THE COUNTDOWN has begun for Space Summit 2026 to take place in Singapore next month as the global space industry pivots towards a new era of commercialisation.
Industry leaders and aeronautical specialists will gather at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, February 2-3 to chart strategies for orbital commerce amid surging demand for connectivity, Earth observation and in-space services.
A spokesperson for organisers Experia Events said the summit comes at an important time. Falling launch costs and maturing technologies have propelled satellite constellations into the mainstream, shifting the sector from government-led initiatives to a market-driven phase.
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Success now hinges on execution, integration and regulatory clarity – and Asia Pacific is emerging as a powerhouse in this transformation, they said.
Asia Pacific is one of the world’s fastest-growing space markets, and its influence is expanding across manufacturing, launch services and downstream applications. From established space powers to dynamic new entrants, regional players are building specialised capabilities to meet soaring demand for disaster resilience, connectivity and Earth observation.
Examples of this momentum comes from companies such as Addvalue, Eartheye, GomSpace and Satrec Initiative, supported by investment, cross-border partnerships and policy frameworks that are embedding Asia Pacific deeper into the global space value chain.
Organisers say that with Asia Pacific’s ascent in the space industry, and a renewed focus on diversity and collaboration, Space Summit 2026 promises to be more than a conference – it is shaping up as a launchpad for the next chapter of the global space economy.
They added that the regional surge is not just about hardware. It signals a broader integration of Asia Pacific economies into the commercial space ecosystem, creating opportunities for collaboration and innovation that could redefine global competitiveness.
WOMEN BOLDLY GO
Space Summit 2026 will also spotlight leadership diversity, with senior female executives taking prominent roles across panels and discussions. Among them are Dr Gay Jane Perez of the Philippine Space Agency, Alexandra Vidyuk of Beyond Earth Ventures, and Marion Andrieux of Infinite Orbits, alongside leaders from NASA, GalaxySpace and Tototheo Global. Their presence underscores a growing commitment to inclusive decision-making in an industry traditionally dominated by men – a shift that many see as vital for fostering innovation and resilience.
“As a Founding Partner of Space Summit 2026, ST Engineering believes that collaboration, talent development and cross-industry partnerships are essential to unlocking the full potential of the global space sector. The Summit provides a vital platform for connecting ideas, capabilities and people to drive the next phase of the industry’s growth,” said Goh Ing Nam, General Manager, Satellite Systems & Geo-Insights, ST Engineering.
Michael Schoellhorn, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Defence & Space, added: “Space has always symbolised possibility and pioneering, but today it is becoming a foundation for economic growth, environmental stewardship, national resilience and security, and for human progress.”
Panels will explore innovations in launcher technology, the economics of in-space manufacturing and servicing, and the frameworks needed to de-risk capital-intensive ventures. Confirmed participants include space agencies from Brazil, Europe, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, the UAE and Thailand, alongside NASA.
