Universities Space Research Association and The Space Policy Institute to Host a Symposium on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington, DC

By Universities Space Research Association

On March 03, 2026

on

SCIENCE FOR A NEW ERA OF EXPLORATION

THE PATH FROM THE MOON TO MARS

Science Priorities, Readiness, and Enterprise Integration

WASHINGTON, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- WHO, WHAT, WHERE: Universities Space Research Association (USRA) invites members of the media to attend its annual Symposium, SCIENCE FOR A NEW ERA OF EXPLORATION- THE PATH FROM THE MOON TO MARS at the Holiday Inn, Washington DC, National Mall at 1:00 PM Eastern on Thursday, March 26. The half-day Symposium is being held in partnership with the Space Policy Institute of The George Washington University.

Media interested in attending RSVP by March 11, 2025. Please pre-register by emailing your contact information to sfarukhi@usra.edu—443-812-6945. Attendance is gratis. Interview opportunities are available for the media.

Media is invited to the reception following the Symposium.

The event will be live-streamed at https://www.spacecommerce.tv/Events/USRA-250327. The link will go live on the morning of March 26.

AGENDA

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: NICOLA "Nicky" FOX, NASA Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate

1:10 P.M.	Frederick A. Tarantino Memorial Address
1:40 P.M.	From Volatiles to Life: The Decadal Science Agenda

This panel focuses on "What are we looking for?" from the 2025 National Academies report on Mars science. It explores the transition from "following the water" to "searching for life" and the Moon's role as a laboratory for planetary history.

ERIKA WAGNER, Business Development, The Exploration Company
LUCIE LOW, Chief Scientist, Axiom Space
BETHANY EHLMANN, Director, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, UC Boulder

2:40 P.M.	Coffee Break
3:00 P.M.	The Hardware and the Humans: Can We Deliver?

This panel will discuss needed lunar and Martian surface technologies, management of exploration campaigns, human health risks and challenges, and the role of universities in training the next generation of space workers.

CHARLES POWELL, Assistant Director for Space and Spectrum, Office of Science and Technology Policy
JAMES D. POLK, NASA Chief Health and Medical Officer
JAMES GREEN, former NASA Chief Scientist
DAN EVANS, NASA Assistant Deputy Associate Administrator for Research, Science Mission Directorate

4:00 P.M.

Enterprise Integration from the Moon to Mars

Panelists will discuss "How do we work together?" It focuses on the synergy between human and robotic precursors, roles and responsibilities for government and industry, and ensuring interoperability with commercial providers and international partners.

JONATHAN LUNINE, Chief Scientist, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
KEVIN COGGINS, Deputy Associate Administrator, NASA Space Communications and Navigation Program
JACOB BLEACHER, Chief Exploration Scientist, NASA
ROB CHAMBERS, Senior Director, Space Exploration Strategy, Lockheed Martin

5:15 P.M.

Closing Remarks and Discussion

Dr. SCOTT PACE, Space Policy Institute
Dr. ELSAYED TALAAT, President and CEO, USRA

5:30 P.M.

Invitation to the Reception

JOAN RAMAGE, Chair, USRA Council of Institutions

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SOURCE Universities Space Research Association

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