The University of Alabama in Huntsville will host the third annual Business of Space Conference March 1–3, bringing space industry professionals from across the country to explore how the rapidly expanding space economy is moving beyond Earth while remaining connected to today’s markets, policies and institutions.
Hosted by the UAH College of Business, the conference will focus on collaboration between researchers, industry leaders and policymakers to address the business, economic and regulatory challenges facing the commercial space sector as it scales.
The event will feature keynote addresses from Greg Autry, associate provost for space commercialization and strategy at the University of Central Florida, and Andrew Aldrin, CEO and president of the Aldrin Family Foundation. Autry will discuss strategies for using government investment to catalyze self-sustaining private space markets, while Aldrin will examine why earlier efforts to commercialize space fell short and why current conditions may offer new opportunities.
Dr. Wafa Hakim Orman, conference planning committee chair, associate dean of the College of Business and associate professor of economics, said the industry’s rapid growth presents complex challenges.
“Projects are expensive, mission volumes are limited, and development timelines often exceed what traditional financing models can support,” Orman said. “Risk management, insurance, contracting and supply chain capacity are still evolving. This conference brings together the stakeholders who can help solve those problems.”
In addition to keynote presentations, attendees will participate in collaborative discussions designed to bridge academic research and real-world industry needs. Dr. Ravi Patnayakuni, conference planning committee chair and associate professor of information systems, said the event benefits both sides.
“For industry leaders, the conference provides insight into research and policy frameworks that could shape the next decade of the space economy,” Patnayakuni said. “For academics, it offers a reality check on the logistical, regulatory and economic hurdles companies face.”
Alabama is a national leader in the aerospace economy, ranking among the top states for aerospace engineers and hosting more than 300 aerospace companies from around the world, including Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and United Launch Alliance. UAH sits at the center of that ecosystem in Cummings Research Park, where close partnerships with industry continue to drive aerospace innovation.
Dr. Jason Greene, dean of the UAH College of Business, said the conference reflects the university’s mission to connect education, research and industry.
“By bringing together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers and students here in the Rocket City, we are actively partnering with our community to fuel innovation and shape the future of space commerce,” Greene said.
Registration for the conference is open through Feb. 26, with discounted rates available for early registrants and select groups. More information is available at opce.uah.edu/BusinessofSpace.
