Igniting Innovation

The 2025 von Braun Space Exploration Symposium

October 27-29, 2025
The University of Alabama in Huntsville

Convene, connect, and collaborate at the 18th annual von Braun Space Exploration Symposium! This year’s event will spotlight how bold ideas, emerging technologies, and new partnerships are igniting innovation across the space enterprise.

Note on the Government Shutdown:
Even with the current government shutdown, we’re moving ahead with the von Braun Space Exploration Symposium as planned. We’re keeping a close eye on the situation and will share any updates if things change.

View the program

Photos and videos from Igniting Innovation, the 2025 von Braun Space Exploration Symposium are now available! Click below to view the videos and photos from the event.

2025 Event Photos

2025 Event Videos

Featured Speakers Include:

Christian Davenport, Author and Journalist, The Washington Post
Michael López-Alegria, Chief Astronaut, Axiom Space
And, a conversation with former NASA Administrators Charlie Bolden and Jim Bridenstine.

Topics include:

Lunar & Mars Payload Services
Economic Frontiers of Low Earth Orbit
Budget Strategies for Innovation
Artificial Intelligence in Space Exploration
Testbeds & Proving Grounds
Artemis III and Beyond
NASA Former Administrators Panel

News and Updates:

Sep 19, 2025 – Student Poster Contest: Call for Abstracts for student design and research projects that show an explicit connection to aerospace systems. For full information on the student poster contest, and how to properly submit abstracts, read this document.
Submit your abstract here by ~~September 26~~ October 3, 2025.
Sep 9, 2025 – The draft agenda is now available here.
Sep 5, 2025 – Registration Now Open! Look below for rates and click through to register now!