Tag: A.C. Charania

ASCEND 2026 Assembles Space Industry’s Most Influential Voices in Washington, D.C.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 31, 2026 – Reston, Va. – AIAA announced today a powerful lineup of speakers who will take the stage at ASCEND 2026, 19–21 May, Washington Hilton, Washington, D.C. The event will address the most important opportunities and mission-critical challenges at this pivotal time for the space community.

“We are proud to bring the global space community to experience ASCEND in Washington, D.C. Eight leading organizations from across the industry are joining the ASCEND team this year and strengthening our content to deliver a must-attend event,” said AIAA CEO Clay Mowry.

“This year’s program is timely and transformative, as the space community looks to accelerate exploration and science. ASCEND 2026 will showcase the leading voices from space commerce, security, and policy to build our off-world future. It will be the most comprehensive gathering of space professionals in the nation’s capital in 2026 with 2,000 participants expected,” Mowry added.

Powered by AIAA, ASCEND is the world’s premier outcomes-focused, interdisciplinary space event designed to accelerate building our off-world future. Lockheed Martin is the Founding Sponsor of ASCEND. Commercial Space Federation (CSF) is the Premier Event Partner. Event partners include: BryceTech, ISS National Laboratory, National Air and Space Museum, Novaspace, Space Force Association (SFA), Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), and The Aerospace Corporation.

Over 200 industry luminaries from across the civil, commercial, and national security space sectors, adjacent industries, and the next-generation workforce are featured as speakers. Confirmed speakers include:

  • Erik Antonsen, M.D., Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital / Harvard Medical School
  • The Honorable Brian Babin (TX-36), Chair, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
  • Olga Bannova, Research Professor, University of Houston
  • David Baumann, Director, Human Research Program, NASA
  • Harriet Brettle, Executive Director, Keck Institute for Space Studies
  • Will Bruey, CEO, Varda
  • Tory Bruno, President, Blue National Security, Blue Origin
  • A.C. Charania, Senior Vice President of Space Business Development, Zeno Power
  • Anne Cheever, Founder, Vela Scientific
  • Carissa Christensen, Founder and CEO, BryceTech
  • Jonathan Cirtain, CEO & President, Axiom Space
  • John Conafay, CEO, Integrate Space
  • Katie Cranor, Executive Director, Office of Operational Safety, Office of Commercial Space Transportation, FAA
  • Shawn Domagal-Goldman, Director, Astrophysics Division, NASA
  • Jonny Dyer, CEO, Muon Space
  • Shirley Dyke, Donald A. and Patricia A. Coates Professor of Innovation in Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University
  • Debra Facktor, Head of US Space Systems, Airbus US Space & Defense
  • David Goldstein, Principal Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer, SpaceX
  • James “Jim” Green, CEO, Space Science Endeavors
  • Dana “Keoki” Jackson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, MITRE National Security, and AIAA President-Elect
  • Taylor Jordan, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction, NOAA
  • Mike Kincaid, President & Executive Director, Challenger Center
  • Josef Koller, Head of Space Safety and Sustainability, Amazon Leo
