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NEXT Webinar:
AUGUST WEBINAR:
Orbital Biotech Commercialization
and the Next Evolution of Spaceport Infrastructure
Aug 26 at 11:30 AM Eastern
Orbital Biotech Commercialization and the Next Evolution of Spaceport Infrastructure
Speakers:
- Mark Lester, Head of Aerospace Strategy, Merrick & Company
- Dr Ryan Burnette, SrVP for Life Sciences and the Business Unit lead, Merrick & Company
- Matt Bocchino, A.E.E., Director, Cecil Airport & Spaceport
- Dani Rosales, PhD Director of Business Development, Technologies, Space Tango
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Ken Savin, Chief Scientific Officer, BioOrbit – Time Magazine 2025 selection for The 100 Most Influential Health Leaders
Mark Lester
Head of Aerospace Strategy
Merrick & Company
(moderator)
Dr Ryan Burnette
SrVP for Life Sciences and the Business Unit lead
Merrick & Company
Matt Bocchino, A.E.E.
Director
Cecil Airport & Spaceport
Dani Rosales, PhD
Director of Business Development, Technologies
Space Tango
Ken Savin
Chief Scientific Officer
BioOrbit
Time Magazine 2025 selection for The 100 Most Influential Health Leaders
Commercial space activity is expanding beyond launch services into emerging markets including orbital biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, advanced materials, and microgravity manufacturing. As these sectors mature, the competitive role of spaceports may evolve from supporting launch operations alone to enabling integrated research, manufacturing, and commercialization ecosystems and logistics hubs.
This panel presentation explores how future-focused spaceports and adjacent space parks can position themselves to support the growing intersection of aerospace, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical innovation. While traditional spaceport planning has prioritized launch pads, range access, and vehicle operations, emerging orbital biotech applications introduce new infrastructure requirements including specialized payload processing, laboratory and clean-room environments, cold-chain logistics, rapid reentry recovery, secure handling procedures, and proximity to research universities and medical institutions.
The panel session will examine how commercial industry, government agencies, universities, and regional economic development organizations can collaborate to future-proof space transportation infrastructure systems for the next generation of commercial space activity. Discussion will also address how spaceports may evolve into broader innovation hubs supporting high-value research, advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and dual-use commercial ecosystems extending well beyond the launch pad.
Key Takeaways
- How orbital biotech and pharmaceutical markets may reshape future spaceport and space park development
- Infrastructure requirements beyond traditional launch-focused operations
- The growing importance of integrated aerospace-biotech research, manufacturing, and logistics ecosystems
- Strategic opportunities and challenges for transitioning space-based biotech from experimentation to commercialization
WATCH OUR PREVIOUS WEBINARS
2026 Recordings
Speakers:
- Stephanie Wheeler, Aerospace Business Unit Leader at BRPH (moderator)
- Cliff Higgins, Vice President, Aerospace Integrated Services at BRPH
- Jennifer Webb, AIA, LEED AP, PMP, Project Executive at BRPH
- Maggie Minton, Chief Operating Officer at Alaska Aerospace Corp
- Sean Mulligan, Deputy Executive Director for Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority
- Edgar Campa-Palafox, Vice President, Business Development for Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
JULY WEBINAR:
Designing for Launch:
Building Spaceports for Performance and Growth
RECORDING READY
Join the Global Spaceport Alliance for an engaging discussion led by BRPH’s aerospace and infrastructure experts on the planning, design, and development strategies shaping the next generation of spaceports.
As spaceports evolve into hubs for transportation, manufacturing, innovation, and economic growth, successful development requires more than launch infrastructure alone. This webinar will explore how spaceports can be designed to support operational performance, attract aerospace tenants, and scale for future transportation systems.
Attendees will gain insights into airport-to-spaceport opportunities, master planning, infrastructure requirements, security considerations, and the role of spaceports as catalysts for regional economic development.
Whether you are a spaceport operator, airport authority, economic development professional, or industry stakeholder, this session will provide valuable perspectives on building spaceports that are prepared for both today’s missions and tomorrow’s opportunities.
Speakers
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David Schleeper, RS&H – Moderator
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Gavin Fink – Merrick and Company
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Jodine Jansen Vehec – BWXT
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Peter Frye – Westinghouse
JUNE WEBINAR:
Powering Launch:
Nuclear Systems, Testing, and Safe Operations
RECORDING READY
XTAs space exploration ventures further into the deep solar system, the transition from chemical propulsion to high-energy nuclear systems is no longer a matter of “if,” but “when.” However, moving these advanced power sources from the laboratory to the lunar surface requires a radical rethink of ground operations.
