SXSW is still months away, but the popular conference is already well into setting out an impressive buffet of content for attendees to check out. Part of that is soliciting panel topics from anyone who has a good one — and we think we have a few! If you agree, you can now vote for as many as you like.
You'll need a (free) SXSW account to vote, but you don't need a ticket or anything. Of course, if all these panels end up on the agenda, you'll definitely want a ticket.
The Startups Building and Automating Space's Superhighway
How do we keep space sustainable as it gets more crowded? Enter the Space Superhighway: a network of in-space robots that will keep spacecraft fueled, repaired, upgraded and built in orbit. Just like highways rely on gas stations, tow trucks and repair shops, space will need support systems to be accessible for future generations. This tech is real TODAY. Our panel convenes accomplished doers from startups working to extend the life of satellites, reduce space debris and build a future where space is safe, scalable and sustainable for exploration and economic development to benefit society.
AI at the Edge: Smart Systems for a Smarter Space
Spacecraft and satellites are getting smarter, thanks to AI and edge computing that enable real-time decision-making far from Earth. This session explores how autonomous systems are transforming space missions—from smart imaging and anomaly detection to in-orbit navigation and robotics. Learn how engineers are overcoming compute, power, and reliability challenges to build intelligent systems that think and adapt on their own—in orbit, on the Moon, and beyond.
So You Want to Build a Spaceport
Spaceports are emerging as critical infrastructure for sectors across the global economy — but what does that mean for your communities, careers and culture? With rapid growth in global spaceports and commercial launch, this session unpacks how spaceports are reshaping the world beneath the rockets by influencing policy, attracting investment and changing the way we think about economic development and mobility. We'll talk licensing, community and land resources, local workforce and what it takes to turn a stretch of undeveloped real estate into the next great space gateway.
Know Before You Go: Prepping Astronauts for the Moon & Mars
As humans prepare for a return to the Moon, missions to Mars and exploration beyond, simulated missions here on earth can offer the best guess as to what awaits us in space. "Analogs" conducted in remote locales or states of isolation help us understand how the human body will respond during long-duration space missions in extreme environments, helping mitigate as many risks to current and future astronauts as possible before they launch. Our "crew" of veteran analog researchers reflect on their own mission experiences and the importance of astronaut analogs before we send humans into space.
Launchpads to Unicorns: The Rise of Space Startups
A new era of commercial space innovation is here - driven by bold startups building satellites, propulsion systems, and entire in-space platforms from the ground up. This panel explores how founders, investors, and public partners are shaping the next wave of the space economy - from launch to lunar services. We’ll unpack how breakthrough tech, agile thinking, and startup hustle are turning orbital dreams into viable businesses.
Lights Out: Preserving Our Night Sky in the Modern Space Age
The increasing number and brightness of satellite constellations in Earth's orbit are significantly impacting ground-based and optical astronomy. So how do we balance humanity's expansion into space while protecting our study of the stars from Earth? Join the conversation on a sustainable future for space and hear from the experts on the front lines—astronomers, satellite companies, and space industry pioneers as they discuss collaborative solutions to mitigate satellite brightness and preserve our night sky.
That last one is actually a submission from our friends at Planet Labs, but sensibly features an Aerospace expert.
You can view the full catalog of submitted panel ideas here.