What is the International Space Development Conference (ISDC)?
The International Space Development Conference (ISDC) is the annual flagship event of the National Space Society (NSS), and one of the world’s most exciting gatherings for anyone curious about the future of humanity in space. For over four decades, ISDC has brought together people from around the globe who share a passion for space exploration, innovation, and expanding human presence beyond Earth.
ISDC is a conference that acts as a hub for a vibrant community, connecting space professionals, students, educators, entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, advocates, and curious space enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re already working in the space sector or just dreaming about humanity’s next giant leaps, ISDC invites you to be part of the conversation shaping our future among the stars.
Who Should Attend?
There are no credentials to meet and no affiliation required. ISDC draws people who work in space professionally alongside people whose interest is entirely personal, and the program is built so both find a full four days worth attending.
Professionals in aerospace and adjacent fields. Concurrent sessions span the technical and the commercial, from Interplanetary Infrastructure and Space Elevators to Space Business, and Space Policy. The Moon Symposium and Space Solar Power Symposium run as dedicated multi-session programs. If your work or research touches space development, there is a track where the people in the room already understand your problem.
Students and early-career attendees. ISDC runs student-specific programming rather than treating students as junior attendees. The Rising Stars track is reserved for undergraduate, graduate, and early-career presenters. The Gerard K. O'Neill Space Settlement Contest and the Live in a Healthy Space Design Competition bring student teams to present their own work, including poster sessions where teams present directly to conference attendees. There is also a Young Professionals Breakfast and a Student Recognition Ceremony, and reduced student registration rates. Students are welcome to attend any session or meal.
Educators and researchers. NextGen sessions are built around a high school audience and open to everyone, which makes them a useful model if you teach. The Space Ambassadors track focuses on outreach, education, and public engagement.
Advocates and enthusiasts. A significant share of attendees come because they care about the outcome rather than because they work in the field. Sessions are pitched to be followed without a technical background, and the exhibit hall, networking receptions, and keynote lunches and dinners are where most people find their footing. Past speakers have included Buzz Aldrin, Eileen Collins, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Mae Jemison, and the conference has historically been a place where enthusiasts and professionals talk to each other rather than past each other.
What Happens at ISDC?
At ISDC you’ll find an inspiring blend of interactive sessions, expert talks, workshops, and networking opportunities exploring the latest ideas and real-world progress in space development. In addition to sessions and panels, ISDC features exhibit halls, poster presentations, student contests, social events, and special keynote addresses from some of the most influential voices in space today. Topics covered include:
- AI & Space
Discover how artificial intelligence is accelerating breakthroughs in spacecraft autonomy, mission design, space manufacturing, planetary science, and beyond, helping humanity explore more with smarter systems. - BioSpace
Learn about the biological and medical capabilities needed for long-distance travel and life beyond Earth, including human health research and space biology innovations. - Interplanetary Infrastructure
Explore the infrastructure and strategies that make multi-planetary travel and settlement possible, from transportation networks to supply systems. - Interstellar
Delve into the scientific and technological prospects for crossing cosmic distances, including propulsion concepts and emerging research into deep space missions. - LaunchPad Talks
Ignite fresh ideas with dynamic lightning talks and brief high-energy presentations that spark curiosity and showcase bold concepts. - Living in Space
Learn about sustainable habitats, life support systems, and the innovations that will help people live, work, and thrive off Earth. - Many Roads to Space
Hear about diverse paths to space development — from law, culture, and biomedicine to agriculture and frontier life — and how all these elements come together in a thriving space society. - Mars
Join conversations about our neighbor world, including exploration, scientific discoveries, and the challenges and opportunities of Mars settlement. - Moon Symposium
Explore the latest in lunar science, prospecting, exploration plans, and the emerging economy of cislunar space. - Planetary Defense
Engage with developments in protecting Earth from asteroid hazards and building resilient strategies for planetary safety. - Rising Stars
Celebrate and learn from undergraduate, graduate, and early-career professionals presenting innovative space research and projects, building the next generation of space leaders. - Space Ambassadors
Discover how education, outreach, and advocacy help grow public understanding and support for space exploration. - Space Business
Learn about the economics of the new space age, entrepreneurship in orbit, and the business models driving commercial growth. - Space Elevators
Explore visionary concepts for revolutionizing space access through massive tethered structures that could dramatically reduce the cost of getting mass into orbit. - Space Health
Hear about cutting-edge research on human health in space, including physical and psychological wellbeing for long-duration missions. - Space Policy
Examine the legal frameworks, governance, and international cooperation needed to steward space exploration responsibly and equitably. - Space Settlement
Dive into visionary plans for building communities off Earth, from conceptual space habitats to real-world designs for sustainable off-planet living. - Space Solar Power Symposium
Discover how space-based solar power could harness the sun’s energy to provide abundant clean energy for Earth and space infrastructure. - Spaceports
Learn about the expanding global network of spaceports, the infrastructure that supports launches, commerce, innovation, and economic growth.
Why Attend?
ISDC is a place where ideas take flight and connections expand your horizons. Attendees leave inspired by new discoveries, fresh perspectives, and the chance to be part of a global conversation about space development and exploration. It’s welcoming and inclusive, whether you’re a seasoned space professional or someone whose love of the cosmos just keeps growing.
Join us at the next ISDC to explore the unknown, celebrate innovation, and help shape the future of humanity beyond Earth.