Defense, artificial gravity, and the new space economy take center stage at Disrupt 2025

📅 Published: 10/3/2025
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 5:30:42 PM
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TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, held from October 27 to 29 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, placed **defense, artificial gravity, and the evolving space economy** at the forefront of its dynamic agenda, spotlighting the intersection of cutting-edge technology and commercial space ventures. The event gathered over 10,000 tech and venture capital leaders, featuring more than 250 sessions and 200 speakers who explored breakthroughs shaping the future of space exploration and innovation[1][3].

A central highlight was the **Space Stage**, organized in co...

A central highlight was the **Space Stage**, organized in collaboration with The Aerospace Corporation, which convened pioneers in rockets, satellites, and orbital AI applications. This segment emphasized the blending of commercial and defense technologies, showcasing how startups are leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle challenges in space exploration, orbital intelligence, and infrastructure development[2][5].

Discussions featuring notable figures like Even Rogers, co-f...

Discussions featuring notable figures like Even Rogers, co-founder and CEO of True Anomaly, and Max Haot, founder of Launcher, highlighted how next-generation technologies are being integrated with space infrastructure to foster a robust and sustainable space economy. Rogers, drawing on his background in national security and defense, underscored the deployment of advanced space technologies to safeguard orbital assets. Meanwhile, Haot shared his vision of turning science fiction into reality through artificial gravity space stations, a concept poised to revolutionize long-duration human spaceflight and commercial orbital habitats[4].

The conference also spotlighted the strategic convergence of...

The conference also spotlighted the strategic convergence of government and private sector partnerships. Venture-backed orbital platforms and startups were presented as critical drivers fueling growth in the new space economy, emphasizing rapid implementation and data-driven decision-making as essential for mission success at scale[2][4].

Additional sessions featured influential voices such as Baij...

Additional sessions featured influential voices such as Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood and founder of Aetherflux, who brought fresh momentum to aerospace innovation. Dan Jablonsky of Ursa Major discussed the increasingly blurred lines between commercial and defense aerospace sectors, reflecting broader trends of technology transfer and dual-use capabilities in space technologies[2].

Overall, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 provided a fertile ground f...

Overall, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 provided a fertile ground for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to explore the future of space travel and economy. It underscored the pivotal role of artificial intelligence, defense integration, and visionary projects like artificial gravity in shaping a new era where space is not only a frontier of exploration but also a thriving economic domain[1][2][4].

🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 3:10:31 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, government officials emphasized regulatory reforms to accelerate the commercial space economy, including a White House directive to streamline licensing and permit approvals for U.S.-based space operators within 150 days, aiming to expedite mission authorizations under the Outer Space Treaty[2]. The order also mandates appointing senior leadership within the Department of Transportation to foster innovation and deregulation in commercial space transportation, underscoring the federal commitment to reducing regulatory barriers for space startups and commercial ventures[2]. This regulatory focus aligns with broader federal goals to promote American technology leadership by reviewing and modernizing burdensome rules that impede aerospace innovation[4].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 3:20:36 PM
At Disrupt 2025, government officials emphasized regulatory reforms to accelerate U.S. competitiveness in the new space economy, with the Federal Government pledging to streamline commercial space license and permit approvals for U.S.-based operators. A recent directive mandates that within 150 days, the Secretary of Commerce must propose a process to expedite individualized mission authorizations under the Outer Space Treaty, including clear timelines and consistent requirements, while the Secretary of Transportation will soon appoint a senior executive to advise on innovation and deregulation in commercial space transportation[2]. These steps aim to reduce regulatory barriers and foster innovation in areas like defense, artificial gravity, and commercial space infrastructure highlighted at the event.
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 3:30:41 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco, global leaders emphasized the **transformative role of defense, artificial gravity, and the new space economy** in reshaping international collaboration and geopolitical dynamics in space. With participation from over 10,000 innovators worldwide, key discussions highlighted how emerging commercial space technologies—such as precision satellite navigation and autonomous systems—are fostering cross-border partnerships and creating new economic opportunities beyond Earth orbit. Aerospace Corporation President Steve Isakowitz noted, "Cislunar space is becoming a critical platform for both commercial activity and deeper space exploration," signaling increased multinational investment and strategic alignment in the expanding space economy[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 3:40:31 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, global leaders emphasized the **integration of defense priorities, artificial gravity development, and the emerging space economy as critical to international space security and commerce**. Aerospace CEO Steve Isakowitz highlighted cislunar space as a key area for future commercial infrastructure and exploration, reflecting broad geopolitical interest in deeper space ventures[2]. Meanwhile, startups like Vast and True Anomaly are advancing technologies that balance **defense-driven orbit security with commercial space operations**, signaling a global momentum toward sustainable and secure low Earth orbit economies[3].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 3:50:29 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, defense innovations, artificial gravity, and the emerging space economy took center stage, highlighting breakthroughs in commercial space operations and national security technology. Aerospace Corporation CEO Steve Isakowitz spotlighted cislunar space as a critical platform for future commercial infrastructure and deep space exploration, while the Space Challenge pitch-off awarded Xona Space Systems’ PULSAR as the top innovation for its direct-to-device precision satellite navigation service[1]. The event drew around 10,000 attendees, featuring panels and startup showcases that emphasized AI, autonomous systems, and propulsion technologies pivotal to the new space economy[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 4:00:44 PM
Consumer and public reaction to the focus on defense, artificial gravity, and the new space economy at Disrupt 2025 has been notably enthusiastic and forward-looking. Over 10,000 attendees at the Space Stage in San Francisco expressed keen interest in the blending of commercial and defense technologies as well as AI applications in orbit, with startup leaders like Even Rogers and Max Haot highlighting the real-world potential of artificial gravity stations and orbital asset protection. Investors and innovators praised the event for providing valuable insights and fostering a sustainable space economy despite tighter capital conditions, with Baiju Bhatt of Aetherflux noting the fresh momentum the aerospace sector is gaining from these pioneering technologies[2][4][1].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 4:10:33 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, government leaders emphasized the need to overhaul outdated regulations to accelerate innovation in space defense and the new space economy. Director Kratsios highlighted that "the time has come to review the rules on the books and to ask whom they really protect and what they really cost," underscoring a federal commitment to become an "early adopter and avid promoter of American technology"[4]. This regulatory push aims to remove barriers, enabling startups and industry players to thrive as space commerce and artificial gravity technologies rapidly advance.
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 4:20:34 PM
At Disrupt 2025, experts highlighted a pivotal convergence of defense-grade technologies and commercial ambitions driving the new space economy, with defense-focused startups rapidly integrating into national security programs through fast acquisition and “as-a-service” models, reducing traditional lead times[1]. Industry leaders from Vast detailed progress towards artificial gravity space stations, emphasizing timelines that transition from conceptual renderings to flight-proven hardware, while True Anomaly showcased real-time decision-support innovations designed for actionable autonomy in congested orbits, enhancing situational awareness critical for both regulators and allies[1]. This fusion of defense urgency and commercial innovation is seen as essential for scaling space infrastructure, enabling new markets in orbital logistics, research, and tourism[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 4:30:36 PM
Consumer and public reaction to the focus on defense, artificial gravity, and the new space economy at Disrupt 2025 has been notably enthusiastic, with over 10,000 attendees expressing strong interest in the groundbreaking technologies presented[1]. Even Rogers, CEO of True Anomaly, highlighted the excitement around advanced space tech protecting orbital assets, while Max Haot’s vision of artificial gravity stations sparked imaginations about turning science fiction into reality[4]. Investors remain cautiously optimistic despite tighter capital flows, with many viewing the convergence of commercial and defense space innovations as a critical driver for a sustainable space economy[2].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 4:40:31 PM
Market reactions to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025's focus on defense, artificial gravity, and the new space economy showed notable enthusiasm, with key aerospace and space-tech stocks rising between 3% to 6% after early event news. Industry leaders highlighted strong investor interest in startups advancing space infrastructure and defense tech, driving a 4.5% increase in shares for major space-related companies over the past week. Aerospace CEO Steve Isakowitz emphasized at the event that "new pathways in commercial collaboration are unlocking rapid innovation," which has resonated positively with the market[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 4:50:29 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, defense priorities, artificial gravity innovations, and the burgeoning space economy dominated discussions, with leaders emphasizing new commercial pathways in cislunar space and beyond. Aerospace Corporation CEO Steve Isakowitz highlighted cislunar space as a critical area for future commercial activity and infrastructure development, while startups showcased breakthrough technologies including AI-driven navigation and propulsion systems[1][3]. The event expects over 10,000 global founders and investors, underscoring the rapid evolution and expanding collaboration between public and private sectors in space defense and economy[4].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 5:00:47 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, discussions on defense, artificial gravity, and the new space economy drew significant international attention, highlighting the global race to innovate in space technology. Over 10,000 global leaders, investors, and innovators gathered in San Francisco, emphasizing collaboration between nations and the private sector to shape cislunar infrastructure and commercial space markets, with leaders like Aerospace CEO Steve Isakowitz underscoring the role of startups in enhancing space operations resilience[1][4]. The event signals a growing worldwide commitment to leveraging space for economic growth and security, reflecting a multi-nation push to develop technologies critical for future deep space exploration and defense capabilities.
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 5:10:35 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, the competitive landscape in space technology is shifting rapidly as defense-driven urgency meets commercial innovation. New federal policies, such as the FCC easing smallsat regulations and the National Space Council's mission authorization framework, are accelerating startup integration into national security programs via fast acquisition and “as-a-service” models, reducing lead times significantly[3]. This convergence is driving competition in areas like space situational awareness, on-orbit logistics, and commercial space stations, with startups like Xona Space Systems gaining prominence through innovations like precision satellite navigation[2][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 5:20:38 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, government and regulatory responses took a prominent role as speakers highlighted new government-commercial partnerships driving the rapidly evolving space economy[3]. Aerospace Corporation CEO Steve Isakowitz emphasized collaboration with government partners to foster innovation, particularly in areas like defense and autonomous systems, reflecting a strategic regulatory openness to commercial space ventures[1]. The event also showcased startups developing AI-driven space technologies within frameworks supported by public agencies, signaling a continued government commitment to enabling a trillion-dollar space economy[2].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 5:30:42 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, global leaders highlighted the **transformative impact of defense advancements, artificial gravity innovations, and the burgeoning space economy** on international collaboration and security. Aerospace CEO Steve Isakowitz emphasized cislunar space as a critical platform for both commercial and defense sectors, prompting unprecedented multinational partnerships aimed at sustainable space infrastructure and long-duration human presence, supported by breakthroughs like Vast’s artificial gravity stations that could revolutionize space tourism and research[1][2]. The event drew over **10,000 global innovators and investors**, signaling strong international commitment to harness space technology for economic growth and defense resilience[1][5].
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