The American Astronautical Society stands as a leading network for space professionals in the United States. It connects folks already in the field with newcomers eager to join the space workforce.
AAS started back in 1954. Since then, it’s focused on advancing space science, exploration, and commercial activities—mainly through education, networking, and policy advocacy.
The American Astronautical Society works to advance space activities across both government and commercial sectors. AAS tries to strengthen the space community by bringing together professionals from aerospace companies, research institutions, and government agencies.
They put a lot of energy into raising public awareness and support for space. You’ll see them promoting commercial spaceflight, lunar exploration, and scientific missions that can help society as a whole.
AAS shares knowledge through technical meetings, symposiums, and various publications. These events gather industry leaders to talk about new technologies, space policy, and career opportunities in the growing space economy.
The society also actively shapes space policy at both national and international levels. Members get involved in conversations about commercial space regulations, NASA partnerships, and international cooperation.
AAS builds everything on professional excellence. The society keeps high standards for technical presentations, research publications, and industry dialogue. Honestly, these standards have shaped the US space program since the 1950s.
Key principles include:
They like to focus on practical uses of space technology, both for commercial and scientific reasons. Members work on everything from satellite communications to space tourism.
AAS also pushes for ethical practices in space. That means responsible space debris management, sustainable exploration, and fair access to space resources.
The American Astronautical Society runs with a leadership team that represents different corners of the space industry. Right now, their leaders come from big aerospace companies, new commercial space firms, and top academic institutions.
Executive leadership includes:
AAS offers several membership categories for all sorts of professionals and organizations. Individual memberships fit working professionals, students, and retirees in space-related fields.
Organizational memberships open the door for companies and institutions to join in AAS activities. These partnerships connect the society with major aerospace contractors, space startups, research universities, and government agencies all working on space exploration and commercial development.
The American Astronautical Society got its start thanks to people who saw the need for a group dedicated to serious space exploration. In its early years, the organization educated the public and pushed for government investment in space programs during the country’s first big steps into space.
The American Astronautical Society traces its roots to the Staten Island Interplanetary Society, which Hans J. Behm founded on April 2, 1952, at the Staten Island Museum. Behm, inspired by his time with the British Interplanetary Society, wanted an American group focused on space flight advancement.
James H. Rosenquist from RCA World Communications Corporation stepped in and helped expand the idea beyond just local meetings. He and Behm saw that other organizations weren’t really sparking much excitement for space in the US.
After the Staten Island group had trouble getting people to show up, Rosenquist and Behm moved their efforts to New York City. In November 1953, they sent out invitation letters for “the first meeting of an American counterpart to the British Interplanetary Society.”
On January 22, 1954, thirty-seven individuals officially founded the American Astronautical Society at a meeting in New York. These founders came from a mix of aerospace industry and scientific backgrounds across six states.
Hans Behm became the first president and served through 1954. The group got its certificate of incorporation from New York State on February 17, 1954.
The Society launched its main publication, Astronautics (later called the Journal of Astronautics), in 1954 with Martin Caidin as editor. This journal quickly became a respected place for space flight research and proposals.
Two annual conferences, the Goddard Memorial Symposium and the Annual Meeting, became big events. They brought together space professionals, government folks, and enthusiasts to discuss technical advances and policy.
In 1982, the organization started the Classified Military Space Symposium under President Edwin E. Speaker. This event focused on military space applications and drew Pentagon support, which boosted membership and the budget.
The AAS History Series began in 1977 to preserve memoirs and historical stories about space flight development. This series captured critical moments in American space exploration for future generations.
International outreach grew a lot in the 1980s. In 1984, a notable delegation visited post-cultural revolution China, building formal ties with the Chinese Society of Astronautics and opening up new collaborations.
The Society’s founding constitution set out its purpose: “to publicly disseminate and support as many of the creditable proposals for the conquest of space as possible.” This mission directly supported the U.S. space program by educating the public and advocating with the government.
In the 1970s, when public interest in space waned, AAS members kept pushing for continued investment. They organized meetings on practical topics like satellite communications, Space Shuttle use, and commercial space operations.
AAS’s focus on space industrialization in the 1980s helped shape policy talks about commercial space activities. Conferences on “Commercial Operations in Space 1980-2000” highlighted economic benefits that later encouraged government support for private ventures.
The Society provided key forums where aerospace professionals, government officials, and academic researchers could share ideas. These exchanges helped coordinate national space priorities and technical strategies across sectors.
Through its publications and conferences, the American Astronautical Society educated both experts and the public about the benefits of space exploration. This work helped build the informed support needed for ongoing government investment in the U.S. space program.
