Community Science (Ad ASTRA) Workshop, Sept 2026 - NASA Science
1-3 September 2026. The Community Science (Ad ASTRA) Workshop is organized by the NASA Astrophysics Division to engage the community in defining future large, strategic astrophysics missions.
LocationPasadena, California& VirtualDates1-3 September 2026CommunityCosmic OriginsTypeWorkshopThe Community Science (Ad ASTRA) Workshop is organized by the NASA Astrophysics Division to engage the community in defining future large, strategic astrophysics missions. Structured over three thematic days—Science, Capabilities, and Missions—the workshop provides a comprehensive framework to connect scientific priorities with technological readiness and mission implementation. Across all three days, plenaries, panels, breakout sessions, and poster contributions are designed to maximize community input. The outcomes of the workshop will help NASA prioritize mission concepts and shape a balanced, forward-looking astrophysics portfolio. This workshop is organized by the NASA Astrophysics Program Offices in partnership with the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC). Important Dates:Registration opens: March 31, 2026Abstract deadline: June 24, 2026Contributed talks/posters selection: July 1, 2026Deadline forin-personregistration: August 15, 2026Deadline forvirtualregistration: August 31, 2026Session Connection:Join the SessionDay 1 ScienceTimeTopicSpeakersPresentations8:30amIntroduction to ASTRAShawn Domagal-Goldman, APD Director9:00amPlan for the Workshop: Deliverables and Mandate (Day 1 focus)Jessica Gaskin, APD AD for Concept and Tech Development9:20amHow did we get here: PhysPAGManel Errando, PhysPAG EC chair9:40amHow did we get here: COPAGShouleh Nikzad, COPAG EC Chair10:00amHow did we get here: EXOPAGIan Crossfield, ExoPAG EC Chair10:20amMorning Break11:00amPressing Science Questions for Space Missions in the 2030s and BeyondParallel Breakout Sessions:-Compact Objects and Energetic Phenomena-Cosmology-Galaxies-Exoplanets & Astrobiology-Stars and Stellar PopulationsContributed presentations from community members (TBA after abstract selection)12:30pmLunchAfternoon2:00pmPressing Science Questions for Space Missions in the 2030s and BeyondParallel Breakout Sessions:-Compact Objects and Energetic Phenomena-Cosmology-Galaxies-Exoplanets & Astrobiology-Stars and Stellar PopulationsContributed presentations from community members (TBA after abstract selection)3:30pmAfternoon Break4:00pmSynthesis Panel on Pressing Science Questions for Space Missions in the 2030s and BeyondBreakout Session Moderators5:00pmEvening Reception7:00pmEnd of Day 1Day 2 CapabilitiesSession Connection:Join the SessionTimeTopicSpeakersPresentations9:00amPlan for the Workshop: Deliverablesand Mandate (Day 2 focus)EC PAG Chairs9:10amInnovation Workshop SummaryInnovation Workshop SOC speaker9:50amNASA Strategic Technology GapsChief Technologist from PAGs10:10amMorning Break10:40amEmerging Technologies (session)Presentations fromcommunity/industry members (TBA)12:30pmLunchAfternoon2:00pmAstrophysics Technology: Capabilities NeededParallel Breakout Sessions: What arethe capabilities needed (software and hardware, platform, location) relevantto the ASTRA submitted mission concepts?-Breakout categories TBDContributed presentations fromcommunity members (TBA afterabstract selection)4:00pmAfternoon Break4:45pmSynthesis panel to summarize the breakout sessions on capabilitiesBreakout Session Moderators5:45pmEnd of Day 2Day 3 Wrap UPSession Connection:Join the SessionTimeTopicSpeakersPresentations9:00amPlan for the workshop: Deliverables and Mandate (Day 3 focus)EC PAG Chairs9:10amBeyond the Selection: The Path ForwardJessica Gaskin, APD AD for Concept and Tech Development9:50amWorkshop synthesis 1: Key Science Questions for the 2030s and BeyondTBA10:50amMorning Break11:20amWorkshop synthesis 2: Key Technology Capabilities for the 2030s and BeyondTBA12:20pmLunchAfternoon2:00pmBuilding the Future: Community consensus on Science, Capabilities, and Missions for the next decadesTBA3:30pmClosing RemarksTBA4:00pmEnd of Day 3Selected Abstracts