Market for year-round, rapid testing (hypersonics, reentry vehicles, robotics, avionics, etc.).
• Aggregate Service Offerings for R&D, Prototyping & Testing: Collaborate with Yuma Proving Ground, university labs, and defense partners.
“Investment is what will drive the policy changes Arizona needs to become a leader in testing. For Yuma Spaceport, the key is ensuring a faster, more streamlined permitting process.”
Jerry Cabrera - Elevate Southwest, Yuma Spaceport
PHOTO DATE: 2022-04-09
LOCATION: Tucson, Arizona
CREDIT: NASA/ World View Enterprises
World View’s Stratollite high-altitude balloon is inflated on the launch pad.
4. Forge UniversityIndustry Synergies & Research
Powerhouse Status
Arizona’s universities drive innovation and technological advancement by making their extensive research resources available beyond campus. Specialized facilities that are part of the Arizona Core Network such as advanced machine shops, supercomputers, and microelectronics labs can often be accessed by anyone on a payper-use basis, enabling broader collaboration and fueling new ideas. This openness also extends to talent, as partnerships are strengthened when companies bring in university interns or researchers. By sharing both equipment and expertise, Arizona’s universities and industry together create a rich environment for discovery and progress.
“If you work at a company and you aren’t already taking interns from your local university, be it ASU or the University of Arizona, please do that. All three startups I founded have interns from ASU Engineering program. There’s no better way to initiate
a research partnership than through personnel transfer.”
Zach Holman - ASU Engineering
Initiatives:
• Expand university-led and other accelerators e.g., Space-Edge Pre-Accelerator, ASU’s Lab to Launch and the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center, with greater integration of startups and mature companies.
• Aggregate and promote available research and prototyping facilities e.g., ASU’s compact X-ray free electron laser (CXFEL), the Southwest Advanced Prototyping Hub, ASU’s Instrumentation Mission Development and Interplanetary Labs.
• Scale workforce development partnerships: Internships, apprenticeships, multidisciplinary project-based learning, deep hands-on experience, skill demo-days from industry.
The SWAP Hub links world-class semiconductor prototyping facilities at ASU’s MacroTechnology Works (pictured), Sandia National Laboratories’ Mesa Fab and NXP’s power electronics fabrication facility in new ways to produce prototypes for the Department of Defense that no single institution could develop alone.
LOCATION: Arizona
PHOTOGRAPHER: Deanna Dentl
CREDIT: Arizona State University
5. Drive Supply Chain Integration & Semiconductor/ Space CrossPollination
Arizona’s $200B semiconductor ecosystem, anchored by Intel and TSMC, is the foundation for next-generation space technologies. Joint research and development of radiationhardened microelectronics and advanced packaging tailored for the harsh conditions of space can be achieved with unique facilities and programs such as ASU’s SWAP Hub and SHIELD programs while the CHIPS Act-funded National Semiconductor Technology Center in Tempe positions Arizona as a national hub for miniaturized space systems.
Industry leaders discussed a projected longterm shortage of semiconductor workers and praised Arizona’s workforce development efforts, while the academic representative noted that engineering graduates currently face job shortages due to hiring freezes. Both agreed the issue stems from companies’ reluctance to hire amid economic uncertainty and concluded that
solutions like internships, hands-on training, and stronger collaboration are needed to prepare students for future opportunities.
Leverage new national labs and advanced prototyping hubs for cross-industry tech transfer.
“Intel’s edge computing group should collaborate with space firms to adapt high-reliability chips for lunar/martian environments, leveraging Arizona’s $200B semiconductor investments”.
Christine Boles - Intel Corporation
Mayor Gallego reinforced this vision, emphasizing that “having the best and most powerful chips is key to maintaining Arizona’s leadership in space technology”.
I nitiatives:
• Map, connect, and grow the Arizona space supply chain: From raw materials to advanced manufacturing (tie-ins with Intel, TSMC, Paragon Science Academy, etc.).
