What was once the stuff of science fiction—thriving space stations, reusable rockets, and even lunar rovers is quickly becoming our reality. Johns Hopkins University and SpaceNews are partnering to explore this rapidly evolving future with a new discussion series kicking off on November 3rd. Top space industry executives will gather at the Bloomberg Center to examine the technologies fueling the modern space economy and chart the course of exploration over the next decade. This isn’t just about rockets and robots; it’s about a burgeoning industry with profound geopolitical, commercial, and scientific implications – and a conversation everyone should be a part of.
Space Exploration’s Rapid Technological Advancement
Space Exploration’s Rapid Technological Advancement is no longer a distant dream, but a swiftly unfolding reality – and a November 3rd discussion series at Johns Hopkins University, in partnership with SpaceNews, aims to unpack this acceleration. Beyond the now-commonplace achievements of reusable rockets and operational space stations, the focus is shifting to ambitious new frontiers – exemplified by missions like the Dragonfly spacecraft, soon to explore Saturn’s moon Titan. The conversation, led by SpaceNews’ Jeff Foust, will delve into how innovations once confined to science fiction are becoming commercially viable, driven by companies like Starlab Space, Astrobotic, and Stoke Space – all represented by panelists at the event. This isn’t simply about engineering feats; it’s a recognition of the broader implications – geopolitical strategy, burgeoning commercial opportunities, and fundamental scientific discovery – shaping the modern space economy. The series, building on the Bloomberg Center’s established Discovery Series and SpaceNews’ 35-year legacy of industry coverage, will also chart the likely course of these advancements over the next decade, examining what previously seemed impossible now falls within reach.
Johns Hopkins-SpaceNews Discussion Series Launch
The November 3rd launch of the Johns Hopkins-SpaceNews discussion series isn’t merely a technical deep-dive, but a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between innovation and broader understanding of the rapidly evolving space economy. Building on the success of the Bloomberg Center’s Discovery Series – initially conceived with Vox Media and Kara Swisher to explore AI – this partnership with SpaceNews expands the scope to encompass the geopolitical, commercial, scientific, and security dimensions of space exploration. The event, led by SpaceNews’ Jeff Foust, will feature insights from Marshall Smith of Starlab Space, John Thornton of Astrobotic, and Devon Papandrew of Stoke Space – companies actively shaping the future discussed. Attendees can expect a forward-looking conversation, examining possibilities within the next five to ten years, and an opening reception at 5 p.m. prior to the 6 p.m. discussion – advance registration is required. This series leverages Johns Hopkins’ 150-year legacy of research – including its role in the DART mission and the upcoming Dragonfly mission to Titan – and SpaceNews’ 35 years of industry coverage to foster a crucial dialogue amongst leaders in government, academia, and industry.
SpaceNews
For over three decades, SpaceNews has solidified its position as the definitive source of information for space industry professionals, a legacy now extended through its partnership with Johns Hopkins University. Established in 1989, the publication doesn’t simply report on the burgeoning space economy – it actively shapes understanding of this complex sector with award-winning journalism lauded for its depth, accuracy, and insightful analysis of civil, military, and commercial programs. This commitment to comprehensive coverage – from the first moon landing to the recent Double Asteroid Redirection Test – is why SpaceNews is relied upon globally. The November 3rd discussion series, led by SpaceNews’ Jeff Foust, represents a natural extension of this trusted role, bringing together leaders like Marshall Smith of Starlab Space and John Thornton of Astrobotic to explore the trajectory of innovation – exemplified by missions like the upcoming Dragonfly exploration of Saturn’s moon Titan. Building on the Bloomberg Center’s Discovery Series, this collaboration aims to foster crucial dialogue around the geopolitical, commercial, and scientific dimensions defining the future of space exploration, and further cements SpaceNews’ standing as an indispensable industry resource.
