Glenn Space Technology Symposium focuses on future of space exploration

CLEVELAND — The Glenn Space Technology Symposium brings together leaders from the public and private sector to discuss the latest technological innovations and challenges facing the aerospace industry.

“The whole space enterprise is burgeoning, expanding, and evolving at unprecedented rates,” Ron Birk, the president of the American Astronautical Society, said. “There are reported to be over 10,000 space companies in the world, with over 5000 in the US.”

Private space ventures have proved integral in pushing the US space agenda forward. NASA’s Artemis missions are made possible through private and public partnerships, with the latest milestone being the successful completion of Artemis II.

Rickey Shyne, Director of Research and Engineering at NASA’s Glenn Research Center, said seeing the public’s reaction to Artemis II was particularly rewarding.

“Just the euphoria, the excitement, all of the hard work that so many people have done over the years to make that a reality,” Shyne said. “It was a flawless mission.”

Shyne, who attended the symposium, said any chance where the private and public sector can meaningfully connect is valuable in furthering aerospace development.

“Whenever we can leverage resources, whether or not the resources are subject matter experts through the people or through test facilities and other capabilities, I think it's a win-win for everyone,” Shyne said.

The 2026 Glenn Space Technology Symposium was hosted by the American Astronautical Society, in conjunction with Ohio Space Week, NASA Glenn Research Center and Cleveland State University.

A full list of Ohio Space Week programming is available here.