• Host cross-industry dialogues: Match supply chain innovations in semiconductors/ microelectronics with space sector needs (radiation-hard devices, sensors, custom packaging).
• Advance space manufacturing R&D platforms:
6. Focus on Key Enabling Infrastructure
Arizona’s emergence as a national leader in the space economy depends on robust, future-ready infrastructure that can support rapid growth across advanced manufacturing, launch, and next-generation technologies. Building on lessons from the state’s semiconductor boom, Arizona’s strategy is to create an environment where a skilled workforce, reliable infrastructure, and business-friendly policies attract anchor tenants and global manufacturers. By prioritizing clean energy upgrades, recruiting major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and investing in sectors like agtech, biotech, AI, and quantum, Arizona is positioning itself to serve both terrestrial and space markets. This integrated approach ensures Arizona remains at the forefront of innovation, driving economic growth and cementing its status as a hub for the space industry’s most ambitious endeavors.
“If you make an ecosystem here where you have the workforce needed, where you have the infrastructure and a business friendly environment, and you build that, you become relevant to the biggest manufacturers, and the next level of technology.”
Michael Rosas - Arizona Commerce Authority
I nitiatives:
• Advocate for energy infrastructure upgrades: Secure sufficient clean power to support test, launch, and semiconductor operations.
• Attract anchor tenants: Target and publicize wins for new OEMs and satellite manufacturers.
• Invest in ag/biotech/AI/quantum for space: Position Arizona as a leader in next-gen technologies serving both terrestrial and space markets.
Carlos Garcia-Galan, deputy manager of NASA’s Gateway Program, talks with college students about NASA internship opportunities after delivering a keynote address on Gateway, Artemis, and the next era of human space exploration at the 2025 Arizona NASA Space Grant Consortium Statewide Student Research Symposium, held April 18, 2025, at Arizona State University.
PHOTO DATE: 2025-04-18
LOCATION: Tempe, Arizona
PHOTOGRAPHER: Charlie Leight
CREDIT: NASA/Johnson Space Center/ Arizona State University
7. Incentivize Investment, Capital, and Market Growth
To catalyze growth in Arizona’s space sector, companies should pursue alternative financing such as institutional banks, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and real estate-backed investments, while leveraging government contracts and Arizona’s real estate strengths to provide investors with tangible returns and attractive growth opportunities.
The space sector must present itself with greater honesty and transparency by avoiding overhyped projections, providing clear and pragmatic development roadmaps, articulating specific and achievable milestones with realistic timelines and ROI, and focusing on near-term, Earth-based applications to sustain operations while pursuing longer-term space goals.
Arizona should capitalize on its unique strengths by integrating its large defense and semiconductor industries with commercial space initiatives, building partnerships between space and non-space sectors to address local needs and create new markets, and developing public-private collaborations and risk-assessment
frameworks to make the investment environment more attractive and sustainable.
“Use Arizona’s real estate and mining investor base to fund space startups via cross-sector partnerships, similar to Luxembourg’s $200M space resources fund.”
Kelli
Kedis Ogborn - Space Foundation
I nitiatives:
• Develop alternative financing models and resources to help startups access non-VC capital.
• Create a risk assessment framework to align investor, government, and company risk thresholds.
• Foster partnerships with Arizona’s defense, semiconductor, and non-space industries to address local needs.
8. Advance Advocacy, Policy, and National Leadership
Arizona can become a national leader in the space sector by advancing innovative legal frameworks, such as establishing a dedicated space arbitration tribunal to handle industry-specific disputes like orbital debris liability, and by advocating for federal “Space Opportunity Zones” and statelevel legislation like the Arizona Space Liability Act to attract investment and reduce regulatory barriers. Leveraging Phoenix’s strong legal and international business infrastructure would position the city as a global hub for space dispute resolution, enhancing Arizona’s reputation in space law and policy. Additionally, Arizona can build on its semiconductor manufacturing strengths and University of Arizona’s NSA-funded labs to establish itself as a national hub for space cybersecurity, forming a coalition of defense, commercial, and academic partners to address threats like jamming and spoofing.
