First Steps to Settlement in Space
Papers are invited covering topics germane to establishing a thriving community in Low Earth Orbit. Topics will include but not be limited to:
- Defining the requirements for structures and systems to support space exploration and settlement.
- Construction of large structures in space.
- Transport of materials and people from the surface to a station and return.
- Logistics support, both on Earth and in orbit.
- Spacecraft services from such a station.
Ticket prices:
- Full registration: $50 (Reception and Lunch)
- Military, Government: $20 (Reception and Lunch)
- Students (with ID): $20 (No Lunch or Reception)
- Authors and Presenters: No charge
- Lunch: $12
- Reception: $10
Friday Sep. 4, 2026
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM EDT
History
The Space Visions Symposium is an extension of the thinking that generated the CCTS’ Flagship product; “The Space Congress”. Initially Space Congress was designed to provide a forum for professional societies, contractors, and government employees to exchange information and experience operating on the Eastern Range and later the Merritt Island Launch Area which became KSC. Technical papers connected with all areas of the design, engineering and operation of Launch Vehicles, Spacecraft and Range Systems were presented.
Local schools were encouraged to attend with a county wide Science Fair being held and judged.
Objective
The Space Visions Symposium starts where the Space Congress leaves off. Space Congress actually addresses the “here and now” of the industry whereas the Space Visions Symposium starts by looking at what is required for spacefaring to become routine, leading to people living and working in space and on other bodies.
The time horizon for the Space Visions Symposium starts at ten years in the future and extends out at least fifty years. We are seeking to build a constituency of professionals from all walks of life that will allow the establishment of credible Off-World settlements and economy’s.
The symposium is a two-track event:
- Technology track; addressing the impacts of human requirements on the size, design and construction of vehicles and other structures.
- Human Factors track; addressing the architecture of living spaces, personal, work and common spaces, psychological issues, space medicine, safety and social concerns.
Important Dates for Papers
- Call for Papers – 1 January 2026
- Abstracts Due – 1 March 2026
- Acceptance Notifications – 1 April 2026
- Final Paper Due – 1 July 2026
When your paper is ready for submission, please use the form below and attach your paper. Acceptable formats include: PDF, DOC. Please limit papers to 25MB.
Conference Location
Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum
Sands Space History Center
100 Spaceport Way, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL
Conference Registration
Please complete the form below to register for the symposium. Registration fees:
- Regular – $50 (includes lunch, reception)
- Military/Govt – $20 (includes lunch, reception)
- Student – $20 (optional fees: lunch: $12, reception: $10)
- Author/Speakers – no fee
- Author/Speakers +1’s – same fee as Students