SEATTLE SPACE WEEK: A STELLAR SUCCESS
What happens when our region’s space community comes together to engage the industry, the public and government to dream, celebrate and build our future in space? You get Seattle Space Week, held from June 8-13, 2024, a groundbreaking series of events that showcased the Pacific Northwest’s dynamic role in space.
Seattle Space Week dove into the heart of the region’s burgeoning space industry, with events tailored for business leaders, policymakers, industry professionals, and space enthusiasts. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, the events brought together hundreds of individuals to connect, envision and further our future in space.
The week kicked off with the grand opening of the “Home Beyond Earth” exhibit at The Museum of Flight on Saturday, June 8. This immersive exhibit explores the history and future of space stations. Opening day featured hands-on activities, book signings and expert talks. The day also included planetarium shows and a resource fair, offering guests of all ages and backgrounds a comprehensive look into living and working in space.
On Monday, June 10, Space Northwest presented “Space Entrepreneurs: Uniquely Entrepreneurial,” an evening of networking and insights from pioneers of New Space. A panel featuring leaders from companies in the region and beyond highlighted the Pacific Northwest’s uniquely entrepreneurial spirit and its importance to the space industry. An energetic audience of over 100 gathered in the Redmond Space District to hear the panelists’ stories of vision, innovation, and perseverance.
Space Week was also AI Week in Seattle. Collaborating with the Washington Tech Industry Association, Space Northwest convened an “AI & Space” panel on Tuesday, June 11. Held at Madrona Venture Labs, the panel featured an expert discussion on how artificial intelligence advancements are underpinning our ability to grow beyond the cradle of Earth. The sold-out event bridged the region’s strong AI and space communities and highlighted their synergies.
June 12-13 saw the Seattle workshops for the State of the Space Industrial Base (SSIB) conference. Space Northwest partnered with NewSpace Nexus, the Defense Innovation Unit, Air Force Research Lab, and the U.S. Space Force on this initiative to foster the commercial space industry and its role in national defense. Held at The Museum of Flight, the workshop gathered experts from nearby and across the country on the topics of the Outernet and Advanced Space Power and Propulsion. The event kicked off with a briefing and panel on the space industry in the Pacific Northwest and a “co-innovation session” on workforce development. The afternoon featured a keynote from Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Clint Crosier, director of aerospace and satellite for Amazon Web Services. Workshop participants identified challenges faced by the commercial space industry in each topic area and recommendations for addressing them. Findings will be published in the annual SSIB whitepaper which is widely-read at the federal level.
The evening of June 12 concluded with a reception organized by Space Happy Hour. Held at the DoubleTree Seattle Airport Southcenter, the reception provided a vibrant atmosphere for over 120 space industry leaders, government representatives, investors, and professionals to network, exchange ideas and celebrate the region’s growth and strengths.
June 12 also highlighted the space industry to government. OneRedmond and the City of Kent organized a deep dive for state legislators, federal staffers, and regional school districts supporting the space sector. Participants attended the morning briefings at the SSIB workshop, toured space companies in the Kent Valley and the Redmond Space District, and wrapped the day at the SSIB reception. This was a unique opportunity for the group to witness the innovative work being done, fostering greater understanding and support for the industry.
As the SSIB workshop wrapped up on June 13, leaders from the region’s space companies convened for Space Northwest’s first industry roundtable. The roundtable convened a diverse and focused group of space company leaders to identify challenges and opportunities for growing the industry in the state. The session kicked off with a legislative briefing from the Department of Commerce and followed with incisive discussion. The results of the roundtable will inform Space Northwest’s programs to help space companies thrive and grow their impact on Washington’s economy.
The finale to Space Week came the evening of June 13 at “Spaceball,” held at T-Mobile Park.
Over 300 space industry professionals came out to the Mariners-White Sox game to celebrate our regional ecosystem and mix sports with space camaraderie. With the best of Seattle’s weather on display that evening, it was a night to remember.
Seattle Space Week 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together diverse groups from across our community and beyond. The events not only highlighted the region’s contributions to space but also fostered connections and ideas that will propel the industry forward. As Seattle continues to establish itself as a hub for space innovation, the excitement and achievements of this week will be remembered as a milestone in the journey towards the stars. We are already looking forward to next year.
For more details on these events and to stay up-to-date on what’s next, visit http://spacenorthwest.org.
