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ASCEND 2027 | 18–20 MAY

Call for Content Open

Your expertise takes center stage at ASCEND 2027, 18-20 May! We invite innovators, researchers, and thought leaders to submit technical paper abstracts and session proposals focused on advances in all aspects of the space enterprise. Submissions are due by 8 October.

Watch ASCEND 2026 On Demand

ASCEND 2026 By the Numbers

1,800+

Attendees

130

Sessions

190

Technical Papers

Powered by Our Technical Community and Event Partners

ASCEND 2026 was strengthened by industry leading partner organizations that, in addition to the Call for Content, bring dedicated programming and communities to the event. 

Hosts a classified program day and leads the Space Transformation Summit focused on long-term technological and strategic change.

Curates two days of Finance and Innovation programming, programming, convening investors, innovators, and industry leaders through panels, discussions, and a startup pitch competition.

Brings its Space Policy Summit to ASCEND over two days, convening policymakers, Congressional leaders, industry, and government stakeholders.

Delivers three days of ISS research and development content, spanning high-level discussions and technical presentations on microgravity science and utilization.

Organizes sessions on ISS heritage, focusing on preservation, recovery, and legacy.

Leads sessions exploring how D2D connectivity, cloud technologies, and AI are reshaping global space services.

The Space Force Association advocates for and supports the United States Space Force by bringing together military, industry partners, academia and the public.

Brings its SGx event to ASCEND, curating content for students and early-career professionals.

ASCEND 2026 Featured Speakers

Opening Keynote Speaker
Jared Isaacman

Administrator
NASA

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The Honorable Brian Babin

U.S. Representative (TX-36), U.S. House of Representatives

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Steve Bowen

Acting Director of Cross-Directorate Technical Integration, Space Operations Mission Directorate; Astronaut

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Tory Bruno

President, Blue National Security, Blue Origin

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Gen. Shawn N. Bratton

Vice Chief of Space Operations, U.S. Space Force

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Katie Cranor

Office of Commercial Space Transportation, FAA

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Brig. Gen. Nick Hague, USSF

Assistant Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Headquarters United States Space Force; NASA Astronaut

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Jenny Irvine

Vice President of Technology, In-Q-Tel

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Program-at-a-Glance

ASCEND 2026 covered a broad range of topics spanning space science and exploration, technology development and utilization, space economy, national security, and policy and law.

Key Themes:

ASCEND 2027 program topics will be announced later this year.

Session Topics:
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Cross-Cutting Technologies
ASCEND explores the technologies and engineering approaches shaping every domain of space activity.
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Human Spaceflight
ASCEND explores the technologies, systems, and research enabling safe and effective human spaceflight.
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National Security
ASCEND explores the technologies, systems, strategies, and frameworks shaping the security of the space domain.
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Science and Robotic Exploration Missions
ASCEND explores the research, technologies, and mission concepts advancing space science and robotic exploration.
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Space Economy, Policy, Law and Society
ASCEND explores the economic, legal, policy, and governance challenges confronting the space sector.
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Space Infrastructure Development
ASCEND explores the design, development, and deployment of infrastructure enabling sustained operations in space.

2026 Sponsors & Event Partners

FOUNDING SPONSOR
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PREMIER SPONSOR
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SILVER SPONSORS
CORPORATE PARTNERS
PREMIER EVENT PARTNER
EVENT PARTNERS

We are proud to collaborate with outstanding organizations that share our vision and make this event possible. Meet All Our Sponsors & Partners.

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