Space‑Comm Expo Europe 2026 is set to unite global space leaders, industry stakeholders, innovators, and policymakers at ExCeL London on 4‑5 March 2026, bringing together over 5,400 delegates, 250 exhibitors, and 200 speakers from more than 50 nations for two days of strategic discussions, technology showcases, and international collaboration. The event highlights the accelerating growth of the European space sector and the integration of commercial, governmental, and defence interests, with keynote sessions on innovation, investment, national space strategies, and dual‑use technologies. With participation from major agencies and global space actors, the conference and expo will provide unparalleled networking opportunities, insights into future trends, and forums for strategic partnerships critical to positioning Europe at the forefront of the next era of space exploration and commercialisation, reports The WP Times via Space‑Comm.
The Strategic Importance of Space‑Comm Expo Europe
Space‑Comm Expo Europe is one of the most influential commercial space industry events in Europe, firmly established as the premier forum for engagement among governments, investors, engineers, and industry leaders. It serves as a platform to:
- Discuss emerging space technologies and applications.
- Explore commercial opportunities and investment flows.
- Facilitate policy dialogue between international agencies.
- Enable industry‑level networking and collaboration.
The timing of the Expo — coming shortly after critical developments such as the launch of Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket — positions it as a pivotal point for future strategic planning in the space sector, particularly amidst growing dual‑use technology trends and geopolitical competition.

Venue and Format
The Expo takes place at ExCeL London, a global hub for international industry events. Across the two days of 4‑5 March 2026, the programme will include:
- Four Conference Theatres focused on different thematic areas.
- Keynote Presentations from top space leaders and innovators.
- Panel Discussions addressing innovation, investment, law, defence, and policy.
- Meet‑the‑Buyer Programmes and Networking Sessions.
- Technology Exhibitions showcasing cutting‑edge solutions.
This integrated format has been designed to intensify collaboration across sectors and disciplines vital to driving future growth.
Key Speakers and Institutional Presence
The final confirmed list of speakers spans government ministers, space agency directors, astronauts, industry CEOs, and investment leaders, signalling the Expo’s global reach:
| Speaker | Role | Organisation |
|---|---|---|
| Sir Richard Branson | Founder | Virgin Galactic |
| Major Tim Peake CMG | Astronaut & Advisor | ESA / Axiom Space |
| Baroness Lloyd of Effra CBE | Minister for Digital Economy | UK Government |
| Dr Paul Bate | CEO | UK Space Agency |
| Rebecca Evernden | Director | UK Space Agency |
| Major General Paul Tedman CBE | Commander | UK Space Command |
| Chad Anderson | CEO | Space Capital |
| Katya Gorbatiouck | Head of Investment Funds | London Stock Exchange |
| Shashank Joshi | Defence Editor | The Economist |
| Dr James ‘JD’ Polk | CMO | NASA |
These speakers underscore the Expo’s role as a forum where policy direction, commercial strategy, investment trends, and technological priorities converge.
Exhibitors and Industry Showcase
Over 250 exhibitors will present a broad cross‑section of the space ecosystem, from established primes to agile start‑ups:
- Aerospace and defence companies: BAE Systems, Airbus, Lockheed Martin.
- Technology innovators: D‑Orbit, DiSTI, GHGSat.
- Consultancy and finance: Barclays, PA Consulting, Relm Insurance.
- Communication and satellite services: ViaSat, Serco.
This exhibition offers attendees direct access to state‑of‑the‑art technologies spanning spaceports, satellite manufacturing, navigation, propulsion, Earth observation (EO), robotics, and space‑grade software systems.
Conference Highlights
The 2026 programme has been designed to support strategic dialogue across key sectors:
- Government & VIP Programme — High‑level discussion on global space policy.
- Defence & National Security Summit — Identifying how space capabilities underpin national resilience.
- Investment & Finance Symposium — Exploring capital flows and funding mechanisms.
- Space Law & Regulation Sessions — Interpreting legal frameworks guiding space commerce.
These sessions will offer actionable insights for investors, policymakers, and corporate strategists.
Expanded Details About the Event
Space‑Comm Expo Europe 2026 will take place 4–5 March 2026 at ExCeL London and is confirmed as one of the largest commercial space industry events ever held in the UK, bringing together global leaders from government, industry, and investment.
- Over 5,400 delegates, 250 exhibitors and 200 speakers from 50+ countries are expected.
- Exhibitors include major primes, SMEs and startups showcasing innovations across launch, satellites, propulsion, navigation, robotics, AI, life sciences, and supply‑chain technologies.
- The two‑day programme features panels, technology exhibits, keynote speeches and networking sessions.
High‑Profile Confirmed Speakers
The final speaker lineup includes globally recognised figures and industry luminaries:
- Sir Richard Branson — Founder of Virgin Galactic, a pioneer in commercial spaceflight.
- Major Tim Peake, renowned European astronaut and space leader.
- Leading government and agency figures, including representatives from the UK Space Agency and ESA.
This highlights the event’s strategic importance for international cooperation, commercial space advancement, and innovation policy.

Exhibitor Highlights
Recent updates confirm technological showcases that will be part of the Expo:
- Rhopoint Components — exhibiting precision electronic components, sensors and modular systems.
- Pickering Interfaces — presenting a sensor simulation demo for Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) test systems, an advanced demonstration focused on space‑grade test equipment.
These exhibitors reflect the breadth of technologies that will be on display — from high‑tech simulation and test systems to critical components and sensing solutions used in space systems.
Strategic Themes & Industry Context
Verified reporting shows Space‑Comm Expo Europe isn’t just an industry fair — it’s strategically timed as Europe intensifies its space ambitions:
- National agencies including ESA, NASA, NATO and the UK Space Agency will participate, underlining the blend of government policy, defense, and industry strategy.
- Programming includes summits on defence and national security, investment strategies, space law, and international cooperation — reflecting the multi‑layered importance of space for modern economies and security.
- The Expo aligns with broader shifts in the space sector — especially dual‑use applications where commercial technologies also serve defense and civil infrastructure.
According to independent event calendars, Space‑Comm Expo is one of several key global space events in early March 2026, signalling a global ecosystem of space conferences and collaboration opportunities around that period.
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