Powering Launch: Nuclear Systems, Testing, and Safe Operations convenes a specialized panel of spaceport operators and nuclear experts to discuss the logistical frontier of nuclear-enabled spaceflight. While much of the industry focuses on reactor design, this session pivots to the critical “last mile”: receiving, testing, and integrating nuclear payloads within a traditional launch complex.
Our experts will explore the rigorous safety protocols, specialized infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks necessary to handle Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) and Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) units. Join us to learn how today’s spaceports are evolving to ensure that the next generation of deep-space missions is fueled safely, efficiently, and ready for liftoff.
Speakers:
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Kostas Poulakidas from Greenberg Traurig, LLP
- Ron Lau with Space Florida
- Ed Rojas with Holland and Knight
-
Jeffrey Phillips from KPMG
-
Odin Atkinson from KeyBanc Capital Markets
Funding the Future:
How Spaceports Secure Infrastructure Investment
RECORDING AVAILABLE
Spaceports are the foundation of the commercial space economy, yet securing the funding to build and expand them remains one of the industry’s biggest challenges.
This session explores how spaceports can unlock capital through public funding, private investment, and strategic partnerships. Learn what investors look for, how to position projects for success, and how to align infrastructure development with long-term economic impact.
Join the Global Spaceport Alliance and industry experts as we break down the pathways to funding the next generation of launch infrastructure.
Speakers:
- Skip Smith, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig (Moderator)
- Kostas Poulakidas, Shareholder, Infrastructure Finance,
Greenberg Traurig - Dr. George Nield, Chairman, Global Spaceport Alliance
- Hans Carlson, Founder & CEO, TZero
Greenberg Traurig (GT) Hosted Spaceport Webinar
So, You Want a Spaceport?
The Business Opportunities and Regulatory Challenges
What does it really take to build and operate a spaceport?
This webinar explores the legal, regulatory, and commercial realities of spaceport development.
We cover key considerations such as licensing, land use, public-private partnerships, and long-term viability in today’s rapidly evolving space economy.
2025 Recordings
Offshore Requirements
ABS Requirements for Building and Classing Offshore Spaceports
Ocean Launch:
Ocean-Based Spaceports and the Future of Mobile Access to Orbit
Academic Partnerships:
The Key to Local Spaceport Success
Spaceports as Smart Hubs:
Integrating Air, Ground, Water, and Orbit
Spaceport Bond Legislation
The Business Case for Spaceports:
Unlocking Economic Development Opportunities
This session discussed the economic value proposition of spaceports and offer practical strategies for developing sustainable business models. It examined how spaceports can serve as anchors for broader space cluster development, fostering networks of aerospace companies, research institutions, startups, and support services that collectively strengthen regional competitiveness.
Navigating Risk
Strategies for Spaceport Resilience
As spaceport operations expand globally, the risks—and the need for smart strategies—are growing too. From cybersecurity and licensing to workforce development and mutual aid agreements, today’s spaceports face a complex landscape that demands proactive planning.
In this GSA webinar, top experts share actionable insights to help spaceport leaders and policymakers navigate operational risk, financial planning, return logistics, and more.
Dawn Aerospace Unveils Game-Changing Spaceplane in GSA Special Briefing
The Global Spaceport Alliance (GSA) has released the full recording of its special briefing featuring Stefan Powell, CEO of Dawn Aerospace, who unveiled a major advancement in suborbital spaceflight: the Aurora spaceplane.
Stefan announced that its Aurora spaceplane is now available for purchase, with first deliveries expected in 2027. This marks a historic milestone: the first time a space-capable vehicle — designed to fly beyond the Kármán line (100 km – 328,000 ft) – has been offered for direct sale to customers.
2024 Recordings
Building the Space Workforce
In cooperation with Spaceport America and under the guidance of its Academic Partnership Working Group, GSA hosted a series of virtual workshops designed to provide practical workforce readiness instructions to students interested in careers in the space sectors.
- WORKSHOP 1 – Resume Building/ Social Media Presence
- WORKSHOP 2 – Connecting Students to Spaceports and Spaceports to Students
- WORKSHOP 3 – Entrepreneurship & Business Planning for Start-Ups
- WORKSHOP 4 – Space Career Opportunities Now and In the Future
2023 Events
2022 Events
2022 Farnborough International Airshow
Watch the presentations during the Aerospace Global Forum during the Farnborough International Airshow occurring July 18-22, 2022.
International Spaceport Readiness to Support Point-to-Point Space Travel
Moderator:
- Dr. George Nield
GSA Chairman
Speakers:
- Kelvin Coleman
Associate Administrator, FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation - Paul Cremin
Commercial Spaceflight Regulations and Policy Lead, U.K. Department for Transport - Melissa Thorpe
CEO, Spaceport Cornwall - Brig. Gen. Stephen Purdy Jr.
