Interstellar Magazine JanFeb 2026 Issue

INTERSTELLAR MAGAZINE

Leading Magazine For Space Entreprenures

Space For Earth How Space The Economy Benefit Humanity

Victor Hoskins Virginia Leading Space Industry HUB Debra Facktor, AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense

"SPACE IS AN INSPIRATIONAL CONCEPT THAT ALLOWS YOU TO DREAM BIG ” -Peter Diamandis

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

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ON THE HORIZON Space On The Horizon: Trends and Stakeholders

Pg. 15 FROM NASA TO NETFLIX The economics of space exploration on screen from a movie industry insider

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MAGAZINE

I NTERSTELLAR

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NEW SPACE Commercial space is rapidly expanding across various space regimes, with private companies pioneering innovations that were once exclusive to government agencies

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NEXT GEN Interstellar Dreams Space Center nurtures the new generation of space entrepreneurs

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VICTOR HOSKINS Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of the Fairfax County (VA) Economic Development Authority leads the growing space and satellite economy in Virginia

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DEBRA FACKTOR a visionary leader in the aerospace industry and Head of U.S. Space Systems, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. BOOK CLUB Chad Anderson explains the space economy

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EDITOR'S NOTES Robin McDougal, Publisher

"Space for Earth" is a concept that often refers to the idea of utilizing space technology and resources to benefit life on Earth. It encompasses a wide range of activities and initiatives related to space exploration, satellite technology, and space-based applications that have a positive impact on our planet. Space for Earth emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between space exploration and Earth's wellbeing. It highlights how advancements in space technology and knowledge gained from exploring space can be leveraged to address global challenges and improve life on our planet.

Satellite Technology Earth Observation Space Exploration Space Situational Awareness Space Sustainability Interstellar Magazine's mission is to showcase the emerging wave of commercial space entrepreneurs, their innovative solutions, and

“Space for Earth has profound implications for humanity.”

-Robin McDougal

the high-impact space technologies with the potential to benefit Earth. Join us on a journey to explore the future of space exploration and its profound implications for our planet.

Robin McDougal

Interstellar Magazine is a carbon-neutral publication designed to be sustainable by reducing paper consumption, saving energy associated with magazine production, saving fuel needed for shipping, and pollution required to dispose of unused magazines.

Image Credit: Sharon Reed

INTERSTELLAR MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL TEAM

Sharon Reed

Space Business Managing Editor Sharon Reed is a writer and editor with a strong interest in space and technology. Currently, Sharon is the National Business Investment Manage at the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority in Tysons, Virginia. She has a BA and MA from American University, School of International Service, Washington, D.C.

William J. McBorrough Space and Security Editor

A 20+ year cybersecurity industry veteran and small business cyber risk advisor. He conducts research and teaches graduate and undergraduate courses relating to cybersecurity, cybercrime, cyberterrorism, and information security and assurance.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk Information System Control (CRISC), and Certified CMMC Professional (CCP)

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INTERSTELLAR MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL TEAM

Jacinda Cottee Space Health Editor

A space health researcher, former airline pilot, working at the frontier of space neuroscience, nutrition, and human factors. Currently completing a PhD on neuroprotection for longduration spaceflight. An awardwinning leader globally recognized in aviation and space. She founded the Institute for Space Health and Performance. Listed Top 100 Women in Aerospace and Aviation.

Chimene Davis Marketing and Media Editor Founder of Suburban Entertainment Group, a Los Angeles-based film and television production company. A veteran of the entertainment industry for 20 plus years, Ms. Davis has produced: programming, music videos and national advertising campaigns, which include radio, print, and television commercials for Fortune 500 hundred companies.

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On The Horizon 2026 Space Economy Trends & Stakeholders

STAKEHOLDERS Who Are The New Space Stakeholders?

The “New Space” economy represents a fundamental shift in how space is explored, financed, and commercialized. Once dominated almost exclusively by national governments, space is now a rapidly expanding marketplace driven by private capital, entrepreneurial innovation, and public–private collaboration.

At the center of this transformation are New Space Stakeholders, a diverse set of participants who shape, fund, build, regulate, and benefit from the commercial space ecosystem. Understanding who these stakeholders are, and why they matter, is essential for entrepreneurs, investors, and the broader public.

Who Are The New Space Stakeholders?

New Space stakeholders fall into several interconnected groups: 1. Entrepreneurs & Founders Startups building satellites, launch systems, robotics, AI platforms, in-orbit services, space health technologies, and Space-for-Earth applications.

Role: Drive innovation and cost reduction Create new markets and business models Translate space technology into scalable products 2. Investors & Capital Providers Venture capital firms, strategic corporate investors, sovereign wealth funds, and impact investors.

Role: Provide growth capital and risk tolerance Shape which technologies reach scale Accelerate time-to-market for frontier innovation 3. Government & Public Agencies NASA, ESA, JAXA, ISRO, national space agencies, defense organizations, regulators, and policymakers.

Role: Anchor early demand through procurement Set safety, licensing, and governance frameworks Enable public–private partnerships

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ECOSYSTEM Why New Space Stakeholders Matter?

