Tag: AIAA CEO Clay Mowry

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.

AIAA Strengthens International Engagement

FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA convened an international gathering on Monday at the Palace Asinaridi San Marzano, the headquarters of Italian satellite manufacturer Space Industries, to launch AIAA’s new representation for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. AIAA’s efforts in the EMEA region will be led by Davide Petrillo and Martina Bruno based in Turin.

AIAA Engages Future Space Leaders at SpaceVision 2025

FROM THE INSTITUTE
SpaceVision, hosted by Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), took place at the University of Washington in Seattle, 6–8 November, and brought together more than 350 university students from across the country. AIAA CEO Clay Mowry participated in two back-to-back panels on 7 November, highlighting both the future of space exploration and practical guidance for emerging professionals.

AIAA Mourns the Passing of James A. Lovell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 14, 2025 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) issued the following statement by AIAA CEO Clay Mowry:

“AIAA joins the aerospace community in mourning the loss of Captain James A. “Jim” Lovell, U.S. Navy (Ret.).

As a Navy pilot and NASA astronaut who broke the barriers of air and space, he contributed immense knowledge to the aerospace community. His skills as an astronaut contributed to the U.S. establishing its preeminent leadership position in space.

Through piloting the Gemini 7 mission, he and Frank Borman demonstrated the first rendezvous of two manned maneuverable spacecraft. He then commanded the Gemini 12 mission with Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, bringing the Gemini program to a successful close.

He later served as command module pilot and navigator in the Apollo 8 mission, the first human voyage to the moon. Along with his Apollo 8 crew members, Frank Borman and William A. “Bill” Anders, he became one of the first humans to leave Earth’s gravitational influence.

His contributions as the commander of the Apollo 13 mission – known as a successful failure – were remarkable. Our community understands the challenges and risks associated with space exploration. We are grateful for his iconic phrase, “Houston, we have a problem.” His legacy of level-headed problem solving and tireless teamwork will long be remembered.

AIAA was honored to recognize the entire crew of Apollo 13 – Fred W. Haise, Jim Lovell, and John L. “Jack” Swigert – with the AIAA Haley Astronautics Award. The citation reads, “For the exceptional manner in which the Apollo 13 crew conducted themselves and their spacecraft under extraordinary circumstances of extreme stress.”

The AIAA community sends our condolences to Capt. Lovell’s family and friends. The Institute is immensely grateful for his contributions to shaping the future of aerospace.”

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, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

From Space to Signal: Experts Outline the Stakes and Solutions for U.S. PNT Resilience

From the Institute
“If GPS is compromised, the consequences will cascade across sectors, from defense to commerce to everyday civilian life. This is not a theoretical risk; it is a strategic imperative,” stated AIAA CEO Clay Mowry at a July briefing at the U.S. House of Representatives. The discussion brought together more than 80 Congressional staff, industry leaders, and stakeholders to hear an expert panel assess the state of U.S. PNT capabilities that support the GPS.
Full Story (Aerospace America)

AIAA Statement on the Axiom Space AX-4 Mission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 26, 2025 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) CEO Clay Mowry made the following statement:

“Congratulations to the entire Axiom Space team on the successful arrival of the AX-4 crew to the International Space Station (ISS), after launching atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in the Crew Dragon ‘Grace.’

We applaud this private mission to the orbiting laboratory. It’s got all the hallmarks of modern space exploration – a public-private partnership making it possible, an international crew, and a 14-day space mission filled with microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and public outreach. These explorers are working to improve life on Earth and accelerate our off-world future. We look forward to following their progress.

We recognize the countless aerospace industry professionals involved in making this mission a success. We salute Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, and the entire mission team. They are shaping the future of aerospace.”

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

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 Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA Welcomes ISS National Laboratory to 2025 ASCEND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Additional Sessions Will Showcase the Growing Low Earth Orbit Ecosystem

June 23, 2025 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space® (CASIS), manager of the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory, announced they are expanding programming for the upcoming ASCEND event this summer, 22–24 July, in Las Vegas.

This announcement comes following the discontinuation of the ISS National Laboratory’s flagship event, the ISS Research and Development Conference (ISSRDC), originally planned for 28–31 July, Seattle, Wash. ISSRDC was designed to address pressing research and development challenges through space-based inquiry. ASCEND will now serve the broader space and microgravity community in one powerful event.

