Tag: ascend

Panelists at ASCEND Discuss AI Challenges and Promise

Space News reports, “Space organizations are continuing to identify promising applications of artificial intelligence, according to speakers at the AIAA ASCEND conference.” At NASA, for example, AI helps aggregate complex datasets from various Earth-observation sensors and illustrate the data through modeling “in ways that are ‘intuitively clear,’” said David Salvagnini, NASA’s chief artificial intelligence officer and chief data officer.
Full Story (Space News)

AIAA Unveils ASCEND Diverse Dozen Op-Eds on Space Sustainability and Environmentalism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 19, 2024 – Reston, Va. – AIAA published the 2024 ASCEND Diverse Dozen (D12) Op-Eds – a collection of unique perspectives on today’s most pressing space sustainability challenges. The 12 visionaries who comprise the D12 will present their ideas on the opening day of 2024 ASCEND, 30 July – 1 August, Las Vegas. Organized as rapid-fire lightning talks, the D12 will address burning topics from the challenges of balancing growth through responsible space sustainability to orbital debris risking human space exploration.

ASCEND is the world’s premier outcomes-focused, interdisciplinary space event designed to accelerate building our off-world future. In its fifth year, D12 is produced in partnership with astrodynamicist Moriba Jah, chief scientist and co-founder of Privateer. More than 50 people have participated in the D12 program since 2020. Read all their Op-Eds here.

This year, the D12 is supported by the Office of Space Commerce, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce helping amplify underrepresented voices as they promote messages on space sustainability.

The 2024 ASCEND D12 cohort includes startup founders, association leaders, aerospace and engineering scholars, and policy experts in the space industry. They hail from Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, the United States and its territory, Puerto Rico.

The 2024 ASCEND Diverse Dozen are:

Nifemi Awe, Management Consultant, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Priyanka Dhopade, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering, University of Auckland
Martina Dimoska, Founder and President, International Space Alliance
Jose Figueroa, Founder, Aqua/Sky Launch Innovations
Amir Gohardani, CEO, Springs of Dreams Corporation
Kim Macharia, Executive Director, Space Prize Foundation
Isabelle Mierau, Founder, Space Debris DAO
Sumbal Mushtaq, Founder, Astralbeam Organization
Alma Okpalefe, Executive Director, World Space Week Association
Carolyn Overmyer, Director, Orion Chief Engineer, Lockheed Martin Space
Olga Stelmakh-Drescher, Chief Policy, Legal & Government Relations Officer, Exolaunch
Salman Ali Thepdawala, Ph.D. Candidate and Munich Aerospace Scholar, University of Bundesweehr – Munich

Registration for 2024 ASCEND is open. Press passes are available.

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 aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA to Present Aerospace Excellence Awards During 2024 ASCEND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 28, 2024 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is pleased to announce the winners of two aerospace excellence awards to be presented during 2024 ASCEND, 30 July – 1 August, Caesars Forum, Las Vegas. Registration is open for the global aerospace community to attend. Journalists can request a Press Pass here.

2024 AIAA Hap Arnold Award for Excellence in Aeronautical Program Management

MiMi Aung, Director, Technical Program Management, Project Kuiper, Amazon
(Formerly Project Manager for Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
Award Citation: For exceptional project management and leadership in delivery of the first aircraft on another planet, Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, advancing planetary exploration state of the art, and providing a new Mars exploration technology.

This award is presented to an individual for outstanding contributions in the management of a significant aeronautical or aeronautical-related program or project. The presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, 30 July, 8 a.m. PT.

2024 AIAA Space Systems Award

Elena Adams, DART Mission Systems Engineer, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Elizabeth A. Congdon, DART Mechanical Systems Engineer, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Geffrey K. Ottman, DART Electrical Systems Engineer, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Evan James Smith, DART Deputy Mission Systems Engineer, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Award Citation: For outstanding achievement in the development and operation of the DART spacecraft, completing humanity’s first in-space demonstration of planetary defense technology.

This award is presented to recognize outstanding achievements in the architecture, analysis, design, and implementation of space systems. The presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, 31 July, 8 a.m. PT.

AIAA is committed to ensuring that aerospace professionals are recognized and celebrated for their achievements, innovations, and discoveries that make the world safer, more connected, more accessible, and more prosperous. Visit AIAA’s Honors and Awards Program for more information.

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 aiaa.org or follow AIAA on X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, and visit ascend.events or follow ASCEND on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, and Instagram.

Cessna Citation Ascend Completes First Test Flight

Flying Magazine reports, “The second Cessna Citation Ascend test article has completed its first test flight, advancing development of the business jet program, according to Textron Aviation. The milestone flight for the aircraft—called P1—on Wednesday over Wichita, Kansas, follows that of the Ascend prototype, which completed its first flight in 2023, making the P1 aircraft the first conforming production flight test aircraft, Textron said.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)

2023 ASCEND Diverse Dozen Application Open: Inviting Unique Ideas on Space Safety, Security, and Sustainability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 4, 2023 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has opened applications for its 2023 ASCEND Diverse Dozen program. Thought leaders and activists are invited to apply for this fourth cohort to address the most important issues surrounding space safety, security, and sustainability. Deadline for entries is 2 June.

Known as D12, the program is a partnership between ASCEND and astrodynamicist Moriba Jah, chief scientist and co-founder at Privateer and associate professor of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at the University of Texas. This exclusive ASCEND community delivers rapid-fire lightning talks during the ASCEND apex event, 23–25 October, Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. The D12 Op-Eds will be published in conjunction with the event.

Influential thinkers and emerging leaders from around the globe have been featured in D12 during ASCEND since it launched three years ago. The D12 Op-Eds from the previous 35 participants are available online:

The recording of the 2022 ASCEND D12 cohort presentation is available: 2022 ASCEND D12 session.

“How much do you love humanity? Enough to save the planet?!” asks Jah, a space environmentalist who is advancing our ability to understand how human objects in space create both services and risks of collisions. “D12 is centered on the belief that we’re more similar than we are different, and action is best when born from compassion.”

Applications for the 2023 ASCEND Diverse Dozen are due on 2 June.

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, or LinkedIn.

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

ASCEND Guiding Coalition Members to Speak at U.S. Chamber of Commerce Space Event on 3 December in Washington, D.C.

