Astronomy's bold ambitions are a huge opportunity for the space industry. To search for life on Earth-like planets orbiting nearby stars, understand how galaxies, stars, and planets came to be, and probe the fundamental physics of the Universe will require nothing less than a revolutionary approach to imagining and implementing these missions. This is an opportunity for industry and institutions external to NASA to share its technologies and ideas with scientists and decision makers. Help us start this revolution.
Achieving these ambitious goals will require innovative and effective mission designs, architecture and technologies. NASA Astrophysics is hosting a workshop to explore creative ways to achieve science objectives by leveraging capabilities from Industry, Government Agencies, FFRDCs, Private partners, and Academia. We are looking for new and innovative partnerships and development pathways that deliver astrophysics science faster and more affordably.
We welcome multi-disciplinary participation by technologists, commercial innovators, policymakers, and scientists. Expect engaging panel discussions and plenty of time for collaboration and networking. We envision this workshop as the beginning of a conversation that will help shape inputs to the Astro2030 Decadal Survey and the define the future of astrophysics missions at all scales. Participation by industry is key to the success of this workshop and positioning NASA and the science community for continued success.
Why should you consider participating? Please join us if you
The landscape of space science and exploration that enables these ambitious goals is transforming rapidly, this is your chance to have your voice and opinions heard. Commercially developed spacecraft and launch capabilities are accelerating mission timelines and reducing costs, new public-private partnerships are emerging, and the Artemis program is creating fresh opportunities to do astrophysics from platforms on the Moon and in cislunar space.
This workshop will bring together the brightest minds from NASA, the space industry, other government agencies, non-profits, and the scientific community to reimagine what's possible in this new landscape. The workshop will explore:
All attendees are expected to follow the Code of Conduct.
Registration is now open at this link. It will close April 15, 2026.
There is no registration fee for this workshop. This workshop will be in-person only; therefore, total attendance will be subject to the space constraints of the venue. We estimate that roughly 100 attendees can be accommodated. Registration does not guarantee attendance. The Organizing Committee will review all registrations and contact accepted attendees the week of April 20, 2026.
A preliminary agenda can be found here.
A limited block of rooms (available on a first-come, first-serve basis) has been reserved at the following hotels (view the map here):
Conveniently located just a 14-minute walk from the Hopkins Bloomberg Center. Exclusive rate: $162 per night. Book via the YOTEL reservation portal.
Approximately a 13-minute walk to the Hopkins Bloomberg Center. Exclusive rate: $321 per night. Book via the Arlo reservation portal
An 18-minute walk from the Hopkins Bloomberg Center. Exclusive rate: $355 per night. Book via the Grand Hyatt reservation portal.
Join our email list! Or contact us at innovation2026@ipac.caltech.edu.
Image credit: ChatGPT
(last updated April 7th, 2026 15:42:32)
The NASA Exoplanet Science Institute is operated by the California Institute of Technology, under contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under the Exoplanet Exploration Program.