  • Joe Landon, Co-Founder & President, Rendezvous Robotics
  • Kris Lehnhardt, M.D., Director, Space Medicine Program, UTHealth Houston
  • Dana Levin, Director of Space Medicine and Human Research, Vast Inc.
  • Janna Lewis, Senior Vice President, Policy & General Counsel, Astroscale US
  • Robert Lightfoot, President, Lockheed Martin Space
  • Laura Lucier, Chief, Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division, NASA
  • Ray Lugo, CEO, ISS National Laboratory
  • Sandra Magnus, Principal, AstroPlanetview LLC
  • Scott McLaughlin, Executive Director, Spaceport America
  • Kristen McQuinn, Mission Head, Roman Space Telescope, Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI)
  • Rob Meyerson, CEO, Interlune
  • Mike Moses, President, Spaceline, Virgin Galactic
  • Clay Mowry, CEO, AIAA
  • Michelle Murray, Deputy Director, Office of Strategic Management, Office of Commercial Space Transportation, FAA
  • Clive Neal, Professor of Planetary Geology, University of Notre Dame
  • Charles Norton, Chief Technology Strategist, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
  • Michael Roberts, Chief Scientist, ISS National Laboratory
  • Ryan Shepperd, Lead SSA Engineer, Iridium
  • Erika Wagner, Lead, US Business Development, The Exploration Company-US
  • Matthew Weinzierl, Professor & Senior Associate Dean, Harvard Business School
Dynamic Sessions Featured All Week
  • Deep technical content scheduled. AIAA events are well known for the depth of technical content presented, with over 200 technical presentations and collaborative sessions at ASCEND. ISS National Laboratory will bring even more technical presentations from its microgravity community that has been conducting research onboard the orbiting lab.
  • CSF will host its two-day Commercial Space Policy Summit (CSPS), 19–20 May. From launch cadence and regulatory reform to lunar and orbital infrastructure, national security, and the future of commercial space stations, this year’s Summit will tackle the most pressing issues shaping the space economy. Registration for CSPS includes access to ASCEND.
  • The Aerospace Corporation will host a Classified Day at the TS/SCI level on 18 May at its Chantilly, Virginia, office, with additional registration required. Additionally, they will host the Space Transformation Track on 21 May, comprising sessions designed to accelerate the space industrial base and progress in national priority areas for space.
  • BryceTech will host its inaugural Start-up Space Pitch Competition. Start-ups from across space and space-adjacent industries (series A or earlier) can apply. Finalists will pitch start-up space experts during ASCEND 2026. One winner will receive a Start-up Space Advisory Package from BryceTech, a one-year AIAA Corporate Membership, and more. Applications are open through 19 April.
  • The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum will host a three-session deep dive into preserving the ISS National Laboratory as we prepare for its end of mission. Why save ISS heritage? What should be saved from the ISS? How will we recover items from ISS?
  • SGAC will host its SGx 2026 event, 17–18 May, focused on cultivating the next generation of space leaders with “lightning talks” followed by moderated Q&A panels that tackle pressing issues and innovative ideas to inspire the next generation of space leaders. Additional registration required through SGAC.
Early-Bird Registration Rates Available

