AdAstra Magazine

10/06/2026

ISDC 2026 may be over, but Saturday night concluded with one of the conference’s most inspiring moments: celebrating the next generation of space innovators.

Congratulations to Team Saoirse, winners of the Student Competition Grand Prize at ISDC 2026.

Their achievement represents more than a successful project—it reflects the creativity, dedication, and bold thinking that will help shape humanity’s future in space. Throughout the competition, students demonstrated the kind of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that has always driven exploration forward.

What made this accomplishment especially impressive is the audience. Team Saoirse presented their work before the entire ISDC community, including astronauts, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, researchers, policy leaders, and international representatives from across the global space community. From organizations involved in scientific research to leaders helping shape international space policy, the students had the opportunity to share their vision with people actively building humanity’s future beyond Earth.

These photos capture a well-deserved moment of recognition for a team whose hard work, collaboration, and vision stood out among an exceptional field of competitors.

One of the greatest strengths of ISDC is bringing experienced space leaders and future pioneers together in the same room. Watching Team Saoirse take the stage was a powerful reminder that the next generation is already preparing to tackle the challenges and opportunities of becoming a spacefaring civilization.

Congratulations to Team Saoirse and to all of the students who participated in this year’s competition. The future of space exploration, settlement, and innovation is in good hands.

The future isn’t something we wait for.

It’s something we build.

🚀🏆✨

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

Saturday evening, ISDC 2026 had the privilege of recognizing Dr. Pascal Lee for his extraordinary contributions to space exploration, planetary science, and the National Space Society.

As Conference Chair for ISDC 2026, Dr. Lee helped guide the vision and planning of this year’s conference, bringing together an outstanding program of astronauts, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, students, and space advocates from around the world.

Beyond his leadership at ISDC, Dr. Lee is internationally recognized for his pioneering research on Mars and the Moon, including decades of field work on Devon Island in the Canadian Arctic, one of the most Mars-like environments on Earth. His work has helped advance our understanding of planetary exploration, human missions to Mars, and how we may one day live and work on other worlds.

A scientist, explorer, educator, and tireless advocate for the future of human space exploration, Dr. Lee has inspired countless people through his research, public outreach, and commitment to expanding humanity’s presence beyond Earth.

On behalf of the National Space Society and everyone who attended ISDC 2026, thank you, Dr. Lee, for your leadership, dedication, and vision.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

🚀🌎➡️🌕➡️🔴

07/06/2026

Students brought incredible energy and enthusiasm to ISDC 2026, and it was wonderful to see so many of them gathering outside the conference to connect, explore, and celebrate their shared passion for space.

These moments remind us that ISDC is more than a conference—it’s a community where the next generation of scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and space advocates can meet like-minded peers, exchange ideas, and build friendships that may last a lifetime.

The future of space exploration and development depends on inspiring young people to dream big, ask bold questions, and pursue ambitious goals. Seeing students come together during the event was a powerful reminder that the future of humanity in space is bright.

Thank you to all of the students who attended and helped make ISDC 2026 such a memorable experience. We can’t wait to see where your curiosity, creativity, and determination take you next.

The future belongs to those willing to build it.

🚀✨

STEM SpaceCommunity FutureInSpace

07/06/2026

One of the most inspiring moments of ISDC 2026 was celebrating the talented innovators, creators, and future entrepreneurs recognized through the Rothblatt Competition.

Year after year, the Rothblatt family has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and visionaries who are helping shape humanity’s future in space. Their generosity creates opportunities for participants to develop bold ideas, present innovative solutions, and gain recognition for their contributions to the future space economy.

We were honored to have Gabriel Rothblatt present the awards and recognize the outstanding achievements of this year’s competitors. The creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by the participants were a powerful reminder that the future of space development will be built by people willing to think differently and pursue ambitious goals.

The National Space Society is deeply grateful to the Rothblatt family for their continued support of the competition and their longstanding commitment to advancing space exploration, settlement, and entrepreneurship.

Congratulations to all of the participants and winners. Your ideas and initiative represent the kind of leadership that will help drive humanity’s next great chapter in space.

