Georgia Tech Hosts Frontiers in Science Conference Exploring the Future of Space Exploration

Annual event highlights Georgia Tech's leadership in space research, innovation, and preparing the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:27am

A highly structured abstract painting in soft blues, greens, and grays, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conceptually representing the complex forces and concepts of space exploration.Georgia Tech's Frontiers in Science conference explores the future of space exploration through interdisciplinary collaboration and student engagement.Atlanta Today

One day after the historic Artemis II launch, the College of Sciences at Georgia Tech welcomed over 150 researchers, students, and community members to its annual Frontiers in Science conference. The full-day event focused on the latest advancements in space exploration, featuring panels and discussions led by faculty, researchers, and space policy experts from across the university.

Why it matters

Georgia Tech is a leading institution in space-related research and education, with numerous academic and research programs in fields like planetary sciences, robotics, mission design, and space policy. The Frontiers in Science conference showcases how Georgia Tech is contributing to the future of space exploration through interdisciplinary collaboration and by training the next generation of space scientists, engineers, and leaders.

The details

The conference featured sessions exploring topics like the search for life beyond Earth, how analog fieldwork can inform space missions, and building better space technology through improved data collection and navigation. Speakers also highlighted Georgia Tech's commitment to student training and engagement, with opportunities for student-led research and missions. A highlight was a fireside chat with NASA Astronaut R. Shane Kimbrough, who reflected on his career and the evolving role of public-private and international partnerships in space exploration.

  • The Frontiers in Science conference was held on April 2, 2026, one day after the historic Artemis II launch.
  • The Georgia Tech Observatory hosted a public event in the evening following the conference.

The players

Susan Lozier

Dean of the College of Sciences and Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair at Georgia Tech.

Jud Ready

Principal research engineer at the Georgia Tech Research Institute and leader of the Space Research Institute (SRI) at Georgia Tech.

R. Shane Kimbrough

Retired U.S. Army Colonel and NASA Astronaut who spent a total of 388 days in space and performed nine spacewalks across three missions.

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What’s next

The Georgia Tech Observatory will continue to host public events, offering the Atlanta community opportunities to engage with space exploration and research.

The takeaway

Georgia Tech's Frontiers in Science conference demonstrates the university's leadership in advancing space exploration through interdisciplinary collaboration, student engagement, and partnerships that are shaping the future of space research and innovation.