Future of space finance and international collaboration

In this session held at Space Foundation’s inaugural Innovate Space: Finance Forum, space industry experts delved into the critical role of international collaboration in space finance. The conversation featured insights from Space Foundation’s Steve Eisenhart, senior vice president of international and strategic affairs, and Travis Langster, the former deputy assistant secretary of defense for international and industry engagement within the Department of Defense.

They emphasized the importance of space domain awareness and the need for a comprehensive space strategic review. Both underscored the necessity of integrating commercial space capabilities with military operations, highlighting the role of industry in enhancing national security.

The discussion also touched on the challenges of classification and the need for reform to facilitate better communication and cooperation among allied nations. Eisenhart and Langster noted that while certain partners did not face significant classification barriers, others required more streamlined processes to enhance collaboration.

They also stressed the need for private financial institutions to understand the Department of Defense’s priorities and to invest in manufacturing capabilities that can scale to meet national security needs. This includes areas such as drones, satellite production, and sub-component manufacturing.

The two expressed optimism about the potential for significant advancements in space capabilities through coordinated efforts between nations and the private sector.

This session is one of a series of selections from the Innovate Space: Finance Forum. Click here to see more of those discussions and hear key insight from investors and industry leaders pioneering the new space economy.