“If the commission were to establish the world’s first space conflict resolution tribunal—making Arizona the place where liability and insurance disputes are resolved—we could attract many companies to the state, encourage them to use Arizona law, and significantly grow our economy.”
Shruti Gurudanti - Rose Law Group
I nitiatives:
• Lead in state and federal advocacy for streamlined space regulation: Push for faster, less bureaucratic launch and test permitting.
• Build coalitions with other high-growth “space desert” states to advocate at the national level.
• Position Arizona as the “Delaware of space law” with model conflict resolution and arbitration frameworks.
• Establish Arizona as a National Hub for Space Cybersecurity
The bulk of a galaxy called Messier 82 M82, or the Cigar galaxy, is seen in visible-light data captured by the National Optical Astronomy Observatory 2.1-meter telescope at Kitt Peak in Arizona.
PHOTO DATE: 2014-10-08
LOCATION: Kitt Peak, Arizona
CREDIT: NASA/JPL-CALTECH/SAO/NOAO
9. Foster Community Engagement & Storytelling
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Summit panelists called for a bold expansion of community engagement and storytelling— emphasizing that the benefits and excitement of space innovation must reach every Arizonan, not just those already in the industry. Summit leaders urged the state to build bridges between the space sector and the broader public, ensuring that all communities understand, participate in, and celebrate Arizona’s role in shaping the future.
“Arizona should focus on telling the story of its significant contributions to space innovation, highlighting the achievements of its companies and universities.”
Mayor Gallego
Initiatives:
• Launch a statewide campaign to connect space innovation with all Arizonans’ lives.
• Host inclusive events and partnerships linking schools, local groups, and the space sector.
• Build accessible platforms for sharing diverse stories from across Arizona’s space communities.
Mayor of Phoenix, Kate Gallego speaks during the 2025 Arizona Space Summit.
PHOTO DATE: M arch 20, 2025
LOCATION: Tempe, Arizona
CREDIT: Charlie Leight
Arizona’s opportunity to lead the next era of the space economy is more tangible than ever. The 2025 Arizona Space Summit showcased how the state’s unique blend of public lands, advanced manufacturing, research universities, and cross-sector collaboration is fueling a new wave of commercial space innovation. By integrating lessons from the semiconductor industry, investing in enabling infrastructure, and fostering a businessfriendly environment, Arizona is building the foundation for long-term success.
The vision of Arizona as the “Space Desert, Oasis or Canyon” captures the state’s ambition to become for space what Silicon Valley is for technology: a global hub where industry, academia, and government converge to drive discovery, commercialization, and workforce development.
Through targeted initiatives such as expanding testing and launch facilities, accelerating university-industry partnerships, and advancing legal and policy frameworks, Arizona is positioning itself at the forefront of the $1 trillion-plus global space economy.
Summit participants, from international dignitaries to local innovators, emphasized the importance of telling Arizona’s story and ensuring that all Arizonans benefit from this growth. As Mayor Kate Gallego and other leaders noted, celebrating the state’s achievements and investing in education will inspire the next generation and attract continued investment.
Arizona’s momentum is undeniable. With bold leadership, a relentless focus on integration, and a commitment to innovation, the state
can fully realize its “Space Desert” identity— becoming the launchpad for the world’s most ambitious space endeavors and a model for inclusive economic growth.
Let’s build the future of space together, the Arizona way.
“Arizona is no longer just participating in the space economy—we’re helping define its future. By aligning our strengths in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace with the bold vision of the Arizona Space Commission, we’re creating a globally recognized ecosystem for commercial space innovation. The Summit makes clear: Arizona isn’t just in the race— we’re building the launchpad.”
