Signature Series
Space Investors Forum 2026
July 21, 2026
Amazon, Arlington, VA
Unclassified
TITLE SPONSOR
Space is no longer the “final frontier”—it is a strategic and economic imperative. Bipartisan Government support for investment in national security space is at an all-time high, driven by escalating threats from China, Russia, and others. Ensuring U.S. leadership in space has never been more urgent.
Private capital—from venture investors, private equity, and space entrepreneurs—is fueling unprecedented innovation in space systems and services. Recognizing this shift, the Department of Defense is increasingly focused on leveraging private investment and commercial capabilities as a force multiplier for national security.
The 2026 NSSA Space Investors Forum convenes this entire ecosystem: national security leaders, pioneering space ventures, dealmakers, and private capital. This unique forum creates a space for candid discussion, alignment of priorities, and the formation of new partnerships.
Join other leaders shaping the next era of U.S. space leadership—where public priorities and private capital converge to define the future of space.
This event is closed to the press.
Date: July 21, 2026
Location: Amazon HQ2 | 510 14th St S, Arlington, VA 22202
Registration:
In-Person: Members - $499 | Non-Members - $599 | Government - Complimentary
Virtual: Members - $249 | Non-Members - $299 | Government - Complimentary
Featured Speakers

The Honorable Mark T. Esper

Col. Tim Trimailo

Josh Carter

Pete Muend

Winston Beauchamp

Andrea Cruden

Mark (Chili) J. Davis

Damian DiPippa

Joe Dodd
Pieter Fossel

Pragna Gaddam

Alyssa Goessler

Brendan Grant

Kevin Kelly

Jonathan Kirkland

Brandon Levitan

Matt Norton

Greg Saydah

Thomas Young

Patrick Zeitouni
Agenda
1:15pm-1:45pm
Registration/Check-In
1:45pm-2:00pm
Welcome Remarks
- Steve Jacques, President, NSSA
- Joe Dodd, Chairman of the Board, NSSA
- Mark (Chili) J. Davis, Principal, Product Management, Amazon Leo Government
2:00pm-2:30pm
M&A Landscape
- Jonathan Kirkland, Managing Director, Baird
2:30pm-3:15pm
Government Investment & Disruptive Technologies
- Josh Carter, Associate Administrator, Office of Investment and Innovation, U.S. Small Business Administration
- JR Gibbens, Former Chief Investment Officer, Office of Strategic Capital
- William Taylor, Director, NASA’s Office of Strategic Capital
- Moderator: Matt Norton, CEO, Watch Point Capital
3:15pm-4:00pm
Panel: Private Equity Perspectives
- Pragna Gaddam, Associate, Stellar Ventures
- Alyssa Goessler, Vice President, AE Industrial Partners
- Brandon Levitan, Managing Director and Co-Head of Technology & Government, Madison Dearborn Partners
- Thomas Young, Partner, Enlightenment Capital
- Moderator: Greg Saydah, Director, Baird
4:00pm-4:15pm
Networking Break
4:15pm-5:00pm
Panel: Industry Perspectives
- Winston Beauchamp, VP of Intelligence Systems, Boeing
- Andrea Cruden, Managing Director, Strategy for Space, Anduril
- Damian DiPippa, CEO, Auria Space
- Brendan Grant, Vice President, Space Systems, Space, Cyber and Intelligence Systems, General Dynamics Mission Systems
- Moderator: Kevin Kelly, Chairman and CEO, Arcfield
5:00pm-5:45pm
Panel: Government & Commercial Perspectives
- Col Tim Trimailo, Director, Commercial Space Office, SSC
- Pete Muend, Director, Commercial Systems Program Office, NRO
- Pieter Fossel, CEO and Co-Founder, Hydrosat
- Patrick Zeitouni, CSO, HawkEye 360
- Moderator: Joe Dodd, Chairman of the Board, NSSA
5:45pm-6:15pm
Featured Speaker
- The Honorable Mark T. Esper, 27th Secretary of Defense, 23rd Secretary of the Army
6:15pm-6:30pm
Closing Remarks
6:30pm-8:00pm
Reception
*Agenda subject to change