4. Industry & Supply Chain Partners Manufacturers, software firms, data providers, launch services, universities, and workforce institutions.

Role: Build the infrastructure and talent base Lower barriers to entry for startups Create resilient domestic supply chains 5. Society & End Users Communities, cities, farmers, emergency responders, educators, healthcare providers, and global citizens.

Role: Adopt space-enabled services Benefit from Earth applications Shape public trust and long-term support Why New Space Stakeholders Matter From a venture capital perspective, strong stakeholder ecosystems are what turn technology into markets and innovation into sustainable industries. This is not just a space industry, it is a multi-sector economic platform.

New Space stakeholders: Reduce technical and regulatory risk Accelerate commercialization pathways Expand addressable markets beyond orbit Create durable economic and social value Global Connectivity Education and telemedicine Financial inclusion International Collaboration Shared scientific missions Norms for space governance and safety Peaceful use of outer space Result: Space becomes an engine for global sustainability and cooperation.

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February 18-20, 2026 SPACENEXTGLOBAL.COM

BENEFITS Who Benefits From The New Space Economy?

The New Space economy is not just about rockets and satellites.

It is about building a global innovation system that advances prosperity, security, and sustainability on Earth and beyond resulting in global sustainability and cooperation.

Community-Level Benefits At the local and regional level, New Space ecosystems generate: Economic Development High-skill job creation Growth of advanced manufacturing hubs Startup clusters and innovation districts Workforce & Education STEM pipelines and credentialing programs New career pathways for youth and transitioning workers University–industry collaboration National-Level Benefits At the national scale, New Space stakeholders strengthen: Economic Competitiveness Leadership in advanced technology sectors Exportable space-enabled services Resilient domestic supply chains National Security & Resilience Space situational awareness Secure communications and navigation Public–private defense innovation Global-Level Benefits At the global level, New Space stakeholders enable: Earth Monitoring & Climate Action Climate modeling and emissions tracking Food security and water management Disaster prediction and recovery Broadband access for remote regions 12

RISK TAKERS Space Entrepreneurs Successful entrepreneurs possess a unique ability to navigate risk effectively. Their prowess stems from a multifaceted approach: understanding their environment, gaining experience, and embracing discomfort. By immersing themselves in their surroundings, entrepreneurs gain invaluable insights into potential risks, enabling them to make informed decisions. Experience serves as a catalyst, refining their judgment and fostering a realistic perspective on risk. They recognize that failure is a natural part of the journey and develop resilience to handle its consequences.

Moreover, entrepreneurs actively seek discomfort, viewing it as an opportunity for growth. Each venture outside their comfort zone strengthens their risk tolerance, empowering them to tackle increasingly challenging endeavors. Ultimately, it's this blend of astute observation, experiential learning, and willingness to embrace discomfort that distinguishes successful entrepreneurs in their ability to navigate and conquer risks on their path to success.

Space is not just the final frontier; it is the boundless opportunity for humanity to unite in curiosity, creativity, and innovation. As we reach for the stars, we unlock solutions that better our planet, drive technological advancements, and inspire generations to dream beyond limits. By exploring the cosmos, we not only expand our knowledge but also strengthen our commitment to Earth's future, harnessing the infinite possibilities of space for the greater good of all.

Calculated risk-taking entrepreneurs are the trailblazers of the commercial space exploration industry, boldly navigating uncertainty to unlock the universe’s untapped potential. By combining visionary thinking with careful analysis, they transform risks into opportunities, driving innovation and progress that benefit humanity. Their courage to invest time, resources, and creativity propels breakthroughs in technology and sustainability, inspiring a new era of exploration that merges ambition with responsibility for the betterment of Earth and beyond.

By Robin McDougal

“The challenge is that the day before something is truly a breakthrough, it's a crazy idea.”

-Peter Diamandis 13

SPACENEXTGLOBAL.COM

From NASA to Netflix The Economics of Space Exploration on Screen

by Chimene Davis

Space Entertainment‌‌ BUSINESS

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VISION

From NASA to Netflix The Economics of Space Exploration on Screen

Have you ever wondered how Hollywood's space stories become billion-dollar economic engines that shape government policy as well as public imagination, long before SpaceX made headlines?

VISION

Sure, everyone's talking about the space economy hitting $1.8 trillion by 2035, but here's the thing Hollywood figured out decades ago: space movies aren't just entertainment, they're economic engines.

But more than that, they're future casting, getting Americans and governments ready for what's coming next. From Cold War propaganda films to today's Netflix originals, what we see on screen shapes where governments spend money and what the public believes is possible.

Space as Propaganda and Soft Power In the Soviet Union, movies were missiles in the cultural war. Pavel Klushantsev's Planet of Storms (1962) drew over 20 million viewers at home and screened in 28 countries. The film didn't just make cosmonauts into socialist heroes; it gave Western filmmakers ideas that influenced Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey and Lucas's Star Wars. Talk about return on investment: state-funded cinema that ended up shaping global pop culture.

