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Defence Space 2018
To register your interest for Defence Space 2020 either as a delegate or as a corporate partner
please email us at conference@airpower.org.uk
DEFENCE SPACE 2018
The Defence Space Conference 2018 will be a ground breaking event that will engage with, educate and inspire the space community, particularly those involved in its military application. With a plethora of respected speakers from the military, Government, industry and academia, Defence Space 2018 will explore the MOD’s Space ambition against the back drop of national and international plans, demonstrating their growing strategic interest in the Space domain. The conference will go on to enable the injection of innovation and thought leadership on how Defence can become a leading participant in future Space initiatives and facilitate modernising Defence. The 2 day conference will host up to 500 delegates with an evening reception on the first day. The conference will be delivered by the Air Power Association on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence.
‘Reflecting our critical reliance on Space and the risks and opportunities it presents, Defence Space 2018 provides an important and timely opportunity to focus on space capabilities and future thinking, including strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations and building resilience.’
Air Vice-Marshal Michael Wigston, CBE, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff
“This is a fascinating time for the UK Defence and Space, as we move into an era of new national capabilities and partnerships in this critically important, vibrant and inspiring sector. Defence Space 2018 seeks to provide a platform for the MOD to debate emerging thinking on a wide variety of Space issues with stakeholders from across the Space community. In addition to MOD providing a unique ‘window’ into their thinking, there will also be significant international, industry, academic and other Government department contributions with aim of promoting cross-sector discussions centred on Defence Space capabilities and future plans. This promises to be a ground-breaking conference for the UK and I am delighted that the Air Power Association are delivering it on behalf of MOD. See you at Defence Space 2018.”
Air Commodore (Ret’d) Mark Roberts CBE, Chairman, Air Power Association
“Understanding of Space, our reliance on it, value of services from it, capabilities, threats and risks are becoming essential knowledge for all and we are on the path to normalise Space thinking and planning across every aspect of what we do”
General Sir Gordon Messenger KCB, DSO & Bar OBE, ADC, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff
We have a limited number of discounted tickets available to academic institutions and Air Power Association members. In order to apply for one of these tickets please contact davina@airpower.org.uk with details
Outline of the two days on the Programme page
We are delighted to announce the following have confirmed participation for Defence Space 2018
Minister of Defence Procurement, Guto Bebb MP
Will Jessett, Director Strategic Planning
Graham Turnock, Chief Executive, UK Space Agency
Air Vice-Marshal Rocky Rochelle, Chief of Staff, Capability, Air Command
Further details of the programme of events will be updated regularly as speakers are confirmed.
Strategic Partners for 2018

Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Airbus
Employing a 15,000-strong UK workforce across more than 25 sites, Airbus is firmly rooted in the UK and its advanced technology industrial base stretching the length and breadth of the country from Aberdeen to Portsmouth.
Airbus is the largest commercial aerospace company in the UK and its biggest civil aerospace exporter; the biggest supplier of helicopters in the country; the UK’s largest space company and leading commercial provider of military satellite communications through the Skynet 5 programme; the biggest supplier of large aircraft to the Royal Air Force; and a world leader in cyber security.
Conference Mission
- To demonstrate UK MOD’s growing strategic interest in the Space Domain to an influential global audience
- To establish and to enhance UK MOD’s relationships with partners across Government, UK space industrial sector, international partners, and academic institutes
- To educate/update key staffs on MOD space activity, planning and thinking
- To enthuse and inspire key stakeholders within Defence and more broadly with the potential for future space innovation