Steven G. Zylstra - Arizona Technology Council; Arizona Space Commissioner
“It’s going to take all of us to put Arizona on the map as a space hub. But I also think that it is critical that we not lose sight of our responsibility to make sure that every Arizonan also understands and experiences the economic benefits of the great work that we all do here together.”
Each of these initiatives should draw on a broad and diverse set of Arizona stakeholders including community colleges, trade schools, Native American tribes and organizations, utility companies, law firms, private universities, and citizen impact groups, to ensure the space sector’s growth is inclusive and communitydriven. The leads identified below are starting points and may evolve as new partners step forward and the networks expands.
Governance & Leadership
Lead
Space Commission
Roadmap
Collective Space Commission
Summits
Ecosystem & Community
Networking
Resource Hub
Testing & Launch
Research & Workforce
Supply Chain & Semiconductors
Infrastructure
Investment/Policy
Advocacy & Recognition
ACA/ASU/Space Commission
Yuma/Sierra Vista Spaceports Ranges Space Commission
Accelerators, Integration
Legal Hub Universities
Industry mapping
Cross-sector events
Prototyping Hubs
Power investments
OEM recruitment
Next-gen tech focus
Creative incentives
Grant support
Investor events
Policy leadership
National model
ACA/ASU/Industry
State/Private
ACA/Space Comm
Storytelling Space Commission
NASA astronauts Kate Rubins and Andre Douglas walk through the lunar-like landscape during a simulated moonwalk in the San Francisco Volcanic Field in Northern Arizona on May 17, 2024.
PHOTO DATE: 2024-05-17
LOCATION: San Francisco Volcanic Field in Northern Arizona
PHOTOGRAPHER: Josh Valcarce
CREDIT: NASA/Johnson Space Center
2025 ARIZONA SPACE SUMMIT AGENDA
Arizona Space Summit
Welcome and special remarks
Speakers
Jessica Rousset, Executive Director, Interplanetary Initiative, Arizona State University
Dr. S. Pete Worden, Chairman, Breakthrough Prize Foundation
Sally Morton, Executive Vice President, Knowledge Enterprise, Arizona State University
The State of Space in Arizona
Members of the newly established Arizona Space Commission will share insights on their mandate and goals in supporting the space sector, and in particular the commercial space sector statewide. This session will further highlight how the Arizona Space Summit helps shape Arizona’s roadmap for growth and informs its strategy as an emerging hub for commercial space activities.
Moderator
Brett Mecum, President & Founder, Cadmus Public Affairs
Panelists
» Lisa Morris, Vice President, Supply Chain at Virgin Galactic
» Mick McGuire, Adjutant General, Arizona National Guard
» Shruti Gurudanti, Partner & Director, Aerospace & Corporate Transactions, Rose Law Group
Strengthening Ties: How Arizona’s space and semiconductor industries can collaborate for economic growth
With the growing semiconductor capabilities and infrastructure in AZ, space companies stand to benefit from a growing highly skilled workforce, a reliable supply chain and an opportunity to drive innovation for its needs in areas like radiation-hardened components, high-reliability devices, power systems, comms, sensing, and MEMS. This session will explore how these two high growth industries in Arizona can work together to accelerate their impact.
» Grant Anderson, President & CEO, Paragon Space Development Corporation
» Michael Rosas, VP Business Development, Arizona Commerce Authority
» Hugh Barnaby, Professor, Arizona State University
Space to Test: Arizona’s optimal conditions for year-round space research and development Arizona offers innovative companies the ability to test cutting-edge space technologies with a diverse array of unique facilities across the state as well as its hot, dry climate and vast open spaces. This session will highlight the range of testing grounds and infrastructure available to support the growth of commercial companies and those companies that are capitalizing on these assets.
