Key Space Policy Events in the U.S. and Worldwide – November 1-8, 2026
The U.S. mid-term elections and a series of space-policy conferences and expos dominate the first week of November 2026, including NASA’s MAX POWER show and the Space + Defense Investor Summit.
From the first day of November, space-policy enthusiasts and professionals will be watching the U.S. mid-term elections on Tuesday, November 3, and then turning their attention to a packed calendar of conferences, summits and expos. The week also marks the end of Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. and the return of the House and Senate to work on Monday, November 9, after a brief recess.
Key points
- Mid-term elections on November 3 – potential impact on space legislation.
- NASA’s MAX POWER aerospace expo and air show runs from Friday, November 5 to Sunday, November 7 at Kennedy Space Center.
- Space + Defense Investor Summit in Beverly Hills, CA on November 3-4.
- Secure World Foundation’s annual Summit for Space Sustainability in Brazil on November 3-4.
- Schriever Spacepower Series webinar with Gen. Douglas Schiess on November 4.
- Discussion on “Weapons in Orbit” by the Nuclear Threat Initiative in Washington, D.C. on November 4.
- Predicted re-entry of NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory on November 4.
Details
NASA’s MAX POWER event will showcase the agency’s quiet supersonic X-59 plane, Moon rovers, spacecraft and other cutting-edge technologies. Media opportunities are available on Friday, November 5, with the main displays on Saturday and Sunday.
The Space + Defense Investor Summit will feature panels on the future of the International Space Station, space-arsenal development and other strategic topics. Speakers include representatives from Vast, Axiom, Starlab, True Anomaly, Apex and CesiumAstro.
The Secure World Foundation’s summit, co-sponsored by the Brazilian Space Agency, focuses on space sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean. A virtual option is available for a fee.
Gen. Douglas Schiess will discuss U.S. Space Force strategies in the Schriever Spacepower Series webinar. The Nuclear Threat Initiative will host a discussion on nuclear risk reduction in space, featuring former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall III.
NASA’s Swift Observatory is expected to re-enter the atmosphere on Wednesday, November 4, after a failed reboost attempt. The re-entry window is estimated at 3:30 a.m. EST on November 4.
What it means for students
Students interested in space policy, aerospace engineering or related careers should note the following dates and resources:
- Mid-term elections – November 3: Keep an eye on any new space-related legislation announced after the elections.
- MAX POWER expo – November 5-7: Check NASA’s official site for virtual viewing options if you cannot attend in person.
- Space + Defense Investor Summit – November 3-4: Look for conference proceedings or recordings on the event website.
- Secure World Foundation summit – November 3-4: Register for the virtual option if you want to learn about space sustainability in the LAC region.
- Schriever Spacepower Series webinar – November 4: Join the live stream on the Mitchell Institute’s website.
- Swift re-entry – November 4: Follow NASA’s updates on the re-entry time and location for a real-time learning experience.
These events provide valuable insights into current space policy debates, technological advancements and international cooperation, all of which shape the future job market for aspiring space professionals.
Source: SpacePolicyOnline.com. Written for students by the Isolated Study News Desk from public reports. Always check the official website for final dates and details.