ASCEND Welcomes ISS National Lab and its Community in July
2025 ASCEND will now offer several high-impact sessions from the planned ISSRDC program. The new content will highlight how the space station continues to provide a valuable platform for research and technology development that benefits humanity and enables a robust and sustainable market in low Earth orbit (LEO). More information on sessions will be announced shortly.

“We warmly welcome the broader ISS National Lab communities to ASCEND. It’s a natural evolution to the ASCEND program, further showcasing the cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs in low Earth orbit. It will be an unparalleled experience for the entire space community,” said Clay Mowry, chief executive officer, AIAA. “We invite those who were planning to attend ISSRDC to discover ASCEND in a bold new way.”

ASCEND | 22-24 July 2025 | Las Vegas
ASCEND | 22-24 July 2025 | Las Vegas

Registration for 2025 ASCEND is available with early-bird rates through 23 June. Journalists can request a Press Pass online.

“As we mark a pivotal moment for the space station and the LEO economy, we’re thrilled to expand ASCEND programming to showcase the ISS National Lab community,” said Ray Lugo, chief executive officer, ISS National Lab. “Over the years, ISSRDC has built deeply engaged user, investor, and partner communities, and ASCEND will allow our communities to significantly build upon the scientific discoveries, commercial innovations, and relationships in a more expansive forum, as we showcase the impact of space-based research and its impacts on humanity and commerce alike.”

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. Lockheed Martin is the premier sponsor of ASCEND. For the most updated program information, visit ascend.events and follow ASCEND on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X/Twitter.

AIAA Contact: Rebecca Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270
ISS National Lab Contact: Patrick O’Neill, [email protected], 904-806-0035

About AIAA
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. Visit www.aiaa.org or follow us: X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory
The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space® (CASIS®) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website.

2025 ASCEND to Accelerate Our Off-World Future

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 9, 2025 – Reston, Va. – AIAA announced today a powerful lineup of speakers who will take the stage at 2025 ASCEND, 22–24 July, Caesars Forum, Las Vegas. The three-day event will address the most important opportunities and mission-critical challenges that come with the growing pace of activity in space.

“We’re thrilled to once again welcome the global aerospace community to ASCEND. It’s the most dynamic time in space in the last 30 years,” said AIAA CEO Clay Mowry. “ASCEND is where we discuss the critical topics today to ensure the ongoing safe, secure, and prosperous uses of space. This year’s program is sure to generate powerful dialogue among the broad spectrum of attendees including space users, investors, policymakers, innovators, and more.”

Powered by AIAA, ASCEND is the world’s premier outcomes-focused, interdisciplinary space event designed to accelerate building our off-world future. 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:

  • Tejpaul Bhatia, Chief Executive Officer, Axiom Space
  • Maj. Gen. Steven “Bucky” Butow, USAF, Military Deputy of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Office of the Secretary of Defense
  • Robert Carlisle, CEO and Co-Founder, Argo Space
  • Dave Cavossa, President, Commercial Space Federation (CSF)
  • Carissa Christensen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, BryceTech*
  • Tim Crain, Chief Technology Officer, Intuitive Machines
  • Israel Figueroa, Director, National Security Programs, Firefly Aerospace
  • Kelli Furrer, Chief Revenue Officer & Chief Marketing Officer, Firefly Aerospace
  • Mike Gold, President, Civil & International Space Business, Redwire Space
  • Chris Lay, Co-Founding Partner, Leonid Capital Partners
  • Mairead Levison, Deputy Director, Space ISAC
  • Jamie Morin, Vice President, Defense Strategic Space, The Aerospace Corporation
  • Sho Nakanose, Founder and CEO, GITAI
  • Shawna Pandya, Director, Space Medicine Group, International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS)*
  • John Reed, Chief Rocket Scientist, United Launch Alliance (ULA)*
  • Lee Rosen, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ThinkOrbital Inc.
  • Matthew Weinzierl, Senior Associate Dean and Chair, MBA Program, Harvard Business School*
  • Col. Bill Woolf, USAF (Ret.), President and Chief Executive Officer, Space Force Association (SFA)
  • Col. Matthew Wroten, USSF, U.S. Space Command

*Member of the 2025 ASCEND Guiding Coalition

Experts from NASA will provide wide-ranging updates on a number of timely topics including the Human Research Program, future procurement strategies, and exploration missions to the moon, Mars, and deep space.

