The Kentucky Space Summit

A statewide conversation on building Kentucky into a recognized nexus of the expanding global space economy.

Business, research, education, economic development, and policy leaders, along with creative thinkers from across the Commonwealth, will convene in Lexington on November 13, 2026, for the inaugural Kentucky Space Summit. Hosted by Kentucky Space Futures, the statewide forum will showcase Kentucky’s space ecosystem and explore opportunities to expand the state’s footprint in the rapidly growing global space economy, which is expected to exceed $1.7 trillion by 2035. The Summit will bring together interdisciplinary national space professionals and Kentucky stakeholders to explore how the Commonwealth can leverage its strengths in advanced space life sciences, manufacturing, aerospace, engineering, logistics, technology, workforce, and talent development to participate in emerging space-related markets.

The program will open with "Space: The Case for Kentucky," a discussion focused on the context and relevance of the space economy to Kentucky and the Commonwealth's growing role in space science, engineering, entrepreneurship, business development, and education.

Panel:

• Kris Kimel, Founder, Humanity In Deep Space and cofounder of Space Tango
• Terry Samuel, President, Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation
• David Brock, Executive Director, @Kentucky Innovation, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development

Featured presentations include:

Space Medicine: R&D Surrounding Human Health in Extended Space Missions
Dr. Tiffany Vora, President, Explore Mars
Vora will discuss the systems and technologies necessary to sustain human activity beyond Earth, including breakthroughs in medicine, artificial intelligence, robotics, nutrition, and supply chain solutions that have applications across multiple industries.

Exomedicine: R&D in Biotechnology and Health for Applications on Earth.
Dr. Meenal Datta, Professor Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Notre Dame University
Datta will explore how advances developed in microgravity are driving innovation in biotechnology and healthcare including cancer and neurogenerative conditions, creating new commercial opportunities for improving quality of life on Earth.

Building the Moon Base
Alain Berinstain, Director, Florida Space Institute at the University of Central Florida and Director, Florida Space Research Consortium
Berinstain will present a comprehensive look at the emerging lunar economy, addressing construction, power systems, habitats, subsurface exploration, life support, communications, advanced robotics, exologistics, infrastructure, legal frameworks and ethics associated with future settlements on the Moon.

The afternoon agenda will include "The Broader Kentucky Aerospace Ecosystem," a panel discussion highlighting Kentucky's existing assets, capabilities, and opportunities within the broader Kentucky aerospace sector, manufacturing, research, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic growth.

• Zach Morgan, Director, Workforce Development, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers

Going Forward

The Summit will conclude with an interactive discussion where a facilitated session, "Crafting a Kentucky Strategy: 5–10 Years," will allow participants to identify priorities, partnerships, and actionable next steps to help shape a long-term vision for Kentucky's participation in the space economy.

• Greg Schmidt, Space Science Advisor, Former Director, NASA Solar System Exploration Institute