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 .
AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2024 ISSUE NO . 40 29