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Michele McDonald
703.264.7542
[email protected]

26 November 2019 – Reston, Va. – AIAA members Ellen Stofan, Mary Lynne Dittmar, and Jim Chilton will be speaking at LAUNCH: The Space Economy, a space summit hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on 3 December 2019.

Stofan, Dittmar and Chilton are members of the Guiding Coalition of ASCEND, the world’s first outcomes-focused, cross-disciplinary event designed to accelerate the building of our off-world future.. ASCEND’s Guiding Coalition is led by former Blue Origin President Rob Meyerson.

Who:

Ellen Stofan has more than 25 years of experience in space-related organizations and has a deep research background in planetary geology. She was the chief scientist at NASA and is now the John and Adrienne Mars Director at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Mary Lynne Dittmar is president and CEO of the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration, a recognized source for policy, technical and business information in aerospace. She is a member of the National Space Council Users’ Advisory Group, the FAA’s Commercial Space Transportation Committee, and the Space Studies Board of the National Academies.

Jim Chilton is senior vice president of the Space and Launch division of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. The Space and Launch portfolio includes the International Space Station, the CST-100 Starliner commercial crew vehicle, NASA’s Space Launch System, and other areas.

Rob Meyerson is the executive producer of ASCEND and leads the Guiding Coalition. He is the founder and CEO of Delalune Space, a management consulting company focused on aerospace, mobility and technology sectors. Rob is the former president of Blue Origin. Note: Meyerson will not be attending the event but will be available for interviews.

What: LAUNCH: The Space Economy
When: Tuesday, 3 December 2019
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
1615 H. Street NW
Washington, D.C., 20062

For more information about LAUNCH: The Space Economy hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, please visit https://www.uschamber.com/event/launch-the-space-economy

About ASCEND
A new event launched by AIAA, ASCEND is designed to drive the $1 trillion space economy forward, bringing together technical and business leaders to solve problems that affect the entire planet and beyond. The global eventis convening traditional and nontraditional players to help build the space economy. ASCEND’s inaugural event is 16–18 November 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, please visit www.ascend.events.

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 85 countries and 95 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, aiaa.org, or follow us on Twitter @AIAA.

Citizen Astronauts from Blue Origin, SpaceX, and Virgin Galactic Commercial Space Missions to Appear Together at 2021 ASCEND in Las Vegas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2021 – Reston, Va. – Astronauts from the three different commercial space experiences that occurred in 2021 will appear on stage together in Las Vegas on Monday, 15 November, during 2021 ASCEND. ASCEND is the interdisciplinary community focused on building humanity’s off-world future faster, powered by AIAA. Confirmed speakers include:

Blue Origin New Shepard Mission NS-18 (October 2021)
- Glen de Vries, Vice-Chair, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Dassault Systèmes; and Co-Founder, Medidata
SpaceX Inspiration4 Mission (September 2021)
- Jared Isaacman, Inspiration4 Commander
- Sian Proctor, Inspiration4 Mission Pilot
Virgin Galactic Unity22 Mission (July 2021)
- Sirisha Bandla, Vice President of Government Affairs, Virgin Galactic; and member of the ASCEND Guiding Coalition

The exclusive gathering of these citizen astronauts to share firsthand accounts of their missions epitomizes the ASCEND spirit of community and global partnership. They will discuss the impact of their missions, as well as their experiences during training, flight, and post-launch. The speakers will appear in person in the following 2021 ASCEND sessions:

Opening Keynote
Speakers: Jared Isaacman, Sian Proctor
Monday, 15 November, 0730–0900 hrs PT

Lunch Plenary Session: Citizen Astronauts
Moderator: Kari Byron, Producer and Television Personality, Mythbusters, White Rabbit Project; Host, Crash Test World
Speakers: Sirisha Bandla, Glen de Vries, Jared Isaacman, Sian Proctor
Monday, 15 November, 1145–1245 hrs PT

2021 ASCEND is set for 8–10 and 15–17 November, showcasing a hybrid blend of in-person programming in Las Vegas (Caesars Forum) and Washington, D.C., and online programming on all six days.

The Public is Invited to Attend 2021 ASCEND
ASCEND is an event open to everyone who loves space. The public is invited to register now at the best rates. The full agenda and confirmed speakers are available at ascend.events.

Registration for in-person attendance is limited and only open until 10 November, to ensure all AIAA Health and Safety protocols are met.

Press Passes Available to Media
Journalists interested in covering the citizen astronauts and the full ASCEND program at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas in person should contact [email protected] for credentialing, or request an Online Press Pass here.

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

About ASCEND
Powered by AIAA, ASCEND promotes 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! For more information, visit ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

ASCEND Announces Commercial Space Policy Event, 15 November

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 14, 2021 – Reston, Va. – ASCEND, the interdisciplinary community focused on building humanity’s off-world future faster, today announced the detailed agenda for its East Coast Satellite Event on 15 November in Washington, DC, as part of the 2021 ASCEND centerpiece event. Powered by AIAA, ASCEND was launched in 2020 to Accelerate Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery.

For those living within commutable distance of Washington, DC, this limited-space, one-day, face-to-face event will feature discussions with national leaders on-site, networking during and after, and a live feed from the ASCEND Las Vegas stage. The AIAA National Capital Section will host a happy hour networking event at the conclusion of the day.

Registration is open now and includes full online access for 8–10 and 15–17 November. Journalists interested in covering the DC-based event in person should contact [email protected] for credentialing.

2021 ASCEND East Coast Satellite Event
15 November, 1030–1600 hrs ET
Lunch is included
Ronald Reagan Building – Rotunda Room, Washington, DC

Opening Ceremony (Livestreamed)

Kari Byron, Producer and Television Personality

Building Worlds That Do Not Yet Exist (Livestreamed)
Have you ever wondered if we, as the greater collective, are thinking big enough for space? Discover the futures that don’t yet exist, how incredible creators and visionaries bring their ideas into reality, and the value that such efforts can bring to drive progress. Because if we can’t dream it, we can’t get there. Let’s explore together how to imagine untapped opportunities and turn those dreams into tangible images of the future as a catalyst for accelerating growth and delivering greater value for the space enterprise!