"You can't know where you're going until you know where you've been. That includes the films that started America's love of space."

The Rise of Commercial Space Storytelling Meanwhile, American filmmakers had their own ideas. Lucas's Star Wars (1977) cracked the real code. With merchandise accounting for more than half its record-breaking revenues, Star Wars proved you could turn space fantasies into entire industries.

George Lucas influenced most sci-fi storytellers in modern times, this film was one of the films that influenced my love of sci-fi and sci-fi fantasy.

Suddenly, storytelling wasn't just about ticket sales, it was about creating global markets that could outlast any single film.

Making Space Cool for Everyone Hidden Figures (2016) reframed who gets to be part of the space story, spotlighting the Black women mathematicians who helped win the Space Race. By connecting space history to equity and inclusion, the film inspired a new generation of women and underrepresented groups to pursue STEM careers. That's not just good PR, that's building the actual workforce that tomorrow's space economy desperately needs. The lack of skilled STEM-educated workers is the STEM worker shortage today.

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PURPOSE

What Do the Numbers Say?

PURPOSE

What Could Go Right (and Very Wrong) Ridley Scott's The Martian (2015) treated Mars survival as an engineering problem rather than science fiction. Its $630 million box office proved audiences would show up for technically accurate space stories. For NASA, the film was basically a two-hour recruitment video that helped justify research budgets. The Martian is one of my favorite films; I felt like Matt Damon would have been my best friend since he knew how to grow food. But then who am I fooling, I would not have missed my ride back to Earth!

Framestore revelled in the opportunity to further refine the CG and VFX techniques needed to portray a realistic space setting for the year 2035

BY THE NUMBERS $1.8 trillion: Projected space economy value by 2035 $630 million: The Martian's global box office $700 million: Gravity's worldwide earnings 50%+: Share of Star Wars revenue from merchandise

Gravity "$700 million worldwide for a twoperson survival story that made space junk scary enough to get people talking about orbital infrastructure."

“It’s sci-fi, but it’s real.” Chris Lawrence, Framestore’s VFX Supervisor

If The Martian was about innovation's promise, Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity (2013) was about catastrophic failure. The film turned orbital debris, a real economic threat to billions of dollars’ worth of satellites, into a $700 million global thriller. A two-person survival story that made space junk scary enough to get people talking about the economics of keeping our orbital infrastructure safe.

The Consumer Frontier James Gray's Ad Astra (2019) imagined space as routine consumer life: lunar flights as common as cross-country trips, moon bases as tourist destinations. The film captured the tension between space travel's emotional isolation and its potential as a massive commercial opportunity, dramatizing real debates about space tourism, which could become a $4–6 billion industry by 2035. I will be talking about space tourism in my follow-up article; I am here for space travel and space entrepreneurship.

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IMAGINATION

How Imagination Becomes Investment?

IMAGINATION

From Cinema to Your Living Room Here's what all these films reveal: screen portrayals of space don't just reflect economic realities, they create them.

Soviet propaganda becomes Hollywood merchandizing becomes policy debates becomes venture capital pitches. And now streaming platforms like Netflix are amplifying this influence, bringing space stories into homes worldwide and multiplying their cultural and financial impact.

The history of space on screen isn't just entertainment history. It's the story of how imagination becomes investment, how storytelling drives innovation, and how a good movie can literally help turn the last frontier into the next enormous market opportunity. Not bad for a night at the movies. I'm glad I'm here for it all.

Chimene Davis, founder and CEO of Suburban Media Partners Corp., a creative studio specializing in film, television, podcasts, and live events.

Guided by the vision: "Nouveau Stories, Planet Reach," the company crafts culturally resonant content with both artistic depth and global perspective.

This is the first in a series exploring the intersection of space, economics, and popular culture.

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New

Space

Building Systems to Unleash Innovation

NEW SPACE

Regimes for New Space

NEW SPACE

Commercial space is rapidly expanding across various space regimes, with private companies pioneering innovations that were once exclusive to government agencies. These regimes represent the levels of space exploration and utilization where commercialization is making a significant impact:

1. Suborbital Space Definition: Altitudes just beyond Earth's atmosphere (approximately 100 km/62 miles above sea level) but not reaching orbital velocity.

Commercial Activities: Space Tourism: Companies like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic offer shortduration trips to the edge of space, providing passengers with a few minutes of weightlessness and breathtaking views of Earth.

Scientific Research: Suborbital flights are used for microgravity experiments and testing technologies in nearspace conditions.

Astronaut Training: Simulating spaceflight experiences to prepare crews for orbital missions.

2. Orbital Space Definition: Altitudes above 300 km (186 miles) where objects maintain stable orbits around Earth.

Commercial Activities: Satellite Deployment: Companies like SpaceX and Rocket Lab provide cost-effective satellite launches for communications, Earth observation, navigation, and weather monitoring.

Space Stations: Private ventures such as Axiom Space are developing commercial space stations for research, manufacturing, and tourism.

In-Orbit Servicing: Companies are exploring satellite repair, refueling, and debris removal technologies.

