Space Port
National Science Foundation Conference on Atmospheric Research Using Commercial Suborbital Vehicles
Dates: February 27 – 28, 2025
Location: Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Paso Robles, California
People:
- NSF funding principal investigators:
- Dianne DeTurris, ddeturri@calpoly.edu
- Dustin DeBrum, ddebrum@calpoly.edu
- Conference content and schedule planning: Kurt Colvin, kcolvin@calpoly.edu
- Paso Robles Economic Development: Paul Sloan, psloan@prcity.com
Accommodations:
Exploring the "Ignorosphere": A Conference on Commercial Suborbital Research
Paso Robles, California
Join leaders in atmospheric science, commercial spaceflight, engineering, and education for a groundbreaking 1.5-day, NSF-sponsored workshop exploring new frontiers in upper atmosphere research. This conference brings together diverse perspectives to revolutionize how we study one of Earth’s most mysterious regions – the Mesosphere Lower Thermosphere (MLT).
Why Attend?
The upper atmosphere, located below the Kármán line (100 kilometers), plays a crucial role in space weather, climate patterns, and atmospheric dynamics. Despite its importance, it remains one of the least understood parts of our planet. This region is too high for conventional aircraft and too low for satellites, posing significant challenges for traditional research methods. However, commercial reusable suborbital vehicles are now providing unprecedented opportunities for regular and affordable access to this critical area.
Conference Highlights
- Learn about next-generation suborbital vehicle capabilities and their research applications
- Explore collaborative opportunities between academia, industry, and research institutions
- Discover innovative approaches to atmospheric science and data collection
- Network with leaders in commercial spaceflight, atmospheric research, and education
- Participate in discussions about democratizing access to space research
- Learn about successful suborbital research missions and their impacts
Who Should Attend?
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Commercial Spaceflight Companies
- Aerospace Engineers
- University Researchers and Students
- K-12 STEM Educators
- Community and Industry Leaders
- Government Agency Representatives
- Anyone interested in the future of space research and education
Why This Matters
Commercial suborbital vehicles are transforming space research by dramatically reducing costs and increasing flight frequency. This workshop will explore how these advances can revolutionize our understanding of Earth’s upper atmosphere while creating new opportunities for scientific discovery, technological innovation, and hands-on education.
Students and researchers who previously faced high barriers to space research can now envision complete end-to-end projects – from design to data analysis – for thousands rather than hundreds of thousands of dollars. This democratization of space research opens new possibilities for diverse participation and breakthrough discoveries.
Join us as we chart the course for a new era of atmospheric research and education. Together, we’ll explore how commercial spaceflight can unlock the secrets of the “ignorosphere” while inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
For registration information and conference details, please contact Kurt Colvin, Cal Poly/Paso Robles Spaceport Lead: kcolvin@calpoly.edu.