Registration for ASCEND 2026 is open now, with early-bird rates available until 20 April. Journalists should request a Press Pass online.

Since 2020, ASCEND has promoted the collaborative, interdisciplinary, outcomes-driven community of professionals, students, and enthusiasts around the world who are accelerating humanity’s progress toward our off-world future.

Media Contact: Rebecca Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About AIAA

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit www.aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

2024 ASCEND to Accelerate Our Off-World Future with Axiom Space, Boeing, DARPA, Lockheed Martin, NASA, Northrop Grumman, NRO, ULA, and U.S. Space Force

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 7, 2024 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) today announced dozens of speakers who will appear at its upcoming ASCEND event, 30 July – 1 August, Caesars Forum, Las Vegas. ASCEND is the world’s premier outcomes-focused, interdisciplinary space event designed to accelerate building our off-world future.

Powered by AIAA, ASCEND serves as the nexus for addressing the most important opportunities and challenges that come with increased activity in space today. Over 200 industry luminaries from across the civil, commercial, and national security space sectors, adjacent industry representatives, and next-generation thinkers from around the world are scheduled to speak. Confirmed speakers include:

  • A.C. Charania, Chief Technologist, NASA
  • Carissa Christensen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, BryceTech*
  • Debra Emmons, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, The Aerospace Corporation
  • Barbara Golf, Strategic Advisor for Space Domain Awareness, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, U.S. Space Force (USSF)
  • Janet Grondin, CEO, Stellar Solutions
  • Matt Kozlov, Managing Director, Techstars
  • Michael López-Alegría, Chief Astronaut, Axiom Space
  • Sandra Magnus, TraCSS Chief Engineer, MITRE/Office of Space Commerce*
  • Tom Marshburn, Chief Medical Officer, Sierra Space
  • Rob Meyerson, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Interlune*
  • Maj. Michael Nayak, USAF, Program Manager, DARPA
  • Shawna Pandya, Director, International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS)*
  • Nelson Pedreiro, Vice President, Advanced Technology Center, Lockheed Martin Space
  • Mark Peller, Senior Vice President, Vulcan Development and Advanced Programs, United Launch Alliance (ULA)
  • Christopher Scolese, Director, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
  • Lt. Gen. John Shaw, USSF (Ret.), Former Deputy Commander, U.S. Space Command
  • Lauren Smith, Senior Program Manager, Satellite Refueling, Northrop Grumman*
  • Lee Steinke, Chief Operating Officer, CisLunar Industries
  • Melanie Stricklan, Executive Director, Space Workforce 2030, Space Foundation
  • Mandy Vaughn, CEO and Founder, GXO
  • Kurt Vogel, Associate Administrator, Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA
  • Kelly Weinersmith, Co-Author, A City on Mars
  • Matthew Weinzierl, Senior Associate Dean and Chair, MBA Program; Joseph and Jacqueline Elbling Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School*
  • Noelle Zietsman, Vice President and Chief Engineer, Boeing Exploration Systems*

*Member of the 2024 ASCEND Guiding Coalition

Many more speakers will be announced as they are confirmed. In addition, hundreds of technical papers and collaborative sessions are scheduled, featuring expert researchers and innovators that anchor the event with the long-term thinking required to build a sustainable off-world future.

“This year, we’re co-locating ASCEND with the AIAA AVIATION Forum in one venue. These two signature AIAA events will deliver full technical programs, visionary discussions, and industry networking our community counts on. With a central Expo Hall serving as the bridge between both events’ communities, we believe attendees will be energized by this unique experience. We look forward to welcoming thousands of aerospace professionals and students from across the aerospace sector,” said AIAA CEO Dan Dumbacher.

Registration for the 2024 ASCEND event is open. Early bird rates end on 10 June. Journalists from around the world are invited to cover 2024 ASCEND; press passes are available for credentialed media by request. For more information, visit ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

Media Contact: Rebecca Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

2024 AIAA AVIATION Forum to Bridge the Gap Between Visionary Concepts and Technological Reality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 6, 2024 – Reston, Va. – AIAA announced its five-day program for the 2024 AIAA AVIATION Forum, 29 July – 2 August, Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, in pursuit of a sustainable and high-tech aviation future. The event will feature an extensive lineup of aviation leaders and innovators as speakers, panelists, and presenters, along with over 1,800 technical papers focused on the theme, “From Vision Through Velocity…Transitioning Technology into Reality.”

“We look forward to welcoming the worldwide aviation community to the 2024 AIAA AVIATION Forum – the epicenter for researchers, engineers, and pioneers driving innovation in aviation. A distinguished group of thought leaders will help lead our discussions about new capabilities on the horizon that will take us further, faster, safer, and cleaner,” said AIAA CEO Dan Dumbacher.

From the main stage, attendees will hear how 2024 will be a landmark year with certification of electric aircraft, flight testing of supersonic aircraft, expanding use of automated and autonomous systems, and the continued progress of significant military programs. The keynote speakers and panelists represent industry, government, and academia across the aviation community. Confirmed speakers include:

