KENTUCKY SPACE SUMMIT

A Statewide Conversation on Kentucky’s Role in the Global Space Economy
November 13, 2026, Fasig-Tipton, time, Lexington, KY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kentucky Space Summit
A Statewide Conversation on Kentucky's Role in the Global Space Economy

LEXINGTON, KY. (September 14, 2026) — Business, research, education, economic development, and policy leaders, along with creative thinkers from across the Commonwealth, will convene in Lexington on November 13, 2026, for the inaugural Kentucky Space Summit. Hosted by Kentucky Space Futures, the statewide forum will showcase Kentucky’s space ecosystem and explore opportunities to expand the state’s footprint in the rapidly growing global space economy, which is expected to exceed $1.7 trillion by 2035.

The Summit will bring together interdisciplinary national space professionals, and Kentucky stakeholders to explore how the Commonwealth can leverage its strengths in advanced space life sciences, manufacturing, aerospace, engineering, logistics, technology, workforce, and talent development to participate in emerging space-related markets.

More than a conference, the Kentucky Space Summit is intended to serve as a credible statewide convening point for leaders committed to developing a focused five-to-ten-year strategy for Kentucky's engagement in the space sector.

"Space is no longer a niche industry. It is a driver of innovation, economic growth, education, scientific discovery, and competitiveness," said Kris Kimel, cofounder of Kentucky Space Futures. "The Kentucky Space Summit will bring together thought leaders from across sectors to identify realistic opportunities for the Commonwealth and to begin building a coordinated strategy that delivers long-term benefits for Kentucky entrepreneurs, businesses, researchers, students, institutions, and communities."

The program will open with "Space: The Case for Kentucky," a discussion focused on the context and relevance of the space economy to Kentucky and the Commonwealth's growing role in space science, engineering, entrepreneurship, business development, and education. 

Panel:


Featured presentations include:

  • Exomedicine: R&D In Biotechnology And Health For Applications On Earth.
    Dr. Meenal Datta, Professor Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Notre Dame University

    Datta will explore how advances developed in microgravity are driving innovation in biotechnology and healthcare, creating new commercial opportunities for improving quality of life on Earth.

  • Space Medicine: R&D Surrounding Human Health In Extended Space Missions
    Dr. Tiffany Vora, President, Explore Mars 

    Vora will discuss the systems and technologies necessary to sustain human activity beyond Earth, including breakthroughs in medicine, artificial intelligence, robotics, nutrition, and supply chain solutions that have applications across multiple industries.

·       Building the Moon Base
Alain Berinstain, Director, Florida Space Institute at the University of Central Florida and Director, Florida Space Research Consortium

Berinstain will present a comprehensive look at the emerging lunar economy, addressing construction, power systems, habitats, subsurface exploration, life support, communications, advanced robotics, exologistics, infrastructure, legal frameworks and ethics associated with future settlements on the Moon.

The afternoon agenda will include "The Broader Kentucky Aerospace Ecosystem," a panel discussion, moderated by Zach Morgan, Director, Workforce Development, Kentucky Association Of Manufacturers, highlighting Kentucky's existing assets, capabilities, and opportunities within the broader Kentucky aerospace sector, manufacturing, research, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic growth.

Going Forward

The Summit will conclude with an interactive discussion where a facilitated session, "Crafting a Kentucky Strategy: 5–10 Years," will allow participants to identify priorities, partnerships, and actionable next steps to help shape a long-term vision for Kentucky's participation in the space economy.

·      Greg Schmidt, Space Science Advisor, Former Director, NASA Solar System Exploration Institute 

Organizers expect the event to attract space professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, students, innovators, economists, investors, public officials, and economic development professionals interested in helping position Kentucky for future growth in one of the world's most dynamic research and commercial sectors.

The Kentucky Space Summit aims to create lasting connections among stakeholders, foster cross-sector collaboration, and establish a foundation for future initiatives that strengthen Kentucky's competitiveness in space-related industries.

Kentucky Space Summit
Date: November 13, 2026
Location: Lexington, Kentucky

Additional information regarding registration, venue details, sponsors, and participating organizations will be announced in the coming days.

For more information, visit Kentucky Space Futures (https://www.kyspacefutures.com)

About Kentucky Space Futures

Kentucky Space Futures is a new statewide initiative to raise awareness and promote growth across Kentucky’s space-related sectors. By facilitating collaboration among research institutions, educational organizations, and commercial space enterprises, the initiative aims to build capacity in the interdisciplinary aspects of the state’s expanding space footprint while encouraging critical thinking and bold problem-solving to address the complex challenges surrounding space exploration. Kentucky Space Futures is founded by Humanity In Deep Space™, Kris Kimel; the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC), Terry Samuel; and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development/KY Innovation, David Brock. 

Media Contact
Kris Kimel
Kentucky Space Futures
859-229-6161
kkimel@humanityindeepspace.com

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