Deep Technical Content Scheduled

AIAA events are well known for the depth of technical content presented. Over 200 technical presentations and collaborative sessions are scheduled for 2025 ASCEND.

Vital Interactive Learning Planned

Several workshops are scheduled for valuable in-depth learning opportunities. Topics include:

  • Lessons Learned, Forward Path, and Collaboration from the Oxygen from Regolith (O2fR) Collaborative Systems Interface Workshop
  • Empowering the Next Generation: Creating a Circular Space Economy
  • Why Learning the Language of Business Can Increase the Likelihood of Funding Request Approval
  • Cislunar & Lunar Ecosystem and Economics Workshop
  • AstroTactics: Wargaming Space Assets
  • Collaborative Identification of the Foundations, Formats, and Functions in the Emerging Field of Space Science Communication

Early-Bird Registration Rates Available

Registration for the event is open with early-bird rates ending 23 June. Journalists can 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. Lockheed Martin is the premier sponsor of ASCEND. For the most updated program information, visit ascend.events and follow ASCEND on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X/Twitter.

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.

Future of Flight Takes Center Stage at 2025 AIAA AVIATION Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2025 – Reston, Va. – AIAA announced its program for the 2025 AIAA AVIATION Forum, 21–25 July, Caesars Forum, Las Vegas. The five-day event will focus on the theme, “Navigating the Future: Sustainability, Safety, and Innovation.”

“We’re thrilled to bring together the aviation industry during this time of unprecedented transformation,” said AIAA CEO Clay Mowry. “As the industry grows and evolves, it’s crucial to ensure the next generation of air transportation systems are safe and efficient. This event is mission essential for aviation professionals in industry, government, and academia—it’s where the future of aviation takes shape.”

Educational, Interactive, Mission-Critical Program Planned
From the main stage, attendees will learn about the innovative technologies and services that  are driving efficient growth in civil and military aviation. The lineup of speakers and panelists represent the leading aviation agencies, companies, and universities from around the world. They will showcase groundbreaking capabilities that are redefining what’s possible in flight – from sustainable aviation fuels and electric propulsion to advanced air mobility and hypersonics.

AIAA forums are well known for the depth of technical content presented. The technical program will feature over 1,200 presentations spanning more than 20 research topics, including fluid dynamics, applied aerodynamics, air transportation systems, thermophysics, and multidisciplinary design optimization. More than a dozen technical workshops are scheduled, providing attendees with valuable in-depth learning opportunities. Attendees also can participate in the AIAA/CEAS Aeroacoustics Conference during the week. In addition, the FlightLab sessions include important content from the aviation community submitted on a range of timely and important topics.

Confirmed speakers from industry, government, and academia across the aviation community include:

  • Michael Berube – Deputy Assistant Secretary for Sustainable Transportation & Fuels, U.S. Department of Energy
  • Yemaya Bordain – President of the Americas, Daedalean AI
  • Sergio Cecutta – Founder and Partner, SMG Consulting
  • Jan de Regt – Director, Advanced Aviation Systems, Flight Safety Foundation
  • Lt. Col. David Dunwoody – Deputy Director Data & Analytics Enablement, National Defence of Canada
  • Michael Dyment – Managing Partner, NEXA Capital Partners
  • Roberto Guerrero – Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy
  • Rafferty Jackson – Principal, Jack Industries
  • Greg Feith, former Senior Air Safety Investigator, National Transportation Safety Board
  • Natasha Neogi – Senior Technologist for Assured Intelligent Flight Systems, NASA
  • Linda O’Brien – Vice President and Chief Engineer, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
  • Alain Siebert – Chief Technology and Strategy, SESAR
  • Walter A. Silva – Senior Research Scientist, NASA Langley Research Center
  • Michael Sinnett – Senior Vice President, Product Strategy, Product Development and Development Programs, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
  • Akbar Sultan, Director, Airspace Operations and Safety Program, NASA
  • Lt. Col. Taylor Wilson – Commander, 40th Test Flight Squadron, U.S. Air Force

Registration for the forum is open, with early-bird rates ending 23 June. Journalists can request a Press Pass online. For the most updated program information, visit www.aiaa.org/aviation.

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

About AIAA
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.