Join us 22–24 July 2025 to access inspiring sessions and premium content, develop valuable business leads, and make meaningful connections. More details on 2025 ASCEND will be available soon.
Event Tag: commerce
2021 ASCEND (Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery)
Event: ASCEND
Date: 8–17 November 2021
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada & ONLINE
Official Website: ascend.events
Call for Content: Call for Content
Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery
Building a sustainable off-world future requires the collective effort of a diverse global community of students and professionals with the ideas, skills and passions to solve complex problems and inspire new ways of thinking. That’s why more than 3,000 technical experts, executives, entrepreneurs, and engineers — from classrooms through careers — attended the inaugural 2020 ASCEND last November. Plan now to join us for the 2021 edition. The universe is expanding, and ASCEND is your space.
2022 ASCEND (Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery)
Event: ASCEND
Date: 24–26 October 2022
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada & Online
Official Website: ascend.events

Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery
Building a sustainable off-world future requires the collective effort of a diverse global community of students and professionals with the ideas, skills and passions to solve complex problems and inspire new ways of thinking. That’s why more than 3,000 technical experts, executives, entrepreneurs, and engineers — from classrooms through careers — attended the inaugural 2020 ASCEND in November 2020. Plan now to join us for the 2022 edition. The universe is expanding, and ASCEND is your space.
ASCEND – Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery
Event: ASCEND
Venue: Virtual Event
Date: 16–18 November 2020
Location: Online
Official Website: ascend.events
Call for Content Website: Manage submission
As we embark on a bold new era of space exploration, AIAA’s ASCEND provides you with something few space events can: a seat at the table.
The new space economy is ready for takeoff. In the coming years, it’s anticipated to skyrocket from $4 billion today to more than $1 trillion. This phenomenal growth will be driven by a number of factors, but none more important than you.
Why should I attend?
At ASCEND you’ll:
- Plot the course of the industry’s future
- Pressure test ideas and forecast emerging trends
- Advance your career and showcase your expertise
- Reveal new ideas and technological prowess
- Test new products and meet the people behind them
- Connect and problem-solve with experts across every sector
- Find non-endemic partners to expand your reach and broaden your market
Who should attend?
During ASCEND, you’ll have a roll-up-your sleeves, hands-on opportunity to influence the course and trajectory the space economy takes into the future. It’s the first event of its kind to convene the entire international space ecosystem—not just the traditional players like propulsion, commerce, and national security, but also sectors like hospitality, mining, venture capital, tourism, and other private enterprises that will play an important role in making space commerce commonplace. ASCEND is not about making history but the future.
This is the meeting of the minds that you can’t afford to miss.
Who is speaking?
ASCEND will feature leading voices from the space community and beyond. Stay tuned for our keynote announcements. Current speakers include representatives from:
- Arizona State University
- Bechtel
- Bessemer Venture Partners
- Bryce Space and Technology
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Nanoracks
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- NASA Science Mission Directorate
- NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate
- Office of the Secretary of Defense Research and Engineering
- Pioneer Square Labs
- The Aerospace Corporation
- United Launch Alliance
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Michigan
- University of Texas at Austin
- Wave Capital
What type of content will ASCEND cover?
The ASCEND program is built to leave you inspired and equipped with new tools, techniques, and ideas you can apply right away. You’ll experience a daily schedule that addresses big questions and challenges facing the entire space community.
Macro topics covered at ASCEND include:
- How will we build a sustainable space economy?
- How will we maintain a permanent off-world civilization?
- How will we address national security and policy implications?
ASCEND’s Public Access
Are you part of the science interested public? Get a taste of ASCEND with public access registration. View limited sessions from our unique program and access to the Engagement Zone.
Public Access Registration information
In order to get the full benefits of ASCEND like access to the technical sessions, you’ll need to register for the full event.
Can I participate in the ASCEND program through a Call for Content?
The ASCEND Call for Content closed at 8pm ET 31 March 2020. Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions regarding submissions.
Are there Partnership Opportunities?
Become a partner today and join Lockheed Martin, Aerospace Corporation, Bastion Technologies, Boeing, United Launch Alliance, and the University of Colorado Boulder.
Contact [email protected] to request the Sales Kit and become an ASCEND partner

2023 ASCEND (Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery)
Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery
Event: ASCEND
Date: 23–25 October 2023
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Official Website: ascend.events
ASCEND brings together space’s leading industry luminaries and thinkers, biggest companies, government leaders, top media outlets, educators and students, and serious enthusiasts. Join us 23–25 October 2023 to access inspiring sessions and premium content, develop valuable business leads, and make meaningful connections.
Why should I attend?
At ASCEND you’ll:
- Plot the course of the industry’s future
- Pressure test ideas and forecast emerging trends
- Advance your career and showcase your expertise
- Reveal new ideas and technological prowess
- Test new products and meet the people behind them
- Connect and problem-solve with experts across every sector
- Find non-endemic partners to expand your reach and broaden your market
Who should attend?
During ASCEND, you’ll have a roll-up-your sleeves, hands-on opportunity to influence the course and trajectory the space economy takes into the future. It’s the first event of its kind to convene the entire international space ecosystem—not just the traditional players like propulsion, commerce, and national security, but also sectors like hospitality, mining, venture capital, tourism, and other private enterprises that will play an important role in making space commerce commonplace. ASCEND is not about making history but the future.
This is the meeting of the minds that you can’t afford to miss.
Exhibit, Sponsorship, and Advertising Options
AIAA offers a variety of engaging virtual opportunities to help increase your brand’s equity in the aerospace sciences market and display your efforts to become an industry leader. From virtual booths and sponsored sessions to networking breaks and banner advertising, AIAA offers options for every budget. Contact your sales rep today to create a custom package to fit your needs.
