Lift Off: First look at the Space Stage agenda at Disrupt 2025

TechCrunch Disrupt has always been where the future takes shape, and nowhere is that more literal than on the Space Stage, launching in San Francisco’s Moscone West on October 27. In partnership with the Aerospace Corporation, this stage brings together the leaders shaping the next orbital frontier, unveiling breakthroughs in rockets, satellites, defense, and AI in orbit. 

This year’s agenda brings together founders, investors, and operators who are turning bold visions into enduring businesses, even in a market where capital is tighter and expectations higher. Whether you’re a space junkie, a startup builder, or an investor chasing the edge of innovation, the Space Stage will deliver insights on what’s next in one of the most dynamic sectors in tech.

Don’t miss your exclusive look into space tech. Register by September 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT, and save up to $668 on your Disrupt 2025 pass.

Here’s your first preview of the Space Stage

Investing at the Edge of Space

With Celeste Ford, managing director, Stellar Ventures; Chris Morales, partner, Point72; and a speaker to be announced

As space becomes a bigger focus for both governments and private markets, investors are navigating new opportunities and new risks. Join these top investors to break down where capital is flowing, what startups need to show to stand out, and how the funding landscape for space is evolving.

AI at the Edge: Startups Powering the Future of Space

Presented by The Aerospace Corporation

Space isn’t just about rockets and satellites anymore — it’s about data and decisions — and doing both fast. From autonomous systems to resilient compute and onboard intelligence, AI is becoming the backbone of how missions get managed at scale. The Aerospace Corporation and innovators break down how early-stage innovation is driving these shifts and laying the foundation for the evolving space economy.

Aerospace Startup Showcase: Solving the Hardest Problems in Space

AI is transforming countless industries, and space is no exception. The Aerospace Corporation is hosting a pitch-off at Disrupt to showcase startups working on innovative AI solutions to the hardest problems in space exploration, orbital intelligence, and infrastructure.

From Robinhood to Aetherflux: Baiju Bhatt’s Next Frontier

With Baiju Bhatt, founder and CEO, Aetherflux

As the co-founder of Robinhood, Baiju Bhatt helped redefine access to investing for an entire generation. Now he’s back with Aetherflux, a company operating at the cutting edge of aerospace and deep tech. In this fireside chat, Bhatt will share why he’s diving into space, what he’s learned about building in radically different industries, and how founder experience translates when the stakes are literally orbital.

Dual-Use and the Rise of Private Investment

With Dan Jablonsky, chairman and CEO, Ursa Major, and speakers to be announced

The lines between commercial and defense technology have never been thinner and private capital is racing to fund the next generation of dual-use companies. Startup leaders join us to explore how startups are navigating this complex landscape, the opportunities (and responsibilities) that come with building dual-use tech, and what it means for the future of the aerospace industry.

Laying the Groundwork for a New Space Economy

With Even Rogers, co-founder and CEO, True Anomaly; Max Haot, CEO, Vast; and a speaker to be announced

The next wave of space startups is not just building rockets — it’s building an entire ecosystem. The CEOs of True Anomaly and Vast take the stage to discuss how their companies are creating infrastructure, enabling new markets, and laying the foundations for a thriving space economy. From orbital services to next-generation satellite networks, this session explores the building blocks of a future where commercial space is a critical part of global tech.

Don’t wait for $668 in ticket savings to leave orbit

And that’s just the beginning for the Space Stage — stay tuned for more sessions and speaker reveals coming soon.

In the meantime, grab your Disrupt pass before Regular Bird savings vanish on September 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.