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.
To create a truly impactful and memorable environment for attendees, the Spaceports session is being completely reimagined as an Interactive Community Round-Table Forum.
This highly engaging experience transforms our expert speakers into Spaceport Synergy Sector Specialists and elevates our audience members into active Spaceport Community Stakeholders. Join us for a fluid, high-level collaborative dialogue designed to spark real action and long-term impact.
Spaceports
Session Chair Info
Robert Katz
CEO and Executive Director of the World Innovation Network
Robert Katz is a visionary leader and strategist dedicated to advancing space innovation, national security, and education. With nearly four decades of experience in space strategy, technology, and policy, Katz has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration and development. As the CEO and Executive Director of the World Innovation Network (WIN), a nonprofit space think tank, Katz has been instrumental in fostering global collaboration and Read More
Spaceports
Session Speakers Info
Tony Boone
Director of Tourism & Economic Development & Spaceport, City of Sierra Vista
Tony has served the City of Sierra Vista in Economic Development since 2017. As of 2023, he is now the Director, overseeing business retention, expansion, attraction programs, tourism strategies, Association of Defense Communities and DoD’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. Tony is the Director for the Air and Space Port in licensing and future growth. He is a retired US Army military intelligence colonel with combat experience in both Read More
Jared Freedman
Founder & CEO, Orbital Bridge LLC
Jared Freedman is Founder and CEO of Orbital Bridge LLC, focused on scalable space access infrastructure and next-generation launch architectures. He is the holder of U.S. Patent 11,987,391, a novel launch system centered on lowering launch costs, increasing cadence, and improving environmental sustainability. Freedman is a fourth-generation entrepreneur and technologist with prior experience spanning software systems, AI, analytics, mobile platforms, simulation, and advanced concept development. His work emphasizes practical pathways Read More
Andrew Nelson
Vice President, Discipline Leader, RS&H’s Aerospace Practice
Andrew Nelson is a long-time leader in the commercial space industry, currently serving as Vice President and National Discipline Leader for RS&H’s Aerospace Practice. He oversees aerospace consulting, spaceport planning, licensing, infrastructure engineering, and building projects. Nelson chairs ASTM F47 – Commercial Space Standards and is on NFPA Committee 461, Spaceports. He was the President and COO of XCOR Aerospace and led his own space consultancy, where among other accomplishments, Read More
Khalia Padilla
CEO, Imagine Engine Studios
Khalia builds the infrastructure behind the next generation of AI, space, and photonic systems. They are the founder & CEO of Imagine Engine, private space agency working as a venture studio where we design and scale AI-powered accelerators, frontier technology platforms, and global innovation ecosystems at the intersection of space, photonics, and advanced computing. Their work focuses on AI-driven accelerator platforms, photonic & optical communication infrastructure, space and deep-tech commercialization, Read More
Annette Parks
Space Licensing Principal, Zeno Power Systems, Inc.
Annette is currently working at Zeno Power Systems, Inc. as the Space Licensing Principal, meaning her responsibility is to secure launch approvals for Zeno’s radioisotope power systems. Previously, Annette was an Aerospace Engineer at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST). During her 10+ years at FAA/AST, Annette helped launch vehicle and site operators develop their application, monitored licensees’ compliance as a Safety Inspector, and evaluated Read More
James Anthony Wolff
Partner, Greenspoon Marder LLP
James Anthony Wolff is a partner at Greenspoon Marder LLP and a space, AI, and emerging technologies attorney focused on the legal and capital architecture of frontier industries. His work spans space policy, planetary defense finance, and the structuring of mission-driven ventures operating at the intersection of law, science, and long-term risk. In 2023, he was a co-founder recipient of a NASA award for advanced space systems research, followed by Read More