Space Summit 2026 has commenced in Singapore, convening government leaders, space agencies, industry executives, researchers and investors at a time when space systems have become deeply embedded in daily life and increasingly interconnected across borders, sectors and economies.
The Summit was opened by Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology at the Singaporean Ministry of Trade and Industry.
“Space systems are integral to how societies function and economies operate,” Managing Director of Experia Events, Leck Chet Lam, said.
“As the space ecosystem becomes more interconnected and operationally dense, alignment across governments, industry and partners is increasingly important. Space Summit 2026 capitalises on the natural synergies between aviation, aerospace and space — bringing together adjacent sectors that increasingly share technologies, infrastructure and talent — and provides a neutral platform for open, practical discussions on shared responsibilities, while also supporting the development of future talent that will shape the sector in the years ahead.”
The importance of space capabilities to economic development, resilience and Singapore is growing. From communications and navigation to climate resilience, satellite infrastructure now underpins critical civilian, commercial and security functions.
As activity across orbital and downstream domains has continued to scale, coordination across policy, regulation, infrastructure and commercial models has become central to ensuring the long-term resilience and sustainability of the global space ecosystem.
“The growth of Singapore’s space sector leverages Singapore’s strengths in aerospace, precision engineering, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence. Space Summit 2026 builds on these strengths by bringing together governments, industry and researchers to advance innovation and partnerships, as well as shape the future of space governance and economy. It anchors Singapore as a key node for the global space community to come together and explore how space capabilities can be developed and applied responsibly for sustained economic and social impact,” Executive Director at the Office for Space Technology & Industry, Singapore (OSTIn) – Singapore’s national space office, Jonathan Hung, stated.
Held over two days at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Space Summit 2026 is expected to draw over 1,500 attendees and more than 300 participating companies and organisations including representatives from 20 Space Agencies and Offices, convening approximately 60 speakers over 12 panel sessions.
During a media briefing held at the Space Summit earlier on the first day, a number of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and partnership initiatives were announced.
“Space Summit 2026 is a significant milestone for Singapore’s growing space ecosystem,” Chief Executive of the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore), Chew Hwee Yong, indicated.
“AAIS is proud to partner with OSTIn and Experia on this inaugural event, anchor the Singapore Pavilion featuring 11 groundbreaking local space companies, and formalise agreements with counterpart national space associations to facilitate knowledge exchange and broaden international networks. Leveraging Singapore’s robust aerospace ecosystem, we will continue to support efforts to catalyse our space community, strengthen the industry value chain, and promote Singapore’s space capabilities for global programmes and applications.”
The Space Summit program has been anchored around the theme “New Frontiers: Shaping a Responsible and Inclusive Space Future”, with discussions focused on the practical realities of a maturing and increasingly interdependent space sector.
Key panels include Satellites as National Critical Infrastructure, Dual-Use Technology: Space Innovation for Military and Commercial Applications, Global Satellite Communications Industry: Consolidation and Emerging Opportunities, Innovations in the Launcher Business, Space for Environmental Sustainability: Unlocking Earth Observation for Data-Driven Impact, Keeping Space Open for Business: Global Cooperation for Orbital Safety, and Asia Pacific Rising: Market Opportunities and Regional Capabilities.
Across these sessions, participants will examine shared challenges such as regulatory coordination, orbital safety, commercial sustainability and the integration of space capabilities into critical economic and societal systems, with a focus on strengthening cooperation and alignment across public and private stakeholders.
Alongside senior leadership dialogue, Space Summit 2026 also supports the development of future talent and innovation through initiatives such as the International Space Challenge (ISC).
Now in its 19th year, the Challenge has engaged students and young professionals in addressing real-world space-related problems, reinforcing the importance of nurturing the next generation of space innovators alongside today’s industry and policy leaders.
Discussions on the second day of the summit will cover the impact of space capabilities across Southeast Asia, resilient connectivity, space-driven maritime innovation, and pathways for the future in-space economy, alongside the cooperation required to keep space sustainable, accessible and open for business.