FROM THE INSTITUTE
A lively panel of leaders in the space industry took on the question of how the United States can keep its edge in space with competitors nipping at our heels. In fact, argued one panelist provocatively, we might actually want to take a few notes from adversaries.
Tag: Washington DC
Inaugural Global Leaders Space Exploration Forum Delivers Candid Conversations During ASCEND 2026
FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA hosted space leaders for the inaugural Global Leaders Space Exploration Forum to advance the technical, operational, and policy dialogue needed to ensure that humanity’s expanding presence in space is prosperous, safe, and sustainable. The gathering reflected a shared recognition that the window to establish durable frameworks for interoperability, safety, and long-term sustainability in LEO and the cislunar domain is open now.
Experts Say Space Nuclear Power’s Biggest Obstacles Are Logistical, Not Technical
FROM THE INSTITUTE
A workshop on nuclear capabilities in space dove into the opportunities and challenges that have surrounded this powerful technology since the first space race. The workshop at AIAA’s ASCEND event in Washington, D.C., was hosted by Brian Weeden, Director of Civil and Commercial Policy at The Aerospace Corporation’s Center for Space Policy and Strategy. It kicked off with a lively discussion of nuclear power in space, then transitioned into interactive roundtables on related topics.
Varda CEO Foresees Space-Based Medicine Moving from Research Novelty to Manufacturing Mainstream
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Fresh off the reentry of its sixth vehicle over Australia and a newly announced commercial partnership with United Therapeutics, Varda Space Industries is positioning itself as a bridge between orbital research and real-world medicine, CEO and Co-founder Will Bruey said in a fireside chat Wednesday at ASCEND 2026.
Exploring Next Steps for On-Orbit Data Centers
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The volume of data generated in space is increasing every day, and the concept of orbital data centers to handle it is receiving considerable attention. At a HUB session during ASCEND, The Aerospace Corporation’s Kelley Litzner presented and fielded questions on this hot tech topic.
vLEO Gains Momentum as Space Force, Industry Weigh Dual-Use Potential
FROM THE INSTITUTE
vLEO is emerging as a serious option in future space architectures for national security and commercial missions, panelists said at ASCEND 2026 on Wednesday. “It’s the perfect time for vLEO to be coming into its own,” said Spence Wise, senior vice president at Redwire, citing a convergence of technical readiness, operational demand, and commercial interest.
Pushing the Envelope: Licensing Process for Space Launches Catching Up to Demand but More Resources, Flexibility Needed
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The FAA’s approval process for regulating space launches is steadily improving due to recent streamlining efforts, but it must continue to evolve to sustain the dynamic ramp-up in activity in the coming years, government and industry leaders told ASCEND 2026.
Space Force Seeks More Innovations to Characterize Space Threats, General Says
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The Space Force, which is anticipating its biggest budget ever, must improve its “space domain awareness” as low Earth orbit becomes more crowded and adversaries pursue greater means to attack satellites and other assets, a top Space Force general told the ASCEND 2026 audience.
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 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.