Frequently Asked Questions
About ASCEND
What does ASCEND Mean?
ASCEND is an acronym that stands for “Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery.” The name captures our ambition to empower space professionals and organizations to drive the space economy forward together.
ASCEND is built to convene space professionals and organizations from every discipline and industry to build the space economy, support space exploration, and further space science.
Our attendees come from all of the following groups:
- engineering
- private enterprise
- startups
- investors
- civil space
- national security
- academia
- research
- space sciences
- media
- emerging technology
- policy
How is content being developed for ASCEND?
ASCEND is built around asking the big idea questions that impact everyone working or studying in the space industry. We’re collaborating with our engineering, business, civil, and governmental advisors to select the cutting-edge topics and reaching out to space adjacent partners to bring in the whole space community.
The 2023 October program will be announced from 20 June through mid-September.
How can I pass along speaker or content suggestions for ASCEND?
The best way to impact the content at ASCEND is to propose your own work! Learn more about our Call for Content for 2023 (now closed) and stay tuned for the next Call for Content in 2024.
We would also love to hear your ideas for speakers and topics in the meantime. To share those ideas, send us an email at ascend@aiaa.org.
How can my organization sponsor ASCEND?
As one of ASCEND’s partners, you will be able to further its position by playing a lead role in defining the promise and potential of the emerging space economy.
Visit the Become a Sponsor page or send us an email at vickies@aiaa.org and we’ll help you customize your experience and impact at ASCEND.
Who is building the ASCEND experience?
The ASCEND program is built with the combined expertise of AIAA’s technical community and industry thought leaders. The structure and experience itself are being crafted with the support of world-renowned advisors in the space industry.
Check out the stacked Guiding Coalition for 2023 and get excited for the sessions these folks are cooking up for ASCEND this year.
Will there be published papers and proceedings from ASCEND?
Yes. Stay tuned for more details!
Will there be technical papers?
Yes! Technical papers play an important role in ASCEND. ASCEND is all about collaboration, sharing ideas, and the very latest thinking in aerospace and astronautics. There’s no better venue to promote your ideas among your peers, pressure test your thinking, discover new insight and inspiration, and see how the latest scientific advancements play a critical role in upcoming missions.
What is the ASCENDxSeries?
The ASCEND universe is expanding to meet and anticipate the ever-growing needs of the global space community. The structure of ASCEND includes various other events, identified as the ASCENDxSeries, leading up to the apex event in October.
The ASCENDxSeries provides multiple informational and engaging opportunities, via summits, workshops, and/or webinars.
Check out the upcoming events or recordings of previous xSeries events.
Will Technical Presentations be presented in person and online?
No. For 2023 all Technical Presentations will take place in person in Las Vegas. There will be no virtual component to our ASCEND programming.
2023 Event & Travel
When and where is the event happening?
This year’s main event will take place in person at Caesars Forum, in Las Vegas, NV.
Discounted hotel rates are available through 22 September 2023 for ASCEND attendees. Book your room now:
I’m a speaker or chair – do I need to register?
Yes, all Technical Session and Collaborative Session presenters or chairs need to have a paid registration.
Is there a Visa Invitation Letter Request Form?
Yes, you can find the AIAA Visa Letter Request form at www.aiaa.org/contact/visa-invitation-letter-request-form.
Registration
What are the registration rates and deadlines?
Registration for 2023 ASCEND will open on 20 June 2023.
Early bird rates expire at 11:59 PM ET on 8 September 2023.
Registration will remain open beyond the early bird deadline through the duration of the event. There will be onsite registration available.
Who will have access to proceedings?
Full conference registrants will have access to proceedings. Other registration types (Student and Retiree) do not have access to the proceedings (publications)
What if I register and cannot participate?
If you register and you’re not able to attend, you can request a full refund prior to 6 October 2023. After that date refund requests will not be granted.
Do you have a student rate?
Yes, we do! This is an exclusive benefit for current AIAA student members. Refer to the registration rates page for rules and restrictions.
Is there a discount for AIAA Members?
We do offer a discount for AIAA members as well as additional discounts for different types of membership. Details can be found on the registration page.
Is there a press pass?
Yes, information will be available soon to learn more about our media opportunities and how to apply for a press pass.
Call for Papers Presenter
Will there be trainings or Town Halls like AIAA Forums to answer questions from the technical presenter community?
Yes, training will be provided as needed to ensure success for all involved. Please contact stephanieb@aiaa.org with any questions.
Where do I upload my manuscript?
Presenting technical authors will submit the manuscript via ScholarOne Abstracts by 2000 hrs ET, 18 September 2023.
Are we required to use the AIAA template for the slides, or can we use our university/company template instead?
AIAA recommends that you use the available AIAA presentation template, which is wide (16:9) format, but you can use your university/company template if you prefer. Please note that your presentation slides (only) must contain the following copyright information:
Copyright © by ______ [author(s) name or company name]. Published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc., with permission.
Is there an ASCEND presentation template?
Yes! Session chairs and presenters are welcome to use the ASCEND presentation template as they desire. This template is also available on the Presenter Resources page.