3. Cis-Lunar Space: Definition: The region between Earth and the Moon, including lunar orbit.

Commercial Activities: Lunar Landers and Rovers: Companies like Astrobotic and Intuitive Machines are building robotic systems to deliver payloads to the lunar surface.

Lunar Resource Extraction: Exploring opportunities to mine lunar ice for water, oxygen, and rocket fuel.

Lunar Habitats: Simulating spaceflight experiences to prepare crews for orbital missions.

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NEW SPACE

Regimes for New Space

NEW SPACE

The commercialization of space is revolutionizing how we approach exploration and resource utilization.

From suborbital tourism to deep-space resource mining, private companies are opening new frontiers and creating opportunities that extend far beyond Earth’s boundaries. This shift promises to make space more accessible and integrated into global economic systems.

4. Deep Space Definition: Regions beyond the EarthMoon system, including Mars, asteroids, and interplanetary space.

Commercial Activities: Mars Exploration: Private companies like SpaceX plan human missions to Mars to establish a permanent presence.

Asteroid Mining: Firms are exploring the potential of extracting valuable metals and minerals from asteroids.

Interplanetary Communication: Developing communication infrastructure to support deep-space exploration.

New Space is reshaping humanity’s relationship with space by making it more accessible, affordable, and integral to everyday life.

The rise of private companies and innovative technologies is driving advancements in communication, global connectivity, environmental monitoring, and resource utilization. New Space is unlocking unprecedented opportunities to address challenges on Earth and expand humanity’s presence across the cosmos. This transformation marks a pivotal moment in history, with the potential to benefit all of humanity for generations to come.

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SPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Space systems engineers play a critical role in addressing the complex challenges of operating in the harsh environment of space. They oversee every stage of development, from concept to launch, ensuring reliability and mission success.

Their work drives innovation in exploration, satellite technology, and aerospace advancements that benefit Earth and humanity's future in space.

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next>

gen The New Generation Space Entrepreneurs

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gen Space Economy Workforce The global space economy is expanding at an unprecedented pace—projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040—yet the workforce needed to sustain this growth is at risk. A significant portion of today’s aerospace and advanced manufacturing workforce is nearing retirement. In the United States alone, nearly 25–30% of aerospace workers are over age 55, and thousands of highly specialized engineers, technicians, and scientists are expected to retire within the next decade. This creates a critical talent gap at the very moment demand for space-based innovation is accelerating.

At the same time, the space economy is evolving far beyond traditional roles.The future of space depends on a wide range of skills, perspectives, and creative problem-solvers. It now requires a diverse, multidisciplinary workforce, from AI and robotics engineers to environmental scientists, data analysts, designers, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and policy leaders.

We must Prepare the Next Generation for the Space Economy known as the Artemis Generation.

The Artemis missions are not just about returning to the Moon, instead, they are about building a Space for Earth by solving real-world challenges through space-based technologies that benefit life on our planet.

It calls for forward-thinking young people to imagine themselves beyond being an astronauts, but as engineers, scientists, designers, entrepreneurs, artists, and explorers shaping humanity’s future on Earth and beyond.

To close the talent gap, we must invest in early exposure, hands-on learning, workforce pathways, and inclusive opportunities that empower youth from all backgrounds to see themselves in the space economy. By doing so, we are not only preparing a workforce, we are cultivating a generation of innovators who will drive discovery, strengthen national competitiveness, and unlock solutions for Earth.

The future of space is not waiting, it is being built now. And it requires the talent, creativity, and vision of the next generation to lead the way.

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next>

gen

Young Space Entrepreneurs Interstellar Dreams Space Center is building a workforce for the growing space Economy. As the global space economy accelerates and the aerospace industry faces a critical talent gap, the Interstellar Dreams Space Center, non-profit, based in Northern Virginia’s growing space and satellite hub, serves as a powerful solution for workforce development. Designed to meet the demands of the modern space economy, Interstellar Dreams Space Center Programs prepares students not just to learn about space, but to actively participate in it.

Talent GAP Persists Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and McKinsey reveals that, despite focused efforts to strengthen talent attraction and retention, the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry continues to face mounting workforce challenges, demanding new and creative solutions to address productivity gaps.

Through immersive, hands-on, real-world experiences, students step into the roles of mission specialists, engineers, satellite designers, entrepreneurs, and problemsolvers using critical thinking techniques work collaboratively. They engage in authentic challenges such as space debris mitigation, Earth observation using satellite data, lunar habitat design, prototype development, during NASA like space mission simulations mirroring the real work happening across today’s aerospace industry.

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next>

Sponsored by

gen

Interstellar Dreams Space Center The Interstellar Dreams Summer Space Adventure is an award-winning, space-themed STEM program designed for curious and creative teens ages 12–18.

Hosted by The Pearl Project Institute. This immersive experience transforms students into Real-World Mission Specialists working on cutting-edge challenges inspired by NASA missions.

