TC Sessions: Space 2020 Agenda Revealed

TC Sessions: Space will take place on December 16th and 17th – marking our inaugural event entirely focused on the space sector. This live, virtual conference will span two days and showcase prominent figures from the space industry, encompassing government, commercial, and defense sectors.

We are pleased to welcome Kathryn Lueders, NASA’s head of the Human Spaceflight Office, Peter Beck, CEO and founder of Rocket Lab, General Jay Raymond, Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, Lisa Callahan, VP and head of Civil Space Programs at Lockheed Martin, and numerous other distinguished guests. Beyond the keynotes and panel conversations on the virtual stage, the event will offer networking opportunities, startup showcases, and a platform to connect with participants globally.

You will find the complete, official schedule for TC Sessions: Space detailed below. The two days are already full of valuable content, and we’ve also incorporated a comprehensive series of presentations from the top accelerators and funding sources within the industry. These sessions will provide insights into securing grant funding and even allow you to book one-on-one meetings with representatives from each program.

To participate in this event, you can purchase a ticket for exclusive live access to these sessions (along with on-demand video access), networking with the individuals driving innovation in the space industry, identification of promising early-stage companies, guidance on obtaining grants for your space venture, talent acquisition, or job searching – all for a price of $175. Group rates, student discounts, and special pricing for active military and government personnel are also available.

Wednesday, December 16

Asteroid Materials and Lunar Missions with Lisa Callahan (Lockheed Martin Space)

This session will explore both the scientific and practical aspects of solar system exploration, ranging from robotic collection of materials from asteroids to preparations for renewed human presence on the Moon.

Investment in Space: From Returned Samples to Financial Gains – An Investor Panel with Chris Boshuizen (DCVC), Mike Collett (Promus Ventures) and Tess Hatch (Bessemer Venture Partners)

A panel of investors will discuss the unique characteristics of the space market and whether these factors alter traditional approaches to equity investment.

Developing Successful Space Businesses Focused on Earth with Payam Banazadeh (Capella Space), Peter Platzer (Spire Global) and Rafal Modrzewski (ICEYE)

This discussion will focus on the commercial opportunities within the Earth observation sector of the space industry and future trends.

Sponsored by The Aerospace Corporation: Developing the Future Space Workforce with Steve Isakowitz (The Aerospace Corporation), Dava Newman (MIT) and Yannis C. Yortsos (University of Southern California)

Maintaining U.S. leadership in space requires a highly skilled workforce. This session will examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred innovation in education and training models for scientists and engineers. It will also explore collaborative efforts between universities and industry to create talent pipelines, foster diversity, and promote continuous learning for a digitally proficient and adaptable workforce.

Spotlight on Emerging Companies – Kayhan Space

We will feature a conversation with the founders who are driving innovation in the space sector. This segment highlights Araz Feyzi, co-founder and CTO of Kayhan Space, a company specializing in situational awareness for satellite operators.

Acquiring Technology to Enhance Space Security with Lt. General John Thompson (United States Space Force)

Lt. General Thompson will discuss the Space Force’s strategy for collaborating with non-traditional space startups and its acquisition of emerging technologies to safeguard the space domain.

Establishing New Launch Companies with Tim Ellis (Relativity Space), Chris Kemp (Astra) and Mandy Vaughn (Vox Space)

The launch services market is experiencing growth, but beyond SpaceX and Rocket Lab, few new space companies have achieved significant scale. This panel will feature the founders of companies aiming to become leaders in this field.

Spotlight on Emerging Companies – Firehawk Aerospace

We will feature a conversation with the founders who are driving innovation in the space sector. This segment highlights Will Edwards, CEO of Firehawk Aerospace, a company focused on the design and manufacture of custom rocket engines.

Designing the Kuiper Satellite Network with Dave Limp (Amazon)

Amazon is developing a global constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, representing a new type of product for Amazon SVP of Device & Services Dave Limp. He will discuss how Project Kuiper aligns with Amazon’s overall strategic objectives.

Connecting Past and Future Human Space Exploration with Kathryn Lueders (NASA)

Kathryn Lueders began her NASA career during the Space Shuttle era and now leads the Human Spaceflight Office as a new period of exploration begins. She will discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with new systems and technologies intended to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon, and potentially Mars.

Thursday, December 17

The TechCrunch Desk 

Join us at the TechCrunch Desk for a recap of key highlights from the event so far, and a look ahead at what’s still to come.

Space Defense: Collaboration Between Public and Private Sectors with General Jay Raymond (United States Space Force)

The commander of the U.S. Space Force will share insights into the challenges of safeguarding this emerging area of operations, and how the branch intends to collaborate with private companies to achieve its goals.

Taking Concepts to Orbit with Peter Beck (Rocket Lab)

Rocket Lab has rapidly established itself as a leading launch services provider. Its founder and CEO, Peter Beck, will detail the company’s strategy for increasing access to space through more affordable and efficient launch options, as well as its innovative satellite platform.

Founder Spotlight – Skyroot

We’ll be speaking with the founders who are poised to significantly impact the space industry. This session features Pawan Chandana, co-founder and CEO of Skyroot, with a vision to make space travel as commonplace, dependable, and cost-effective as air travel.

Connecting Current and Future Technologies with Meagan Crawford (SpaceFund) and J. Christopher Moran (Lockheed Martin Ventures)

Corporate venture capital funds are a vital source of funding for space-focused startups, often providing both investment and strategic partnerships. We’ll explore their role alongside traditional venture capital in driving the growth of the space ecosystem.

Navigating Sales to the Air Force with Will Roper (United States Air Force)

This discussion will focus on understanding the Air Force’s requirements and the most effective methods for successfully offering your products and services to them.

Networking Break

Our virtual platform facilitates networking through video chat, allowing attendees to build valuable connections. CrunchMatch, our intelligent matching system, will help you connect with relevant individuals, while a random matching feature is available for those seeking spontaneous interactions.

Founder Spotlight – Bluefield Technologies

We’ll be speaking with the founders who are poised to significantly impact the space industry. This session features Yotam Ariel, co-founder of Bluefield Technologies, a company specializing in satellite-based emissions data.

Establishing Connectivity in Space with John Gedmark (Astranis), Ben Longmeir (Swarm Technologies) and Mina Mitry (Kepler Communications)

Reliable data connectivity and communications are essential for the commercial viability of space and for future space exploration. Key industry leaders will discuss the current landscape and future trends.

The Future of Spacecraft Maintenance with Lucy Condakchian (Maxar Technologies), Daniel Faber (Orbit Fab) and Ron Lopez (Astroscale)

Currently, spacecraft operate independently once in orbit. This panel will examine the potential of in-space refueling, repair, upgrades, and decommissioning to revolutionize engineering and business practices.

Sustained Human Presence in Space with Amir Blachman (Axiom Space), Janet Kavandi (Sierra Nevada Corporation), Nujoud Merancy (NASA) and Melodie Yashar (SEArch+)

We are approaching a new era of space exploration focused on sustainability. This session will explore the advancements in commercial orbital habitats and preparations for extended missions to the Moon and beyond, and what is needed to make long-duration space stays feasible.

If you are interested in a sponsored speaking opportunity to share your expertise on stage with these distinguished speakers, please reach out to our sales team for more information!