TC Sessions: Space 2022

Dept. of the Air Force’s Frank Calvelli talks startups and the military at TC Sessions: Space • ZebethMedia

By zebethcontrolPosted on November 17, 2022Posted in Space, TC Sessions: Space 2022No Comments

The success of the commercial space sector, in both significantly reducing the cost of technology and massively increasing its capabilities, has captured the attention of the U.S. military. That attention translates into growing interest in startups and how they might secure the space domain for the U.S. and its allies. Frank Calvelli, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisitions and Integration, is charged with bridging the gap between commercial and defense space operations. We are thrilled to announce that Cavelli will join us onstage for a one-on-one conversation at TC Sessions: Space on December 6 in Los Angeles. The U.S. military has signaled that it intends to deepen its relationships with the startup sector — in the space domain in particular. Just one example of projects integrating private space startups and the military is the Air Force’s Rocket Cargo project, which explores using commercial space rocket technology to provide fast, low-cost deliveries for the military. While an Air Force C-17 aircraft can transport 100 tons of cargo across the planet, it can take days, whereas a rocket can do it in 90 minutes. It’s worth noting that the Air Force included $47.9 million for rocket cargo research alone in its fiscal 2022 budget. We’re interested in learning how Cavelli defines the ideal relationship between the U.S. defense apparatus and the startups and private vendors it taps. We’ll also ask him what problems they want their commercial partners to solve, how startups can apply for funding, and the best way to work with the Air Force acquisitions engine he oversees. We reckon this is an essential conversation for startups eager to learn more about collaborative opportunities within the growing commercial-military space sector. Frank Calvelli is responsible for all architecture and integration with respect to acquisition of space systems and programs in the armed forces. He chairs the Space Acquisition Council, where he oversees and directs the space acquisition centers in the Department of the Air Force. He also serves as the DAF service acquisition executive for Space Systems and Programs. Calvelli has more than 34 years of experience in national security space acquisitions, operations and leadership in the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the Central Intelligence Agency. Prior to joining the Department of the Air Force, Calvelli served for eight years as the principal deputy director of the NRO, where he managed the day-to-day operations of the more than 3,500 people. TC Sessions: Space takes place on December 6 in Los Angeles. Buy your pass today, join us to learn about the latest trends in commercial-military space collaboration, see cutting-edge technology, and network for opportunities to help you build a better, stronger startup. Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TC Sessions: Space? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form.

Students — Shoot for the stars at TC Sessions: Space • ZebethMedia

By zebethcontrolPosted on November 16, 2022Posted in Space, tc sessions space, TC Sessions: Space 2022No Comments

Space technology — it’s incredibly complex, challenging and expensive on an epic scale. It will also impact humanity in ways we both can and can’t yet imagine. It’s the ultimate cutting-edge technology, and it requires a deep bench of brilliant thinkers and makers. If you’re a student with your head in the stars — whether you want to build the tech or fund those who do — TC Sessions: Space, which takes place on December 6 in Los Angeles, will help you move closer to your dream. It’s vital to support the next generation, so we’re offering a deeply discounted price exclusively for students. Buy a pass for just $45 (a $450 savings) to hear from and connect with the most influential people in the space industry, across public, private and defense sectors. Like who? Well, for starters, you’ll hear from Dr. Carolyn Mercer, chief technologist for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. Among other things, she’ll discuss the agency’s tech and science ambitions and priorities in the Artemis era. We’re also hosting Peter Beck, CEO and founder of Rocket Lab; Frank Calvelli, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisitions; Amela Wilson, CEO of Nanoracks; and many more. Whether you’re searching for an internship, a mentor, a post-doc gig or a potential co-founder, you won’t find a better atmosphere for networking with hundreds of engineers, founders, students, investors, executives, and military and government officials in the house. Use our event app to find people you want to connect with, schedule 1:1 meetings, and start exploring the many potential opportunities. TC Sessions: Space takes place on December 6 in Los Angeles. Students looking to work in this challenging, rapidly evolving industry — across public, private or defense domains — buy your $45 pass today, join us in L.A., and get your career track flying at warp speed. Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TC Sessions: Space? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form.