Through immersive simulated, hands-on, real-world experiences, students step into the roles of mission specialists, engineers, satellite designers, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers. They engage in authentic challenges such as space debris mitigation, Earth observation using satellite data, lunar habitat design, and space mission simulations —mirroring the real work happening across today’s aerospace industry. These programs go beyond traditional STEM education by integrating critical thinking, design thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship, ensuring students develop the technical skills, creativity, and adaptability required for the future workforce.

Strategically located in Northern Virginia, home to leading aerospace companies, government agencies, and emerging space enterprises.

Interstellar Dreams Space Center connects students to industry professionals, mentors, and workforce pipelines, creating direct pathways from education to career opportunities.

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Sponsored by

next>

Thank you Strategic Pateners

Interstellar Dreams Space Week Space Debris Challenge Each year in October, Interstellar Dreams Space Week endeavors to ignite curiosity, inspire innovation, and empower the next generation. More than an event, it is a launchpad for future space leaders, where imagination meets opportunity and students discover their potential to shape the rapidly evolving space economy.

Through immersive simulation, lead by real-world aerospace experts, high schoolers are given a challenge to solve using critical thinking techniques and collaborative leadership.

VA Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement

VA Tech Center for Space Science and Engineering

gen Florence Tan, former NASA Deputy Chief Technologist

Carlos Niederstrasser, Aerospace Engineer Northrop Grumman

Che’ Bolden, CEO, Bolden Group.

27 Space Entrepreneur

G N I A L LL L A C INTERSTELLAR DREAMERS

www.interstellardreamspacecenter.org

Interstellar Dreams Space Center is a creative, hands-on, immersive STEM experience for teens ages 12–18, where participants become Real-World Mission Specialists tackling challenges like space debris, satellite design, and space tourism. We’re building a pipeline of leaders who will shape Earth and beyond.

Our goal is to engage 1 million youth with a powerful message: “blend your personal passions with S.T.E.M. careers in aerospace and the new commercial space economy because there is so much more to space exploration than becoming an astronaut.”

Reach 1 million

K I T M E D I A

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DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA

Connect

Interstellar is your premier magazine tailored exclusively for visionary entrepreneurs in the aerospace industry.

Current, connected, and collaborative are the pillars of our digital magazine. Our mission is to connect you with potential investors, find top-tier workforce candidates, and spotlight lucrative contracts with NASA and emerging commercial space companies.

Contact: Interstellarmagazine

SPACE ARCHITECT

Learn More

Space Architecture is the theory and practice of designing and building inhabited environments in outer space. These environments include, but are not limited to: space vehicles, stations, habitats and lunar, planetary bases and infrastructures; and earth based control, experiment, launch, logistics, payload, simulation and test facilities. Earth analogs to space applications may include Antarctic, airborne, desert, high altitude, underground, undersea environments and closed ecological systems. SPACEARCHITECT.ORG

VICTOR HOSKINS President and CEO,

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority

VIRGINIA’S

NEW SPACE ECONOMY

Image Credit: FCEDA

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PROFILE

SPACE & SATELLITE INDUSTRY IN VIRGINIA

By Robin McDougal Acknowledgement: Adapted from Rawan Hashim, Dartmouth College, Jr. for her work while interning Fairfax County Economic Development Authority

Victor Hoskins seamlessly blends his extensive public and private sector business expertise to position Northern Virginia, particularly Fairfax County, as a thriving hub for the aerospace industry. Drawing from his background in real estate, urban planning, and economic development, Mr. Hoskins strategically leverages partnerships between government, industry, and academia to attract investment and create a dynamic ecosystem for innovation.

Come to our region to dent the Universe -Victor Hoskins

Under his leadership at the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), the region has become a magnet for aerospace companies, supported by worldclass infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and proximity to federal agencies like NASA, the Department of Defense, and the United States Space Force. Mr. Hoskins’ ability to align the priorities of public entities with privatesector goals has resulted in significant capital investments, cutting-edge technology campuses, and the growth of programs like the Tech Talent Pipeline, which addresses the workforce needs of aerospace and related industries.

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SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS ANALYST A Space Situational Awareness Analyst is essential for maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the space environment and ensuring the safe and effective operation of satellites, spacecraft, and other space assets. By providing accurate and timely information on space objects and potential hazards, they contribute to the overall goal of preserving the integrity and accessibility of space for future generations.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is the knowledge, characterization, and practice of tracking space objects and their operational environment. NASA Explains Space Debris

WHY FAIRFAX COUNTY SPACE AND SATELLITE HUB?

Northern Virginia is not only a leader in the new space economy but also a model for innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, making Fairfax County a premier destination for aerospace companies to grow and thrive. Northern Virginia has emerged as a leading center for the space and satellite industry, thanks to its unique blend of strategic advantages, robust infrastructure, and talent pipeline.

Northern Virginia is home to the headquarters of key U.S. space-related agencies, including NASA and other federal organizations essential for aerospace and satellite operations. Its proximity to the nation’s capital ensures seamless access to policymakers and government decision-makers, facilitating collaboration on national and global space initiatives.