The American Astronautical Society offers different membership tiers for professionals, organizations, and students in the space industry. Members get access to exclusive networking events, technical publications, and career development resources.
AAS provides three main membership categories to fit different needs and structures.
Individual memberships serve professionals, researchers, and space enthusiasts. These members get full access to The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences and the quarterly Space Times magazine. They also pay less for AAS conferences and symposiums.
Individual members qualify for NASA Federal Credit Union membership, which extends to family and gives access to financial services tailored for aerospace professionals.
Corporate memberships are for industrial, scientific, and academic organizations looking for industry connections. Corporate members get designated employee memberships as part of their package.
These organizations can co-sponsor AAS symposiums and conferences related to their expertise. They also get invited to exclusive breakfast meetings with NASA officials and space industry leaders.
Institutional memberships are for universities, research centers, and educational organizations. These memberships support academic programs in space science and astronautical engineering.
AAS membership opens direct paths to space industry leadership through structured networking and professional forums.
Members join local, national, and international meetings organized by AAS. These events bring together professionals from NASA, commercial space companies, and academic institutions.
Corporate members get access to exclusive forums with space community leaders. They can publish articles in AAS publications and post job openings in Space Times magazine.
AAS lists corporate members in all its publications. This visibility helps companies build their reputation within the professional space community.
Members receive early notice of space-related events and activities throughout the year. They also get discounts on technical publications, conference proceedings, and specialized aerospace books.
The American Astronautical Society puts real effort into growing the next generation of space professionals through targeted programs and educational initiatives.
Student members get the same technical resources as professionals, like journal subscriptions and conference opportunities. They pay much less to attend educational events and symposiums.
The organization focuses on inspiring young people to pursue space-related careers. Members can join educational outreach programs that connect with schools and universities across the country.
Early career professionals benefit from mentorship at AAS networking events. They can present research at technical meetings and publish work in peer-reviewed journals.
Corporate members often work with AAS on education and outreach. These partnerships create internships and direct career pathways for students entering the space industry.
The American Astronautical Society hosts several prestigious conferences and symposia each year. These events serve as key gathering points for space professionals and organizations.
They drive technical advancement and policy discussions that directly affect commercial spaceflight and space tourism opportunities.
AAS organizes several major annual conferences that bring together leaders, researchers, and commercial partners in the space industry. The Space Flight Mechanics Meeting happens each winter, while the Astrodynamics Specialist Conference runs during the summer.
The Astrodynamics Specialist Conference stands out as a major technical event. It focuses on orbital mechanics, trajectory planning, and spacecraft navigation—critical for commercial space missions.
Conference registration usually opens months in advance. These events attract people from NASA, commercial space companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, and international agencies.
The ISS Research & Development Conference looks specifically at low Earth orbit opportunities. This event highlights research that benefits both Earth and space-based ventures.
AAS conference technical sessions cover spacecraft propulsion, mission planning, and safety protocols essential for commercial spaceflight. Panel discussions bring in industry experts to tackle current challenges in space tourism and commercial crew programs.
Sessions dive into topics like spacecraft design, launch vehicle performance, and orbital mechanics. These presentations often influence industry standards that affect commercial operations.
Conferences include specialized tracks for different sectors. Commercial spaceflight sessions focus on passenger safety systems, training protocols, and regulatory requirements.
Expert panels discuss new technologies that make space access safer and more affordable. These talks have a real impact on how companies develop civilian space travel programs.
The Goddard Space Science Symposium covers both historical achievements and future exploration technologies. Topics include planetary science, Earth observation, and deep space mission capabilities.
The von Braun Space Exploration Symposium focuses mainly on human spaceflight and exploration technologies. This event draws commercial space companies working on crew vehicles and space habitats for tourism.
Both memorial symposia honor pioneers while tackling current challenges in space exploration. The von Braun event pays extra attention to human factors in space travel, like life support and crew safety.
Presentations at these symposia include space station operations, lunar mission planning, and Mars exploration technologies. The discussions influence how commercial companies approach long-duration flights for civilian passengers.
The American Astronautical Society keeps conference registration pretty straightforward with set fees and clear membership tiers. You get all the essential conference materials, and there are a few different ways for both space professionals and students to join in.
AAS conferences use structured pricing based on your membership status and when you register. If you register early, you’ll usually save around $30-50.
For example, at the 48th Annual AAS Guidance, Navigation and Control Conference, current AAS members pay $650 if they register before January 10. If you wait, it jumps to $680.
