Washington, D.C. — November 10, 2025 — SpaceNews, the leading source of global space industry reporting and analysis, partnered with the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center to launch a new chapter of the Discovery Series, convening more than 280 members of the space community for an evening of insight, dialogue, and exploration into the technologies shaping the future of space.
The program opened with a fireside chat between Marshall Smith, CEO of Starlab Space, and Mike Gruss, Chief Content and Strategy Officer at SpaceNews, discussing the development of next-generation commercial space stations and the shifting dynamic between government and commercial innovation.
A panel discussion moderated by Jeff Foust, Senior Staff Writer at SpaceNews, brought together John Thornton (CEO, Astrobotic), Wes Puckett (VP of Government Strategy, Apex), Devon Papandrew (VP of Business Development, Stoke Space), and Robert Braun (Head of the Space Exploration Sector, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory). The panel explored reusable launch advancements that are lowering barriers to space access, the opportunities and challenges of renewed lunar exploration, and the role of automation in satellite manufacturing and future in-space infrastructure. Braun highlighted the value of research institutions in advancing mission capabilities and building partnerships across government and industry.
A Partnership with Purpose
“For more than 35 years, SpaceNews has covered the space economy with accuracy, context, and care,” said Paige McCullough, President of SpaceNews. “As the industry accelerates, there is a growing responsibility to create space for informed conversation. We aren’t seeking to do more for the sake of more, we are choosing to partner thoughtfully, where our credibility and industry knowledge can help move the dialogue forward.”
The collaboration reflects SpaceNews’ next phase: expanding its role as a convener of meaningful discussion, bringing together scientists, policymakers, commercial leaders, and students to deepen understanding of the rapidly evolving space landscape.
Looking Ahead
SpaceNews will continue its partnership with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center through additional Discovery Series programming and will host the 2025 SpaceNews Icon Awards at the Bloomberg Center on December 2. 2025 Icon Awards Tickets – SpaceNews Icon Awards
“The future is bright,” McCullough said. “Our continued growth — in our newsroom, our platforms, and our partnerships — strengthens our ability to help this community connect and imagine what comes next in space.”
About SpaceNews
Founded in 1989, SpaceNews is the most trusted source of reporting and analysis across civil, commercial, and national security space sectors, relied upon worldwide for clarity and insight into the global space economy.