  • Christine Andrews, Hybrid Electric Systems Leader, GE Aviation
  • Yemaya Bordain, CCO, President of Americas at Daedalean AI
  • A.C. Charania, Chief Technologist, NASA
  • Ravi Chaudhary, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment
  • Perry Comeau, Head of Flight Operations & Chief Test Pilot, National Research Council Canada
  • Ferguson “Juice” Dale, Owner, Semper Sky LLC
  • Bruce DeCleene, Director, Office of Senior Technical Experts, FAA
  • Graham Drozeski, Chief Technology Officer, Aurora Flight Sciences
  • Keoki Jackson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, The MITRE Corporation
  • Jimmy Kenyon, Center Director, NASA Glenn Research Center
  • Nils Larson, NASA X-59 Project Test Pilot, NASA
  • Mary Lombardo, Vice President, Advanced Technologies, Collins Aerospace
  • Jeff Luckett, President, UPS Flight Forward
  • Hendrik Meyer, Research Associate, DLR
  • Dan Newman, Chief Technology Officer, Advanced Air Mobility, Honeywell
  • Linda O’Brien, Vice President and Chief Engineer for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
  • David H. Robbins, Director, Infrastructure/Resiliency, Houston Airports System
  • Amanda Simpson, Founder and CEO, Third Segment
  • Ben Stabler, Chief Technology Officer, Heart Aerospace

The technical program will feature presentations on the latest innovations spanning 20+ aviation and aeronautics research topics, including fluid dynamics, applied aerodynamics, air transportation systems, thermophysics and heat transfer, multidisciplinary design optimization, and many more.

Attendees also can focus on electric aircraft during the AIAA/IEEE Electric Aircraft Technologies Symposium (EATS). This event is designed for electrical, propulsion system, and aerospace engineers to discuss electrified propulsion technologies for future aircraft.

“This year, we’re co-locating AIAA AVIATION Forum with ASCEND in one venue. These two signature AIAA events will deliver full technical programs, visionary discussions, and industry networking that our community counts on. With a central Expo Hall serving as the bridge between both events’ audiences, we believe attendees will be energized by this unique experience,” added Dumbacher.

Registration for the forum is open. Early-bird rates end on 10 June. Journalists who wish to cover the forum can request a Press Pass here. For the most up-to-date program information, visit aiaa.org/aviation

Media Contact: Rebecca Gray, APR, [email protected], 804.397.5270 (cell)

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

2023 ASCEND to Showcase Axiom Space, Boeing, Boryung, Lockheed Martin, NASA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 21, 2023 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) today announced dozens of speakers who will appear at its upcoming ASCEND event, 23–25 October, Caesars Forum, Las Vegas. ASCEND is the world’s premier outcomes-focused, interdisciplinary space event designed to accelerate building our off-world future.

Powered by AIAA, ASCEND serves as the catalyst for the global space conversation. Prominent industry leaders from across the civil, commercial, and national security space sectors, adjacent industry representatives, and next-generation thinkers from around the world are scheduled to speak. More details and additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. Confirmed speakers include:

  • Adnan Al Rais, Program Manager, Mars 2117, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center
  • Stavros Anthony, Lieutenant Governor, State of Nevada
  • Amy Avjean, Senior Vice President and Third Party Space Liability Leader, Marsh
  • A.C. Charania, Chief Technologist, NASA
  • Brad Cheetham, CEO and President, Advanced Space
  • Kelvin Coleman, Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • Kam Ghaffarian, CEO and Founder, IBX, and Executive Chairman, Axiom Space
  • Mike Gold, Chief Growth Officer, Redwire
  • Max Haot, CEO, Vast
  • Jay Kim, Chairman and CEO, Boryung
  • Tim Morton, Director, Global Design, Husqvarna
  • Nelson Pedreiro, Vice President, Advanced Technology Center, Lockheed Martin Space
  • Kay Sears, Vice President and General Manager, Space, Intelligence & Weapons Systems, Boeing Defense, Space & Security
  • Bill Weber, CEO, Firefly Space
  • Melodie Yashar, Vice President, Building Design and Performance, ICON

Registration for the 2023 ASCEND event is open now. Journalists from around the world are invited to cover 2023 ASCEND; press passes are available for credentialed media by request.

Media Contact: Rebecca Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About ASCEND
Powered by AIAA, ASCEND, which stands for Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery, is the world’s premier collaborative, outcomes-driven, interdisciplinary community designed to accelerate the building of our off-world future. For more information, visit ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.