Registration now open for inaugural Business of Space Conference

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) College of Business will host the inaugural Business of Space Conference to focus on economics, commerce and sustainability of new space. Registration is now open for the gathering that will unite space industry professionals from across the nation on April 21-23 on the campus of UAH, a part of the University of Alabama System.

Registration will close on April 12. The cost is $525. There is a discounted rate for those who register by March 8, and special rates are available for military, federal government, academia and National Space Club members.

The conference aims to influence conversations surrounding space economics and commerce through idea sharing, engagement and the cultivation of professional connections among researchers, academics, policymakers and industry trailblazers. It is spearheaded by Dr. Anthony D’Costa, professor of economics and an eminent scholar of global studies at UAH and the editor of “The Oxford Handbook on the ‘New’ Space Economy.”

The program will feature distinguished speakers, including keynote addresses by Dr. Tina Highfill and Dr. Matthew Weinzierl. Highfill is a senior research economist at the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis who has been working to create satellite account statistics that better capture the size of the space economy. Weinzierl is a professor of business administration in the Business, Government, and the International Economy Unit at Harvard Business School. He is also a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research.

“The transformative impact of new space technologies is reshaping the economic landscape,” says D’Costa. “It is a pivotal time in space commerce because the initial players will influence the standards moving forward. Collaboration is critical to ensure long-term sustainability for the continued growth of the new space market.”

Huntsville has a rich history of aerospace innovation dating back to the pioneering work of Dr. Wernher von Braun and his team, who developed the rockets that sent the first man to the moon, igniting a passion for U.S. space exploration. Since then, Huntsville has been a hub for technological advancement, earning it the nickname “Rocket City.” It is also home to one of NASA’s largest facilities – Marshall Space Flight Center.

Statewide, Alabama is a key player in the aerospace economy and ranks among the top five states for aerospace engineers. It is home to more than 300 aerospace companies from 30 countries, including industry giants like Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Nestled among these organizations is UAH, a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution strategically positioned in the heart of Cummings Research Park, the second largest research park in the United States. The university’s proximity to industry leaders encourages collaboration for the advancement of aerospace innovation.

“As we push the boundaries of space exploration, new economic opportunities emerge. This is an incredibly exciting time for business,” says Dr. Jason T. Greene, dean of the UAH College of Business. “This conference will bring together industry pioneers eager to exchange ideas and influence the trajectory of space commerce, building on UAH’s reputation for innovation. We are incredibly fortunate to have leaders like Dr. Anthony D’Costa and Dr. Hank Alewine as part of the UAH College of Business faculty who are helping to shape the future of research into space commerce and the new space economy.”

To learn more about the Business of Space Conference and to register, visit opce.uah.edu/BusinessofSpace.