NASA SmallSat LEARN In-Person Forum FAQ
NASA’s SmallSat LEARN Forum Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the goal of NASA’s SmallSat LEARN Forum?
NASA has extensive experience building and flying CubeSats and SmallSats, but knowledge resides in individual pockets within the agency and its partners. To facilitate networking, information exchange, and collaborative learning within the NASA SmallSat Community, NASA implemented the SmallSat LEARN Forum.
NASA’s SmallSat LEARN Forum is a resource aimed at providing the NASA SmallSat Community with collaboration opportunities and information. LEARN stands for Learning from Experiences, Achievements, and Resolution Navigation and through the forum we will share and learn together as a community to become smarter implementers of these missions.
The goals for this forum include:
- Expand personal and professional networks
- Break down barriers and silos
- Increase community awareness
- Reduce redundancies across the agency
- Increase opportunities to leverage cross-cutting capabilities and technologies across the agency’s SmallSat portfolio
NASA’s SmallSat LEARN Forum includes multiple activities: virtual meetings, an annual in-person meeting, business-utilized spacecraft (BUS) series, and website.
- Virtual meetings: bi-monthly interactive webinar series with community members presentations that allow for thoughtful discussion and promote cross-sharing of information and lessons learned. Each virtual forum session lasts 1 hour and consists primarily of mission presentations and a community discussion.
- In-person meeting: yearly meeting full of presentations, panel discussions, classes, workshops and networking opportunities to learn from each other and expand personal SmallSat networks.
- Business-Utilized Spacecraft (BUS) Series: bi-weekly presentations by spacecraft bus industry providers
- Website: online presence with additional information and an archive hosting previous sessions (https://www.nasa.gov/smallsat-institute/LEARN).
The intended LEARN Forum audience consists of individuals who have directly worked on or submitted proposals to work on NASA SmallSat projects and missions. This includes, but is not limited to, principal investigators, project managers, and lead systems engineers.
- How many community members attend the NASA’s SmallSat LEARN In-Person Forum?
The annual LEARN In-Person Technical Interchange Meeting started in 2022, with subsequent sessions in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The average participation over the 4 years is 90 attendees.
- Is there an option for virtual attendance to the NASA SmallSat LEARN In-Person Forum?
No virtual component is offered at this time. Networking is one of the primary goals of the meeting and it is more effective in person.
- Do I need a NASA-issued badge or pass to attend?
No, the NASA SmallSat LEARN In-Person Forum will take place at a NASA facility but it is located outside of the main security gate. A NASA badge or visitor pass will be required if participating on the NASA tour.
- I have a NASA-issued PIV badge, can I use it to access NASA’s GSFC if I normally work at a different Center?
Yes, your NASA-issued PIV badge can be used for accessing JSC. A NAMS request needs to be submitted and approved to gain access to the JSC campus.
- I am a US citizen or green card holder and do not have a NASA-issued PIV badge. What is the badging process at NASA’s JSC if I want to participate in the tour?
The LEARN staff will submit the request and further instructions to pick up the pass will be provided.
- I am a foreign national (not a US citizen or a green card holder). Can I register to attend the In-Person LEARN Forum in 2026?
Foreign nationals working as a Principal Investigator, Project Manager and/or Mission Systems Engineer of a NASA-funded mission can request registration to attend the forum. Participation in the tour is currently not available for foreign nationals.
- What lunch options are available during the In-Person LEARN Meeting?
The planning committee is evaluating options for a voluntary organized lunch to maximize time at the venue and increase networking opportunities. Participants will be able to order/pay for lunch ahead of time and food will be delivered to the event. It is highly recommended to participate in the organized lunch but the location has nearby restaurants for additional options.
- Is wireless internet available for my phone or my computer?
Guest wireless access is available across the campus. More information on how to access the service will be provided at the Forum.
- Where can I stay close to the event at the government per diem rate?
Johnson Space Center is in southern Houston, Texas with multiple hotels offering government per diem rates. Note, the Houston metro area per diem rate for September 2026 is $128 for lodging and $80 for M&IE.
- What airports are closer and more accessible to/from the event?
The Houston Hobby Airport is the closest to NASA JSC. For additional flight options, you can
consider using the Bush International Airport.
- I have additional questions that you haven’t answered yet. Who do I contact for more information?
If you have questions about the LEARN Forum, please contact gsfc-contact-learn@mail.nasa.gov.
