April 2, 2026

Global Space and Defense Industry Descends on Colorado Springs for 2026 Space Symposium

Photo Courtesy: Space Foundation

“The Davos of Space” to Draw Record Attendance Amid Heightened National Defense Activity and Growing International Aerospace Ambitions.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (April 2, 2026) – Colorado Springs, the Rocky Mountain home of America’s aerospace and defense industries, will host the 41st Space Symposium and its 12,000 expected attendees from April 13-16. Organized by Space Foundation, and colloquially known as the “Davos of Space,” the event brings together influential defense and space leaders from over 60 countries. Participants will include military officials, government agencies, and aerospace experts, as well as the commercial companies that make up the backbone of the nation’s defense system. The four-day event will consist of major policy announcements, new technology unveilings and extensive dialogue around global outer space efforts.

With the United States in the international spotlight for its heightened security focus at home and defense initiatives abroad–as well as its growing space ambitions–this year’s Space Symposium will serve as a collegial backdrop for leaders to discuss both domestic and global advancements.

In year’s past, the Space Symposium has hosted major milestones, such as the 2024 unveiling of the Space Force’s Commercial Space Strategy, and Jeff Bezos’ 2017 address in which he outlined his vision for Blue Origin’s New Shepard capsule. The exhibition halls have similarly hosted a plethora of groundbreaking technologies, including models of the James Webb Space Telescope and Blue Ghost lunar lander, illustrating the “Future of Space.”

Notable attendees and speakers at this year’s conference will include:

  • Jared Isaacman, Administrator, NASA
  • B. Chance Saltzman, USSF, Chief of Space Operations, U.S. Space Force
  • Stephen N. Whiting, USSF, Commander, U.S. Space Command
  • Dr. Troy Meink, Secretary of the Air Force
  • Josef Aschbacher – Director General, European Space Agency
  • Lisa Campbell, President, Canadian Space Agency
  • Enrico Palermo, Head, Australian Space Agency

“Just as Davos unites global economic leaders, Colorado Springs has become a premier hub for the international space community,” said Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President & CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. “The Space Symposium brings together top decision-makers from over 60 countries, offering a trusted space for major announcements and genuine cooperation, even in a complex global climate.”

Through a range of panels, speaking sessions and briefings, the 2026 Symposium will highlight topics like:

  • Contested satellite maneuvering as the new battlefield
  • Artificial intelligence’s role in extraterrestrial missions
  • The convergence of national security and private space operations
  • Lunar economics and the future of outer space construction

Home to Peterson Space Force Base, U.S. Northern Command, and NORAD, Colorado Springs plays a pivotal role in the nation’s aerospace, defense, and missile‑warning operations. Leveraging its concentration of military and space assets, the region is also well positioned to support emerging national initiatives such as the Golden Dome missile‑defense system.

Founded in 1984 at the height of the Cold War, Space Symposium has become an essential event for world leaders to discuss joint missions and future areas for international coordination.

“The annual Space Symposium reinforces Colorado Springs’ position as one of the world’s most operationally important centers for space and defense,” said Maj. Gen. Heather L. Pringle, USAF (Ret.), Chief Executive Officer of Space Foundation. “As a neutral convener, Space Foundation brings together government leaders, industry executives, and international partners to address the most pressing challenges facing the space domain. We are proud of our 40-year partnership with the Broadmoor and the City of Colorado Springs – an enduring relationship anchored in a region that plays a critical role in how space operations are conducted, secured, and advanced globally.”

You can read more about the Space Symposium and register to attend here.