Non-members pay more—$700 early or $730 if they miss the early deadline. Students, though, always pay $225, which keeps things accessible for emerging space professionals.
Technical exhibitors get special rates. Commercial companies pay $400 for a booth, but universities and educational groups can exhibit for free.
Classified sessions need a separate registration—$325 early or $345 late. Only US citizens with the right security clearance can attend these.
AAS membership brings immediate savings and some long-term perks. They really try to encourage folks to join during conference registration.
Non-members can tack on a one-year AAS membership for just $50, which is half the usual price. That’s a pretty good deal for first-timers.
If you’re already a member, you’ll save $50-80 per conference compared to non-member rates. For people who go to several conferences, that discount can basically pay for the membership itself.
During registration, you’ll see the option to upgrade your membership. You can pick standard non-member registration or grab the discounted membership bundle.
Conference proceedings give you a full record of the technical talks and research papers. Every registration includes digital access to these resources.
For the 2025 conferences, proceedings will be downloadable sometime in mid-2026. AAS will send download info to the email you used when you registered.
Digital proceedings make it easy to search for technical content from all sessions. These documents end up being handy references for ongoing projects or research.
The package includes presentation slides, technical papers, and extended abstracts from featured speakers. It’s a solid collection for anyone who wants to keep learning after the conference wraps up.
The American Astronautical Society puts out two main publications for the space community. The quarterly Journal of the Astronautical Sciences shares peer-reviewed research, while Space Times magazine covers industry news and analysis.
The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences is the flagship publication for AAS. They’ve published it quarterly since 1954, and it’s all peer-reviewed research in astronautics and space science.
Editorial Leadership:
The journal covers a bunch of core topics. You’ll find research on astrodynamics, celestial mechanics, and atmospheric flight mechanics. Navigation and guidance systems get a lot of focus too.
Space-related sciences are another big category. Associate editors come from leading institutions in the US and abroad—places like NASA JPL, MIT, Georgia Tech, and Texas A&M. That mix helps cover a wide range of astronautical sciences.
They hold submissions to high academic standards. Every paper goes through a tough peer review. Authors don’t have to pay page charges or color fees, which makes it easier for researchers everywhere to publish.
Space Times is AAS’s bimonthly magazine, and it’s not as formal as the journal.
The magazine highlights current developments in space policy and history. They regularly cover government approaches to space development and include recent industry news and analysis.
Space Times goes out to a broader audience than the technical journal. Space professionals, policy makers, and industry watchers all read it. The magazine connects technical progress with practical, real-world applications.
You’ll find interviews with space leaders and historical takes on major programs. Policy analysis helps readers make sense of regulatory changes that affect the space industry.
AAS uses Springer’s Editorial Manager for manuscript submissions. Authors just submit their work through editorialmanager.com/jass.
Submission Requirements:
Associate editors from top research institutions review every submission. The peer review process keeps everything technically accurate and meaningful.
Manuscripts need to present new results or important insights. State-of-the-art surveys in astronautics are welcome too. The journal wants work that genuinely pushes the field forward.
Review times depend on the complexity of the paper. Since it’s a quarterly journal, there are regular chances for accepted work to get published. Springer’s digital platform makes sure the research reaches a global audience.
The American Astronautical Society plays a big role in advancing America’s space capabilities by focusing on research initiatives and strategic partnerships with government agencies and private industry. They use their expertise to run programs that directly support national space goals.
AAS drives innovation by running specialized research programs that tackle key gaps in space tech and exploration. Members jump into projects on propulsion systems, life support tech, and deep space navigation.
Research committees dig into emerging technologies that matter for lunar and Mars missions. Scientists and engineers work together to study things like radiation shielding, closed-loop life support, and advanced materials for building spacecraft.
Technical working groups focus on specific challenges in the U.S. space program. These teams look at space debris, satellite constellation management, and human factors for long-duration missions.
The society publishes peer-reviewed findings that can shape policy and technical standards. Government agencies often reference these publications when setting new mission guidelines or safety rules.
Student research programs connect university teams with industry mentors. Students get to solve real-world space problems, gaining experience and coming up with new solutions for the industry.
AAS partners with NASA, the Space Force, and commercial space companies to push national priorities forward. Regular symposiums gather decision-makers from government and industry to hash out shared challenges.
The organization sits on advisory committees that help guide space policy and program direction. Members bring technical know-how to the early planning stages of major missions and infrastructure efforts.
Industry collaboration isn’t just with the big aerospace companies. AAS also works with up-and-coming commercial ventures, helping new ideas move forward.