Space in Los Angeles • ZebethMedia

By zebethcontrolPosted on November 15, 2022Posted in Space, TC Sessions: Space 2022No Comments

ZebethMedia Sessions: Space is back! Happening December 6 — our third dedicated space event. This is a live, in-person event featuring the most influential people in the space industry, across the public, private and defense sectors. This year saw the commercial space industry undergo a lot of change, including significant consolidation and new entrants in the orbital private launch category and a renewed focus on public-private partnerships in the realm of national defense. It was a year of expansion in some cases and of contraction in others, including in the realm of venture spending on the sector. We also saw dramatic changes to international relations, threatening even our long-standing cooperation with Russia on orbital science. We’re thrilled to be hosting Thomas Zurbuchen of NASA; Frank Calvelli, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisitions; Carolyn Mercer of NASA; and many more. In addition to the firesides and panel discussions on the main stage, the event will also include networking, startup exhibits and the chance to connect with attendees from around the world. It’s a packed day already, but we’ve got some extra surprises in store, so keep an eye on the website over the coming weeks for more great speakers and sessions we’re adding. Backing Big Bets in Uncertain Times with Jory Bell (Playground), Mark Boggett (Seraphim Capital) and Emily Henriksson (RootVC) With VC spend cool in general, and particularly when it comes to space-related startups, what are the current priorities of investors who have backed space startups in the past? If we’re settling in for a relatively long economic downturn, what should startups expect from private space capital looking ahead to 2023? Looking to Startups to Help Secure Space with Frank Calvelli (U.S. Air Force) The commercial space sector has succeeded in driving down the cost of space-based technology while massively increasing its capabilities. The U.S. defense apparatus has traditionally favored legacy industry partners, but it’s shown a growing interest in turning to startups and new space companies to secure the space domain for the U.S. and its allies, and we’ll hear why and how from Frank Calvelli, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisitions and Integration. Gearing Up the Next Generation of Scientists, Explorers and Robots with Carolyn Mercer, NASA As Chief Technologist of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Carolyn Mercer has her finger on the pulse of countless projects to explore and understand our planet and solar system. As priorities and methods shift in the Artemis era, Mercer can speak to how tech helps us move forward, and what NASA’s unique insights and well of talent can put it to use. ZebethMedia Space Pitch-off with Jory Bell (Playground), Mark Boggett (Seraphim Capital), Tess Hatch (Bessemer Venture Partners), Emily Henriksson (RootVC) The industry’s brightest entrepreneurs will take the stage in front of a live audience and a panel of industry experts, pitching revolutionary technologies. Space Workforce 2030: Inspiring, Preparing and Employing the Next Generation with Steve Isakowitz (The Aerospace Corporation) | Sponsored The dawning space age offers enormous opportunities to explore new frontiers, grow the economy on orbit and strengthen our security. Making the most of this momentous time calls for an innovative workforce that can leverage diverse experiences and perspectives to solve the hard problems we’ll encounter. The Space Workforce 2030 pledge is a first-of-its-kind effort launched earlier this year that is bringing together more than 30 of the country’s leading space companies to work collaboratively to increase diversity across our industry to build a vibrant workforce for the future. Hear from space leaders about the work they’re doing to inspire, prepare and employ the next generation of scientists and engineers and how you can play a part in supporting this vital mission. Asking and Answering Humanity’s Biggest Questions with Thomas Zurbuchen (NASA) After 6 years heading up NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Thomas Zurbuchen is a familiar face to anyone who has followed the agency’s many interplanetary and orbital missions. Now ready to move on to his next chapter, Zurbuchen will speak to how NASA, its mission, and the science it performs are changing — but more important than ever. Striking a Balance in Dual Use with Awais Ahmed (Pixxel), Pete Muend (National Reconnaissance Office), and Melanie Stricklan (Slingshot) As commercially developed space technology becomes increasingly common in government and defense operations, companies face the question of how closely to embrace that side of the industry. How can startups and growing companies better understand and navigate the complex world of dual use? Building Out Commercial Operations in Orbit with Steve Jurczyk (Quantum Space), Col. Joseph Roth (US Space Force) A new crop of companies are working on establishing permanent commercial operations in orbit and on the moon. But they likely won’t be able to do it without partnerships with government and defense. We’ll talk to leaders from Quantum Space, ispace and the United States Space Force about how these partnerships can foster a thriving orbital economy.

Playground, Seraphim and Root VCs talk funding trends at TC Sessions: Space • ZebethMedia

By zebethcontrolPosted on November 14, 2022Posted in Space, tc sessions space, TC Sessions: Space 2022No Comments

