Colorado Springs 35th Annual Space Symposium draws crowds, unveils new technology

The 35th Annual Space Symposium is underway this week in Colorado Springs, bringing thousands of visitors and unique experiences during the four-day event.

Last year, Vice President Mike Pence vowed that our nation will soon return to the moon. This year, NASA displayed the tool they say will get us there.

That’s the kind of thinking that outgoing Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson says we need.

“We will not win against a rapidly innovating adversary with an acquisition system from the Cold War,” she said.

The Space Symposium in Colorado Springs also brings in the top dogs in the aerospace industry.

“It’s great to see all of these new and upcoming projects that everyone is working on together. Everyone has a part in it all and it’s great to see it all coming together,” said visitor Matthew Sullivan.

From NASA to tourists alike, people are there to find out more on the nation’s future in space.

“I do really like the energy in here and everyone is always really excited about space and that’s always one of my favorite things in the world,” said Jamie Lee Cardwell, another visitor.

The symposium also supports an industry that creates a lot of Colorado jobs, generating $3.5 billion in payroll. That makes our state the nation’s largest per-capita aerospace economy.

That’s why the Broadmoor Resort wants to build a larger event center to ensure the Space Symposium and events like it stay.

With Colorado Springs already focused on all things outer space, the announcement of the U.S. Space Command possibly calling Colorado home comes as no surprise.

The Air Force is now eyeing four Colorado military bases that could house the newest command.

The Space Symposium continues until Thursday and is already on track to beat out the number of overall visitors from last year.