MOJAVE — Mojave Air and Space Port will host CAL-SPACE, the California Space, Propulsion and Aerospace Conference and Expo, on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 12-13, with an optional VIP and exhibitor welcome day beforehand.
The event bills itself as a mission-driven conference and expo built around the full aerospace value chain, bringing together commercial space, propulsion, advanced aviation, defense innovation, manufacturing, research, capital and workforce partners. Organizers describe it as four integrated layers: leadership conference keynotes and moderated sessions on growth, innovation and national security; an industry expo covering aerospace, defense, space, propulsion, manufacturing, university and workforce exhibits; static displays and demonstrations of aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, engines, mission systems, composites and digital engineering; and business growth and deal-flow programming, including supplier matchmaking, investor meetings, recruiting and small-business support.
The optional Day Zero includes an executive welcome, private site tour, runway orientation, exhibitor load-in, speaker briefing and a regional partnership roundtable. Thursday, Nov. 12, is designated California Aerospace & Space Leadership Day, with an opening ceremony, leadership plenary, keynote, a “runway-to-orbit” mainstage panel, the exhibition floor opening, breakout sessions and an evening reception. Friday, Nov. 13, is Innovation, Industry & Workforce Day, featuring an industrial-base plenary, a supply-chain mainstage panel, STEM programming, supplier matchmaking and an innovation showcase.
Programming is organized around eight tracks: the California Aerospace Advantage; Flight Test, Hypersonics & Speed; Commercial & National-Security Space; Propulsion & Aerospace Power; Manufacturing the Aerospace Future; Autonomous Systems, UAS & Counter-UAS; Workforce, Education & Regional Growth; and Capital, Incentives & Business Expansion.
Organizers say the event is built for people who design, build, test, fund, procure and field aerospace capability, and identify six groups of intended attendees: aerospace and defense companies; commercial space and propulsion teams; manufacturers, suppliers and small businesses; government, military and mission partners; research, education and workforce representatives; and investors and regional growth leaders.
Registration is open at Eventbrite.