Student Innovations in SpaceTech: Exploring Hardware & Software AdvancesSISTW 2026

Low feature size and reduced cost in commercially available electronics has enabled the development of low cost, radiation tolerant systems. It is these kinds of systems that have enabled the advent of space technology development at the university level. Now universities can teach and experiment with fault tolerant computing systems in space applications. And concurrently, the software on these new platforms can leverage operating systems, software libraries and software architectures that enable newer and much more capable software systems.

This workshop aims to create a platform where students can showcase their innovative designs for space vehicles, payload systems, flight and attitude control, navigation, rendezvous, proximity operations and in-flight autonomy. With a theme centered on student-designed flight software systems and student designed flight hardware systems, the event will highlight the interplay between software and hardware in advancing space mission capabilities. This workshop aims to foster engagement between academia, industry professionals, and student innovators while providing students with valuable networking and professional development opportunities.

Call for Participation

Are you working on an innovative space technology concept? Do you have a novel hardware or software system for space applications? We invite students and student teams to showcase their work at the Student Innovations in SpaceTech workshop, where cutting-edge student-led advancements in flight hardware, flight software, and space systems will take center stage.

This workshop is an exciting opportunity to present your designs, gain valuable feedback from industry professionals, and connect with fellow students, researchers, and potential mentors.

Why Participate?

• Present Your Work – Deliver a lightning presentation on your innovative space technology project.
• Gain Experience – Participate in workshops led by industry experts, featuring cutting-edge tools and techniques in space systems engineering.
• Expand Your Network – Engage with professionals and peers in the space industry through dedicated networking events. Previous attendees have included, but are not limited to, representatives from NASA, the United States Air Force, the United States Space Force, Boeing, Blue Origin, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the European Space Agency, Sandia National Laboratories, the Aerospace Corporation, Honeywell, Microchip Technology, AMD, Avalanche Technology, and InnoFlight.

Submission Guidelines

Interested students should submit a short abstract (maximum 500 words) outlining their project, including key technical innovations and contributions. Applicants should be able to travel independently to attend the conference and present their work if the submission is accepted.

Abstract Submission Deadline: April 10, 2026
Presentation & Poster Submission Deadline: May 29, 2026