The region boasts a rich talent pool, including K-12 STEM programs, technical training institutions, Universities, and executive-level expertise in space-related operations.

The region’s close proximity to embassies of U.S. and international space partners fosters opportunities for international collaboration, diplomacy, and partnerships in space exploration, satellite technology, and aerospace research.

Northern Virginia hosts headquarters for major civil, defense, and international companies and organizations in the space market. This includes industry leaders involved in satellite manufacturing, launch services, and data analysis, creating a robust network of private-sector innovation and collaboration.

Fairfax County and the broader Northern Virginia area feature advanced infrastructure critical for space and satellite operations. This includes state-of-the-art data centers, extensive fiber optic networks, and robust transportation systems. Washington Dulles International Airport provides global connectivity, while the region’s commitment to smart city development supports the technology needs of the aerospace industry.

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The constellation of Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) provides communication and tracking services to missions in low Earth orbit (LEO). Image credit BASA

NASA Expands Near Space Network with Four New Commercial Partners On Decemember 20, 2024, NASA selected multiple companies to enhance the Near Space Network’s mission-critical,direct-toEarth communication capabilities. The New NSN Partners are: Intuitive Machines Kongsberg Satellite Services SSC Space U.S. Inc. Viasat, Inc. The awards, issued as firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts, cover project timelines from February 2025 to September 2029, with an optional five-year extension through September 2034.

The cumulative maximum value of all contracts is $4.82 billion, marking a significant investment in advancing space communications infrastructure.The Near Space Network (NSN) delivers telemetry, commanding, tracking, and communications services to satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), geosynchronous orbit (GEO), highly elliptical orbit (HEO), and lunar orbit. It includes the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) constellation, providing continuous global coverage for NASA missions in LEO, launch vehicles during ascent, and HEO missions within range, operating 24/7 year-round.

Visit the Exploration and Space Communications page for more information.

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INTERSTELLAR MAGAZINE

Victor Hoskins Leader of Virginia’s New Space Economy

Victor Hoskins

V I R G I N I A SPA CE E CON OMY R I SE

By Interstellar Magazine Editorial Team

The Rise of the Virginia Space Economy (2020–2026): From Frontier to Global Engine A New In du str i al Revol u ti on Above Ear th Between 2020 a nd 2026, the globa l spa ce economy ha s tr a nsfor med fr om a niche, gover nment-led doma in into one of the fa stest-gr owing sector s of the globa l economy. Wha t wa s once defined by na tiona l spa ce a gencies is now dr iven by commer cia l innova tion, pr iva te investment, a nd globa l dema nd for da ta , connectivity, a nd secur ity. In 2021, the globa l spa ce economy wa s va lued a t a ppr oxima tely $388 billion, with pr ojections r ea ching over $540 billion by 2026, a nea r ly 40% incr ea se in just five yea r s a ccor ding to Benchma r k Inter na tiona l’s 2022 Globa l Spa ce Industr y R epor t. In a ddition, in the 2025 Q2 Spa ce Founda tion Spa ce R epor t sta ted tha t by 2024, it sur pa ssed $613 billion, fueled pr ima r ily by the commer cia l sector , which now a ccounts for nea r ly 78% of gr owth. Looking a hea d, a na lysts like, PWC , pr oject the spa ce economy to exceed $1 tr illion by 2030–2035, ma r king it a s one of the defining economic fr ontier s of the 21st centur y

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Virginia is not just participating in the space economy— it is orchestrating it.

T his is not j ust gr owth, it is a pa r a digm s hift. Ac c or ding R euter s , Pr iva te investment a lone exceeded $70 billion in 2021–2022, signa ling a ma ssive shift towa r d c ommer c ia liza tion.

Key Dr iver s of Gr owth (2020–2026) 1. Commer cia liza tion of Spa ce T he most signific a nt shift ha s been the r ise of pr iva te compa nies. V entur e ca pita l a nd pr iva te equity investments ha ve sur ged, with billions flowing into: Sa tellite constella tions E a r th obser va tion pla tfor ms Spa c e-ba sed da ta a na lytics La unc h ser vices a nd infr a str uctur e Th e k ey su b-sec t o r s With a pr ojec ted gr owth r a te of 186% by 2030, the thr iving spa ce sector ca n be br oken down into nine ma in sub-sector s, ea ch offer ing it’s own ca se for investment a nd development.

1) Sa tellite La unch 2) E a r th Obser va tion 3) Spa ce T our ism 4) Sa tellite Communica tion 5) Spa ce Mining 6) Spa ce R & D 7) Spa ce E xplor a tion 8) Spa ce Debr is 9) Spa ce Ma nufa ctur ing Th e Hear t o f t h e Spac e Ec o n o my Ec o syst em F a ir fa x County a nd R eston V ir ginia specifica lly, a r e uniquely positioned a s a centr a l comma nd hub of the moder n spa ce economy, wher e da ta , defense, innova tion, a nd entr epr eneur ship conver ge. Unlike tr a ditiona l spa ce r egions focused on la unc h sites, Nor ther n V ir ginia power s the dec isionma king, da ta pr ocessing, a nd mission oper a tions tha t ma ke spa ce systems wor k.