Moderator: Ariel Ekblaw, Director, MIT Space Exploration Initiative, MIT Media Lab

Public-Private Partnerships: When One Shoe Doesn’t Fit All (Livestreamed)
Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) have been in use in the United States almost since the nation was founded and in aviation and space for decades – driving industry forward, introducing innovation, and reducing costs. At the same time, they are not a panacea and sometimes fail, leaving the government to step in to clean up the mess. NASA’s recent efforts to utilize PPPs for human spaceflight systems are modeled on success with the Commercial Crew and Cargo Program that benefitted from an existing launch market with well-established customer demand. Is this the appropriate model for PPPs under conditions of uncertain demand, in LEO or deep space? Are PPPs still a meaningful construct in those circumstances, or are the rules, incentives, and risk management approach governing the relationship more important? This session will go beyond the “PPP soundbite” to explore different models across various types of markets and incentives.

Mary Lynne Dittmar, Executive Vice President, Axiom Space (Moderator)
Dan Dumbacher, Executive Director, AIAA
Henry Hertzfeld, Research Professor of Space Policy and International Affairs, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University

Policy for Growing Commercial Space Opportunities (Live, in person after lunch)

Opening remarks will be given by Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), Chairman, House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee.

The panel discussion that follows will sharpen our focus on how policy can be used to accelerate, enhance, and shape commercial space opportunities while balancing the array of technical, financial, legal, and programmatic factors. Topics for the dynamic discussion include: When is it appropriate for government to use commercial services? What are the benefits and risks of firm-fixed-price procurements and Other Transactional Authorities? How can government and industry work together to accelerate “hard tech” development for space? How can regulations encourage the growth of purely private space ventures while still protecting public safety and other national interests?

Tim Dominick, Chair, AIAA Public Policy (Moderator)
Mike Gold, Executive Vice President for Civil Space and External Affairs, Redwire Space
Tom Hammond, Senior Policy Advisor, House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee (Minority Staff)
Ezinne Uzo-Okoro, Assistant Director for Space Policy, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)

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

AIAA to Present Premier Lectures and Technical Excellence Awards During 2021 ASCEND

UPDATED October 11, 2021 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is pleased to announce the winners of the premier lectureships and technical excellence awards. The lectures and awards will be presented during 2021 ASCEND, the centerpiece event of the interdisciplinary community focused on building humanity’s off-world future faster. 2021 ASCEND will be held 8–10 and 15–17 November; registration is open now.

2021 David W. Thompson Lecture in Space Commerce: “Birth of the Remote Sensing Industry” PLEASE NOTE DR. SCOTT’S LECTURE NAME IS UPDATED

Walter Scott, Chief Technology Officer, Maxar
Monday, 15 November, 1830–1930 hrs PT
This lecture will be given live and in person at 2021 ASCEND in Las Vegas, as well as recorded and available on demand.
Dr. Scott also will participate in the Space Founders Panel during 2021 ASCEND, Tuesday, 16 November, 1730 hrs PT.

2021 von Kármán Lecture in Astronautics: “Multi-Domain Convergence of Space and Near-Space ”

David Van Wie, Head, Air and Missile Defense Sector, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Tuesday, 16 November, 1200–1300 hrs PT
This lecture will be given live and in person at 2021 ASCEND in Las Vegas, as well as recorded and available on demand.

David W. Thompson Lectureship in Space Commerce
The 2021 David W. Thompson Lectureship in Space Commerce has been awarded to Walter Scott, Chief Technology Officer, Maxar. The lectureship recognizes a prominent industry leader or senior management team who has created or grown a space-related business and generated substantial economic benefits and market value. The award was endowed by Orbital ATK Inc. to commemorate the long and distinguished career of commercial space pioneer, David W. Thompson.

As Maxar’s Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Scott is responsible for the company’s next-generation commercial remote sensing systems, R&D, software architecture, and government relations/public policy. He founded DigitalGlobe in 1992, which became part of Maxar in 2017, and received the first high resolution commercial remote sensing license from the U.S. government. Today, Maxar operates a four-satellite imaging constellation with the best resolution, revisit, accuracy, and greatest capacity in the industry.

From 1986 through 1992, Dr. Scott was with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where he led the “Brilliant Pebbles” program, a constellation of small (microsat) space-based interceptors for the Strategic Defense Initiative. Prior to LLNL, Dr. Scott founded Scott Consulting, where he developed Unix networking subsystems, and a pioneering email system utilizing public key encryption.

Dr. Scott was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young in 2004 for the Rocky Mountain Region in the Emerging Technology category. He serves on the board of the SSPI (Space & Satellite Professionals International), and is a member of the Landsat Advisory Group, supporting the United States Geological Survey, and on the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate Independent Advisory Team.

von Kármán Lectureship in Astronautics
David Van Wie, Head of the Air and Missile Defense Sector of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL), has been awarded the 2021 von Kármán Lectureship in Astronautics. Named in honor of Theodore von Kármán, a world-famous authority on aerospace sciences, the lectureship honors an individual who has performed notably and distinguished themselves technically in the field of astronautics.

At JHUAPL, Dr. Van Wie is responsible for strategic planning and execution of programs advancing the ability of the United States to defend itself and its allies against surface, air, hypersonic, and ballistic threats. Prior to his current appointment, he served as Mission Area Executive for Precision Strike, focusing on advanced weapon development, electromagnetic spectrum dominance, and novel long-range detection and targeting systems.

Dr. Van Wie is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, an AIAA Fellow, and a recipient of the Air Force Award for Meritorious Civilian Service. He served as a member of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board and the National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, and has conducted studies for the Defense Science Board, Air Force Studies Board, and Naval Studies Board.

An active member of the U.S. science and technology community, Dr. Van Wie has published more than 140 papers in the fields of hypersonics, high-temperature fluid dynamics, airbreathing propulsion, and plasma aerodynamics.

AIAA Technical Excellence Awards
The following aerospace professionals will be recognized throughout 2021 ASCEND for their outstanding contributions in their field, having been chosen by their peers from related AIAA technical committees (TC). AIAA is committed to ensuring that aerospace professionals are recognized and celebrated for their achievements, innovations, and discoveries that make the world safer, more connected, more accessible, and more prosperous. Visit AIAA’s Honors and Awards Program for more information.

