The University of Central Florida (UCF), a key supplier of talent to the nation's aerospace industry, is hosting a week-long series of events dedicated to space exploration and commerce. The initiative, dubbed Space Week, brings together industry leaders, researchers, and students for a series of high-profile conferences and networking opportunities, solidifying the university's reputation as 'SpaceU'.
The event features two major international conferences, a university symposium, and numerous guest speakers from organizations like NASA and Blue Origin. According to Zaheer Ali, UCF's program director for space commercialization and strategy, this is being positioned as "the biggest university-led space event ever."
Key Takeaways
- UCF is hosting Space Week, a campus-wide event focused on the future of space exploration and its growing economy.
- The week includes two major conferences: the National Space Society Space Settlement Summit and The Economist’s Space Economy Summit.
- Prominent speakers include former NASA administrators, Blue Origin executives, and the director of the Kennedy Space Center.
- The event aims to provide students with direct networking opportunities with leaders in the aerospace industry.
- The week concludes with UCF's traditional 'Space Game,' where the football team will wear special space-themed uniforms.
A Convergence of Industry Giants
The week's activities began on Monday with the National Space Society’s Space Settlement Summit. This two-day conference is an intensive exploration of humanity's future beyond Earth, with sessions covering topics from robotics and artificial intelligence to the potential for life on Mars. The event is designed to be an intimate gathering, with attendance capped at 120 participants to foster direct engagement.
One of the featured speakers is Sharon Hagle, founder of SpaceKids Global and a two-time space traveler with Blue Origin. Her organization works to inspire interest in science and math among young children. Hagle emphasized the importance of engaging the next generation.
"UCF represents the next generation of space travelers and innovators who will shape humanity’s future beyond Earth," Hagle stated. "My hope is that every student walks away knowing that space isn’t a distant dream — it’s a growing opportunity, and there’s space for everyone to launch their futures in space."
Also presenting is Pascal Lee, a leading Mars researcher and the newly appointed vice president of planetary development for the National Space Society. Lee has extensive experience leading research expeditions in extreme environments like the Arctic and Antarctica to study comparisons between Earth and Mars.
Focus on the Growing Space Economy
Starting Wednesday, the focus shifts to the financial and commercial aspects of space with The Economist’s third annual Space Economy Summit. This event brings a larger roster of over 100 speakers across more than 60 sessions, all centered on the burgeoning economic potential of the space sector. Students are encouraged to register and attend sessions to hear from influential figures shaping the industry.
The lineup includes former NASA administrators Bill Nelson and Dan Goldin. Goldin holds the record as the longest-serving administrator in NASA's history, having overseen critical projects such as the 1993 repair mission for the Hubble Space Telescope.
Space Industry by the Numbers
The global space economy is a rapidly expanding sector. Current valuations place it at over $450 billion, with projections suggesting it could exceed $1 trillion by 2040. Events like the Space Economy Summit are critical for discussing the policy, investment, and innovation needed to support this growth.
Direct Access for Students
A key goal of Space Week is to connect students directly with industry executives. On Thursday afternoon, the College of Business will host "Pizza with a Space Executive," featuring Michael Edmonds, the Chief Commercial Officer at Blue Origin. According to the company, its mission is to build a road to space for the benefit of Earth.
Edmonds is expected to discuss Blue Origin's efforts to increase space access while lowering costs. The informal event is designed to facilitate an interactive discussion, followed by a networking session with Edmonds and other visiting executives.
UCF's Contribution to Space Innovation
The week culminates on Friday with UCF's own second annual SpaceU Symposium. This event serves as a showcase for the university's research, student organizations, and career opportunities within the space sector. It highlights UCF's role as a primary pipeline for talent into aerospace companies and government agencies.
The 'SpaceU' Identity
UCF's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station has fostered a deep connection to the aerospace industry. The university is a top supplier of graduates to leading aerospace and defense companies, earning it the nickname 'SpaceU'. This identity is a point of pride and a core part of its strategic focus.
The symposium will feature remarks from Janet Petro, the director of the Kennedy Space Center, and Nicola Fox, the associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA. Fox is a recent winner of the 2025 Collier Award, considered the top prize in aerospace.
Dr. Greg Autry, the associate provost for space commercialization and strategy at UCF who conceived the idea for Space Week, highlighted the unique access students will have. Speaking of Fox, he noted, "She will build legos with students and chat! She’s a renowned master Lego builder. How cool is this? That doesn’t happen anywhere except SpaceU."
Capping the Week with Tradition
The final event of Space Week is a long-standing UCF tradition: the Space Game. Since 2017, the UCF Knights football team has dedicated one home game each season to celebrating the region's connection to space exploration. The team wears special, newly designed space-themed uniforms for the occasion.
This year, the Knights will wear their 'Mission IX: HyperSpace' uniforms as they face the No. 22 ranked Houston Cougars. The team holds an undefeated 8-0 record in all previous Space Games, adding an extra layer of excitement to the week's festivities.
The entire week, from high-level policy discussions to a primetime football game, is a demonstration of how deeply the identity of space exploration is woven into the fabric of the university and the Central Florida community.