New Space Economy Forum
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 - 9:00am - 6:30pm
NEW SPACE ECONOMY FORUM
For the people building Southern California’s space economy.
Southern California is home to a dense concentration of space companies, technical talent, investment, and research capabilities. The New Space Economy Forum will bring together founders, operators, investors, public-sector partners, technical experts, and university partners working across this ecosystem.
Join us for focused conversations on the technologies, infrastructure, commercialization pathways, funding, and partnerships shaping what comes next. The Forum is designed to create useful connections across the ecosystem and encourage a candid exchange about the opportunities and challenges facing the region.
Discussions will span the technologies, operations, and funding shaping the next phase of the space economy.
Throughout the day, participants will have dedicated time to meet others working across the ecosystem, compare perspectives, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Attendees may also engage with USC faculty, researchers, and selected student groups whose work is relevant to the space sector.
By convening people across industry, capital, government, and academia, USC aims to strengthen the relationships that will shape the next phase of Southern California’s space economy.
The New Space Economy Forum is hosted by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, the USC Stevens School of Computing & AI, and the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Schedule: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
9:00am - 9:25am - Arrival, Check-in, Continental Breakfast
9:30am - 9:35am – Welcome and Introduction, Dean Gaurav Sukhatme
9:35am - 9:40am – Opening Remarks
9:45am - 10:40am – Panel 1: Propulsion and Launch Technology
10:45am - 11:40am – Panel 2: Remote Sensing and Geospatial Intelligence
11:45am - 12:55pm – Lunch, Networking, and PhD Poster Session
1:00pm - 1:35pm - Keynote Speaker
1:40pm - 2:35pm – Panel 3: Spacecraft, Autonomy, and Operations
2:40pm - 3:35pm - Panel 4: Human Permanence in Space
3:35pm - 3:50pm - Break
3:55pm - 4:15pm - Spotlight Talk: Microelectronics & Computing Technology for Space
4:20pm - 5:15pm - Panel 5: Funding The New Space Economy
5:20pm - 5:30pm - Closing Remarks
5:30pm - 6:30pm – Networking Reception with USC Faculty and Selected Student Design Teams and Organizations (Location: Korean Air Convergence Plaza)
Check Back Soon For More Details!
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Space Engineering Research Center (SERC) – https://www.isi.edu/centers-serc/
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The Laboratory for Autonomous Systems in Exploration and Robotics (LASER) - https://usclaser.github.io/
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Robot Locomotion And Navigation Dynamics (RoboLAND) - https://sites.google.com/usc.edu/roboland
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Microwave Systems, Sensors and Imaging Lab (MiXIL) - https://mixil.usc.edu/
- Spatial Sciences Institute (SSI) - https://dornsife.usc.edu/spatial/
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USC Defense Ready Electronics and Microdevices Superhub (CA DREAMS) - https://ca-dreams.org/
Become a Sponsor
Contact Us
For any questions about the program, registration, or sponsorhip, please contact:
Maurena Nacheff-Benedict (maurena.nacheff-benedict@usc.edu); Assistant Dean, Corporate and Foundation Relations
Candace House Teixeira (housec@usc.edu); Associate Dean of Corporate Engagement and Programs
Location
The 'New Space Economy Forum' will be hosted at the USC University Park Campus, Ginsburg Hall
Ginsburg Hall - MAP
1031 Downey Way
Los Angeles, CA 90089
The reception will be held on the Korean Air Convergence Plaza
Published on August 13th, 2026
Last updated on September 11th, 2026