When people think about space, the first image that comes to mind is usually rockets, satellites and astronauts floating in orbit. But the future of space is about algorithms and power calculations, just like propulsion systems and spacecraft. In 2025 at TechCrunch, Aerospace Corporation is pulling back the curtains on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the space economy through bold startups and cutting-edge research.
This year, Disrupt has two major aerospace-driven sessions, highlighting how dangerous it is in orbit and beyond. Together, they provide front row seats for the next wave of innovation, defining ways to explore, protect and expand human existence in the universe.
Monday, October 27th – Industry Stage: Space
Aerospace Startup Showcase: Solve the most difficult problems in the universe
8:35am – 9:40am
Aerospace Corporation announces
Space is not for the faint of heart. From orbital debris to deep sea navigation, the challenges are the most complex in any industry. That’s why Aerospace Corporation hosts high-stakes pitch-offs featuring startups pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Hope the founders announce breakthroughs powered by AI.
Space Exploration: Automate mission planning and navigation for your journey far beyond Earth. Orbital Intelligence: Track, model and predict satellite behavior to prevent collisions in increasingly crowded sky. Space Infrastructure: Optimize everything from communication relays to on-trajectory services using data and AI.
If you want to witness early stage companies tackling the kind of issues they’ve done or destroyed, then this is where
Monday, October 27th – Industry Stage: Space
ai at the Edge: A startup that drives the future of space
11:00am – 11:20am
Aerospace Corporation announces
TechCrunch Events
San Francisco
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October 27th-29th, 2025
The showcase shines a spotlight on bold newcomers, but the second aerospace session zooms in on the key theme: AI at Edge.
Space is a merciless environment. Latency, bandwidth constraints, and mission-critical decision-making make traditional cloud computing unrealistic. As such, autonomous systems, resilient calculations, and onboard intelligence are rapidly becoming the backbone of modern space missions.
This session will break down major innovators.
An autonomous system that makes spacecraft smarter and safer. A resilient computing architecture designed for hostile environments. Onboard intelligence that turns raw satellite data into real-time, viable insights.
This is where AI theory clashes with SpaceFlight’s reality, and even where startups are proving smaller, faster and smarter, they can outperform the biggest incumbent.
TechCrunch’s Aerospace Society Programming will provide 2025 programming in 2025. If you’re interested in innovation, infrastructure, or the next trillion dollar economy, you’ll want to be in your room.
