ISU AND GLOBAL SPACEPORT ALLIANCE LAUNCH EXEC PROGRAM TO STRENGTHEN GLOBAL SPACEPORT LEADERSHIP
The world’s only university dedicated to space education, The International Space University (ISU), has announced a new executive training program created specifically to strengthen global capacity and develop new and existing leaders in spaceport management, operations, safety, strategy, and innovation.
For the first time, ISU has joined forces with the Global Spaceport Alliance (GSA), the leading global organisation connecting spaceport operators, government agencies, and industry partners to address one of the space sector’s fastest-growing needs: skilled professionals capable of leading and operating modern commercial and governmental spaceports.
Set to coincide with the world’s largest annual gathering of space industry professionals the ISU–GSA Spaceport Leadership Program first course Foundations of Spaceport Development and Operations, will take place on January 26, 2026, one day before the GSA Spaceport Summit in Orlando, Florida. This will be followed by five more specialised short courses delivered worldwide. Participants who complete the full pathway will earn the co-branded ISU–GSA Diploma in Spaceport Leadership.
Dr. John Wensveen, President of International Space University (ISU) said:
“ISU is proud to partner with the Global Spaceport Alliance to launch the Executive Certificate in Spaceport Leadership, meeting the urgent need for skilled professionals in the rapidly expanding spaceport sector. This program marks an important step in delivering high-impact education that strengthens the capabilities of current and future spaceport leaders and supports a more resilient and innovative global spaceport ecosystem.”
Dr. George Nield, Chairman, Global Spaceport Alliance (GSA) said:
“This partnership between GSA and ISU represents an important step in building global capacity for spaceport leadership and operations. By combining ISU’s academic excellence with GSA’s industry expertise, we are helping equip professionals with the training they need to support safe, reliable, and innovative spaceport activities worldwide.”
Course information:
This one-day executive course provides a strong introduction to spaceport infrastructure, development, operations, regulation, economics, and future trends. Through a mix of presentations, discussions, and networking, participants will gain practical insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping modern spaceports. The course will run from 12:00 to 17:30, featuring networking opportunities, an opening keynote, a series of technical and operational sessions, policy and business discussions, and a closing panel Q&A, followed by optional networking and registration fee is $500 per participant This course is the entry point to the ISU–GSA Spaceport Leadership Program. Participants completing all six short courses will earn the ISU–GSA Diploma in Spaceport Leadership.
Planned Courses Include:
- Foundations of Spaceport Development and Operations
- Spaceport Safety & Security Certification
- Legal and Regulatory Workshop Series for Spaceports
- Spaceport Infrastructure Design & Development
- Public–Private Partnership & Funding Models
- Spaceport Business Development & Marketing
About ISU:
The International Space University (ISU) is the world’s only university devoted entirely to space education, founded in 1987. ISU operates from its Central Campus in Strasbourg, France, and delivers programs, courses, and activities worldwide through partnerships with leading space organizations.
ISU is a 38-year success story with more than 6,000 alumni across 110 countries, including astronauts, entrepreneurs, and current and former leaders in government, industry, and academia who shape the global space ecosystem.
ISU is a private, non-profit institution formally recognized as an institute of higher education in France by the French Ministry of Education (decree MENS0400386A of 27 February 2004), and it is also recognized by additional agencies and universities internationally.