"Empower the thinkers, the innovators, the disrupters."
In a morning discussion on the Innovation Stage, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) shared that sentiment – one that has infused both days of the Global Aerospace Summit. His panel with Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) focused on their Senate Defense Modernization Caucus, highlighting the importance of bipartisan efforts to modernize defense systems and processes.
Throughout the day, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators discussed issues ranging from national security and nuclear power in space to innovations in Space Force and competition in the space economy.
Bipartisanship, innovation, and optimism were themes among the conversations.
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Sen. Kevin Cramer and Sen. Mark Kelly discuss their work on the Defense Modernization Caucus.
Day Two of the Global Aerospace Summit focused on issues in space.
Don Graves, deputy secretary at the Department of Commerce, discussed the future of commercial, civil, and national security in the space industry.
Christopher Roberti, Senior Vice President for Cyber, Space, and National Security Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, observes a moment of silence for the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
“One thing that's clear to me as the head of the Federal Communications Commission is that every communications market that has competition is stronger," said Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman of the FCC.
Lars Hoffman, vice president of government sales at Blue Origin; Brett Alexander, chief revenue officer at Firefly Aerospace; and Daniel Murray, executive director of Operational Safety, Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation, FAA, discussed the future of launch and lift in a conversation moderated by JJ Green of WTOP.
Robin Hayes, Chairman and CEO of Airbus in North America, talks with Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS), a member of the House Committee on Science and Technology and Co-Chair, Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus.
Reps. Marcus Molinaro (R-NY) and Susie Lee (D-NV) joined the Chamber's Head of Government Affairs Rodney Davis to discuss the role of aviation and aerospace in economic growth and national security. They said bipartisan cooperation is key to driving innovation in these industries.
The control board for the main stage at the Global Aerospace Summit.
Brig. Gen. Brian Denaro, director of plans and programs, Office of the Chief Strategy and Resource Officer, talks about the U.S. Space during a lunch conversation with Jacqueline Feldscher, Managing Editor of Payload.
Interactive, immersive, and informative exhibits were part of the Summit experience.
Networking in Innovation Alley.
Sessions were informative and engaging, as panelists spoke to full and attentive rooms.
Grateful for the support of the sponsors of the Global Aerospace Summit.
FCC Chair on Competitive Space Economy
Jessica Rosenworcel, the Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), discussed satellite communications, space sustainability, and global cooperation during a fireside chat with Rebecca Heilweil, tech policy reporter at FedScoop.
Rosenworcel emphasized that a competitive space economy will drive innovation, and she said the FCC is open to working with new players. She highlighted the importance of being responsible space actors and discussed how satellite technology can bridge the global digital divide and enable advancements in new technologies.
“The possibility of ending the global digital divide is real with satellite communications technology," she said. "I also think the experiments we're going to start to do in a near zero-gravity environment are going to be really profound. We're going to be able to develop pharmaceuticals and possibly manufacturer semiconductors in new ways.
“One thing that's clear to me as the head of the Federal Communications Commission is that every communications market that has competition is stronger. We see lower prices and more innovation, and honestly, space should be no exception.”
Space Force Innovation
Brig. Gen. Brian Denaro, director of plans and programs, Office of the Chief Strategy and Resource Officer for the U.S. Space Force, discussed the agency's budget for fiscal 2025 and 2026 during a lunch conversation with Jacqueline Feldscher, Managing Editor of Payload.
"In order to maintain services that all the joint forces enjoy today and make sure that they're both resilient and available throughout conflict, we're going to need to invest in new capabilities," he said. “There's so much innovation in our commercial industry and we want to be able to harness that. We want to be able to find new ideas, new on orbit capabilities, and be able to turn the industry and go help us solve these problems.”
He also discussed dangers of space forces in China and Russia while focusing on his message of innovation and using commercial industry for new innovations.
“We continue to learn new things every single day in the space industry. It’s a growing industry, so we need to be able to leverage that and apply it in new and creative ways.”
How Nuclear Power Will Change Space Exploration
Modernizing Defense Systems
Senator Mark Kelly and Senator Kevin Cramer shared a stage to highight the importance of bipartisan efforts to modernize defense systems and processes. Kelly emphasized the need for rapid and efficient acquisition processes to maintain a competitive edge over adversaries. "To get the weapon to the warfighter, it can't take five years anymore. It just can't because we're just going to be left behind."