They run joint workshops on topics like space traffic management, cybersecurity for space systems, and sustainable exploration. These sessions often lead to real recommendations that impact programs across the sector.
Networking events help professionals connect and build relationships, which sometimes spark collaborative projects that benefit the entire U.S. space program.
The American Astronautical Society actively shapes space policy by bringing together government officials and industry leaders for structured discussions. They use their technical expertise to help influence legislation and set industry standards for space exploration.
AAS acts as a bridge between the technical space community and policymakers. Their conferences and symposiums bring aerospace professionals, government officials, and industry execs together to talk about key policy issues.
Space Times, the society’s magazine, runs articles on space policy and future exploration. These stories reach both professionals and the general public, sparking conversations about where space programs should head.
The annual von Braun Space Exploration Symposium at the University of Alabama in Huntsville gives space professionals a stage to share technical findings that can influence policy. Industry leaders use these events to discuss funding, mission goals, and regulatory challenges.
AAS also teams up with NASA for events like the ISS Research and Development Conference. These partnerships help researchers and agency leaders communicate directly.
AAS holds memberships in the Coalition for Space Exploration and the Space Exploration Alliance. These connections give the society a stronger voice in legislative debates over space funding and priorities.
They provide technical expertise to support the U.S. Space Exploration Policy. AAS members offer specialized knowledge that shapes mission requirements and safety standards for both government and commercial programs.
The organization works with other groups, like the Aerospace Industries Association and American Astronomical Society. Collaborating with these groups helps strengthen advocacy for sustained funding.
AAS’s policy work helps set industry standards for spacecraft design and mission operations. Their technical committees make recommendations that can influence FAA regulations and NASA requirements for commercial crew programs.
The American Astronautical Society is big on aerospace education, running student competitions and public engagement programs. These efforts connect the U.S. space program with communities nationwide and inspire future space professionals.
AAS runs several hands-on programs that let students work directly with aerospace tech. The International Student CanSat Competition is their flagship event.
This competition challenges student teams to design and build tiny satellite systems that fit in a soda can and carry out missions during launch and descent.
Teams from schools like the University of Hawaii Maui College often take part. Students develop engineering solutions to real space problems.
AAS also gives out the Sally Ride Excellence in Education Award. This award honors educators who stand out in space education or use space to inspire students in STEM.
Both K-12 and college teachers can be nominated. The award shines a light on creative approaches to aerospace education at all levels.
The Rocky Mountain Section leads outreach across nine western states, working to start and improve aerospace education in public and private schools.
AAS hosts the National Conference as a major networking event. This multi-day gathering brings together industry pros, researchers, and educators for collaboration.
Conference sessions include talks on current research and new tech. Attendees swap knowledge that moves the U.S. space program and commercial space forward.
Regional sections hold local events to connect space professionals with their communities. These gatherings help make aerospace careers feel more accessible to students from all backgrounds.
AAS partners with NASA and the ISS National Lab on educational initiatives. These collaborations give students real experiences with space missions.
The American Astronautical Society hands out several prestigious awards each year to honor outstanding achievements in space exploration and astronautics. These awards cover categories from technical innovation to literature, and the society uses established criteria and nomination processes to choose recipients.
The Space Flight Award stands out as one of the society’s most distinguished honors. This award recognizes exceptional contributions to human space exploration and international cooperation.
William H. Gerstenmaier received the award in 2010 because of his dedication to human space exploration programs.
Technical Excellence Awards include the Emerging Astrodynamicist Award, which shines a light on outstanding junior researchers.
In 2024, Professor Richard Linares picked up this recognition for his work in space situational awareness and satellite drag research.
The Neil Armstrong Space Flight Achievement Award honors major mission accomplishments. NASA’s Parker Solar Probe team took home this award in 2018 for their groundbreaking solar exploration mission.
Some additional awards recognize more specialized contributions:
The American Astronautical Society sets specific criteria for every award category. Nominees usually show significant technical achievements, leadership in space programs, or exceptional contributions to astronautical sciences.
Nominators need to submit detailed documentation of accomplishments. They put together comprehensive packages that highlight the candidate’s specific contributions to space exploration or related fields.
Awards committees review these submissions, focusing on innovation, impact, and lasting significance for the astronautical community. The society announces winners every year and presents awards at major conferences and symposiums.
The American Astronautical Society builds connections across global space communities through strategic partnerships and international programs.
The organization creates platforms for worldwide dialogue and recognizes achievements that move cooperative space activities forward.
The American Astronautical Society partners with space agencies, research institutions, and aerospace companies all over the world. These relationships strengthen the global space community by sharing knowledge and coordinating efforts.
