Great Lakes Orbit: Your Launchpad for Space Innovation

A celebration of space day, built to ignite discussions and partnerships between education, industry, and local talent!

Join us in Sault Ste. Marie on April 22, 2026 for a first-of-its-kind conference highlighting the talent and technology positioning our region as a global leader in space innovation. From NASA partnerships to Department of Defense priorities, this event bridges the gap between regional expertise and the final frontier.

An initiative of the Great Lakes Space Alliance in partnership with the CCEDC and Headwaters North, Great Lakes Orbit unites the space community to explore science and innovation through expert speakers and critical conversations about the future of exploration.

Schedule of Events

Space Trivia Night at Bird's Eye Outfitters

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Registration opens at 5pm)

Location: Bird's Eye Outfitters, 107 E Portage Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Open to the public! Join us as we kick off the workshop with an evening of informal networking and out-of-this-world trivia.

Great Lakes Orbit: Space Innovation Conference

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Sault Ste. Marie Country Club, 1901 Riverside Dr, Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Conference Agenda

8:00 AM – 8:45 AM Registration, Networking, Coffee & Refreshments

8:45 AM – 9:15 AM Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:15 AM – 9:45 AM Space 101: Foundations of the Modern Space Enterprise 

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Current National Activities: NASA, DoW, and Intelligence Community Priorities

10:45 AM – 11:00 AM Break & Networking

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Panel Discussion: Innovation at Headwaters North - Entrepreneurs, Startups & Success Stories

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch & Fireside Chat: The Future of the Great Lakes Space Region. Lunch is complimentary for all conference guests.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Space Workforce & Talent Development in Michigan

Next Steps Sessions 

2:00 – 2:30 For New Entrants - “Launching Your Space Business” 

2:30 – 3:00 For Established Companies - “Scaling in the Space Sector”

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM Break

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM How Michigan Can Participate in the Emerging Space Economy 

4:00 PM – 4:15 PM Closing Remarks & Next Steps

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM Networking & NOAA Weather Satellite Data Downlink Demo

5:00 PM Adjourn

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Who Should Attend?

• Entrepreneurs & Startups looking for funding and startup pathways.
• Established Manufacturers seeking to pivot into the aerospace supply chain.
• Researchers & Educators building the regional talent pipeline.
• Economic Leaders interested in the "Arsenal of the North" innovation corridor.

Thank you to our Sponsors

Stellar Supporters: OTMV Holdings, LLC, Headwaters North, Homestead Space, LLC, Sault Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Great Lakes Space Alliance, Lockheed-Martin Space Systems Company, CCEDC, Atlas, BRPH, 

Launch Partners: Northern Sand & Gravel, M. Carey Consultants

Trivia Sponsors: Peninsular Hussar, IQM Research Institute

The Great Lakes region is ready for liftoff—join us as we build the future of space

from Michigan’s northern horizon.