- The chief astronaut at Axiom Space took part in New Space & Solutions, offering a strategic vision of the present and future of the space economy.
The second edition of New Space & Solutions featured Michael López-Alegría, chief astronaut at Axiom Space and one of the most influential voices in the international space sector, who delivered a presentation offering a strategic vision of the present and future of the space economy.
During his presentation, López-Alegría emphasised that the space sector has evolved from an emerging industry into a critical global infrastructure, with a direct impact on daily life through services such as connectivity, navigation and Earth observation. In this context, he highlighted the growing role of collaboration between the public and private sectors as one of the pillars of New Space development.
The astronaut focused on one of Axiom Space’s most ambitious projects: the development of the first commercial space station, whose initial module is being manufactured in Europe and is scheduled for launch in 2028. This project represents, in his words, “a natural step in the evolution of low Earth orbit towards sustainable commercial models”.
He also provided an update on preparations for the upcoming AX-5 mission, which will take private astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), as well as the development of the spacesuit for the Artemis III mission, designed for future lunar operations.
Keys to success in New Space
During his speech, Michael López-Alegría identified three key factors for the success of any project in the New Space sector: technology, market and funding. As he explained, the real challenge lies not only in technological development, but in the ability to identify applications with a viable market and secure the necessary investment. “If these three elements are not aligned, it is difficult for a project to thrive,” he noted.
In this regard, he also highlighted the fundamental role of talent, emphasising that even with technology and funding, “without the right team, success is not possible”.
The challenge of commercial space stations
Looking ahead to the next decade, he noted that the sector’s major challenge will be to ensure the economic viability of future commercial space stations. To this end, he argued for the need to promote profitable activities in microgravity, such as biotechnology, the manufacture of advanced materials or pharmaceutical production. “The future lies in developing sustainable business models that allow operations in space to generate real value,” he stated.
López-Alegría also emphasised the importance of maintaining the highest safety standards, particularly in an environment that is becoming increasingly complex due to the rise in satellites and orbital debris, highlighting the experience gained from the ISS as a key reference for this new phase.
Inspiration for the new generation
In his speech, the astronaut sent a message of confidence to the younger generations, highlighting their preparation, motivation and creativity as essential elements for tackling the challenges facing the space sector in the coming years.
“This is a generation that is extraordinarily committed to the future of the industry,” he said, highlighting their role in transforming the New Space ecosystem.
Michael López-Alegría’s participation reinforces New Space & Solutions’ position as a leading international forum, capable of bringing together global leaders, institutions and companies to analyse the future of an industry that is key to the economy and society.
All conferences from New Space & Solutions will be available to view on-demand via The Observatory, Medina Media Events’ digital platform, where each conference will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, free of charge.
The second edition of New Space & Solutions is organised by Medina Media Events and is supported by Seville City Council; the Regional Ministry of Universities, Research and Innovation of the Regional Government of Andalusia; the Regional Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment; the Regional Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines; Canary Islands Aerospace Strategy (Government of the Canary Islands), Netmetrix, Sceye, Datatec Instruments, Rohde & Schwarz, Dassault Systèmes, PCB Piezotronics, Pablo de Olavide University, CATEC, Isdefe, UARX, HALO Space, Kistler, Eurecat, DEKRA, Open Cosmos, Solar MEMS, B2Space, DAS Photonics, Quside, Systratec, Keplerkoord, Augusta Abogados, Bufete Mas y Calvet, LORTEK, Flux, Metadev, NDK, Alfalite, University of Málaga, EQA, the Polytechnic University of Valencia and Amplify, amongst others.