Cramer highlighted the significance of taking risks and modernizing acquisition practices to keep pace with global threats.
The panel focused on specific challenges and opportunities in defense modernization, including workforce shortages, industrial base rebuilding, and the need for a cultural shift in acquisition practices. Kelly discussed the critical need to rebuild the U.S. industrial base, particularly in shipbuilding, and highlighted legislation aimed at addressing these issues. He also emphasized the importance of thinking long-term and anticipating future technological advancements. "We've got to be thinking ahead. You know, five, 10 years ahead. That's often hard for companies to do, because … that doesn't work into their quarterly reporting."
Cramer talked about the necessity of empowering innovators and disruptors within the defense sector, advocating for a more open and risk-tolerant culture.
"We have to be encouraging of this ecosystem," he said "The only ecosystem that can keep up with the pace of China and entrust people that do what you do and what you used to do, and of course the industry as well. Otherwise, you just fall behind."
The Need for Consistency
Don Graves, deputy secretary at the Department of Commerce, discussed the future of commercial, civil, and national security in the space industry – and the need for collaboration.
"If we aren't coordinating, if we aren't reducing burden, if we aren't simplifying, we aren't being consistent, then you all of the private sector are going to say we're going to go someplace else," he said.
FAA Insights
Marc A. Nichols, Chief Counsel with the Office of the Chief Counsel at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), spoke with the Chamber's John Drake, Vice President, Transportation, Infrastructure, and Supply Chain Policy, about efficiency with launch permitting and certification, modernizing technology and receiving investment to do so, and ensuring that rules are justifiable from a scientific standpoint.
Nichols also talked about the relationship between FAA and the industry. "We always seek comment from industry," noting that the "job is to figure out how to effectively work together."
Congressional Aerospace Priorities
Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) discussed congressional priorities and critical issues in the aerospace and aviation industries. Moran, the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety within the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, emphasized the importance of workforce development and supply chain stability in maintaining the nation's competitive edge. He highlighted successful initiatives such as the FAA reauthorization and workforce development grant programs, which have secured $25 million in funding.
Moran also discussed the vital role of technical colleges, community colleges, and universities in training and providing job opportunities for students, addressing workforce shortages.
Moran also discussed the integration of sustainable practices in aviation, particularly the development and use of sustainable aviation fuels. He mentioned the creation of a sustainable aviation fuel caucus and highlighted innovative partnerships between the agriculture and aviation sectors, such as the joint venture between Southwest Airlines and an ethanol plant in Kansas.
The conversation extended to the future of space exploration, with Moran expressing optimism due to increased private sector involvement and the importance of continued federal funding for NASA's Artemis program. He emphasized the need to reduce bureaucratic barriers to foster innovation and competitiveness in space and aviation technologies.
Revisit Day One of the Summit
Innovation in Aviation
Marc Allen, Chief Executive Officer of Electra.aero, discussed direct aviation with Richard Aboulafia, Managing Director of AeroDynamic Advisory.
A key topic was Allen's vision of the market for Electra, a nine-passenger plane that will build a new "category of access to aviation" through its cost and fuel effectiveness. His core strategy includes introducing the product in the U.S. because of consumer demand and the FAA's high safety standards.
Other points of discussion included the potential for cargo use, plans for starting to build domestically, and the military market's interest in the product.
Women in Aviation
A panel of Lauren Hartline of Joby Aviation; Amy Spowart, president and CEO, National Aeronautics Association; and Kate Frazier, Senior Associate, Booz Allen Hamilton, discussed the FAA's Women in Aviation Advisory Board's 2022 report, highlighting the need for better representation and addressing barriers for women in aviation. Key points included the industry's workforce shortages, particularly in pilots and mechanics, and the importance of cultural change to attract and retain women.
“We know that if we do not make significant changes to the industry, we will not have a workforce that can ultimately support our entire industry, from pilots, mechanics, controllers, flight attendants,” Frazier said.
“Everybody cares about sustainable aviation," Spowart said. "Workforce is imperative to sustainability, so everyone needs to include workforce in their sustainability plan, or it's nothing.”
