KENTUCKY SPACE SUMMIT
A Statewide Conversation on building Kentucky into a recognized
nexus of the expanding global space economy.
November 13, 2026 / 11:45am - 5:00pm ET
General Registration $75.00 / Student Registration $25
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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.
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:
Kris Kimel, Founder, Humanity In Deep Space
Terry Samuel, President, Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation
David Brock, Executive Director, @Kentucky Innovation, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
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 highlighting Kentucky's existing assets, capabilities, and opportunities within the broader Kentucky aerospace sector, manufacturing, research, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic growth.
Zach Morgan, Director, Workforce Development, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers
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
"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."