The 9th Interstellar Symposium:
Distant Worlds, Neighboring Opportunities
Mission Success!
Our theme in 2025 was that interstellar missions remain an aspirational goal, and all steps have far-reaching effects by coloring our immediate challenges. Videos and a letter from our President will be coming soon!
Click here to View Schedule!!
Distant Worlds, Neighboring Opportunities
An Interstellar Research Group Event
Held from October 12-15, 2025AT&T Conference Center
University of Texas at Austin
Keynote Speaker
Applying the DARPA Method to Becoming an Interstellar Species:
The Plan, and Economic Guiding Principles, to Actually get it Done
Presented by Dr. Michael “Orbit” Nayak
Program Manager at DARPA
Learn more
Dr. Michael “Orbit” Nayak didn’t come to DARPA intending to start the DoD’s first lunar research program, but in creating and running it, he has interacted with policymakers, NASA and its international counterparts, private equity, space insurance firms, and new space innovators from across the spectrum. As a DARPA program manager, he also has experience in boiling down large visions into concrete, actionable technology leaps that can be made and measured, but also in transitioning those technology leaps to commercial industry and other government agencies for widespread use. He will bring that unique lens to a lively discussion of what it will take to become an interstellar species – guiding principles, a plan, and of course, a Heilmeier Catechism intended to inspire and guide future innovators.
Pre-Symposium Seminars
Sunday, 12/Oct/2025: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Conflict in Space
Space War – Not Just Science Fiction Anymore
Presented by Dr. Ken Wisian
Major General, US Air Force (retired)
Space is already a battleground. As humanity expands into space, conflict may follow—as an extension of politics and power dynamics. While war in space isn’t guaranteed, it remains a strong possibility, demanding attention and understanding. Moreover, there is no evidence that any encountered extraterrestrial civilizations would be benign; prudence calls for preparation.
This seminar addresses both the history and evolving reality of space warfare. While science fiction often dramatizes interstellar battles, current developments are more grounded but advancing rapidly. The session explores the principles, strategies, tactics, and technologies of space war, with a particular focus on conflict scenarios beyond Low Earth Orbit—whether between human factions or with alien intelligence.
By understanding the potential for conflict, humanity may better prepare for and ideally avoid it. As Sun Tzu wrote, “The art of war is of vital importance to the State.” In the cosmic arena, that art may prove vital to our survival.
Sunday, 12/Oct/2025: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Space Propulsion
A Survey of Slower-Than-Light Interstellar Propulsion
Presented by Jeff Greason
Chief Technologist of Electric Sky
This 3-hour seminar offers a detailed overview of realistic slower-than-light interstellar propulsion systems, adapted from courses taught at Kepler Space University and NASA MSFC. It begins with a physics foundation and a classification of propulsion concepts—the “Zwicky Box”—including fission, fusion, and antimatter rockets; sails and drag devices; propellers, jets, and other non-rocket approaches.
The seminar explores advanced and hybrid systems such as beamed energy (via lasers, microwaves, or particle beams), momentum transfer, and harvesting concepts. It offers a holistic look at feasible propulsion technologies, emphasizing near-future engineering. Time permitting, a brief discussion will address the “wait problem”—whether it’s better to launch now or wait for better tech.
Tissue Engineering for Long Duration Space Flight
Presented by Dr. Robert E. Hampson
Neuroscientist, educator, and science fiction author
Popular discussions of space exploration typically emphasize propulsion, spacecraft engineering, radiation hazards, and psychological challenges such as isolation or confinement. However, successfully venturing into deep space and truly becoming Homo stellaris—the People of the Stars—requires addressing a broader spectrum of biological challenges.
At the 2013 Interstellar Symposium, Dr. Robert E. Hampson highlighted a stark reality: prolonged space missions pose significant risks of cognitive decline, including dementia, upon arrival at distant destinations. Beyond well-known dangers such as radiation exposure, altered gravity, and vacuum, astronauts will inevitably face common health issues associated with aging, injury, and disease. Conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, arthritis, dental problems, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases cannot be fully prevented through crew selection alone. Additionally, the interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental factors—many poorly understood on Earth and virtually unknown in space—further complicates efforts to maintain crew health.
This seminar addresses anticipated medical issues on space missions lasting months to decades. It evaluates genetic screening for crew selection, explores the effects of aging and the space environment, and showcases promising advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine—such as stem cell therapies, engineered organs, accelerated healing techniques, and neurodegenerative treatments.
Previous Announcements
Plenary Speakers
Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba
Dr. Mark Baumann
Grace Bittlingmaier
Gerald Jackson, PhD
Dr. Blankenship
Livian Von Dran
Jeff Greason
Prof. Roman Kezerashvili
Andrew Higgins
Zara Hasan
Bryan Troop
Albert Allen Jackson IV
Boris Petrovic
Justin C. Feng
Pauli Laine
Partnerships
For the 9th Interstellar Symposium, The Interstellar Research Group partnered with the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Planetary Systems Habitability.
IRG is proud to continue our collaboration with the International Academy of Astronautics
IAA is committed to tackling groundbreaking challenges in the peaceful exploration and use of space, which strongly overlaps with the mission and ethos of the IRG.
For more than 60 years, the IAA has pioneered space, uniting the world’s leading experts in astronautics to tackle groundbreaking challenges, recognize achievements, and provide direction for the peaceful exploration and use of space. By advancing global collaboration and innovation, IAA promotes international cooperation across all space-related fields and supports equitable access to space for all nations, for the benefit of humanity.