"A monthly collision of visionaries, disruptors, and builders shaping the next frontier."

The Ion is proud to present “NASA Stories at the Ion”—a one-of-a-kind morning series spotlighting the human side of space exploration. Each session will feature personal and powerful stories from astronauts and key NASA personnel. From breathtaking missions aboard the International Space Station to unexpected lessons in leadership and teamwork, this series offers a behind-the-scenes look at spaceflight, told by the people who’ve lived it.

This speaker series is designed to inspire anyone curious about what it takes to push the boundaries of human potential. Complimentary breakfast and networking kicks off each event.

Join us for the inaugural edition of “NASA Stories at the Ion” featuring veteran NASA astronaut Dr. Tracy C. Dyson. In this conversation, Dr. Dyson will share stories from her remarkable 373 days in space, her experiences aboard the International Space Station, and the leadership lessons she’s learned while orbiting 250 miles above Earth.

We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them.

Join us this month as we partner with Houston AI to discuss AI in Space.  The Houston AI session will start at 4:30 pm and include a talk on “The Role of AI in Human Spaceflight” and a panel discussion featuring experts in the roles AI will play in the future of Human Space Exploration.

We will segue into our NASA Tech Talk at 6pm for a demonstration of a NASA developed Intelligent Medical Crew Agent (IMCA) aka “Doc-In-A-Box”. Led by Lui Wang, this project is aimed to accelerate the maturation and flight readiness of an AI-enabled intelligent First Aid Medical kit developed for Earth Independent Medical Operations. This kit combines three AI agents to assist medical and non-medical crewmembers in assessing, diagnosing, and treating ongoing or emergent medical conditions with local computing resources and no remote SME support.

Please join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught!

Houston AI in partnership with Rice Nexus and NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration launches: SpaceAI on June 26 @ The Ion

Join us for a power-packed panel featuring some of the top minds in space and AI from:
-- NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
-- Axiom Space
-- Intuitive Machines
-- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston)

This exclusive event, organized by ICEX Spain Trade and Investment and the Economic and Commercial Offices of the Spanish Embassy in the United States, in collaboration with the Greater Houston Partnership and the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will focus on strengthening business ties between Spain and the U.S. The Summit Will feature high-level discussions, expert panels and networking opportunities in key sectors like Energy, Smart Infrastructure and tech solutions, Space and Life Sciences.

Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges–and apply your skills and expertise to solve them.In these presentations, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges, and the associated opportunities, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community.Join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught!

We are excited to invite you to the Rice Space Institute’s end-of-the-year event on Wednesday, May 14, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Anderson-Clarke Event Commons 104.

This reception is a great opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and celebrate a successful year of innovation and discovery with fellow researchers, students, and professionals who are shaping the future of space science and exploration.

Whether you're deeply involved in space research or simply curious about what’s next at RSI, your presence makes a difference. Don’t miss out!

Please RSVP by Friday, May 9.

Interested in learning more about Rice Space Institute activities and meeting directly with our faculty research affiliates, please RSVP to join us in Anderson-Clarke Lecture Hall 107 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Spanning approximately 86,000 SF of space, with stunning design and game-changing amenities–Ion coworking provides experiential coworking space for Houston’s great thinkers, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers. Learn more about Industrious below, purchase a day pass or book a tour!

Join the Rice Alliance for Business and Entrepreneurship for the Industrious Launch Party on Thursday, May 8th from 5 PM-8 PM!

Join us on May 5th for a landmark day at Helix Park for the official launch of the RBL LLC, a cutting-edge space at Helix Park designed to accelerate biotech breakthroughs. This special event will celebrate innovation and the future of biotechnology. To mark this occasion, Robert Ruffolo will deliver a keynote presentation, followed by a fireside chat featuring Robert Ruffolo and Robert Langer, moderated by Matthew Herper of STAT. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness thought leadership and innovation shaping the future of biotech innovations.

This month NASA Tech Talks is once again partnering with the Rice Space Institute.

In an ambitious effort to fuel startup growth, drive research and forge international partnerships, the Rice Space Institute, in partnership with Business France, the French Space Agency CNES and the French Consulate in Houston have launched the Texas-France Space Hub that aims to unite academic institutions and private enterprises to expand commercial space presence in both countries.  The first cohort of companies arrived at The Ion in early April and will be participating as part of the Rice Nexus over the next 2 months.  This first cohort consists of Absolut Sensing, which specializes in high-precision satellite data for methane emissions detection; Geeglee, a software platform designed to enhance decision-making in architecture and systems engineering; Agena Space, which develops in-orbit mobility solutions powered by green propulsion; and Watt & Well, a company focused on designing high-performance power electronics for space applications. Join us to learn more about the Texas-France Space Hub, and to hear from each of these companies.

Astronaut Jack Fischer will be talking about everything from testing jets at the edge of crazy, living in orbit, and even building and flying robotic moon landers. Through these he will discuss and answer how can you approach seemingly impossible challenges with a team and succeed.

Join us for an unforgettable community block party celebrating the vibrant Texas commercial space and aerospace ecosystem!

Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium presents it’s fourth speaker and networking workshop in Fort Worth, TX.

This month NASA Tech Talks is proud to bring you Dr. Tyson Brunstetter to discuss “Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) and its risk to NASA astronauts”.

Join NASA and other entities from across the state – commercial aerospace, non-profit, higher education, government, and military – at the Texas Capitol to celebrate the forward momentum of the burgeoning Texas space economy through free public exhibits, events, and programming.