As the backbone of space exploration and commercial activity, spaceports are facing unprecedented demand, technological advancements, and regulatory challenges. This session will explore how spaceports are evolving into economic powerhouses, driving innovation, job creation, and commercial expansion.
Key topics will include:
- The Spaceport Paradox – Addressing infrastructure challenges and funding gaps despite increasing launch demand.
- Next-Generation Infrastructure – Innovations in launch pads, reusability, and integration of emerging technologies.
- Regulatory and Policy Evolution – How governments, international coalitions, and private stakeholders can streamline policies to support new spaceports.
- Economic Growth & Investment – Spaceports as catalysts for regional and national competitiveness.
- The Global Spaceport Network – The need for resilient, distributed launch sites to ensure uninterrupted access to space.
With increasing congestion at traditional launch sites and growing recognition of space’s role in national security, commerce, and scientific progress, this session will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore solutions that will define the future of spaceport development.
Spaceports
Session Co-Chairs Info
Jose Molina
CEO & Co-founder, Puerto Rico Space Foundation
Jose Molina is a pioneering leader in Puerto Rico’s aerospace industry, with a career dedicated to advancing spaceport development, economic growth, and talent cultivation. As CEO and co-founder of the Puerto Rico Space Foundation (PRSF), he drives initiatives that position Puerto Rico as a key player in the global space sector. Molina’s expertise in spaceport development began with his Read More
Andrew Nelson
Vice President, Discipline Leader, Aerospace
Presentation Title: Panel: Spaceports: Barrier or Enabler to a Trillion Dollar Industry?
Andrew Nelson is a commercial space leader working with senior private and government officials across policy, technology, regulatory, and investment domains. As RS&H’s VP-Aerospace, Nelson focuses on spaceport infrastructure including planning, licensing, design, construction administration, and delivering turnkey fixtures. Nelson is Chairman of ASTM F47, Commercial Space Standards and a member of NFPA Committee 461, Spaceport Fire Protection. Nelson’s Read More
Spaceports Speakers
Michael Anderson
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Seagate
Presentation Title: Panel: Spaceports: Barrier or Enabler to a Trillion Dollar Industry?
Michael is a dynamic leader with a passion for bringing together diverse teams that can deliver novel ideas and innovations. His decade plus of experience in finance and strategy for maritime as well as aerospace, automotive, rail, and other transportation sectors has equipped him with a unique ability to tackle challenges requiring cross-industry collaboration and insight. Michael’s career has Read More
Ari Eisenstat
International Futurist, University of Hawai'i
Presentation Title: Fireside Chat: New Developments for Ocean-based Launch
Ari Eisenstat is an International Futurist at the University of Hawai’i – Research Center for Future Studies and Matsunaga Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution. As an Instructor in Human Rights, Human Spaceflight, Space Exploration Technology, Earth Science and Astrobiology, Ari designs courses and research on the future of humanity on Earth and beyond. Ari serves as Chair of Read More
Sakurako Kuba
Graduate Student Researcher, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Presentation Title: Sky to Space: Cape Canaveral Congestion and Its Impact on Airspace and Upcoming Space Operations on Florida’s East Coast
Sakurako Kuba received a B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and an M.S. degree in Aeronautics with a specialization in Space Studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Currently, Sakurako is a PhD candidate in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Her research focuses on aviation and aerospace Read More
Rich Lamb
Systems Director, The Aerospace Corporation
Presentation Title: U.S. Spaceports: A Call to Action
Rich Lamb is the Systems Director for the Spaceport of the Future at the Aerospace Corporation. He has been a systems engineer for 20 years, supporting the U.S. Space Force’s launch and test range missions from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base. Prior to that, he served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force in Read More
Tom Marotta
CEO & Founder, The Spaceport Company
Presentation Title: Fireside Chat: New Developments for Ocean-based Launch
Tom Marotta is the CEO and Founder of The Spaceport Company. He is trained as a city planner, served the United States as a diplomat in Europe, Africa, and Iraq, helped write spaceport regulations for the FAA, and helped set up Astra’s first Florida launch pad in record time. The Spaceport Company holds two active DOD contracts, has launched Read More
Scott A. McLaughlin
Engineer, Spaceport America
Presentation Title: Panel: Spaceports: Barrier or Enabler to a Trillion Dollar Industry?
Scott A. McLaughlin is a seasoned executive and engineer with a diverse background spanning private industry and government service. Over the course of his career, he has held roles ranging from technician and production manager to researcher, design engineer, sales lead, and executive, equipping him with a rare ability to lead with insight into all levels of technical and Read More