The future belongs to those willing to build it.

🚀✨

Innovation FutureInSpace NewSpace

07/06/2026

Saturday’s luncheon fireside chat offered a fascinating look at one of the most important transitions in the history of human spaceflight.

“From the Shuttle to Commercial Space: Our Future in Orbit” brought together former NASA astronaut and commercial space leader Michael López-Alegría with Rod Pyle, NSS Director of Communications, Editor-in-Chief of Ad Astra Magazine, author, and co-host of This Week in Space.

The conversation explored the evolution of human spaceflight from the Space Shuttle era to today’s rapidly expanding commercial space industry. Drawing from his unique experience flying both government and commercial missions, López-Alegría provided firsthand insights into how access to space is changing and what that means for the future of humanity in orbit.

The discussion highlighted the growing partnership between government agencies and private industry, the development of commercial space stations, and the exciting opportunities ahead as more people gain access to space.

It was a thoughtful and engaging conversation that perfectly captured one of the central themes of ISDC 2026: how today’s innovations are laying the foundation for a permanent human presence beyond Earth.

Thank you to Michael López-Alegría and Rod Pyle for an outstanding discussion and a fascinating look at the future of human spaceflight.

🚀🌎➡️🛰️

HumanSpaceflight SpaceSettlement

06/06/2026

One of the most entertaining and thought-provoking presentations of ISDC 2026 came from David Brin, recipient of this year’s Arthur C. Clarke Award.

An acclaimed science fiction author, scientist, and futurist, Brin captivated the audience with a presentation that blended humor, imagination, and big questions about humanity’s place in the universe.

At several points, he joked about communicating with the aliens in his head—only to quickly remind the audience that we can’t be entirely certain it’s a joke. The running gag kept the room laughing while exploring deeper ideas about intelligence, communication, and the possibility of life beyond Earth.

Known for works including The Postman, which was later adapted into a feature film, Brin has spent decades inspiring readers and challenging us to think about the future of humanity, technology, and exploration.

The Arthur C. Clarke Award recognizes individuals whose work expands our vision of humanity’s future, and David Brin’s presentation was a perfect example of why he was honored.

Congratulations to David Brin, and thank you for a memorable afternoon filled with laughter, imagination, and a few possible messages from extraterrestrials.

👽🚀✨

SETI SpaceExploration FutureInSpace

06/06/2026

The NextGen students had an incredible opportunity today to learn from astronaut Dr. Steven Hawley.

From his experiences aboard the Space Shuttle to helping deploy the Hubble Space Telescope, Dr. Hawley shared stories and insights from a career dedicated to exploration, discovery, and advancing human knowledge.

What made the session especially meaningful was the opportunity for students to ask questions and engage directly with someone who helped make space history. Conversations like these inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, researchers, and astronauts who will carry humanity’s journey into space forward.

A huge thank you to Dr. Hawley for spending time with our NextGen participants and helping inspire the future of space exploration.

🚀🔭✨

Astronaut STEM FutureInSpace SpaceExploration

06/06/2026

What a way to start Saturday at ISDC 2026.

This morning’s plenary, “The Shuttle Program: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” brought together three remarkable Space Shuttle veterans: Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Susan Kilrain, and Dr. Steven Hawley.

Drawing from decades of experience in human spaceflight, the panel shared candid stories from the Shuttle era—the triumphs, the challenges, the lessons learned, and the incredible teamwork required to operate one of the most ambitious programs in aerospace history.

From launching satellites and conducting scientific research to building the foundation for today’s space exploration efforts, the Space Shuttle program changed the course of human spaceflight. Hearing these stories directly from the astronauts who lived them made for an unforgettable discussion.

The audience was captivated as Hoot, Susan, and Steven reflected on their missions, shared behind-the-scenes insights, and offered perspectives that only firsthand experience can provide.

A huge thank you to these incredible astronauts for helping us better understand the legacy of the Shuttle program and inspiring the next generation of explorers.

🚀

HootGibson SusanKilrain StevenHawley NASA SpaceExploration FutureInSpace

06/06/2026