[SatNews] The global space economy grew by nearly 7 percent in 2012, reaching a new record of $304.31 billion; the commercial space sector now accounts for nearly three-quarters of the space economy. Specifically, the contribution of the space sector to the U.K. economy in 2010-2011 totalled approximately £9.1 billion and according to the government’s projection, this will be estimated to increase to a staggering £40 billion by 2030.

With this in mind, the International Space Commerce 2013 Summit is proud to bring you a high-level forum to gauge this development and the activity in space that will fuel this growth. Many key players from the international space industry will participate, including Bas Lansdorp, CEO of Mars One, Karin Nilsdotter, CEO of Spaceport Sweden, and SpaceX. This senior-level meeting will take place on October 29th through 30th in central London with the aim of connecting both public and private bodies to discuss the way forward for the commercial development of space.

There will be a large focus on commercial activity in space, with the agenda covering a wide variety of topics including legal and regulatory issues, insurance challenges, space mining, ground infrastructure and suborbital travel. Supported by Space Angels Network, the ISC 2013 Summit will provide the opportunity to connect with investors in the industry. Given that one of the main obstacles preventing further movement in the commercial space industry relates to financing, Chad Anderson, Director of European Operations at Space Angels Network will give an overview of trends in space investment and share his expertise on how ‘astroprenuers’ can attract capital.

The Summit has an international focus and highlights include presentations from Tim Craine, Former Head of Commerce, Isle of Man Government, who will share the success of the Isle of Man’s established space sector, and Tommaso Sgobba, President, International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety, who will discuss the safe certification of suborbital spaceflight. The speaking line-up currently features many key players in the industry including:

• Sa’id Mosteshar, Director, London Institute of Space Policy and Law
• Gerd Gruppe, Director of Space Administration, German Aerospace Centre (DLR)
• Tim Just, Head of Space, Technology Strategy Board
• Dan Lewis, Chief Executive, Economic Policy Centre
• Dr. Carlo Viberti, Founder and President, COSMO Spaceland

The ISC 2013 Summit will be an exceptional forum to connect the business leaders, associations, Government, investors and companies who supply the industry with the equipment and technology to sustain the development of space in a commercial capacity.