It’s no secret that VC spending in 2022 did not take a page from the wild funding spree that was 2021. This year’s more measured approach has had a cooling effect — particularly on space-related startups. In Q3 alone, investments in 79 space companies hit $3.4 billion — down 44% from Q3 2021. Still, some prognosticators report that while space investments continue to decline, some sectors are more resilient than others. This is why we’re thrilled that Jory Bell, general partner at Playground Global; Mark Boggett, CEO and managing partner at Seraphim Capital; and Emily Henriksson, principal at Root Venture, will join us onstage for a panel discussion at TC Sessions: Space on December 6 in Los Angeles. In a session called “Backing Big Bets in Uncertain Times,” these panelists will discuss the current mindset and priorities of investors who have previously backed space startups. We’re curious to get their take on whether sectors — like remote sensing, which provides critical information to both governments and enterprises during increasingly uncertain times — might be better insulated from macroeconomic trends like high interest rates and inflation. And, if we are in for an extended economic downturn, what should startups expect from private space capital in 2023? We have questions, and these folks should provide valuable insights during a compelling discussion. Jory Bell sourced some of Playground Global’s earliest investments, including Nervana Systems (acquired by Intel). His first three investments at the firm are now unicorns and one, Velo3D, went public last year. Bell leads the firm’s investment efforts in deep tech areas, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, computational therapeutics, energy, genomics, materials, next-gen computing, quantum and synthetic biology. His investment portfolio includes Mangata Networks, Relativity Space and Strand Therapeutics to name a few. Mark Boggett, a pioneer in space tech investment, co-founded the Seraphim Space Fund and invested in a portfolio that includes three companies that have achieved billion-dollar valuations. Previously, Boggett served as director at YFM Equity Partners, the firm behind the high-profile British Smaller Companies VCT 1 and 2. Boggett also worked at Brewin Dolphin and Williams de Broë. He completed his undergraduate degree in accounting and finance, and he received a master’s in economics and finance from the University of Leeds. Emily Henriksson is a principal at Root Ventures, a firm focused on investing in three areas: tools and infrastructure, low-cost robotics, and hardware and data science. Prior to joining Root, she worked as a propulsion engineer and designed flight hardware for the SpaceX Falcon and supervised vehicle build for schedule-critical missions. Henriksson also worked on the Model 3 battery module team at Tesla. She holds MS and BS degrees in mechanical engineering from Stanford and an MBA from Harvard Business School. TC Sessions: Space takes place on December 6 in Los Angeles. Buy your pass today, join us to learn about the latest space investment trends, see cutting-edge technology, and network for opportunities to help you build a better, stronger startup. Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TC Sessions: Space? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form.

Space and get a free pass to ZebethMedia Disrupt 2023 • ZebethMedia

By zebethcontrolPosted on November 13, 2022Posted in Space, TC Sessions: Space 2022No Comments

It takes a lot of people to bring a tech conference to life, and we’re looking for incredible people to support our events team and help make TC Sessions: Space an amazing experience for our attendees. If you’re incredible (heck, you know you are) or interested in space technology, tech startups, event planning — or all of the above — apply to volunteer at TC Sessions: Space, which takes place on December 6 in Los Angeles, California. It’s a great way to see what it takes to produce a world-class conference. We expect more than 1,000 people at this event, and volunteers will handle a variety of tasks. At any given time, you might help with registration, wrangle speakers, direct attendees, scan tickets or help with general event setup. What’s in it for you? Fair question. If you’re selected, not only will you get a behind-the-scenes look at how events are produced, but you’ll also earn a free pass to attend ZebethMedia Disrupt 2023 in San Francisco on September 19–21. Plus, when you complete your volunteer shift, you can attend the interviews, presentations and breakout sessions. Just some of the speakers gracing our stage include: Frank Calvelli, assistant secretary, Air Force for Space Acquisitions and Integration Steve Jurczyk, co-founder and CEO, Quantum Space Carolyn Mercer, chief technologist, NASA Melanie Stricklan, co-founder and CEO, Slingshot Aerospace Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, NASA And, of course, be sure to check out the early-stage startups exhibiting their latest space tech on the show floor. Volunteer spots are limited. If you want to gain valuable event experience, take in all the galactic goodness and earn a free pass to ZebethMedia Disrupt 2023, apply to volunteer at TC Sessions: Space by November 22 to be considered!

Engage with Aerospace Corp, Mynaric and Otter at TC Sessions: Space • ZebethMedia

By zebethcontrolPosted on November 11, 2022Posted in Space, tc sessions space, TC Sessions: Space 2022No Comments

