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 1anchor1 or Dr. Nacer Chahat at 2anchor2.
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 ...