AI Insight
NASA is hosting a public speaker series called Frontiers Forum at its Washington D.C. headquarters from June 18-30, 2026, featuring presentations by NASA scientists and administrators on topics including space biology research, eclipse science, career opportunities, the search for extraterrestrial life, future aviation technology, astrophysics advances, and space weather effects on astronauts and Earth systems. The free events will take place in 30-minute sessions with no preregistration required, though seating is limited to first-come, first-served availability. Topics span multiple NASA divisions including Heliophysics, Astrophysics, STEM Engagement, and Human Capital.
Why it matters
This public outreach initiative provides direct access to NASA research and mission updates, potentially inspiring public interest in space science and aerospace careers while increasing transparency about agency priorities. The series addresses both fundamental science questions and practical workforce development needs.
Understand the Science
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Voices Shaping the Future of Space
Members of the public are invited to join some of NASA’s brightest minds as they discuss agency missions and current topics in aerospace technology, science, and innovation. Each event will feature NASA experts, and the series will cover a range of topics including our search for life within the universe, the Moon Base, airplanes of the future, and the impact of artificial intelligence on education and the technological workforce.
There is no cost to attend, and preregistration is not required. Seating is limited and available on a first -come, first-served basis.
For all series events, the location is the Webb Auditorium within NASA Headquarters located at 300 Hidden Figures Way SW, Washington, D.C.
Event Schedule & Speakers (all times Eastern)
Thursday, June 18 | 11-11:30 a.m.
- AVATAR – (A Virtual Astronaut Tissue Analog Response) Flies Around the Moon
- Featured Speaker: Dr. Lisa Carnell, director, Biological and Physical Sciences Division
Thursday, June 18 | 2-2:30 p.m.
- Eclipse Science – How NASA Uses Total Solar Eclipses for Science
- Featured Speakers: Nicki Rayl, deputy division director, Heliophysics Division, and Dr. Kelly Korreck, program scientist, Heliophysics Division
Monday, June 22 | 11-11:30 a.m.
- NASA’s Bold Horizon: Internships, NASA Force, and Your Role in History
- Featured Speakers: Kelly Elliott, chief human capital officer, and Daniel Costello, director, Human Capital Office, NASA’s Johnson Space Center
Monday, June 22 | 2-2:30 p.m.
- Speaker Spotlight with Dr. Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator, Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate
Tuesday, June 23 | 11-11:30 a.m.
- Speaker Spotlight with Elaine Ho, associate administrator, NASA Office of STEM Engagement
Tuesday, June 23 | 2-2:30 p.m.
- Future of Flight and the Airplanes of Tomorrow
Friday, June 26 | 11-11:30 a.m.
- Other Worlds: The Search for Life in the Universe
- Featured Speakers: Dr. Joshua Pepper, program scientist, Astrophysics Division, and Dr. Hannah Jang-Condell, program scientist, Exoplanet Mass Measurement
Tuesday, June 30 | 11-11:30 a.m.
- Moving Faster Toward the Future of Astrophysics
- Featured Speaker: Dr. Jessica Gaskin, research astrophysicist, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center
Tuesday, June 30 | 2-2:30 p.m.
- Space Weather: Overview of astronaut safety and Earth-based end user implications
For More Information
To ask questions about the Frontiers Forum Speaker Series, email: hq-ocommevents@mail.nasa.gov.
Source: Frontiers Forum Speaker Series