We’re getting ready to launch our third TC Sessions: Space conference on December 6 in Los Angeles, and we still feel the thrill associated with space technology and the intrepid early-stage startup founders and researchers who dare to explore the possibilities beyond the boundaries of our home planet — and beyond what we thought possible. If you’ve got rocket fuel running in your veins, don’t miss the chance to learn the latest developments within the space economy — from manned space travel, colonization and communications to earth observation data, manufacturing, and even war, in space. Countdown to launch: Buy a pass now for just $199 — full price is $495 — and get ready to join the spacefaring ecosystem on December 6. We’re not quite ready to reveal the full agenda, but we’re thrilled to share that you’ll hear from distinguished experts like Dr. Carolyn Mercer, chief technologist for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate; Peter Beck, the CEO and founder of Rocket Lab; Frank Calvelli, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisitions; and Amela Wilson, the CEO of Nanoracks, to name but a few. Like all ZebethMedia events, TC Sessions: Space is designed to help founders and early-stage startups build stronger businesses. But it’s not just us — our event partners are equally committed to your success. ZebethMedia partners don’t just cut a check and hand over a logo. They show up, and they deliver a high level of relevant content, educational expertise, resources and connection at the event. Their participation elevates, engages and supports early-stage founders. We’d like to take a moment to highlight just three of our incredible partners, an, while we don’t have clearance to post their presentation topics just yet, we’ll share more info in the coming weeks. The Aerospace Corporation is a nonprofit and the only federally funded research and development center for the space enterprise. They will host both a partner session and a smaller roundtable session that allows time for Q&A. You’ll also find them exhibiting on the show floor — the perfect opportunity to connect, network and explore opportunities. Mynaric develops and builds wireless laser communication systems for air, space and mobile applications. The company, which says its mission is to eliminate global connectivity barriers, will host a partner session. We’ll have more specific info soon. Otter.ai’s productivity tool records meetings and provides real-time note-taking, transcripts and captioning. We’ll have more speakers, sessions and partners to announce in the coming weeks, so watch this non-galactic space! TC Sessions: Space takes place on December 6 in Los Angeles. Buy a pass for $199, and then join us — and our partners — to learn about the latest space tech, network for opportunities and build a stronger startup to the stars. Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TC Sessions: Space? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form.

Pixxel’s Awais Ahmed talks going hyperspectral in dual-use at TC Sessions: Space • ZebethMedia

By zebethcontrolPosted on November 11, 2022Posted in hyperspectral imaging, Pixxel, Space, TC Sessions: Space 2022No Comments

Orbital imagery is becoming commonplace in industries and defense, but looking beyond the visible spectrum has yet to break through into the mainstream. Pixxel is poised to change that with its hyperspectral imaging satellites, and co-founder Awais Ahmed will join us at TC Sessions: Space in Los Angeles on December 6 to tell us why this tech matters. Hyperspectral imagery includes wavelengths well beyond what people and traditional cameras see, allowing satellites to detect things like polluting gases, the hydration level of soil or concentrations of desirable minerals. Pixxel’s approach is modern and adaptable, with a new imaging stack that slices the wider spectrum into extremely thin slices, allowing very specific detections that would normally take a spectrometer or science mission. Pixxel raised a $25 million A round earlier this year, a coup for the young founders, Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, his fellow graduate from BITS Pilani in Rajasthan, India. The two set out to change orbital imagery and are now in pole position as numerous industries, the military, and climate-monitoring authorities are all seeing the benefits of hyperspectral image data. Ahmed told ZebethMedia recently that the new push toward ESG, as well as a large new tranche of federal funding for climate solutions, is reinforcing existing interest from stakeholders in this area, from climate activists to gas and oil companies. And of course the strategic importance of this type of data is easy to see, which is why Ahmed will be joining us for a discussion of the evolving dual-use sector where startups like Pixxel have twice the opportunity — but also double the responsibility. TC Sessions: Space takes place on December 6 in Los Angeles. Buy your pass today, and then join us to see and learn about the latest space tech from the industry’s most beautiful minds, network for opportunities and build a stronger startup to the stars. Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TC Sessions: Space? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form.

Hear Slingshot CEO Melanie Stricklan’s take on simulating orbit at TC Sessions: Space • ZebethMedia

By zebethcontrolPosted on November 9, 2022Posted in Slingshot Aerospace, Space, tc sessions space, TC Sessions: Space 2022No Comments

