The global space industry’s largest annual conference took place April 7-10 at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. While attending this year’s 40th Space Symposium, Steven Jordan Tomaszewski, vice president for space systems at AIA, highlights key trends shaping the future of national security and commercial space. From the ambitious Golden Dome missile defense initiative to challenges in the space supply chain and workforce development, Tomaszewski discusses how emerging technologies, shifting policies, and global competition are driving innovation.
What are the biggest takeaways from this year’s Symposium so far? Any surprising trends or insights?
The Golden Dome initiative was a major topic of discussion at this year’s Symposium. Initially stemming from an Executive Order titled “The Iron Dome for America,” this ambitious missile warning and missile defense initiative aims to modernize and upgrade capabilities. A significant component involves tracking missiles using satellites and even having space-based interceptors. Leaders from the US Space Force, Missile Defense Agency and other organizations spoke to the challenges and opportunities for national security space in implementing the vision for new space systems, and we can expect this conversation to continue.
Space exploration and defense are evolving rapidly. What emerging technologies do you see having the biggest impact?
Two key technology themes that emerged from Symposium this year were proliferation of satellite systems and new space launch entrants. Some satellite architectures have evolved from having just a few satellites to thousands of proliferated systems. Traditionally a bottleneck to space, launch is now seeing new launch vehicles coming online and being certified for national security missions, which is significantly reducing costs for space exploration and space defense.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the aerospace and defense industry when it comes to space?
Space-specific supply chain challenges are some of the most critical. The rapid growth of new proliferated satellite architectures has outpaced the industry’s ability to produce components at scale that meet the stringent demands of operating in the harsh environment of space. With new private investment in the industry, as well as partnerships with government agencies looking to strengthen the industrial base, the Aerospace Industries Association will remain engaged in solving space supply chain challenges and continue to look for solutions which maintain America’s leadership in space manufacturing.
How is AIA working to support industry growth amid shifting regulatory frameworks and government policies?
A new presidential administration comes with opportunities to bring fresh perspectives to current ways of doing business and regulating the space industry. AIA is working with our nearly 300 member companies to come up with new ideas on how to maintain safety across the aerospace industry while minimizing the regulatory burden to industry.
With the increasing number of commercial space launches, what steps should the industry take to ensure sustainable and secure space operations?
Launch is so much more than just space launch vehicles and launch pads. Launch systems depend on supporting infrastructure to include water transit systems, payload processing, propellant storage, ground tracking and telemetry systems, and more. Government can unlock the potential of the commercial space industry by dramatically increasing investments and programs to support space launch infrastructure.
What are the top policy priorities for the US in maintaining leadership in space?
The Aerospace Industries Association recently released our space priorities for 2025, outlining the top actions government can take to better empower the space industry to grow and thrive – – like adequate resources for key government space offices and national security space and maintaining a robust exploration program. Readers are encouraged to check out these priorities to understand what nearly 300 companies across the aerospace and defense industry agree on to maintain America’s leadership in space.
How can the industry improve workforce development to meet the demand for specialized talent in space and aerospace fields?
Industry needs to increase focus not just on top notch engineering and science fields, but also work to grow the skilled technical workforce who builds satellites and launch vehicles. Welders, machinists, and other skilled technical workers are in high demand across the space industry and new entrants need to be trained to keep up with industry projected growth.
How do you see the future of space defense evolving, especially given geopolitical tensions and increasing private-sector involvement?
Space is becoming increasingly important for national defense application. A key focus in national security space is the protection and defense of satellite architectures, as well as the capability to threaten adversary satellite systems during conflicts. As potential adversary nations develop and deploy new counterspace threat systems, it is crucial that US remains prepared.
After attending the Symposium, what are some key action items or discussions you’ll take back to AIA?
The space industry is growing worldwide, and for America to maintain its leadership in space, close collaboration between governments and the space industry is essential. Governments around the world must understand the new, innovative capabilities coming from the private sector and effectively integrate new space systems into existing architectures.
__________________________________
If you like this article, sign up for Smartbrief’s AIA DailyLead newsletter for free.