Innovation Summit for Layered Missile Defense 11 September 2025 – 12 September 2025 El Segundo, California
How do you connect your innovations with top U.S. government decision makers who need them most? Our next-generation missile defense system calls for bold solutions from across the industry to address these high-stakes problems.
Join AIAA and The Aerospace Corporation for an exclusive Summit focusing on the technical requirements for layered missile defense architecture—ripe for disruptive solutions. Discussions will center around the hardest problems associated with space-based effects to accelerate broad commercial response.
This 1.5-day event is your gateway to collaborate with top U.S. government officials and military leaders. Attendees will include representatives from prime contractors, innovative non-traditional defense players, cutting-edge startups, and visionary investors. Dive deep into the scientific and technical frontiers of layered missile defense, a multi-billion-dollar initiative.
- Understand the technical requirements for layered missile defense.
- Forge strategic relationships with potential partners.
- Engage directly with decision makers, positioning your innovations for deployment.
- Accelerate your roadmap from concept to market.
Space is limited. AIAA Corporate Members will be given priority registration. This event is open to U.S. citizens only. Questions? Contact Regan Patrick, AIAA Vice President for R&D and National Security.
This event has been organized to conform with all gift regulations on widely attended gatherings.
Registration Rates
Interested in attending? Complete the form at the button below to get a notification when registration opens.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unclassified Day Only (AIAA Members) | $297 |
| Unclassified Day Only (Non-Members) | $397 |
| Unclassified and Classified Day (AIAA Members) | $397 |
| Unclassified and Classified Day (Non-Members) | $497 |
Summit Agenda
*The agenda is subject to change. All times below are in Pacific Time (PT).
Thursday, 11 September, Titan Facility, The Aerospace Corporation
8–8:30 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks
Clay Mowry, CEO, AIAA; Craig Heatwole, GM, The Aerospace Corporation
8:30–9:15 a.m. | Keynote and Fireside Chat: Golden Dome for America
9:15–9:45 a.m. | Government Engagement Kickoff—”How to Work with Us”
9:45–10:15 a.m. | Golden Dome Landscape
10:15–10:45 a.m. | Framework Keynote: The 7 Hard Problems
Lake Singh, Principal Director, The Aerospace Corporation
10:45–11:15 a.m. | Hard Problem Deep Dive #1: Understanding the Threat
11:15 a.m.–12 p.m. | Hard Problem Deep Dive #2: Building Quickly With What We Have
12–1 p.m. | Lunch and Networking
1–1:30 p.m. | Hard Problem Deep Dive #3: Managing the Mission and the Data
1:30–2 p.m. | Hard Problem Deep Dive #4: Delivering Hardware at Speed and Scale
2–2:45 p.m. | Startup Showcase/Reverse Pitch
2:45–3 p.m. | Coffee Break
3–4 p.m. | End User Panel—Operational Realities and Future Needs
4–4:15 p.m. | Closing Remarks and Call to Action
4:15–5 p.m. | Structured Networking
5–6:30 p.m. | Evening Reception
Friday, 12 September, Classified Session (TS/SCI)
8:30–9 a.m. | Continental Breakfast
9–9:15 a.m. | Welcome From The Aerospace Corporation
9:15–9:45 a.m. | Threat Briefing
9:45–10:15 a.m. | Keynote
10:15–10:45 a.m. | Keynote
10:45–11:45 a.m. | Hard Problems Deep Dive
Navigating the Art of the Possible (System of Systems Architecture—Data Model)
- Sensing the Threat
- Hit-to-Kill
11:45 a.m.–12 p.m. | Conclusion
Logistical Information
Venue: The Aerospace Corporation, 210 South Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245. A map of the venue, including gate access information and parking details, is available in this document .
Attire: Business casual.
Lodging: For a list of nearby hotels, please see this document .
Classified Sessions On 12 September:
- Please review the instructions in this document .
- Security clearances must be completed no later than 29 August.