The space industry has reached an inflection point. We are witnessing unprecedented growth in commercial space activity, accelerated national security priorities, international realignment in civil space programs, and a new generation of professionals entering the field. We need a technology-focused forum that matches the complexity and ambition of our moment. That’s exactly what we’re creating with ASCEND 2026.
Working with other leading space nonprofit organizations, we’re reimagining how the space community comes together to tackle our most pressing challenges. ASCEND 2026 is designed for the future of space—incorporating sectors like biotechnology, venture capital, lunar mining, tourism, and other private enterprises with the traditional players—to make space commerce commonplace.
For the first time, we’re creating a Space Week in Washington, D.C., that brings together every sector of our ecosystem. We will focus on collaborative learning, policy dialogue, and next generation conversations while deploying AIAA’s hallmark of technical depth in paper presentations and sessions.
Moving ASCEND to Washington, D.C., in May 2026, takes our vision to the next level. We are creating a gravitational center that pulls together the full spectrum of space stakeholders in the city where policy, funding, and strategic decisions are made. Proximity to government decision makers will be vital. When commercial space executives, military and government leaders, young professionals, and international partners can engage in substantive dialogue over the course of a week, the potential for outcomes multiplies exponentially.
The new event partners bring decades of experience and deep expertise.
- As our premier event partner, Commercial Space Federation (CSF) brings unparalleled expertise in policy discussions that shape how we regulate and support commercial space activities.
- ISS National Laboratory brings a critical dimension through their leadership in space-based research and development, as well as engagement from the investment community.
- Space Force Association (SFA) enhances the mission-critical focus on national security space—a sector that becomes more essential each day as we face growing threats in the space domain.
- Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) delivers the promise of the future. Their signature fast-paced programming will create an environment where established industry leaders can learn from the next generation while inspiring young professionals to tackle our biggest challenges.
What makes this overall collaboration truly transformative is the timing. We’re entering a period where the boundaries between commercial, civil, and national security space are increasingly blurred. Today’s startup could be tomorrow’s prime contractor. Today’s research project could become the next operational capability. Today’s student could be leading the first human mission to Mars.
The further integration of these space community sectors reflects a fundamental truth about our industry—the challenges we face require interdisciplinary solutions. No single sector has all the answers. By bringing together policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, warfighters, and students, ASCEND creates the conditions for breakthrough innovations that none of us could achieve alone.
The format itself reflects our commitment to driving real results. ASCEND has become known for a visionary agenda, inspiring speakers, and a community spirit that welcomes everyone who is committed to space. Beyond presentations and panels, ASCEND delivers collaborative sessions, hands-on workshops, and learning opportunities designed to forge the partnerships that will accelerate our off-world future.
Looking ahead to next year, I see ASCEND as more than an event—it’s a catalyst for the space economy’s next phase. We’re creating a new model for how the space community collaborates, innovates, and solves problems together. As we anticipate what’s to come, we are especially grateful to Lockheed Martin for their long-time involvement as ASCEND’s Founding Sponsor.
I encourage every corner of our community to join us. Whether you’re working on breakthrough propulsion technologies, revolutionary microgravity research, impactful space policies, or cutting-edge national security applications—ASCEND 2026 is where your work will have maximum impact.
We’re building something unprecedented—a Space Week that reflects the full complexity, ambition, and promise of our community. Accelerating our off-world future isn’t just about reaching new destinations—it’s about creating new ways of working together to get there. ASCEND 2026 will show the world what’s possible when the entire space ecosystem comes together.
The countdown starts now.