Moderator
Devin Patterson, Operations Executive & Spacebird
Panelists
» Christopher Janette, President & CEO, Blackstar Orbital
» Jay Stevenson, Lead Industrial Engineer, Northrop Grumman
» Jerry Cabrera, CEO, Elevate Southwest
Leveraging Arizona’s research powerhouses
With institutions like the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University driving advancements, Arizona is a leader in space science and technology research in areas such as space exploration, satellite development, and hypersonics. This session will not only explore some of the cutting edge research happening in Arizona but also how companies are able to tap into these innovation engines.
Moderator
Erika Hamden, Professor, University of Arizona
Panelists
» John Otto, Senior Director, Raytheon
» Kyle Hanquist, Assistant Professor, University of Arizona
» Lisa Napolitano, Vice President/General Manager Space, Honeywell International
» Zachary Holman, Vice Dean for Research and Innovation, Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University
Special remarks
Speaker
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego
Keynote conversation
From Hollywood to Mars: How Arts, Media, and Space Technology Shape our Futur.
Speakers
David Anderman, Stellar Ventures Co-Founder & General Partner, Red Rock Media Group Founder & Co-CEO
Dr. S. Pete Worden, Chairman, Breakthrough Prize Foundation
Exploring financing models for Arizona’s space economy
This panel will discuss innovative capitalraising strategies for Arizona’s expanding commercial space sector. Experts will explore how to tap into the state’s established investor base in real estate, mining, and advanced manufacturing to support space startups. The discussion will cover creative financing models, public-private partnerships, and crosssector collaborations aimed at unlocking new capital sources for the state’s space economy.
Moderator
Mason Cave, AZ1 Ventures
Panelists
» Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Vice President, Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship, Space Foundation
Space Architecture: Designing for permanent habitation on orbital and lunar stations
This panel will explore the groundbreaking
work and unique challenges in designing habitats and structures for space, highlighting relevant programs and infrastructure in Arizona. Topics will include the development of commercial space stations, lunar base design, advanced space suits, and life-support systems for long-duration interplanetary missions.
Moderators
Elena Rocchi, Head of Space Architecture & Extreme Environments, ASU The Design School
Gui Trotti, Professor of Practice, Arizona State University
Panelists
» Christian Maender, Senior Executive, Barrios Technology
» Dava Newman, Director, MIT Media Lab
» Kai Staats, Research Director, Space Analog for the Moon & Mars at Biosphere 2
Space Mining: From the science to the returns Arizona is a key player in missions aimed at returning space resources, including Psyche, Mars Sample Return, and OSIRIS-REx. Companies like KinetX Aerospace provide essential support, having successfully navigated spacecraft on complex planetary missions. These efforts not only enhance our scientific understanding but also open avenues for future resource utilization in space. Investors are increasingly betting on the monetization of these resources, recognizing the potential of extracting valuable materials from asteroids and other celestial bodies. This session will explore what we are learning from these missions and how they might attract more companies and investments in this emerging sector.
Moderator
Zaheer Ali, Professor of Practice, Thunderbird School of Global Management
Panelists
» Anjani Polit, OSIRIS-APEX Deputy Principal Investigator, University of Arizona
» Kjell Stakkestad, Strategic Planning Business Development, KinetX Aerospace
» Matt Gialich, Co-Founder & CEO, AstroForge
» Mini Wadhwa, Director, School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University
Securing Space: Enhancing cyber resilience in space operations
The space industry faces significant cybersecurity risks, including cyber espionage, sabotage, ransomware attacks, and data hijacking, which can jeopardize missions and national security. As private companies and international collaborations grow, these challenges intensify. This session will cover how researchers and companies are leading efforts to mitigate these threats and what more can and should be done to advance cybersecurity solutions designed for the unique challenges of space operations.
Moderator
Drew Trojanowski, CEO, Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC)
Panelists
» Megan Fitzgerald, Senior Director, Government & Community Relations, Embry Riddle
» John Wiltberger, Lead Cybersecurity Engineer, MITRE Corp
» Justin Chandler, Vice President, Government Relations & Strategic Partnerships, ThinkOrbital Inc.
» Tiffany Bao, Assistant Professor, Arizona State University
