Given the rapid progress taking place in the commercial space sector, the next few years will likely bring the development of dozens of operational spaceports all over the world. These spaceports will have the potential to serve as focal points and technology hubs for aerospace innovation, as well as to support increased access to space.  At the same time, we are seeing the development of a new class of aerospace vehicles that can travel between any two points on Earth within a couple of hours. Although many different design concepts have been proposed, the ability to conduct high-speed, long-distance transportation through space, initially for cargo, but eventually for people, will be a major game-changer, both for national security, and for economic competitiveness. This session will explore current prospects for such operations and discuss how they could be integrated with the emerging international spaceport network.

Moderator: Dr. George C. Neild - Chairman, Global Spaceport Alliance

Speakers:

Hidetaka Aoki - Co-Founder and Director, Space Port Japan
 

Giovanni DiAntonio - Director Technological Innovation, Italian Civil Aviation Authority
 

Stephen Camporeale - Country Director for UK and Europe, Australian Trade and Investment Commission
 

Alex Tai -  Chairman, New Frontier Aerospace
 

Khaki Rodway - Spaceplane Sales & Operations Director, Dawn Aerospace