AIAA Hypersonic Systems and Technologies Award
Dr. Steven H. Walker, Lockheed Martin Corporation, has been awarded the 2021 AIAA Hypersonic Systems and Technologies Award for “outstanding leadership in the furthering of Hypersonic Technology by initiating and managing novel flight demonstrators providing the maturity necessary to transition to operational systems.”

The award recognizes sustained contributions and achievements in enabling technologies and/or the integration of technologies for system applications in the advancement of hypersonic flight.

The award will be presented at the 24th AIAA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies Conference Awards Reception taking place during 2021 ASCEND (16 November 1700 hrs PT).

AIAA Space Systems Award
Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Team, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is being presented with the 2021 AIAA Space Systems Award for “the design and flight test validation of the first helicopter designed for flight at Mars.” This award will be accepted by Håvard F. Grip, Ingenuity Chief Pilot and lead for the Mars Helicopter Flight Control & Aerodynamics, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The award recognizes outstanding achievements in the architecture, analysis, design, and implementation of space systems.

Dr. Grip also will join Jennifer Trosper, Mars Perseverance Project Manager, NASA, to deliver the William H. Pickering Lecture during 2021 ASCEND (16 November, 1830-1930 hrs PT). The lecture is named for the former NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Director, to honor his initiation and leadership of America’s unmanned scientific space program, from Explorer I in 1958 through the development of the Viking orbiters and the Voyager outer planet and interstellar missions.

Ms. Trosper will describe the challenges of the development and operations of the most complex robotic vehicle ever sent to the Red Planet along with some initial scientific findings of the mission. Dr. Grip will discuss how Ingenuity graduated from a short-lived flight experiment into a fully operationalized reconnaissance platform.

AIAA Sustained Service Awards
Michel D. Ingham, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, has been awarded the 2021 AIAA Sustained Service Award for his “tireless commitment to AIAA technical activities, particularly the Information Systems Group, Deputy Director, Intelligent Systems Technical Committee Chair, Conference Technical Chair, and Digital Engineering Integration Committee Member.”

Frank K. Lu, University of Texas at Arlington, has also been awarded the 2021 AIAA Sustained Service Award for “sustained and diverse leadership in student branch, local section, technical committee, editorial and publications activities.”

This service award recognizes sustained, significant service and contributions to AIAA members. It is truly a unique recognition for those AIAA members who have given their time, dedication, and efforts to AIAA.

AIAA von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management
Fuk K. Li, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is being presented with the 2021 AIAA von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management for “sustained excellence in management of NASA’s New Millennium and Mars Exploration Programs, achieving major breakthroughs in space technology and Mars exploration objectives.”

The award gives national recognition to an individual(s) for outstanding contributions in the management of a significant space or space-related program or project. The award honors Dr. Wernher von Braun, who was one of the world’s first and foremost rocket engineers and a leading authority on space travel.

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

ASCEND Unveils Visionary Agenda, Inspiring Speakers, and Community Spirit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November Event Spans Six Days, Two Cities, and Online Everywhere

September 30, 2021 – Reston, Va. – ASCEND, the interdisciplinary community focused on building humanity’s off-world future faster, today unveiled its six-day agenda packed with hundreds of visionary sessions and inspiring speakers. Powered by AIAA, ASCEND was launched in 2020 to Accelerate Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery.

Scheduled for 8–10 and 15-17 November, the 2021 ASCEND centerpiece event will showcase a hybrid blend of live in-person programming in Las Vegas and Washington, D.C., and online programming on all six days. Details are available at ascend.events.

Attendees have multiple options for live, virtual, and on-demand attendance; space is limited. Early-bird registration rates are available through midnight, Thursday, 30 September. Journalists around the world are invited to cover 2021 ASCEND; press passes are available for credentialed media by request.

2021 ASCEND Features

Kari Byron is returning as emcee! The Mythbusters and Crash Test World host will join us in person in Las Vegas, 15-17 November.
Just back from her suborbital space mission, Sirisha Bandla, Vice President of Government Affairs for Virgin Galactic, will join us in person in Las Vegas to share her first-hand account of space travel as a citizen astronaut aboard her company’s first fully crewed spaceflight #Unity22 this summer.
For a day, ASCEND goes to Washington, D.C. The East Coast Satellite Event on 15 November will feature an in-person panel of national policymakers discussing policy for growing commercial space opportunities, as well as a live feed from the ASCEND Las Vegas stage. Speakers include: Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), U.S. House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee; Mike Gold, Redwire Space; Tom Hammond, U.S. House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee; Ezinne Uzo-Okoro, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; Tim Dominick, Chair, AIAA Public Policy Committee.
The 24th AIAA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies Conference will be held 15-17 November (in person) in Las Vegas as part of the 2021 ASCEND experience.
Caesars Forum in Las Vegas is the center of the 2021 ASCEND universe for in-person sessions, 15-17 November.
All ASCEND content will be streamed during 8-10 and 15-17 November, and available on demand online during and after the event for attendees.

Visionary Agenda and Inspiring Speakers
Hundreds of sessions will be presented on today’s hot topic areas – ranging from space traffic management and space debris – to construction, infrastructure, and in-space manufacturing – to international cooperation and national security – to developing the space workforce of tomorrow.

Nearly 400 session technical papers will be presented online by the international grassroots community of authors representing 27 countries. Adjacent industries will be represented with speakers from Facebook, AWS, Amazon Alexa, and General Motors Defense, to name a few.

Select 2021 ASCEND session highlights include:

Building Worlds That Do Not Yet Exist
Public-Private Partnerships: When One Shoe Doesn’t Fit All
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Roundtable
The Emerging 5G Non-Terrestrial Connectivity Ecosystem
Arrival: Persevering into the Future
Proliferated LEO: Managing Multiple Mega-Constellations
Investing in the Space Economy
Space Traffic Management, Including the 2021 Diverse Dozen
Leveraging Our Allies in National Security Space
Space as a Critical Infrastructure
Sustainable Agriculture from Space

2021 ASCEND attendees will experience the energy of presentations by our planet’s off-world pioneers, including Fortune 500 executives, established space agency leaders, government and military officials, professional and citizen astronauts, “new space” companies, international organizations, university professors and students, and start-up CEOs. Confirmed speakers and presenters include:

Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno, Director of Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Space Force
MiMi Aung, former Project Manager, Mars Helicopter Ingenuity, NASA
Tory Bruno, CEO, United Launch Alliance
Brian Barritt, Organization Leader, Connectivity, Facebook
William Callaway, Senior Technical Product Manager, Amazon Alexa
Maj. Gen. Susan Coyle, CSC, DSM, Head of Information Warfare, Australian Defence Force
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Clint Crosier, Director of Aerospace and Satellite Solutions, AWS
Mary Lynne Dittmar, Executive Vice President, Axiom Space
Wesley Eddy, Ecosystem Manager, Facebook
Samer Halawi, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Intelsat
Henry Hertzfeld, Research Professor of Space Policy and International Affairs, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University
Doug Hollett, former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable Power, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy
Robyn Gatens, Director, International Space Station, NASA Headquarters
Dave Goldstein, Principal Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer, SpaceX
John Grunsfeld, Astronaut, NASA (retired)
Phil Ingle, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley
Moriba Jah, Associate Professor, Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, University of Texas at Austin
Nobu Okada, Founder & CEO, Astroscale Holdings Inc.
Sandra Magnus, Principal, AstroPlanetview, and Astronaut, NASA (retired)
Leland Melvin, Astronaut, NASA (retired)
John Mulholland, Vice President and Program Manager, International Space Station, The Boeing Company
Mark Mulholland, Chief Engineer, Space Traffic Management & Space Situational Awareness, Office of Space Commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce
Lt. Gen. William Liquori Jr., Deputy Chief of Space Operations, Strategy, Plans, Programs, Requirements, and Analysis, U.S. Space Force
Bhavya Lal, Senior Advisor to the NASA Administrator for Budget and Finance, NASA
Kathy Lueders, Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, NASA
Joseph Parrish, Program Manager, DARPA
Walter Scott, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Maxar
Kay Sears, Vice President and General Manager, Military Space, Lockheed Martin
Lt. Gen. John Shaw, Deputy Commander, U.S. Space Command, U.S. Space Force
AVM Harv Smyth, Director, Space, UK Ministry of Defence
Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and Research, Smithsonian Institution
Erika Wagner, Payload Sales Manager, Blue Origin
David M. Van Wie, Head, Air and Missile Defense, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Community Spirit
ASCEND has become known as the community that welcomes everyone who loves space. Attendees can choose how they attend this year’s event (live or online), based on what works best for their mind, spirit, and budget. Whether attending live or online, attendees will have unique opportunities to connect with each other and with industry partners supporting this year’s event. Attendees also will hear the voices of the up-and-coming generations who will lead the community toward the future. Those who attend in Las Vegas can enjoy the official 2021 ASCEND beer from Nevada Brew Works, who crowdsourced the recipe from the ASCEND community.

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

“Fast Forward,” ASCEND’s New On-Demand Interview Series, Envisions Our Off-World Future

Pilot Episode Forecasts Biomedical Discoveries in Space that Will Improve Life on Earth

September 7, 2021 – Reston, Va. – ASCEND, the only community on the planet dedicated to building humanity’s off-world future faster, today premiered “Fast Forward” – an original on-demand interview series featuring champions of industries pursuing large-scale growth in space. Powered by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), ASCEND was launched in 2020 to Accelerate Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery. ASCEND’s centerpiece annual event will convene this November.

“Fast Forward” is hosted by two of the most space-obsessed prognosticators on the planet — Devin Liddell, principal futurist at Teague, a design and innovation firm, and Kara Cunzeman, lead futurist for strategic foresight for the Center for Space Policy and Strategy at The Aerospace Corporation.

“People tend to think of space as some faraway realm, the exclusive domain of NASA and astronauts. On ‘Fast Forward,’we’ll try to demystify space by presenting a rich discussion in everyday terms about the off-world future and what that means for all of us,” said Liddell.

The pilot episode, “Accelerating Biomedical R&D in Space,” features Rich Boling, Vice President of Techshot, a one-stop commercial research and manufacturing gateway to space. The company works with NASA and the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory to operate its equipment onboard the station.

Boling is optimistic about the prospects for industry-specific technology, science, and engineering advances in microgravity to improve life on Earth. “This is the golden age of human spaceflight. Never before have so many options been available to so many people to conduct biomedical R&D in microgravity – aboard aircraft in parabolic flight, suborbital rockets and spaceplanes, orbital-class capsules and space planes, and space stations,” said Boling. “As costs come down, more companies are getting into the game. To many, conducting biomedical R&D in microgravity is now considered just another opportunity to gain an advantage over competitors.”

Read more from Boling in his article on the ASCEND blog, “10 Reasons Biomedical R&D is the Next Big Growth Sector in Space.”

Future episodes of “Fast Forward” will feature executives from other adjacent, non-space industries including ASCEND infrastructure champion Michael Costas, General Manager for Defense and Space at Bechtel Nuclear, Security and Environmental, and ASCEND telecommunications champion Brian Barritt, Facebook Engineering Manager focused on connectivity.

“If you did cross-enterprise mapping over these adjacent sectors, you’d find a lot of opportunities that are not being pursued because they haven’t been addressed or identified,” said Cunzeman. “‘Fast Forward’will accelerate our awareness and sharpen our focus.”

Hear more about large-scale growth in space at the ASCEND centerpiece annual event. Join the conversation live in Las Vegas and Washington, DC, and online everywhere, 8–10 and 15–17 November. Registration is open now, with early-bird pricing available through 15 September.

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

About ASCEND
Powered by AIAA, ASCEND promotes 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! For more information, visit ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, 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.

2021 ASCEND Guiding Coalition Announced

Executive board of advisors exemplifies the community spirit of space

May 17, 2021 – Reston, Va. – ASCEND, the global community focused on building humanity’s off-world future faster, today announced its 2021 Guiding Coalition. The coalition is an advisory board of technical, scientific, engineering, and business leaders selected to help maximize ASCEND’s year-round reach and impact, including the design and content of its centerpiece annual event.

Powered by AIAA, ASCEND was launched in 2020 to accelerate space commerce, exploration, and new discovery. Following a quarterly series of 2021 ASCENDx programs online, the annual event this November will be presented in a hybrid format — live in Las Vegas and online everywhere. The November program will feature presentations and conversations led by high-profile thought leaders and rising industry influencers. Content will focus on big challenges, pathways to success, the application of innovation, and the exponential value of interdisciplinary collaboration in space.

