Space Systems Command chief to speak at Spacepower Conference

Lt. Gen. Philip A. Garrant, commander of Space Systems Command, will speak at the Space Force Association’s Spacepower Conference Dec. 8-10 in Orlando. The event is aimed at Guardians, allies, industry and investors as the Space Force pushes new capabilities across launch, satellites and space support systems.

Why it matters: - Space Systems Command is the Space Force’s main hub for turning requirements into fielded space capability. - Lt. Gen. Philip A. Garrant’s appearance gives the conference a senior acquisition and development perspective as the service pushes satellite, launch and sustainment programs. - SPC26 is designed to bring together Guardians, joint and allied partners, industry innovators, investors and future space talent in one venue.

What happened: - The Space Force Association announced that Lt. Gen. Philip A. Garrant will speak at Spacepower Conference 2026. - The conference runs Dec. 8-10, 2026, at the Hilton Orlando. - The event theme is “The Decisive Edge.” - Garrant has led Space Systems Command since December 2023.

The details: - Space Systems Command is headquartered at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. - The command oversees research, design, development, acquisition, launch and sustainment of satellites and their associated command and control systems. - Its portfolio includes military satellite communications, missile warning, navigation and timing, space-based weather, space launch and test ranges, space superiority and responsive space programs. - Before taking command, Garrant served as Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs, and Requirements. - Garrant was commissioned through Air Force ROTC at the University of Maryland in 1991. - His prior acquisition roles included systems engineer, program manager, senior materiel leader, program executive and vice commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center. - Damon Feltman, CEO of the Space Force Association, said Spacepower Conference brings Guardians and the industry partners who build for them into one room. - Feltman said Garrant’s perspective will help set the tone for “The Decisive Edge.”

Between the lines: - The speaker lineup signals that SPC26 is leaning hard into acquisition, fielding and operational integration, not just broad space policy. - The program’s focus on artificial intelligence, space nuclear power, in-space servicing and refueling, and the Golden Dome mandate points to a conference centered on emerging mission needs and future force design. - SPC26 also closes out America’s 250th anniversary year, giving the event a symbolic tie to national service and space security.

What’s next: - SPC26 will feature senior leader keynotes, first-hand operator debriefs and multi-stage sessions across the three-day program. - The Space Force Association says registration, hotel information and program updates are available at attendspacepower.org. - The conference will continue building toward the December gathering in Orlando as the program and speaker roster expand.

The bottom line: - Spacepower Conference is positioning itself as a high-level forum for the people shaping the Space Force’s next wave of capabilities, with Garrant’s appearance underscoring the event’s acquisition and operational focus.