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Collaboration Between ISS National Lab and AIAA

In a significant step for space research, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space® (CASIS®), which oversees the National Laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS), is partnering with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). This partnership aims to extend the ASCEND conference programming in Las Vegas in 2025 and Washington, D.C. in 2026. With over ten years of experience sponsoring the ISS Research and Development Conference, CASIS is leveraging this existing framework to also enrich future ASCEND events.

ASCEND, known for its strong focus on advancements in space science and technology, will now include sessions spearheaded by the ISS National Lab, spotlighting its pivotal role in promoting research initiatives and fostering innovation in low Earth orbit (LEO). These sessions will dive into various pressing topics for the future of space exploration and commercialization, all the while aiming to build a sustainable market environment in LEO.

Highlighting ISS’s Impact on Space Research

At ASCEND 2025, the sessions will showcase the invaluable research opportunities afforded by the ISS, particularly over its 25 years of continuous human habitation. Participants will engage in discussions on how the space station has driven advancements in areas like biotechnology and technology development. Research leaders will reflect on the ISS's contributions to future lunar missions under NASA's Artemis program, delineating how ongoing research on the station paves the way for the next era of exploration.

Investment and Innovation in Space

Another focus of the ASCEND sessions will be on the current landscape of space investment. Emphasis will be placed on supporting start-ups and innovative companies with the potential to significantly impact scientific progress in space. Impressively, over half of the payloads launched through the ISS National Lab are representative of private-sector interests. The ISS supports diverse ventures, from Fortune 500 companies to emerging start-ups, which have collectively raised an astounding $2.4 billion following their spaceflight initiatives. Discussions at the conference will also feature representatives from the newly launched Orbital Edge Accelerator program. This initiative aims to foster innovation by providing selected start-ups with private investments of up to $500,000 to fuel their prospective discoveries.

Preserving Commercial Leadership in LEO

Another key aspect of the collaboration involves addressing the importance of maintaining commercial leadership in LEO. By highlighting the contributions of small businesses that provide critical hardware and services for space research and development, the conversations at ASCEND aim to mitigate the economic obstacles threatening the national ambition for scientific leadership in space. Partners from the ISS National Lab's Implementation Partners and Commercial Service Providers will engage the community to explore strategies to overcome these challenges.

Workforce Development for Future Generations

Recognizing the urgent need for a robust STEM workforce, ASCEND will also spotlight initiatives like the Genes in Space student research competition. The program invites high school students to propose DNA experiments with the chance of launching their project to the ISS. This engaging platform aims to nurture curiosity and inspire the next generation of scientific leaders in STEM fields—key to addressing future technological challenges.

The newly forged partnership between the ISS National Lab and AIAA signifies a new chapter in supporting space-driven research during ASCEND 2026, which will coincide with