When the U.S. Space Force’s top uniformed leader takes the stage in Orlando this December, his remarks will arrive at a pivotal moment for the service and for American space strategy. The Space Force Association (SFA) has announced that Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, the recently sworn-in Chief of Space Operations, will deliver the keynote address at the Spacepower Conference (SPC26), a gathering that draws Guardians, allied partners, and industry leaders from across the space ecosystem.
The Space Force's top uniformed leader will address Guardians, joint and allied partners, and industry at Spacepower Conference, December 8-10 in Orlando
Scheduled for December 8-10, 2026, at the Hilton Orlando, the conference is being held under the banner “The Decisive Edge.” Gen. Schiess, who took the oath of office on September 3, 2026, as just the third Chief of Space Operations in the Space Force’s history, now leads a service comprising more than 15,000 uniformed and civilian personnel. His keynote is expected to offer attendees a clear-eyed look at the service’s current posture and its trajectory, a message that carries extra weight as the Space Force expands, the Golden Dome for America initiative gains traction, and recent operations underscore the growing centrality of spacepower to national security.
Also worth a look: Mitolyn, Built Around the Purple Peel Exploit, has been Launched, Designed to Enhance Mitochondrial Health & Manage Weight and Out Today: “My Favorite Things” by Award-winning Vocalist Nicole Henry.
A career space operator, Gen. Schiess began his military journey through ROTC in 1992, entering the Air Force before transferring to the U.S. Space Force in 2022. His command experience spans squadron, group, wing, joint component, and field command levels, including leadership of the 21st Space Wing and the 45th Space Wing. He served as the first Commander of U.S. Space Forces-Space and as the Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander for U.S. Space Command. Most recently, before becoming Chief of Space Operations, he was Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, where he oversaw policy for global operations, sustainment, training, and readiness. His career also includes a deployment from Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.
“Gen. Schiess takes the helm of the Space Force at a defining moment, and we are honored that he will join the Guardians, allies, and industry partners gathered at Spacepower Conference,” said Damon Feltman, CEO of the Space Force Association. “Hearing directly from the Chief of Space Operations will set the tone for three days of candid conversation about how we build, field, and fight with a decisive edge.”
Now in its fourth year, the Spacepower Conference has grown into a gathering that pulls together the full breadth of the spacepower community: Guardians at every rank, joint and allied warfighters, industry innovators and investors, and the next generation of space talent. This year’s program spans five stages and includes senior leader keynotes, firsthand operator debriefs, and sessions covering artificial intelligence, space nuclear power, in-space servicing and refueling, and the Golden Dome mandate. The conference also serves as a closing event for America’s 250th anniversary year.
About Spacepower Conference
Spacepower Conference (SPC26) is a gathering for the people securing, creating, and investing in America's future in space. SPC26 will be held December 8-10, 2026, at the Hilton Orlando. For registration, hotel information, and the latest program updates, visit attendspacepower.org.
About the Space Force Association
The Space Force Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and nationally recognized military association supporting the U.S. Space Force and its Guardians and advocating for U.S.-led space security.
###
Emily Honhart
Space Force Association
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
X
Why it matters: With the Space Force expanding and new initiatives like Golden Dome for America gaining momentum, Gen. Schiess’s keynote at the Spacepower Conference offers a rare, direct window into the service’s strategic priorities at a critical inflection point for U.S. spacepower. For Guardians, industry partners, and allied forces, his address will help shape the conversation around how America builds and maintains its decisive edge in space.
