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Orange County

San Gabriel Valley

aero

The 21st Annual AIAA Southern California Aerospace Systems and Technology (ASAT) Conference



Sponsored by the Orange County and San Gabriel Valley Sections of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics


Saturday, April 25th, 2026


Hosted by:

University of California, Irvine (UCI)

Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building

Irvine, CA

Conference Co-Chairs

Orange County:

.San Gabriel Valley:

.UCI:


Dr. Arun Bhattacharya, OC Section Technical Chair

Dr. Harsha Reddy, SGV Section Vice-Chair

Dr. Jacqueline Huyhn, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The objective of the AIAA Southern California Aerospace Systems and Technology (SoCal ASAT) Conference is to bring together seasoned and new engineers, researchers, leaders, managers, academia and students, and provide a forum to exchange new ideas, review achievements, and chart a new course for aerospace in the local area. The AIAA Orange County and San Gabriel Valley Sections will highlight their activities during the past year during the included luncheon. Members, as well as non-members, are welcome.

Keynote Speakers


Morning Keynote: "Topological Optimization in a Model Based Engineering Framework", Dr. H. Alicia Kim, Jacobs Scholars Chair Professor, University of California, San Diego



Afternoon Keynote: "Space Technologies from MHz to THz for Addressing Fundamental Science Questions", Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, Senior Research Scientist at NASA-Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Visiting Professor at California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA

Event Theme

Southern California has had a rich history of leadership and innovation in the aerospace industry. Many aircraft, spacecraft, missile, and space exploration programs were conceived and executed here within a several mile radius of each other. The amount of talent, experience, and expertise that resides in the area is immeasurable. However, the nature, landscape, and focus of the local aerospace industry are rapidly changing. The objective of the AIAA Southern California Aerospace Systems and Technology (SoCal ASAT) Conference is to bring together seasoned and new engineers, researchers, leaders, managers, academia, and students and provide a forum to exchange new ideas, review achievements, and chart a new course for aerospace in the local area. Come share your expertise and insights with other local professionals and tap this unprecedented resource.



Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks Included

During lunch, the AIAA Orange County and San Gabriel Valley Sections will highlight our activities during the past year and celebrate the achievements of some of our professional and student members.



Schedule

8:00 - 8:30 AM - Check-in and Continental Breakfast

8:30 - 9:00 AM - Welcome and Introduction

9:00 - 10:00 AM - Keynote Address by Dr. H. Alicia Kim

10:00 AM - Noon - Morning Breakout Sessions

Noon - 1:30 PM - Lunch and AIAA OC and SGV Section Presentations

1:30 - 2:30 PM - Keynote Address by Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay

2:30 - 6:00 PM - Afternoon Breakout Sessions

6:00 - 6:15 PM - Wrap-Up/Feedback


A complete schedule of the presentations and presenters is here.

 


Conference Registration*

AIAA Member: $85.00

Non-Member: $99.00

Student: $40.00

Continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be served.


*In the past, employers have covered the cost of conference registration. Ask your manager!


Your parking costs are covered, courtesy of the Caltech Center for Technology & Management Education.


Dates to Remember

  • Saturday, April 11th, 2026 – Electronic Copy of Presentations Due
  • Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 – Registration Deadline
  • Saturday, April 25th, 2026 – ASAT Conference


Additional Information

Questions should be addressed to: Dr. Arun Bhattacharya at drarunabh@yahoo.com, or Dr. Harsha Reddy at harsha@alumni.caltech.edu.