Accor ding to R euter s , Pr iva te investment a lone exceeded $70 billion in 2021–2022, signa ling a ma ssive shift towa r d c ommer cia liza tion.

T he Spa ce engine system toda y is dr iven by da ta . F r om sa tellites monitor ing E a r th to intelligence systems suppor ting na tiona l secur ity, F a ir fa x County sits a dja cent to the wor ld’s la r gest da ta center cor r idor (Loudoun County), ena bling r ea l-time pr ocessing of ma ssive volumes of sa tellite a nd geospa tia l da ta .

By it’s Pr oximity, F a ir fa x County a c celer a tes c ontr a cts, policy a lignment, a nd innova tion funding loca ted minutes fr om Wa shington, D. C. , pr oviding dir ect a c cess to: NASA lea der ship U. S. Spa ce F or c e Depa r tment of Defense Intelligence a gencies With a dense Cluster of Spa ce Compa nies F a ir fa x County hosts a gr owing concentr a tion of commer cia l spa ce compa nies, defense contr a ctor s, a nd sta r tups, cr ea ting a power ful networ k of colla bor a tion a nd innova tion. Nor thr op Gr umma n, Boeing, Leidos, Gener a l Dyna mics, a nd Intelsa t collectively power the spa ce economy thr ough a dva nc ed sa tellite systems, na tiona l secur ity solutions, globa l communic a tions networ ks, a nd spa ce infr a str uctur e, positioning Nor ther n V ir ginia a s a c r itica l hub for innova tion a nd lea der ship in the futur e of spa ce.

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Additiona lly, c om pa n ies dr iving the spa ce economy in F a ir fa x Count y in the zone of impa ct while sha ping the futur e of spa c e include, but not limited to: - HawkEye 360 A pioneer in r a dio fr equency (R F ) da ta a na lytics, using sa tellite constella tions to ma p signa ls on E a r th for ma r itime sa fety, defense, a nd envir onmenta l monitor ing.

- Bl ac k Sk y Pr ovides r ea l-time geospa tia l intelligence, deliver ing high-fr equenc y sa tellite ima ger y a nd a na lytic s used by gover nments a nd commer cia l industr ies wor ldwide.

- Spi r e Gl o bal Oper a tes a c onstella tion of na nosa tellites collec ting da ta on wea ther , a via tion, a nd ma r itime a c tivity, power ing globa l insights a nd pr edic tive a na lytics.

- Spac eQu est A F a ir fa x-ba sed compa ny specia lizing in sma ll sa tellite design, ma nufa ctur ing, a nd mission oper a tions, suppor ting both gover nment a nd c ommer cia l missions.

- I n t el sat A globa l lea der in sa tellite c ommunica tions, hea dqua r ter ed in Nor ther n V ir ginia , deliver ing c onnectivity solutions a cr oss a via tion, media , a nd gover nment sector s.

- Leo Labs pr ovides c ommer cia l Spa ce Situa tiona l Awa r eness (SSA) ser vices a nd ma pping for Low E a r th Or bit (LE O) - R o c k et Labs R ocket La b' s new La unc h Complex 3 a t NASA' s Wa llops F light F a cility on Wa llops Isla nd, V ir ginia will host Neutr on r oc ket la unches. ( I mage c r edi t : R o c k et Lab )

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In Fairfax County, space innovation doesn’t just launch here, it is designed, analyzed, secured, and scaled here. the V ir ginia Spa c epor t Author ity (V SA) pla ys a signific a nt r ole in str engthening V ir ginia ’s ec onomy thr ough its lea der ship a t the Wa llops Isla nd la unch site. V SA contr ibuted nea r ly $36. 8 million a nnua lly to V ir ginia ’s r ea l GDP, r eflec ting the gr owing economic va lue of commer c ia l spa ce a c tivity. T he V ir ginia Spa ce por t Author ity’s Mid-Atla ntic R egiona l Spa cepor t (MAR S) is bounded by the Atla ntic Ocea n on the ea st a nd the Chesa pea ke Ba y on the west. T he E a ster n Shor e is a quiet pla ce of gr ea t na tur a l bea uty.

T h e Vi r gi n i a Spac epo r t Au t h o r i t y’s Mi d-At l an t i c R egi o n al Spac epo r t contr ibutions demonstr a te how spa c e infr a str uc tur e not only ena bles la unch ca pa bilities, but a lso dr ives ec onomic gr owth, job cr ea tion, a nd r egiona l innova tion—positioning V ir ginia a s a key pla yer in the expa nding spa ce economy. La unching fr om Wa llops Isla nd, V ir ginia , thr ough the V ir ginia Spa cepor t Author ity, deliver s power ful economic, tec hnologic a l, a nd str a tegic benefits, a dva nc ing the na tion’s a bility to send sa tellites, sc ientific missions, a nd commer cia l pa yloa ds into or bit while str engthening V ir ginia ’s r ole in the globa l spa c e ec onomy. T hese la unc hes gener a te high-skilled jobs, a ttr a ct a er ospa ce investment, a nd fuel innova tion a cr oss engineer ing, ma nufa ctur ing, a nd r esea r ch sec tor s. At the sa me time, Wa llops suppor ts cr itica l missions for E a r th obser va tion, na tiona l secur ity, a nd spa c e explor a tion

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DEBRA FACKTOR

Image Credit: Brook Owens Fellowship

Head of U.S. Space Systems at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.