From rockets and payloads to policy, administration and advocacy, the 31 members of the 2021 ASCEND Guiding Coalition bring an accumulated wealth of experience — millions of miles and billions of dollars invested in space — to inform and inspire the ASCEND community.

2021 ASCEND Guiding Coalition

Rob Meyerson
Executive Producer, ASCENDLt. Gen. Nina Armagno
U.S. Space ForceSirisha Bandla
Virgin Galactic

Bill Beckman
The Boeing Company

Bobby Braun
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Tory Bruno
United Launch Alliance

Michael Costas
Bechtel Corporation

Robert Curbeam
Maxar Technologies

Mary Lynne Dittmar
Axiom Space

Debra Facktor
AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.

Alec Gallimore
University of Michigan

Dan Dumbacher
AIAAMike Gazarik
Ball AerospaceBill Gerstenmaier
SpaceX

Alexis Harroun
Representing Early Career Professionals

Tim Hughes
SpaceX

Phil Ingle
Morgan Stanley

Robert Lightfoot
Lockheed Martin Corporation

Sandra Magnus
AstroPlanetview, LLC

Jim Maser
Aerojet Rocketdyne

Clay Mowry
Blue Origin

Dava Newman
Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology

Todd Nygren
The Aerospace CorporationShawna Pandya
International Institute for Astronautical SciencesCheryl Reed
Northrop Grumman Corporation

Andrew Rush
Redwire Space

Melissa Sampson
Representing Mid-Career Professionals

Robbie Schingler
Planet

Kay Sears
Lockheed Martin Corporation

Wanda Sigur
Lambent Engineering LLC

Ellen Stofan
Smithsonian Institution

George Whitesides
Virgin Galactic Space Advisory Board

Thomas Zurbuchen
NASA

“ASCEND puts exceptional technical content in a larger context designed to attract a wider audience to our year-round conversation about living and working in space. Our goal is to connect technical experts with business and government leaders from aerospace and adjacent industries to discuss, test, build, and solve problems together,” said Rob Meyerson, executive producer of ASCEND. “We’re honored to introduce this year’s Guiding Coalition as a critical partner in helping us establish and grow ASCEND as the on-ramp to space for everyone.”

The 2021 ASCEND Guiding Coalition includes members who participated last year and new additions who represent traditional aerospace sectors and adjacent industries, such as construction and investment banking.

“As the interconnections between space and the world economy grow deeper, it is important for everyone interested in the future to keep a wide perspective on the changes and technologies ahead,” said ASCEND Guiding Coalition member George Whitesides, chair of the Space Advisory Board for Virgin Galactic. “The Guiding Coalition makes sure our community stays abreast of the latest developments and pioneering people impacting our industry.”

In addition to strategic direction, the Guiding Coalition is focused on ensuring ASCEND addresses the interests of early- and mid-career professionals and expands the pipeline for talent in space. As a result, ASCEND attracts a multidisciplinary community of students, professionals, and serious enthusiasts — from classrooms through careers — who are actively pursuing their interests in space.

“In 2020, ASCEND was introduced as the first international community specifically envisioned to work on expanding the space economy. We welcomed more than 6,000 attendees from 33 countries to ASCEND and ASCENDx preview events last year,” added Meyerson. “The whole space ecosystem came together to strengthen the relationships that will make the future of space happen.”
“ASCEND is connecting leaders across disciplines in bold, new ways. AIAA is unique in our ability to convene the technical conversation, so that expertise can inform the economics and the policies of space exploration,” said Dan Dumbacher, AIAA executive director. “We want to have the hard conversations and drive the intentional outputs to accelerate building our off-world future.”

In June, ASCEND will announce the details of the November centerpiece event program. Registration is expected to open in early July. With regard to the in-person experience in Las Vegas and the global virtual participation, the ASCEND team’s highest priority is ensuring attendees’ safety, comfort, and access to the optimal ASCEND experience.

Read more about the ASCEND Guiding Coalition at www.ascend.events/mission/guiding-coalition.

AIAA Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270.

About ASCEND
Powered by AIAA, ASCEND promotes the collaborative, interdisciplinary, outcomes-driven community of professionals, students, and serious enthusiasts around the world who are accelerating humanity’s progress toward our off-world future! For more information, visit ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

AIAA, NASA to Host Discussion On Mars Perseverance Rover Technology February 10

India EducationDiary reports that AIAA and NASA “will host a moderated webinar to discuss technology innovations with NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover during a virtual event at 10 a.m. EST Wednesday, Feb. 10.” The event “will livestream on NASA’s website and on YouTube through AIAA’s event landing page.” During the event, NASA “science, technology, and engineering experts involved with the mission will share more about how technology developments have enabled a return to Mars and will advance exploration of it in the future with both robots and astronauts.”
Full Story (India EducationDiary)
Learn More (AIAA)

AIAA and ASCEND Statement on Russian Federation ASAT Test

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 16, 2021 – Reston, Va., and Las Vegas – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the ASCEND global community dedicated to building humanity’s off-world future issued the following statement:

“We learned of the Russian Federation ASAT Test in the midst of the 2021 ASCEND event, where many of the world’s foremost experts on the sustainable uses of space were gathered,” said Rob Meyerson, ASCEND Executive Producer and former President of Blue Origin. “Government and commercial activity in low Earth orbit continues to grow exponentially. Dangerous actions like this test introduce risks to achieving our off-world future. The ASCEND community encourages the global aerospace community to strive for the safe and sustainable uses of space to benefit humanity and improve life on Earth.” ASCEND is powered by AIAA.

“This reckless act only reinforces the urgency of addressing the growing orbital debris problem, as well as the need to develop a national space traffic management (STM) system. While a few initial steps have been taken, critical elements remain unresolved, which hinders the ability of U.S. industry to anticipate what will be required for the responsible use of space. The Institute has gathered a group of major stakeholders representing various interests to help address this critical STM issue. This includes ongoing outreach to decision makers in Washington, DC. Congressional action is urgently needed to provide stability and certainty so that the commercial sector can continue to innovate and experiment with new ventures that create a robust space economy,” said AIAA Executive Director Dan Dumbacher.

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

About ASCEND
Powered by AIAA, ASCEND promotes 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! For more information, visit ascend.events,or follow ASCEND on Twitter, Facebook,LinkedIn,and Instagram.

