Save the Date:

ASCEND 2026

Join Us As We Build Our Off-World Future Together
19–21 MAY | WASHINGTON, D.C.

Call for Content has closed.
Registration will open in late January 2026.

Manage Submissions View ASCEND 2025 Videos

On the Horizon:

ASCENDxTexas 2026

Interlocking Orbits—Civilian, Commercial, and Defense
25–26 FEBRUARY | HOUSTON

ASCEND 2026 delivers fresh ideas, new partnerships, and growing momentum—while remaining the trusted home and voice of the global space community.

ASCEND is where the global space community comes together to drive real, actionable outcomes. ASCEND unites industry, government, academia, and emerging leaders to deliver clarity, alignment, and impact.

Grounded in technical excellence and powered by AIAA, ASCEND 2026 is strengthened by event partners including the Commercial Space Federation, ISS National Laboratory, Space Force Association, and Space Generation Advisory Council.

STAY TUNED! Registration Opens January 2026.

Powered by Our Technical Community and Event Partners

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Building Our Sustainable Off-World Future

Science and Exploration

Make great leaps in space technology and scientific discovery across low Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

National Security

Protect and strengthen space systems by advancing mission resilience, cybersecurity, detection capabilities, partnerships, and next-generation technologies across an increasingly contested domain.

Space Economy

Shape the future of space commerce by exploring markets, investment, business models, and partnerships driving sustainable growth across the global space economy.

Technology Development and Utilization

Develop new enabling technologies and services, supporting space and terrestrial Infrastructure.

Policy and Law

Advance space policy, law, and governance to support innovation, economic growth, security, and long-term sustainability.

ASCEND 2026 PROGRAM GUIDE

The international space community’s best and brightest will gather in Washington, D.C., May 19–21, 2026, for ASCEND 2026, AIAA’s flagship event for advancing the future of space.

ASCEND brings together leaders from government, industry, academia, and the investment community to push the boundaries of innovation and address the most critical challenges and opportunities shaping the space sector.

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ASCEND 2025 RECAP

ASCEND 2025 delivered a robust program bringing together the global space community for three days of technical content, strategic discussions, and cross-sector engagement. Beginning in 2026, ASCEND will transition to a fully independent event, reflecting the continued growth and distinct needs of the space community.

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2026 Partners & Sponsors

FOUNDING SPONSOR

EVENT PARTNERS

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