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Image Credit: Airbus

Debra D. Facktor is a visionary leader in the aerospace industry, currently serving as Head of U.S. Space Systems for Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. With a focus on driving innovation in small satellite production and space exploration, Debra leads Airbus' U.S. Space operations, playing a pivotal role in projects like the next-generation Starlab Space Station. Her impressive career includes key roles at Ball Aerospace, AirLaunch LLC, and Kistler Aerospace, along with her dedication to mentoring future aerospace leaders. A fellow of both the AIAA and AAS, Debra’s commitment to advancing the aerospace field is unmatched.

AIRBUS Career Link

Debra D. Facktor leads groundbreaking efforts in satellite production and space exploration initiatives. With an impressive track record, Debra's leadership extends to her role on the board of Starlab Space LLC, a venture to build the next-generation commercial space station. She brings a wealth of experience from her time at Ball Aerospace, AirLaunch LLC, and Kistler Aerospace. Debra is also on the board of Airbus OneWeb Satellites, a joint venture operating a state-of-the-art satellite manufacturing facility.

Debra received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, and is an alumna of the International Space University summer session program in Strasbourg, France.

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Airbus U.S. Space & Defense and Aerostar Partner Airbus U.S. Space & Defense and Aerostar announced expanding capabilities from Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”).This expansion culminated in the launch of a second joint Internal Research and Development (IRAD) stratospheric test flight that will enable continued testing of hardened communications systems.

The joint flight, which included an Aerostar Thunderhead Stratospheric Balloon system and a series of satellite communication (satcom) terminals, adapted for stratospheric operations on Aerostar’s high altitude balloon systems as well as Airbus’s highaltitude fixed wing platform Zephyr.

Prior to the test flight, a cross functional team of engineers from both companies modified the satcom terminals to reduce their weight and prepare them for the extreme environmental conditions associated with long-endurance operation in the stratosphere.

“Engineering teams from both companies have worked in a collaborative fashion over the past few months which, no-doubt, will allow both companies to profit from each other’s expertise on stratospheric operations and payload integration,” said Fabian Kluessendorf, Airbus U.S. UAS Engineering Director.

“Having the ability to relay high fidelity ISR data such as full motion video from anywhere in the world at real time is a massive step towards mission readiness for the U.S. DoD and our allies. Performing these developments jointly also paved the ground for future joint operations that exploit the complimentary character of these two stratospheric assets.”

The test flight, launched from Sioux Falls, S.D.enabled testing of hardened communications systems suitable to support ISR sensor applications from the stratosphere.

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Satellites, Startups, and Space Stations

Debra Facktor, AIRBUS Head of U.S. Space Systems U.S. Space & Defense Satellites and Startups

Named for the twin sister of Apollo in Greek mythology, Artemis II represents a powerful continuation of humanity’s journey into deep space honoring the legacy of the Apollo missions and boldly stepping into a new era of exploration.

Artemis II is NASA’s first mission to carry astronauts aboard its next-generation deep space system—the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft. Together, these groundbreaking technologies form the foundation of NASA’s mission to return humans to the Moon and venture even farther into the cosmos. This historic mission will send a crew of astronauts on a journey around the Moon, traveling farther than humans have ever gone before. As they venture into deep space, Artemis II will test and confirm that every system works with humans aboard while in the real environment of space beyond Earth’s protective orbit.

NASA Projects March 2026 Launch Date

Artemis II: The Gateway Mission “More than a test flight—it is a gateway mission.”

Image: NASA Meet the Crew of Artemis II (L-R) Jeremy Hansen Mission Specialist, Victor Glover Pilot, Reid Wiseman Commander, Christina Koch Mission Specialist

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BOOK CLUB SPACE

ENTREPRENEURSHIP READING

Charting New Horizons in the Space Economy

Igniting Curiosity. Expanding Space Knowledge

CHAD ANDERSON FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER SPACE CAPITAL The Space Economy by Chad Anderson offers an in-depth exploration of the transformative power and vast potential of the commercial space sector. As the Founding and Managing Partner of Space Capital, a seed-stage venture capital firm managing over $150 million in assets, Anderson draws on his extensive expertise to highlight the immense value being unlocked in space technology stacks, including GPS, geospatial intelligence, and communications.

Chad Anderson, an MBA graduate from the University of Oxford specializing in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, combines his academic foundation with practical experience to position The Space Economy as a must-read for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in understanding the next frontier of economic growth and technological advancement.

“Space Economy, Wall Street’s Next Trillion Dollar Industry” https://www.spacecapital.com/

Space Economy Predictions 54

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Because Space Is For Everyone