Understanding what’s going on in orbit, now and in the near future, is increasingly important for both business and military interests, and Slingshot Aerospace has positioned itself at the center of this quickly evolving space. Co-founder and CEO Melanie Stricklan will be joining us at TC Sessions: Space on December 6 to talk about simulating Earth’s busy orbital environment. Slingshot bills itself as providing a “real-time digital landscape of space,” synthesizing multiple data sources to produce an accurate picture of what’s where when, and how things might look at any given second. The company’s “digital twin” of space includes not just active satellites but also orbital debris, space weather like solar flares and other transient events, and physics simulation. This data is used not just to avoid collisions, but also to plan launches, train space-curious cadets and engineers, and so on. Stricklan herself came from a military background, having served as an officer in the Air Force before taking on roles in the burgeoning space industry. As such, she no doubt very clearly understands the importance of and friction points in space-related intelligence and monitoring processes. The company raised $25 million in March and landed a Space Force contract for the same amount later that month. She has also seen how the military, aerospace and tech sectors are dominated by men of a particular background, and has taken action to make sure Slingshot doesn’t fall into the same trap. The company was one of the first to sign the Space Workforce 2030 pledge, in which signatories regularly report hard numbers in diversity and work to create systemic change. It’s already happening, too: Stricklan told me at Space Symposium this year that the company is at gender parity and hopes to keep it that way. The fast-moving world of orbital sims and tracking, as well as the changing landscape of the space economy, will be the subjects of our fireside chat at TC Sessions: Space. Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TC Sessions: Space? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form. TC Sessions: Space takes place on December 6 in Los Angeles. Buy your pass today, and then join us to see and learn about the latest space tech from the industry’s most beautiful minds, network for opportunities and build a stronger startup to the stars.

Space to talk about the future of space stations • ZebethMedia

By zebethcontrolPosted on November 8, 2022Posted in Space, tc sessions space, TC Sessions: Space 2022No Comments

Our dedicated space event, TC Sessions: Space, is back again this year on December 6 in Los Angeles, and we’re excited to have Nanoracks CEO Amela Wilson joining us onstage for a discussion about what comes next for space stations. Nanoracks is a longtime participant in the existing International Space Station (ISS), having taken part in a number of research experiments on the station over the years, as well as creating the Nanoracks Bishop Airlock, which is used to deploy small satellites and other tiny spacecraft from the ISS. Now Nanoracks is working on StarLab, which aims to be the first free-flying commercial space station. StarLab will include a living quarters built by Nanoracks partner Lockheed Martin, and the station’s central feature will be the George Washington Carver Science Park, which will include a biology lab, a plant habitation lab, a physical science and materials research lab and an open workbench area for conducting research and experimentation. We’ll talk to Wilson about Nanoracks’ tremendous history of working on the ISS and ushering in commercial participation in science on the station, and we’ll also look ahead to StarLab, where the project is at, and what comes next for free-flying commercial station operations in Earth’s orbit. TC Sessions: Space takes place on December 6 in Los Angeles. Buy your pass today, and then join us to see and learn about the latest space tech from the industry’s most beautiful minds, network for opportunities and build a stronger startup to the stars.

A sneak peek at early-stage startups exhibiting at TC Sessions: Space • ZebethMedia

By zebethcontrolPosted on November 7, 2022Posted in Space, tc sessions space, TC Sessions: Space 2022No Comments

We’re not ashamed to admit that we get pretty darned giddy when it comes to space technology. It’s out-of-this-world cool. But there’s something else that really gets our pulses pounding, and that’s meeting the early-stage startups that are pushing beyond and reinventing the boundaries of space tech. If — like us — you fit the description, then here’s some exciting news. You’ll have the opportunity to meet amazing early-stage space startups exhibiting at TC Sessions: Space 2022 on December 6 in Los Angeles. Prepare for liftoff: Buy a full-access general admission pass, and then get ready to connect and engage with the people who are forging humanity’s future in space. We’ll have even more exhibitors to share with you in the coming weeks but right now, let’s take a sneak peek at three of the startups you won’t want to miss. Check out their websites and start planning your calendar. You’re going to want to see their product demos and explore networking opportunities with them during the show. Ready, fellow space peeps? Let’s meet three of the early-stage startups you’ll find exhibiting at TC Sessions Space. Astrum Drive Technologies: Builds advanced propulsion systems designed to let spaceships travel farther, more safely and with more cargo. JellySpace: Designed to remove the entry barriers into the space industry by letting companies, startups and organizations share and access intellectual property in a safe and secure manner. SpinLaunch: A ground-based, electric-powered kinetic launch system designed as an alternative method for putting satellites into low-Earth orbit. And that’s just a small fraction of what you’ll experience at the show and the startups you’ll meet. We’re thrilled to be hosting some of the most influential people in the space industry — in public, private and defense sectors. You’ll hear from folks like Peter Beck, Rocket Lab CEO and founder; Frank Calvelli, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisitions; Amela Wilson, CEO of Nanoracks; and many more. We’re building out an agenda featuring firesides and panel discussions on the main stage, and you’ll also have plenty of time to connect and network with attendees from around the world. It’s all designed to help your business grow and thrive. TC Sessions: Space takes place on December 6 in Los Angeles. Buy your pass today, and then join us to see and learn about the latest space tech from the industry’s most beautiful minds, network for opportunities and build a stronger startup to the stars. Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TC Sessions: Space? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form.