FROM THE INSTITUTE
As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of modern warfare, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a game changer. From analyzing intelligence and refining targeting processes to streamlining logistics and enhancing capabilities in autonomous platforms across various domains such as air, land, sea, and even space, AI is reshaping how we think about conflict. The potential advantages are significant: quicker decision-making, better situational awareness, and the ability to operate effectively even in chaotic environments.
Tag: AIAA News
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman to Open ASCEND 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2026 – Reston, Va. – AIAA is pleased to welcome NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman back to the ASCEND stage to open ASCEND 2026 at 8 a.m., Tuesday, 19 May, Washington Hilton, Washington, DC. Isaacman first appeared at ASCEND in 2021, just after returning from commanding Inspiration4, the first all-civilian orbital spaceflight.
Registration for ASCEND 2026 is available online. Journalists should request a Press Pass.
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. For ASCEND 2026, Commercial Space Federation (CSF) is the Premier Event Partner. Event partners include: BryceTech, ISS National Laboratory, Novaspace, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Space Force Association (SFA), Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), and The Aerospace Corporation.
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
AIAA is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With more than 33,000 individual members from 91 countries, and over 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 on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
The Space Station’s Past and Future Converge at ASCEND 2026
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory will bring a full day of programming to ASCEND 2026 on Tuesday, 19 May, plus nearly 60 technical papers on ISS utilization and space-based research expected to be presented on Wednesday and Thursday, 20–21 May. From microgravity-enabled medical breakthroughs to startup innovation in low Earth orbit (LEO), the ISS National Lab sessions are designed to show how researchers and commercial players alike are using the orbiting laboratory as an engine for science, technology, and a sustainable space economy.
Don’t Miss the Premier Aviation Technical Event of the Year
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Discover how aviation is transforming at AIAA AVIATION Forum 2026. Join industry leaders, government officials, and academic experts in San Diego, a premier aviation center, to examine the next-generation technologies and strategies that are reshaping the industry.
AIAA, Aerospace Corporation Launch ASCEND 2026 Classified Day
FROM THE INSTITUTE
In a couple of weeks, the AIAA community will take discussions about building our off-world future and securing the high ground of space into a classified setting. AIAA’s inaugural ASCEND 2026 Classified Day, planned for Monday, 18 May at The Aerospace Corporation’s corporate headquarters in Chantilly, VA, comes at a time of intense transformation in the U.S. space community. This unique, closed-door session at AIAA’s premier space event will bring executive‑level insights at the top-secret level to address evolving global competition and pressing challenges in the national security space domain.
AIAA Launches 30/30 Program to Spotlight Top Aerospace Young Professionals
FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA is accepting nominations for its new 30/30 recognition program, which will honor up to 30 early-career aerospace professionals in their 30s. (Consideration will also be given to nominees who are younger than 30 who have made notable accomplishments in their careers.) Nominations are open through 15 June 2026.
Don’t miss SGx 2026, part of ASCEND – Washington D.C. | 17–18 May
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The next era of space starts here. SGx 2026: Inventing New Orbits brings together students, young professionals, and leaders from NASA, Blue Origin, Airbus, Northrop Grumman, and beyond for two days of TEDx-style talks, hands-on workshops, and high-voltage networking at the Washington Hilton. Catch a National Geographic screening on Sally Ride, compete in the space art competition, and hear what’s next straight from the people building it. Early bird pricing ends 10 May.
Commercial Space Federation Brings Space Policy Summit to ASCEND 2026
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The Commercial Space Federation (CSF) will take the stage at ASCEND 2026, anchoring the event’s space policy programming 19-20 May, in Washington, D.C. Long recognized as the premier advocacy organization for the commercial space sector, CSF represents satellite operators, launch providers, spaceports, remote sensing companies, commercial LEO destinations, and the broader cislunar exploration community. For ASCEND 2026, CSF has integrated its Space Policy Summit directly into the ASCEND program featuring 14 panels and six fireside chats with senior executives, top government administrators, Hill staff, and members of Congress.
SGx 2026 Registration is Open
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The future of space leadership converges in Washington, D.C., 17–18 May. Join the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), in partnership with ASCEND and the Future Space Leaders Foundation (FSLF), for the 11th SGx conference—a fast-paced, high-access gathering where students, young professionals, and industry and government leaders shape what comes next for the global space sector. Secure your seat today!
Region VI Student Conference Showcased Impressive Talent and Innovation in Aerospace
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The 2026 AIAA Region VI Student Conference was held 21–22 March at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The event brought together nearly 150 attendees from 31 universities and high schools, representing a broad range of AIAA student branches. Participants delivered 53 presentations across high school, team, undergraduate, and graduate categories, highlighting impressive talent and innovation in aerospace.