ISSRDC 2025 Cancellation Update

Keith’s note: As reported the other day NASA is pulling out of the ISSRDC conference. China is signing up customers for its space station which it is expanding. The new customers cut their teeth on the ISS. But wait: the Administration is all about beating China everywhere. So, instead of using ISSRDC to globally promote the value of an American-led space station so as to keep a U.S. lead intact someone at NASA got the bright idea to pull NASA out of the conference all together causing it to be cancelled. Full ISS National Laboratory/CASIS statement below:

“The International Space Station National Laboratory, in close consultation with NASA, has determined that the current regulatory and budgetary environment does not support holding the International Space Station Research and Development Conference (ISSRDC) in 2025. The ISSRDC has a goal of uniting the research, technology, industry, and government communities to advance the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) economy.

The International Space Station National Lab has been in discussions with AIAA to launch a partnership in 2026, combining the AIAA ASCEND and ISSRDC conferences. This joint event will leverage the strengths of both organizations to foster community growth and innovation. We believe this approach offers a thoughtful solution to a complex challenge—enabling stronger collaboration and better outcomes for the community we serve.”