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.
Tag: From the Institute
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.
AIAA Public Review
FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA S-159, On-Orbit Servicing Power and Data Interfaces, has been issued for public review. This document provides best practices, functional requirements, and norms associated with the power and data interfaces between a Servicing Spacecraft and a Client Space Object. The intent is to provide guidance to developers and operators of both the Servicing Spacecraft and the Client Space Object. The public review deadline is 30 June 2026. For a copy of the draft, submission of public review comments, or questions, please contact Michele Dominiak at [email protected].
Building the STEM Pipeline
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The United States is in the midst of a “space revolution,” but the hands that will inherit the Earth and the space surrounding it is in short supply. “We need more hands on deck,” said Amy Medina Jorge, astronaut and middle school teacher from Texas who flew on Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-32 mission in May 2025. Medina and Kristen Yip of Blue Origin spoke on the HUB Stage at AIAA SciTech Forum 2026 about building the talent pipeline for space.
25 Years of the International Space Station: Legacy, Science, and the Road Ahead
FROM THE INSTITUTE
In November 2025, the ISS marked 25 years of uninterrupted crewed operations – a record unmatched in human spaceflight. In January, a panel of experts at the AIAA SciTech Forum HUB stage discussed the station’s legacy and future of humanity in space, and underscored how the station’s engineering triumphs, international partnership, and scientific output have shaped today’s space agenda and will influence the transition to commercial platforms and deep space missions.
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!