NASA in the 21st Century Symposium
NASA Science ·
NASA in the 21st Century History, Change, and Institutional Adaptation NASA History Office SymposiumNovember 16–17, 2027James Webb Auditorium, NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C. Call for Papers Overview The first quarter of the 21st century has brought profound change to NASA. Since 2000, the agency has navigated the final years of the Space Shuttle Program and the […] The post NASA in the 21st Century Symposium appeared first on NASA Science .
NASA History Office Symposium November 16–17, 2027 James Webb Auditorium, NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
The first quarter of the 21st century has brought profound change to NASA. Since 2000, the agency has navigated the final years of the Space Shuttle Program and the development of the International Space Station; the Columbia accident and its aftermath; the rise and cancellation of the Constellation Program; the emergence of commercial space partnerships; changing international relationships; and the development of the Artemis Program. Simultaneously, NASA’s roles in Earth science, aeronautics, astrophysics, planetary science, heliophysics, and space technology have continued to evolve.
The NASA History Office invites historians, interdisciplinary scholars, NASA leaders and practitioners, scientists, engineers, and other researchers to participate in a symposium examining NASA’s history and institutional evolution since 2000.
The symposium will explore not only what changed at NASA, but also how and why the agency changed. The NASA History Office views this historical analysis as a means to illuminate the institutional structures, relationships, decisions, assumptions, and experiences that have shaped NASA’s contemporary trajectory, and in doing so, contribute to a deeper understanding of current plans and future possibilities.
Proposals are welcome on any aspect of NASA’s history since 2000. Topics might include, but are not limited to:
Proposals that place NASA’s experience within broader histories of the federal government, science and technology, U.S. institutions, international relations, or the global space sector are especially welcome.
The symposium will combine panel discussions, keynote presentations, and facilitated discussions designed to encourage conversation across disciplinary and professional boundaries.
Organizers anticipate that selected contributions may be developed for publication in a subsequent edited volume. Participants should therefore be prepared to develop their presentations into substantial historical essays following the symposium.
To be considered for participation, please submit:
Submissions should address an aspect of NASA’s history since 2000 and demonstrate a clear historical or analytical approach. Proposals from scholars at all career stages, as well as from NASA personnel and practitioners with relevant historical perspectives, are welcome.
Submission deadline: May 31, 2027
Please send submissions to Brian C. Odom , NASA Chief Historian at brian.c.odom@nasa.gov .
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