The space industry is an increasingly critical part of humanity’s technological advancement platform. While traditionally driven by government, military, and civil organizations, the space industry is an increasingly complex and expanding ecosystem. “New Space” commercial enterprises, cutting-edge academic research, and heightened public interest have combined with traditional institutions to generate a completely new environment. By 2040, the space economy will reach a projected value of $1 trillion.
As the leader of the industry, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) recognized that its 50-year-old event, Space Forum, was at an inflection point. To meet the future needs of the space industry and humanity, AIAA partnered with 360 Live Media to develop a bold new experience called ASCEND.
ASCEND stands for Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery. It is a first-of-its-kind event convening the entire space ecosystem—not just traditional players like defense, commerce, policymakers, and universities, but also non-traditional industries like mining, pharmaceutical, and hospitality, which have an equally vital role to play in advancing humanity’s off-world future.