2021 ASCEND Focuses on Expanding Private Spaceflight

KTNV-TV Las Vegas reports that 2021 ASCEND is focusing on making space flight available to all. Emcee Kari Byron “hosted a panel on citizen astronauts and believes they are pioneers in what’s possible in space.” AIAA Executive Director Dan Dumbacher said, “Where we are today with space is similar to where the commercial airline industry was back in the 1930s. Back in the 1930s, we were barnstorming and doing all kinds of different things, and now we have the safest air travel system in the world.” Morgan Stanley expects “the global space industry to grow to more than $1 trillion in revenue in 30 years.”
Full Story (KTNV-TV)

Bechtel’s Michael Costas Expresses Optimism for Building Large-Scale Structures in Space

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Episode of ASCEND’s “Fast Forward” Features Bechtel’s Defense and Space Executive

November 1, 2021 – Reston, Va. – ASCEND, the interdisciplinary community on the planet dedicated to building humanity’s off-world future faster, launched a new episode of “Fast Forward – Focus on Off-World Infrastructure” featuring Michael Costas, General Manager of Defense and Space for Bechtel’s Nuclear, Security & Environmental business. Costas discusses how the acceleration of the commercial space market is opening up the need for physical structures on orbit, on the moon, and then on to Mars. He notes the structures must sustain human life, enable research, and facilitate exploration.

“Fast Forward” is an original on-demand interview series featuring champions of industries pursuing large-scale growth in space. Hosted by ASCEND’s resident futurists, Devin Liddell of Teague, and Kara Cunzeman of The Aerospace Corporation, the discussion uses common language about our off-world future and what it means for everyone on Earth. Powered by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), ASCEND was launched in 2020 to Accelerate Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery.

In the new episode, Costas shares his outlook on building structures in space that enable human missions to expand the space economy. “The increased involvement of commercialization in human space flight and the opportunity for further exploration is exciting both from the standpoint of the possibilities that it brings, but also in the impact that it can have for humanity,” said Costas. “Since 1961, Bechtel has supported the space market and continues today to support its customers with a lean-forward approach.” Costas shares more ideas in his article on the ASCEND blog, “10 Reasons Infrastructure is the Next Big Growth Sector in Space.”

The next episode of “Fast Forward” will feature ASCEND telecommunications champion Brian Barritt, Engineering Manager, Meta Connectivity (formerly Facebook).

Hear more about large-scale growth in space at 2021 ASCEND, set for 8–10 and 15–17 November, showcasing a hybrid blend of in-person programming in Las Vegas (Caesars Forum) and Washington, D.C., and online programming on all six days. ASCEND is an event open to everyone who loves space. The public is invited to register now at the best rates. The full agenda and confirmed speakers are available at ascend.events.

# # #

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

About ASCEND
Powered by AIAA, ASCEND promotes 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! For more information, visit ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, 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, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA’s ASCEND Event Launches Space-Themed Summits

First ASCENDxSummit To Be Held 19 August

August 10, 2020 – Reston, Va. – Space science and technology will be the topic of the first in a series of summits hosted by ASCEND, a space ecosystem event from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

The ASCENDxSummits are multitrack, interdisciplinary half-day events focused on a broad theme. The Space Science and Technology Summit will be held 1000–1400 hrs ET, 19 August. National Security Space will be the 17 September topic and Space Policy and Education will be the 21 October topic.

These summits will lead up to ASCEND, which will be held online 16–18 November. Built from the ground up by space professionals, ASCEND uses AIAA’s world-renowned technical content to inform the creation of the new space ecosystem. The event will bring together scientists, engineers, economists, medical professionals, educators, legal professionals, artists, investors, and entrepreneurs to network, share ideas, and develop solutions.

“The summits are part of ASCEND’s goal to inform the space ecosystem year-round,” said Rob Meyerson, ASCEND executive producer and former president of Blue Origin. “We will put the best information and ideas in front of top decision makers and provide a place where they can discuss and debate the pressing needs of the space industry. Our vibrant community has expanded beyond once-a-year events.”

The Space Science and Technology Summit’s agenda includes science prioritization and partnerships, a payload program panel, the Dragonfly Mission, telecommunications, low Earth orbit (LEO) research and development, supporting humans in space, national security, and more.

Top-level speakers include: Thomas Zurbuchen of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Josef Aschbacher of the European Space Agency, University of Arizona’s Betsy Cantwell, Stephane de la Faverie, president of Estee Lauder, Colleen Hartman of the National Academy of Sciences, Jonathan Hofeller of SpaceX, Christine Kretz of the ISS National Laboratory, Christian Maender of Axiom Space, Phil McAlister of NASA’s Commercial Spaceflight, former astronaut Pam Melroy, and more.

Media contact: Brian Talbot, [email protected]

About ASCEND
ASCEND stands for Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration and New Discovery and is designed to bring together technical and business leaders to solve problems that affect the entire planet and beyond. Powered by AIAA, the ASCEND online event will happen 16–18 November 2020. For more information, please visit  www.ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on  Twitter,  Facebook  or  LinkedIn.

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, or  LinkedIn.

ASCEND Conference, Scheduled for 16-18 November 2020, Designed to Accelerate Building of Our Off-World Future

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Melissa Power, Interprose Public Relations
401.454.1314
[email protected]

IAC, Washington, D.C., 22 October 2019—ASCEND (“Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery”) officially launched today. Powered by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the 16–18 November 2020 event in Las Vegas is designed to be the world’s first outcomes-focused, transdisciplinary conference designed to accelerate the building of our off-world future.

Achieving the phenomenal growth widely forecasted for the emerging space economy—$1 trillion globally by 2040¹—demands new and creative avenues for meaningful collaboration and ideas exchange across a greater diversity of stakeholders than ever previously convened. To address this need, AIAA, the world’s largest aerospace technical society, is working with the space industry leaders on ASCEND’s Guiding Coalition, including representatives from Lockheed Martin, the Aerospace Corporation, United Launch Alliance, and the University of Colorado Boulder, among many others, to build and launch ASCEND.

“The ASCEND attendees will work together to make meaningful decisions, get tangible work done on the spot and take concrete steps toward our off-world future,” said Rob Meyerson, ASCEND executive producer, and former president, Blue Origin. “The entire space ecosystem is being brought together for the first time at ASCEND for learning, technology exploration, problem solving and deal making.”