Commander, Space Launch Delta 45, U.S. Space Force
Vehicle Operators Pushing a High-Speed Point-to-Point Future
Moderator:
- Oscar Garcia
CEO InterFlight Global Corp.
Speakers:
- Pam Underwood
Director – Office of Spaceports
FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation - Jeff Sponable
New Frontier Aerospace
The Advent of International Point-to-Point Space Travel
Q&A in the “Space Zone”
Moderator:
- Dr. George Nield
GSA Chairman
Speakers:
- Kelvin Coleman
Associate Administrator, FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation - Paul Cremin
Commercial Spaceflight Regulation and Policy Lead, U.K. Department for Transport - Melissa Thorpe
CEO, Spaceport Cornwall - Adam Dissel
President, Reaction Engines
2022 Farnborough International Airshow
Global Spaceport Alliance (GSA) presented a recorded program during the Aerospace Global Forum during the Farnborough International Airshow occurring July 18-22, 2022. You can watch the recordings of those program as the links below.
Moderator:
- Dr. George Nield, Chairman, Global Spaceport Alliance
Speakers:
- Kelvin Coleman, Acting Associate Administrator, FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation
- Paul Cremin, Commercial Spaceflight Regulations and Policy Lead, Department for Transport
- Melissa Thorpe, CEO, Spaceport Cornwall
- Brig. Gen. Stephen Purdy Jr., Commander, Space Launch Delta 45, U.S. Space Force
Moderator:
- Oscar Garcia, CEO InterFlight Global Corporation
Speakers:
- Pam Underwood, Director. Spaceport Office, FAA
- Jeff Sponable, New Frontier Aerospace
Moderator:
- Dr. George Nield, Chairman, Global Spaceport Alliance
Speakers:
- Kelvin Coleman, Acting Associate Administrator, FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation
- Paul Cremin, Commercial Spaceflight Regulation and Policy Lead, Department for Transport (confirmed)
- Melissa Thorpe, CEO, Spaceport Cornwall
- Adam Dissel, President, Reaction Engines
PANEL SPEAKERS:
Moderator:
Jeff Foust
Senior Staff Write, SpaceNews
Pamela Underwood
Director of the Office of Spaceports
FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation
Steve L. Howard
Executive Project Lead
Spaceport Camden
John Paffett
Managing Director, KISPE LTD – Spaceport Cornwall
Dr. Nield NS-20 Flight Mission Debrief & Navigating the Challenges of Being a Spaceport Startup
April 13, 2022
On March 31, GSA Chair DR. GEORGE NIELD made history when he flew into space aboard the Blue Origin New Shepard spacecraft. In this webinar program, Dr. Nield will debrief members on his mission to outer space. This will be a great opportunity to ask questions and find out what it was like to reach the edge of space.
New spaceports have had an exciting and challenging period of growth in the past 10 years, both in the U.S. and internationally. What happens when community enthusiasm is met with community skepticism and scrutiny? How do spaceport operators keep their focus on the promise of regional economic development even as some in the region doubt that potential? This GSA panel discussion will explore some of the persistent challenges that spaceports are experiencing and the ways that operators everywhere can work to overcome them.
Previous Events
On March 31, GSA Chair DR. GEORGE NIELD made history when he flew into space aboard the Blue Origin New Shepard spacecraft. In this webinar program, Dr. Nield will debrief members on his mission to outer space. This will be a great opportunity to ask questions and find out what it was like to reach the edge of space.
New spaceports have had an exciting and challenging period of growth in the past 10 years, both in the U.S. and internationally. What happens when community enthusiasm is met with community skepticism and scrutiny? How do spaceport operators keep their focus on the promise of regional economic development even as some in the region doubt that potential? This GSA panel discussion will explore some of the persistent challenges that spaceports are experiencing and the ways that operators everywhere can work to overcome them.
PANEL SPEAKERS:
Moderator: Jeff Foust, Senior Staff Write, SpaceNews
Pamela Underwood, Director of the Office of Spaceports FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation
Steve L. Howard, Executive Project Lead, Spaceport Camden
John Paffett, Managing Director, KISPE LTD – Spaceport Cornwall
2021 Events
The Dawning Age of Space Tourism with Alan Ladwig
Sept 30, 2021
Securing Space for Space Commerce-
Bill “Hippie” Woolfe from Space Force
July 8 2021
The Role of Spaceports with FAA’s COMSTAC
May 27, 2021