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 collaborate across sectors, align strategies, and accelerate progress across the full space value chain.

ASCEND brings together attendees from across the global space ecosystem, including:

ASCEND 2026 content is shaped by key trends across the space sector, open Calls for Content for sessions and technical papers, strategic guidance from the ASCEND Guiding Coalition, and close collaboration with content partners, ensuring a program that reflects both community input and real-world priorities.

The best way to impact the content at ASCEND is to propose your own work! Learn more about our Call for Content for 2026 (now closed) and stay tuned for the next Call for Content for ASCEND 2027.

We would also love to hear your ideas for speakers and topics in the meantime. To share those ideas, send us an email at [email protected].

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 [email protected] and we’ll help you customize your experience and impact at ASCEND.

Yes. All technical proceedings will be available online post-event as an exclusive benefit to registered attendees. In addition, various ASCEND programming will conclude with Outcomes via video, white paper, or other media and be available online as developed post-event.

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 May.

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.

All Technical Paper Presentations will take place in person in Washington, D.C.

Registration is for ASCEND 2026 opens on 27 January 2026.

Early bird rates expire at 11:59 PM ET on 20 April 2026.

Registration will remain open beyond the early bird deadline through the duration of the event. There will be onsite registration available.

Registration is in the Foyer outside Forum Ballroom.

Registration Desk Hours

All badges can be accessed onsite at the Scan & Go Kiosks in the registration area by scanning the QR code from your registration confirmation. If you don’t have a QR code, you can type in your name. If you need a copy of your confirmation resent, please contact, [email protected].

Full conference registrants will have access to proceedings. Other registration types (Student and Retiree) do not have access to the proceedings (publications).

If you register and you are not able to attend, you can request a full refund prior to 1 May 2026. After that date refund requests will not be granted.

Yes, we do! This is an exclusive benefit for current AIAA student members. Refer to the registration rates page for rules and restrictions.

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.

Yes, ASCEND welcomes all credentialed members of the media whose primary responsibility is the coverage of the aerospace industry.