Attendees will work across disciplines to plot the course of the industry’s future, to showcase ideas and technology advancements, to test products and meet the people who built them, and to connect and problem solve with experts from every sector. The ASCEND agenda is being designed to spur large-scale discussions of the trends, economic forces, and challenges facing every member of the space ecosystem; to allow for focused conversations to apply these big ideas to different sectors, projects, and use cases; and to exchange technical content and go deep into specific advancements and discoveries. Speakers and sessions are being finalized for a program organized across a tremendous range of space-related topic areas:

Space Traffic Management
In Situ/Space Resource Utilization
Lunar and Mars Architectures and Infrastructure
In-Space Manufacturing and Assembly
Agricultural Applications
National Security Space
National Science Priorities
Space Policy and Law
Advanced Propulsion and Power
Information Systems, Communications, and Cybersecurity
Life Sciences and Systems
Education, Outreach, and Workforce Development
Investment, Finance, and Business Development
Transformative Research and Technologies

“ASCEND is connecting leaders across disciplines in bold, new ways so that the technical expertise informs the economics and the policies of space exploration, with an understanding of the environmental perspective. AIAA is unique in our ability to convene that kind of conversation,” said Dan Dumbacher, AIAA executive director. “We want to have the hard conversations and drive the intentional outputs so that progress can be seen from year to year on the hurdles that need to be addressed to accelerate building our off-world future.”

A special Inaugural rate for this international space economy flagship event will be offered to the first 300 registrants. Please visit the ASCEND website (www.ascend.events) for complete details.

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is nearly 30,000 engineers and scientists from 91 countries dedicated to the global aerospace profession. AIAA convenes yearly forums; publishes books, technical journals, and Aerospace America; hosts a collection of 160,000 technical papers; develops and maintains standards; honors members and celebrates their achievement; and advocates on policy issues. AIAA serves aerospace professionals around the world—who are shaping the future of aerospace—by providing the tools, insights, and collaborative exchanges to advance the state of the art in engineering and science for aviation, space, and defense. Visit aiaa.org.

¹ Morgan Stanley Research, https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/investing-in-space

2022 ASCEND to Kick Off with NASA, The Aerospace Corporation, SpaceX, U.S. Space Force

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Broad, Bold Perspectives from Inspired Visionaries Lead the Three-Day Event in Las Vegas

August 30, 2022 – Reston, Va. – ASCEND, the world’s premier outcomes-focused, interdisciplinary space event designed to accelerate building our off-world future faster, today announced its agenda for the 2022 ASCEND apex event, 24-26 October at Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, and online. Details are available at ascend.events. Early-bird registration rates are available through midnight, Friday, 9 September; space is limited. Journalists around the world are invited to cover 2022 ASCEND; press passes are available for credentialed media by request.

Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno, Director of Staff, U.S. Space Force
James Free, Associate Administrator, Exploration Systems Development, NASA
Pam Melroy, Deputy Administrator, NASA
Todd Nygren, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Technology Group, The Aerospace Corporation
Ellen Ochoa, Astronaut; former Director, NASA Johnson Space Center
Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO, SpaceX
Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA

The three-day program is packed with speakers from leading space organizations and adjacent industries including Axiom Space, Barclays Capital, Maxar Technologies, MIT, NASA, and SpaceX, among others. During the more than 147 sessions across 16 space domain topics, speakers and attendees will tackle important issues and explore exciting opportunities in low Earth orbit and beyond, including:

Space Traffic Management and Coordination
Sustainable Space Exploration
Outpacing the Space Threat
Using Space to Protect Our Planet
A Competitive and Burgeoning Space Economy
Developing the Space Workforce of Tomorrow
The Future of Cislunar and Lunar Exploration

2022 ASCEND attendees will experience the energy of presentations by our planet’s off-world pioneers, including Fortune 500 executives, established space agency leaders, government and military officials, professional and citizen astronauts, “new space” companies, international organizations, university professors and students, and start-up CEOs. In addition to the opening speakers, 2022 ASCEND will feature over 250 speakers, including:

Bill Beckman, Director, NASA Programs, The Boeing Company
Steve “Bucky” Butow, Director, Space Portfolio, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
Mark Daley, Deputy Director, Office of Space Commerce, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Debra Facktor, Head of U.S. Space Systems, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.
Paula Grisanti, CEO, National Stem Cell Foundation
John Guiney, Vice President, Fleet Operations Management, OneWeb
Fiona Harrison, Harold A. Rosen Professor of Physics; Kent and Joyce Kresa Leadership Chair, Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology
Amy Hopkins, President, Capella Space Federal
Kathleen Howell, Hsu Lo Distinguished Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University
Moriba Jah, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist, Privateer Space
Lt. Gen. Larry D. James, USAF (Ret.), Deputy Director, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Steve Jurczyk, Co-Founder and CEO, Quantum Space LLC
Bhavya Lal, Associate Administrator, Technology, Policy, and Strategy, NASA
Joe Landon, Vice President, Advanced Programs Development, Lockheed Martin
Mark Mozena, Vice President, Government Affairs, Planet
Kursten O’Neill, Vice President, Dream Chaser Crew Program, Sierra Space
Jim Reuter, Associate Administrator, Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA
Andrew Rush, President and COO, Redwire Space
Janice Starzyk, Vice President, Government Operations, Virgin Orbit
Erika Wagner, Senior Director, Emerging Market Development, Blue Origin
Vanessa Wyche, Director, NASA Johnson Space Center

The 2022 ASCEND program also includes unique features to engage attendees, including:

The Diverse Dozen returns. This year’s cadre of young people from 10 countries will shape the dialogue around space safety, security, and sustainability under the leadership of astrodynamicist Moriba Jah, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist, Privateer Space.
The Cyber Star Wargame will explore the implications of cybersecurity on the projection of space power.
The MICRO session tabletop exercise, “Defending Earth! What Can We Do to Stop an Asteroid Threat?” will walk through an asteroid threat scenario, following the META session, “Asteroids: Time Capsules and Terror.” It’s based in part on the Planetary Defense Interagency Tabletop Exercise conducted earlier in 2022.
Breakout workshop sessions will collect feedback to help NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate identify gaps and plan future investments.

Media contact: Rebecca B. 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 aiaa.orgg, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.