Leaders from NASA, academia, government, and the space industry will come together for the 62nd annual Goddard Space Science Symposium, held from Wednesday, March 19 to Friday, March 21, at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland. This key event, hosted by the American Astronautical Society (AAS) and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, will also be streamed live online for virtual attendees.
Theme and Purpose of the Symposium
This year’s theme, “Pathways and Partnerships for U.S. Leadership in Earth and Space Science,” highlights the growing collaboration between the public and private sectors in space exploration and science. The symposium offers a platform to discuss the present and future of space science, identifying both challenges and new opportunities across the industry.
According to Christa Peters-Lidard, co-chair of the symposium planning committee and Goddard’s director of sciences and exploration, “It’s an exciting time as we work to determine the future trajectory of space exploration in this new era.”
Key Speakers and Panels
The symposium will feature a wide range of panels, keynote addresses, and networking opportunities across all three days.
March 19 – Day 1 Highlights
- Opening Remarks:
By AAS President Ron Birk and Goddard Deputy Center Director Cynthia Simmons. - Keynote Speaker:
Greg Autry, associate provost for space commercialization and strategy at the University of Central Florida. - Panel Topics:
- Science and exploration from the Moon to Mars
- Policy discussions in space science and exploration
- Industry Night Reception:
A networking event closing the first day, bringing together participants from academia, industry, and government.
March 20 – Day 2 Highlights
- Panel Discussions:
- U.S. economic leadership through science
- The Habitable Worlds Observatory
- Public-private partnerships in science
- Luncheon Speaker:
Gillian Bussey, deputy chief science officer, U.S. Space Force
March 21 – Day 3 Highlights
- Panels on:
- Integrating data across sectors for better Earth and space science
- The Heliophysics Decadal Survey
- The future of the space weather enterprise
- Luncheon Address:
By Mark Clampin, acting deputy associate administrator, NASA Science Mission Directorate
Why This Symposium Matters
As space science enters a new era of collaboration and commercial growth, events like the Goddard Space Science Symposium help to guide the national and global conversation. The symposium will explore how NASA and its partners are building a stronger foundation for long-term exploration — from the Moon and Mars to observing Earth’s climate and cosmic phenomena.
Topics like the Habitable Worlds Observatory, economic development through science, and space weather prediction are not only shaping NASA’s priorities but also influencing how public-private partnerships evolve.
Media Access and Interviews
Media are invited to attend in person or virtually and have the chance to meet key leaders in space exploration. Journalists interested in interviews with NASA speakers should reach out to Jacob Richmond, acting news chief at Goddard.
This is a valuable opportunity for reporters to cover not only NASA’s current plans but also broader developments in the global space ecosystem.
The 62nd Goddard Space Science Symposium is more than a discussion forum — it’s a strategic meeting ground where NASA’s future missions, policies, and partnerships take shape. With expert insights, real-world case studies, and a focus on the path forward, this year’s event aims to solidify U.S. leadership in Earth and space science while creating new opportunities for industry, science, and national progress.
