The World Space Week Association has announced that Tory Bruno, the President and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), will serve as the Honorary Chair for World Space Week 2026. The global event, scheduled for October 4-10, will focus on the theme "The Rocket Revolution," highlighting recent advancements in launch technology.
Key Takeaways
- Tory Bruno, CEO of United Launch Alliance, has been named Honorary Chair for World Space Week 2026.
- The theme for the 2026 event is "The Rocket Revolution," focusing on advancements in space launch technology.
- World Space Week is a UN-declared event held annually from October 4-10, with over 15,000 events reported in the previous year.
- The theme reflects the industry's shift toward more frequent and affordable access to space, driven by innovations like ULA's Vulcan rocket.
Leadership for a Pivotal Theme
The World Space Week Association officially confirmed the appointment, citing Bruno's extensive experience and ULA's central role in the space launch industry. As the head of ULA, Bruno oversees critical national security missions for the United States, a responsibility the company has managed for two decades.
Dennis Stone, President of the World Space Week Association, explained the reasoning behind the selection. "Tory is a most appropriate choice, as next year’s theme will be The Rocket Revolution," Stone said. He noted that the 2026 event will "spotlight the transformative and disruptive evolution of rockets, making access to space more frequent and affordable."
What is World Space Week?
Declared by the United Nations, World Space Week is an international celebration of science and technology's contribution to improving human life. It is observed annually from October 4-10. Events are organized globally by space agencies, aerospace companies, schools, museums, and astronomy clubs to maximize public engagement and educational impact.
Focus on the Rocket Revolution
The theme for 2026, "The Rocket Revolution," is designed to explore the rapid changes occurring in launch vehicle technology. These innovations are significantly lowering the cost of reaching orbit, which in turn opens up space to a wider range of countries, industries, and scientific applications.
In his acceptance statement, Tory Bruno acknowledged the significance of the role and the timeliness of the theme. "It will be an honor to chair the largest space event on Earth," Bruno stated. He emphasized the pace of change in the sector.
"Innovations in rocket technologies are occurring rapidly, making space applications more available to the world."
This revolution includes the development of reusable rockets, advanced propulsion systems, and more efficient manufacturing processes. These factors are key drivers in the expanding space economy, enabling large satellite constellations and more ambitious exploration missions.
Bruno's Leadership at ULA
Tory Bruno's career is closely aligned with the 2026 theme. Under his leadership, United Launch Alliance has maintained its reputation for reliability, particularly in deploying sensitive national security payloads to complex orbits with high precision.
The company is currently transitioning to its next-generation Vulcan rocket. This new vehicle is designed to be more capable and cost-effective, allowing ULA to serve both government and commercial markets more competitively. The development of Vulcan is a prime example of the rocket evolution that World Space Week 2026 aims to celebrate.
Global Participation and Scale
World Space Week has grown into a massive global event. According to the association, the 2024 celebration included over 15,000 reported events across more than 90 nations. This makes it the largest annual space-related public event in the world.
The selection of Bruno as chair connects the event's theme directly to one of the industry leaders actively shaping the future of launch services. ULA's work underpins many of the United States' most critical space operations.
A Call for Global Participation
The World Space Week Association encourages organizations and individuals worldwide to begin planning for the 2026 event. Alma Okpalefe, the association's Executive Director, highlighted the importance of the launch sector.
"As new technologies, players, and approaches reshape how we access orbit and beyond, World Space Week next year will highlight launch as the driving force opening space to more nations, industries, and applications benefiting humanity than ever before," Okpalefe said.
How to Get Involved:
- Host an Event: Schools, companies, museums, and clubs can organize activities related to the "Rocket Revolution" theme.
- Share Your Plans: Organizers are asked to register their events on the official global calendar at the World Space Week website.
- Engage Locally: Events can range from small classroom activities to large public exhibitions.
The previous year's event, World Space Week 2025, focused on the theme "Living in Space" and was chaired by Robert Lightfoot, President of Lockheed Martin Space. The annual rotation of themes and chairs ensures the event remains relevant and covers diverse aspects of the space industry.
About the Organizers
The World Space Week Association is a non-governmental, non-profit organization founded in 1982. It serves as the global coordinator for World Space Week and holds observer status on the U.N. Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. The association is supported by sponsors including Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Viasat, and Airbus.
With Tory Bruno at the helm, World Space Week 2026 is positioned to provide a comprehensive look at the technologies that are making the final frontier more accessible than ever.