Next Breakthrough Technologies

The annual International Space Development Conference (ISDC) is the keynote event of the National Space Society (NSS), bringing together leading managers, engineers, scientists, educators, and business people from civilian, military, commercial, entrepreneurial, and grassroots advocacy space sectors. ISDC has been held in various locations throughout North America since 1982, featuring renowned speakers such as Buzz Aldrin, Eric Anderson, Charles Bolden, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Peter Diamandis, Lori Garver, Richard Garriott, Bill Nye, Elon Musk, Seth Shostak, Simon ‘Pete’ Worden, and many others. This conference has attracted up to 1300 attendees from over 20 countries, with ISDC 2014 bringing together over 1000 attendees. ISDC also features plenary talks, keynote speakers, multi-disciplinary tracks, exhibit hall, design contests, book signing, and more.

Why “Next Breakthrough Technologies”?

We have heard the terms ‘game-changing technologies’ or ‘exponential technologies’, but what are these breakthrough technologies all about? Where are they being utilized? How are they impacting various sectors such as the space industry? And how can they be harnessed to enable the future of humankind in exploration and better quality of life?

Breakthrough Technologies are not only paving the future, but are critical to the success of any sector, including the space industry and space-related applications. Whether it is 3-D printing to address medical issues, or modifying genes for eradicating diseases or handling extreme environments, or bio-computers that regenerate and are compact, these game-changing technologies are valuable both on Earth and in enabling Space Exploration.

— National Space Society