Community Announcements

  • CALL-FOR-PRESENTATIONS for the 21st Annual AIAA SoCal Aerospace Systems and Technology Conference

    CALL-FOR-PRESENTATIONS

    Submit an Abstract to Present!

    The 21st Annual AIAA Southern California Aerospace Systems and Technology (ASAT) Conference

    Sponsored by the Orange County and San Gabriel Valley Sections of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

    Saturday, April 25th, 2026

    Intent-to-Present Deadline:

    Friday, February 6th, 2026

    Conference Co-Chairs

    Orange County:

    San Gabriel Valley:

    UCI:

    Dr. Arun Bhattacharya, OC Technical Chair

    Dr. Nacer Chahat, AIAA Associate Fellow, SGV Section Chair

    Dr. Jacqueline Huyhn, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

    Two Plenary Sessions

    Planned plenary sessions in the morning and afternoon featuring a renowned speaker in each.

    Morning Keynote"Topological Optimization in a Model Based Engineering Framework", Dr. H. Alicia Kim, Jacobs Scholars Chair Professor, University of California, San Diego

    Afternoon Keynote"Space Technologies from MHz to THz for Addressing Fundamental Science Questions", Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, Senior Research Scientist at NASA-Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Visiting Professor at California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA

    Event Theme

    Southern California has had a rich history of leadership and innovation in the aerospace industry. Many aircraft, spacecraft, missile, and space exploration programs were conceived and executed here within a several mile radius of each other. The amount of talent, experience, and expertise that resides in the area is immeasurable. However, the nature, landscape, and focus of the local aerospace industry are rapidly changing. The objective of the AIAA Southern California Aerospace Systems and Technology (SoCal ASAT) Conference is to bring together seasoned and new engineers, researchers, leaders, managers, academia, and students, and provide a forum to exchange new ideas, review achievements, and chart a new course for aerospace in the local area. Come share your expertise and insights with other local professionals and tap this unprecedented resource. If you are a student, this is an ideal opportunity to showcase your research, sharpen technical presentation skills, and meet professionals in the field.

    Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks Included

    During lunch, the AIAA Orange County and San Gabriel Valley Sections will highlight our activities during the past year and celebrate the achievements of some of our professional and student members.

    Student Poster Displays

    Students of all ages are invited to present their science projects or science fair entries in our poster display area in the lobby. Come show off what you’ve done and meet professionals in the industry and academia. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Dr. Arun Bhattacharya at drarunabh@yahoo.com or Dr. Nacer Chahat at nacer.e.chahat@jpl.nasa.gov.

    Call-for-Presentations

    Technical presentations are being solicited for the 2026 AIAA Southern California Aerospace Systems and Technology Conference. Full-length written papers are not required, but at a minimum, an annotated electronic copy of the final presentation is required for posting on our website. You are welcomed and encouraged to repeat presentations you have made elsewhere for this local audience.  Students are strongly encouraged to present their senior thesis or graduate work

    SoCal ASAT accepts unclassified presentations on all aspects of aerospace systems, technology, vehicle design, program management, aerospace policy, aerospace economics and education, and will be structured in three major categories:

    Aircraft Systems and Technology

    • Aircraft structural and aerodynamic design, analysis, and manufacturing
    • Aircraft avionics and communication systems
    • AI and IT impact on aircraft design/operations
    • Multidisciplinary aircraft design
    • Aircraft operations and testing
    • UAV and micro air vehicles
    • Airspace management
    • Advanced air mobility
    • Reduced pilot operations/autonomy

    Space Systems and Technology

    • Space mission analysis, development, and operations
    • Commercial missions and technology development
    • Robotic and human exploration
    • Space traffic management
    • Debris mitigation
    • AI and its impact on Space
    • Space Security
    • Space Economy

    Aerospace Research, Public Policy, and Education

    • Aerospace sciences / research and development
    • Issues and concerns of industry and academia
    • Lobbying local, state, and national leaders
    • Pre- and post-secondary education
    • Programs to inspire our youth
    • Public/private collaborations
    • Climate impact/change
    • Sustainability

    Intent-to-Present Submittal Procedure

    Your Intent-to-Present can be submitted as a 100-500 word abstract or as a set of preliminary annotated presentation slides. Include title, author(s), and affiliations (as you would like them to appear in the conference brochure). Also indicate the presenting author and include corresponding author contact information (name, address, phone number, and e-mail address).

    The deadline for submission of your Intent-to-Present is Friday, February 6th, 2026. Authors will be notified of acceptance for presentation by Friday, February 13th, 2026. Submit electronically to: Dr, Arun Bhattacharya at drarunabh@yahoo.com or Dr. Nacer Chahat at nacer.e.chahat@jpl.nasa.gov.

     

    Warning - Technology Transfer Considerations

    All authors are reminded that they should follow technology transfer guidelines (ITAR/EAR). All reviews are the responsibility of the author. Internal (company) and/or external (government) review can take a significant amount of time. Authors should determine the extent of approval necessary early in the presentation preparation process to preclude withdrawals and late submissions.

    Additional Information

    Questions should be addressed to: Dr. Arun Bhattacharya at drarunabh@yahoo.com or Dr. Nacer Chahat at nacer.e.chahat@jpl.nasa.gov.

     

    Conference Registration*

    (Registration opens March 16th, 2026.)

    Includes Continental Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks

    AIAA Member: $85.00

    Non-Member: $99.00

    Student: $40.00

    Parking Provided Courtesy of CalTech

    California Institute of Technology

    *In the past, employers have covered the cost of conference registration. Ask your manager

    Dates to Remember                                                 

    • Friday, February 6th, 2026 – Intent-to-Present Deadline
    • Friday, February 13th, 2026 – Notification of Acceptance for Presentation           
    • Monday, March 16th, 2026 – Registration Opens
    • Saturday, April 11th, 2026 – Electronic Copy of Presentations Due
    • Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 – Registration Deadline    
    • Saturday, April 25th, 2026 – ASAT Conference 

    Conference Schedule

    8:00 - 8:30 AM - Check-in and Continental Breakfast

    8:30 - 9:00 AM - Welcome and Introduction

    9:00 - 10:00 AM - Keynote Address by Dr. H. Alicia Kim

    10:00 AM - Noon - Morning Breakout Sessions

    Noon - 1:30 PM - Lunch and AIAA OC and SGV Section Presentations

    1:30 - 2:30 PM - Keynote Address by Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay

    2:30 - 5:00 PM - Afternoon Breakout Sessions

    5:00 - 5:15 PM - Wrap-Up/Feedback 

    Event Website