When people think about space, the first images that come to mind are usually rockets, satellites, and astronauts floating in orbit. But the future of space is just as much about algorithms and compute power as it is about propulsion systems and spacecraft. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, the Aerospace Corporation is revealing how artificial intelligence is reshaping the space economy through bold startups and cutting-edge research.
This year, Disrupt is home to two major aerospace-driven sessions that highlight just how much is at stake in orbit and beyond. Together, they offer a front-row seat to the next wave of innovation that will define how we explore, protect, and expand humanity’s presence in space.
On Monday, October 27, on the Industry Stage, the Aerospace Corporation presents the Aerospace Startup Showcase: Solving the Hardest Problems in Space from 8:35 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. PT. Space is not for the faint of heart. From orbital debris to deep-space navigation, the challenges are among the most complex in any industry. That is why the Aerospace Corporation is hosting a high-stakes pitch-off featuring startups pushing the limits of what is possible.
Expect to see founders unveiling AI-powered breakthroughs in space exploration, such as automating mission planning and navigation for journeys far beyond Earth. They will also present advances in orbital intelligence, including tracking, modeling, and predicting satellite behavior to prevent collisions in an increasingly crowded sky. Further innovations will cover space infrastructure, using data and AI to optimize everything from communications relays to on-orbit servicing. If you want to witness early-stage companies tackling the kind of problems that make or break billion-dollar missions, this is the session to attend.
Later that same day on the Industry Stage, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. PT, the Aerospace Corporation presents a session titled AI at the Edge: Startups Powering the Future of Space. While the showcase spotlights bold new entrants, this second session zooms in on a critical theme. Space is an unforgiving environment where latency, bandwidth constraints, and mission-critical decision-making make traditional cloud computing impractical. That is why autonomous systems, resilient compute, and onboard intelligence are rapidly becoming the backbone of modern space missions.
This session brings together leading innovators to break down autonomous systems that make spacecraft smarter and safer. They will explore resilient compute architectures designed for hostile environments and discuss onboard intelligence that turns raw satellite data into real-time, actionable insights. This is where the theory of AI collides with the reality of spaceflight, and where startups are proving that smaller, faster, and smarter can outpace even the biggest incumbents.
The Aerospace Corporation’s programming at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 offers a rare look at how both technology and entrepreneurship are converging to build the future of space. If you care about innovation, infrastructure, or the next trillion-dollar economy, you will want to be in the room.