The society works closely with NASA on many initiatives. This partnership helps promote American space leadership and supports international cooperation.
AAS also connects with commercial space companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Boeing to push spaceflight technology ahead.
International space organizations benefit from AAS networking. The society provides platforms for representatives from different countries to share research findings and talk about future missions.
AAS partners with academic institutions across the United States as well. Universities use society resources to train the next generation of space professionals.
These educational collaborations keep innovation alive in aerospace engineering and space science.
The American Astronautical Society actively encourages international cooperation through its award programs and recognition initiatives.
The Advancement of International Cooperation Award highlights individuals and teams making real contributions to global space partnerships.
Recent recipients show the breadth of international cooperation. Eric Maier received the 2024 award for building the first major partnership between NASA and the United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.
The Artemis I Team earned recognition in 2023 for international partnerships that enabled successful mission demonstrations.
The society’s conferences and events create opportunities for international dialogue. Space professionals from all over the world gather to discuss technical challenges and share solutions.
These meetings help move projects like the International Space Station forward.
Award criteria focus on long-term impact and career-spanning achievements. The society looks for work that goes beyond normal professional duties to advance international space cooperation.
The American Astronautical Society gets a lot of questions about membership benefits, educational resources, and professional networking opportunities.
These answers help space professionals see how AAS can boost their careers and support space exploration.
The American Astronautical Society serves as a leading network for space professionals dedicated to advancing all space activities.
AAS brings the space community together and works to increase awareness and support for space exploration.
The organization advances knowledge through technical meetings, symposia, and specialized publications.
Members get access to research in spacecraft development, mission planning, and space policy formation.
AAS influences space policy development and implementation at national levels. The society also promotes international dialogue and provides networking opportunities across space sectors.
Founded in 1954, AAS has helped shape the U.S. space program through national meetings and technical publications.
The organization inspires students to pursue space-related careers while serving the professional needs of current members.
The American Astronautical Society offers several membership types, including individual and organizational options.
The society welcomes current space professionals and anyone planning a career in aerospace fields.
Membership gives access to respected forums for presenting new ideas and supporting ongoing space industry programs.
Organizations can join to connect their teams with the broader space community.
The application process links members with leaders in aerospace engineering, space science, and related disciplines.
Members exchange information and talk about career development opportunities within the space sector.
The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences serves as the official journal of AAS, published by Springer Publishing.
This peer-reviewed publication features research on spacecraft dynamics, mission design, and space technology development.
Space Times magazine offers an American perspective on recent developments in space history and government approaches to space development.
The publication covers policy changes, funding decisions, and updates on programs.
AAS also puts out books, proceedings, and technical papers on everything from Mars exploration to satellite technologies.
These publications address topics like mission control operations and the effects of cosmic radiation on spacecraft systems.
AAS has earned recognition for excellence in national meetings, technical conferences, and specialized symposia since 1954.
These events help shape space program development and provide platforms for new research.
The society maintains a code of conduct for all symposia and conferences to ensure a professional networking environment.
Events give members a chance to present their latest research and influence future space exploration missions.
Technical meetings focus on areas like spacecraft design, mission operations, and space policy development.
These gatherings connect professionals from government, private companies, and academia.
Conference proceedings become valuable reference materials for the broader space community.
Presentations often guide NASA program decisions and commercial space development.
AAS creates networking opportunities that connect members with leaders in aerospace engineering, planetary science, and space policy.
These connections help professionals expand their knowledge and move their careers forward.
The society offers access to technical publications that keep members up to date on spacecraft technology and mission planning.
Members can read research papers on topics from propulsion systems to space habitat design.
Professional development happens through technical committees and working groups focused on space exploration challenges.
Members share expertise and learn from colleagues across different space sectors.
Student programs inspire the next generation through mentorship opportunities and career guidance.
AAS connects students with industry professionals who share insights into space career paths.
AAS backs the U.S. Space Exploration Policy and keeps its membership active in the Coalition for Space Exploration and the Space Exploration Alliance.
These partnerships really boost the society’s voice when it comes to shaping national space policy.
The organization teams up with NASA at technical meetings, where agency officials share program updates and ask for industry feedback.
AAS members jump in with their expertise, helping out with NASA’s mission planning and technology projects.
When it comes to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, AAS collaborates through joint conferences and shared technical committees.
Both groups try to coordinate so they don’t overlap too much, but they each bring something unique to the aerospace world.
AAS also builds international partnerships to spark conversations about global space activities.
The society connects American space professionals with their peers from around the world, opening doors for new collaborative missions.
