SGAC Joins Forces with AIAA to Shape SGx and ASCEND 2026 in Washington, D.C.
The Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) is proud to announce its participation as a co-leader in the newly expanded ASCEND 2026, scheduled to take place 19–21 May 2026 in Washington, D.C. In partnership with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF), and the Space Force Association (SFA), SGAC will help shape a new integrated event format aimed at catalyzing collaboration across policy, commerce, national security, and innovation.
As part of this collaboration, SGAC will continue its longstanding partnership with the Future Space Leaders Foundation (FSLF) to organise and deliver the 10th edition of SGx, its signature high-energy, TEDx-style event tailored for university students, young professionals, and early-career space leaders.
About SGx at ASCEND 2026
Taking place during the ASCEND 2026 week, SGx2026 will retain the hallmark elements that have defined its success over the past decade: rapid-fire lightning talks, expert panels, cross-generational dialogue, and career-defining networking opportunities. Our first instalment will be led by Olga Bai, SGx2026 Manager, and promises to offer an engaging, fast-paced program that sparks inspiration and fosters the exchange of ideas between next-gen professionals and senior leaders across the global space ecosystem.
SGx continues to grow as a unique platform where rising space leaders can speak, learn, connect, and challenge the status quo. Past editions of SGx have featured leaders from NASA, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, Blue Origin, and many more, bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront of today’s most important conversations in space.
Thematic Focus
SGx2026 will once again spotlight the bold ideas, ventures, and visions shaping our space future. Programming will include:
- Lightning Talk sessions and panels with industry, agency, and next-gen speakers
- Live audience Q&A and expert panels
- Speed networking with industry leaders
- A business pitch competition and space art showcase
Get Involved
To support the planning of a delivery of SGx2026, SGAC will soon launch the Call for Applications for the SGx Deputy Manager and Organising Team. This is an exciting opportunity for motivated young professionals and students to help shape one of the most anticipated events in the space calendar. This is also a fantastic opportunity for our partners and sponsors to get involved and we encourage all those who are interested to get in touch with is at [email protected]
“SGx has always presented a chance for us to think outside the box, bringing the fast paced nature of the D.C. area to one of our major global events. We are excited to work with AIAA and FSLF to continue the opportunities that SGx brings such as the Student and Young Professional Lightning Talks, and the Space Art Competition, to our members. Partnering with Ascend, we are excited for the further enriching opportunities it will present to our programme.”
“We are thrilled to bring SGAC’s dynamic energy to ASCEND 2026 and to continue growing SGx in close partnership with FSLF. This collaboration places young voices on the main stage of one of the most influential gatherings in space and we are ready to help shape the conversations, solutions, and partnerships that will define our off-world future.”
“Partnering with AIAA on this new event reflects our shared commitment to empowering the next generation of space leaders. By creating opportunities for students and early-career professionals to engage with industry, academia, and government, we’re helping to shape a future workforce that is prepared, inspired, and equipped to lead humanity’s next great leaps in space exploration.”
