Next week from March 12-15, the 2018 Satellite Show will take place in Washington D.C. The event will feature some of the most innovative satellite designs and accessories, from the latest craft models currently or scheduled to launch into space, to various types of communications and other operational equipment used on these crafts. Expect every facet of the satellite sector in the aerospace industry to be covered in some capacity during this show, which should give us a very clear indication on how far along we’ve truly gotten since humans first started exploring outer space.

The 2018 Satellite Show will feature dozens of exhibitors and companies from around the world and several different industries, with products, concept models, and other innovations. In addition to companies leading the way in the aerospace and telecommunication industries like Airbus and Lockheed Martin, this year’s show has several featured exhibitors worth keeping an eye on like Amphenol Military & Aerospace Operations, General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies, and NORSAT International—just to mention a few.

The show also has a diverse itinerary with dozens of speakers of all ranks from the telecommunication, aerospace, and educational industries in both the public and private sector. From CEOs like Moe Abutaleb (UltiSat), Daniel Baker (FlightAware), and Marshall Culpepper (Kudos), to high-ranking executives like Gwynne Shotwell (President & COO, SpaceX), Michael Smith (Senior Vice President, Kratos), and even political figures like Dutch Ruppersberger (Congressman, D-MD), the show promises to cover several discussion topics that offer numerous unique perspectives.

I’ll be in attendance this coming week covering the 2018 Satellite Show, and am looking forward to the experience. With humanity’s inevitable expansion into space along with the booming growth of the world’s aerospace industry, satellites are going to play a pivotal role in the future of the space frontier and unlocking the lengths space-based companies are capable of reaching. Events like the 2018 Satellite Show are essential in getting so many like-minded individuals together so we can assess and exchange ideas dictating the present and future of this innovative industry.