FROM THE INSTITUTE
If you’re building a space startup, be ready for difficult fundraising cycles, lengthy government sales processes, and hiring decisions that can make or break your company – but also for a community of founders and mentors willing to offer support when things get hard. That was the central message from the Founders Panel at ASCEND 2026, an annual event created and moderated by Rob Meyerson, CEO of Interlune and event co-founder.
Tag: at ASCEND 2026
Congressional Leaders Laud NASA Moon Plans, But Fight Intensifies over Science Funding
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Congressional leaders with oversight of NASA were bullish on the progress of the Artemis program and plans to return astronauts to the surface of the moon and beyond, but also reinforced the clashes ahead on Capitol Hill over steep proposed cuts to the agency’s budget.
Isaacman Predicts Chinese Crewed Lunar Flyby by 2027
Space News reports, “The head of NASA says he expects China to perform a crewed flight around the moon in 2027, ratcheting up perceptions of a space race between China and the United States. In a May 19 keynote at the ASCEND conference here, Jared Isaacman warned a space industry audience that the next people to fly around the moon would be Chinese.”
Full Story (Space News)
SGx Delivered Real-World Insights for Rising Space Professionals
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Co-located for the first time with ASCEND, SGAC’s annual SGx event brought together students and young professionals from around the world for engaging, collaborative content. Attendees delved into current industry trends and worked to hone skills that will support them for a lifetime.
The ISS National Laboratory Seeking Research Submissions for Technical Sessions at ASCEND 2026
The ISS National Lab invites abstracts for technical sessions at ASCEND 2026 (19–21 May 2026, Washington, D.C.), covering biology and medicine, physical and materials science, and commercial innovation. Submissions close 23 January 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET). In-person technical sessions take place 20–21 May 2026.