UK-based exhibition organiser Nineteen Group has announced it has acquired Space-Comm Expo Europe, an annual exhibition and conference for the global space community, from Lunar Ridge Ventures. The deal marks a significant investment in one of the world’s most strategically important growth sectors.

The strategic acquisition is set to ignite Space-Comm Expo Europe’s international growth. The European meeting place for the global space community has room, with investment to expand its government and defence delegations, enhance hosted buyer programmes, and creating more opportunities for exhibitors, partners, and visitors.

Nineteen believes the global space economy is projected to grow from US$630bn in 2023 to around US$1.8 trillion by 2035, growing at an average of 9% per year – almost twice the rate of the global GDP growth driven by increasing commercial investment, defence spending, sovereign capability and rapid technological innovation.

Delivered in partnership with ADS, the UK’s trade association for aerospace, defence, security and space, Space-Comm Expo Europe 2026 welcomed 6,000+ delegates, 250+ exhibitors, and 190+ expert speakers.

Christie Day, managing director, Space-Comm Expo Europe, said: “When we launched Space-Comm Expo Europe, we believed Europe deserved a world-class meeting place for the international space ecosystem. Six editions later, thanks to ADS, our partners, exhibitors and community, that vision is a reality. What makes me proudest is how we’ve built it, with resilience, innovation and belief in the opportunity ahead. Joining Nineteen Group marks our most exciting chapter yet, accelerating growth and creating greater opportunities for the industry. The countdown starts now.”