Open Forum: Beyond Earth - The Next Space Race | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 | World Economic Forum

The podcast explores the evolving landscape of space exploration, highlighting the shift from government-led initiatives to commercial opportunities across various industries. The discussion centers on how this "next space race" differs from its predecessor, driven by technology convergence and public-private partnerships. Panelists emphasize the increasing role of data collection and processing in space, enabled by reusable launch systems, and the potential for biopharma advancements through microgravity research, including organ printing. Challenges in Europe, such as balancing sovereign capabilities with cost-effectiveness and fostering ambition among companies, are addressed. The conversation also touches on the future of human spaceflight, the relevance of human-generated content versus AI, and the ethical considerations of autonomous AI in space exploration.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction, Context

Part 2: Commercialization, Data, Infrastructure

Part 3: Innovation, Research, Logistics

Part 4: Future, AI, Collaboration

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Open Forum: Beyond Earth - The Next Space Race | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026

World Economic Forum

Part 1: Introduction, Context

The Transition to Commercial Opportunities in Space: An Introduction

Panelists' Backgrounds: Astronis, ESA, Voyager Technologies, Exploration Company, and Swiss Space Office

Defining the Next Space Race: From Political Systems to Commercial Partnerships

Part 2: Commercialization, Data, Infrastructure

Commercial Space: Data Processing, Satellite Growth, and Cost Reduction

Expanding Commercialization in Europe: Ambition, Public Money, and Speed

Expanding Internet Access Through Satellites: A Dual-Use Approach

Part 3: Innovation, Research, Logistics

Biopharma and Microgravity: Revolutionizing Drug Development and Organ Printing in Space

The Future of Launch Prices and Public-Private Partnerships

Samantha Cristoforetti's Journey: From a Small Village to the International Space Station

Standards and Systemic Constraints for Small and Medium Suppliers

Part 4: Future, AI, Collaboration

Managing the Realities of Space: Storytelling and Cultural Creation

Physical AI in Space: Autonomy and the Human Element

Dialogue and Collaboration: The Spirit of Space Exploration

Open Forum: Beyond Earth - The Next Space Race | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026

World Economic Forum

Part 1: Introduction, Context

00:00The Transition to Commercial Opportunities in Space: An Introduction

The Transition to Commercial Opportunities in Space: An Introduction

12:14Panelists' Backgrounds: Astronis, ESA, Voyager Technologies, Exploration Company, and Swiss Space Office

Panelists' Backgrounds: Astronis, ESA, Voyager Technologies, Exploration Company, and Swiss Space Office

20:00Defining the Next Space Race: From Political Systems to Commercial Partnerships

Defining the Next Space Race: From Political Systems to Commercial Partnerships

Part 2: Commercialization, Data, Infrastructure

26:45Commercial Space: Data Processing, Satellite Growth, and Cost Reduction

Commercial Space: Data Processing, Satellite Growth, and Cost Reduction

34:41Expanding Commercialization in Europe: Ambition, Public Money, and Speed

Expanding Commercialization in Europe: Ambition, Public Money, and Speed

40:53Expanding Internet Access Through Satellites: A Dual-Use Approach

Expanding Internet Access Through Satellites: A Dual-Use Approach

Part 3: Innovation, Research, Logistics

45:15Biopharma and Microgravity: Revolutionizing Drug Development and Organ Printing in Space

Biopharma and Microgravity: Revolutionizing Drug Development and Organ Printing in Space

49:05The Future of Launch Prices and Public-Private Partnerships

The Future of Launch Prices and Public-Private Partnerships

53:09Samantha Cristoforetti's Journey: From a Small Village to the International Space Station

Samantha Cristoforetti's Journey: From a Small Village to the International Space Station

59:36Standards and Systemic Constraints for Small and Medium Suppliers

Standards and Systemic Constraints for Small and Medium Suppliers

Part 4: Future, AI, Collaboration

1:03:41Managing the Realities of Space: Storytelling and Cultural Creation

Managing the Realities of Space: Storytelling and Cultural Creation

1:08:35Physical AI in Space: Autonomy and the Human Element

Physical AI in Space: Autonomy and the Human Element

1:14:49Dialogue and Collaboration: The Spirit of Space Exploration

Dialogue and Collaboration: The Spirit of Space Exploration