Apollo mission leader and veteran NASA Flight Director to headline global space development event in Virginia
The National Space Society has announced that Apollo Flight Director Gerry Griffin will deliver a keynote address at the 44th International Space Development Conference (ISDC), scheduled to take place from June 4 to 7, 2026, in McLean, Virginia. The annual conference brings together leading figures from space exploration, science, industry, academia, and policy to advance the vision of a spacefaring civilization.
Griffin is widely recognized as one of the most experienced and influential figures in human spaceflight operations. During his NASA career, he served as a flight controller during the Gemini program and went on to become a Flight Director for every Apollo mission from Apollo 7 through Apollo 17. He led the Apollo Gold Team, playing a central role in mission execution during one of the most historic periods in space exploration.
Dr. Pascal Lee, Chair of ISDC 2026, emphasized Griffin’s significance to the Apollo legacy and his continued influence on space exploration today. He noted that the Apollo program remains one of humanity’s greatest achievements in engineering, science, and teamwork, made possible by the leadership of individuals like Griffin who guided missions under extreme technical and operational pressure.
Following Apollo, Griffin continued his distinguished career at NASA in senior leadership roles. He served as Congressional Liaison in Washington, D.C., helping bridge communication between NASA and U.S. policymakers. He later became Deputy Director at the Dryden Flight Research Center in California, followed by Deputy Director at the Kennedy Space Center. Eventually, he was appointed Director of the Johnson Space Center, where he oversaw early Space Shuttle missions and contributed to shaping NASA’s human spaceflight operations during a critical transitional era.
Beyond his government service, Griffin transitioned into private industry and has remained active on multiple boards and advisory roles. His expertise has also made him a sought-after consultant in the entertainment industry. He has contributed to and advised on several major motion pictures and productions focused on space exploration, including Contact, Apollo 13, Deep Impact, Apollo 18, and the HBO series From the Earth to the Moon. His most recent screen credit includes the film Fly Me to the Moon.
Rod Pyle, ISDC 2026 Co-Chair and author of Griffin’s official biography, described him as one of the most remarkable individuals in the space sector. He highlighted Griffin’s lifelong commitment to advancing space exploration and his continued involvement in public service and advisory roles even in his nineties. Pyle also noted Griffin’s recent leadership contribution in supporting recovery efforts following flooding in central Texas in 2024, underscoring his enduring dedication to leadership and service.
The International Space Development Conference is the flagship annual event of the National Space Society. It brings together more than a thousand participants, including engineers, scientists, executives, educators, students, policymakers, and space enthusiasts from around the world. The event serves as a platform for collaboration and discussion on advancing humanity’s future in space.
The 2026 conference theme, “Space for Us All,” reflects the growing global emphasis on accessibility, inclusion, and shared progress in space development. The agenda will cover a wide range of topics including lunar exploration, Mars missions, cislunar infrastructure, deep space technologies, commercial space development, planetary defense, space law, space solar power, and sustainability challenges such as space debris mitigation.
Additional focus areas include human habitation in space, life support systems, international collaboration, and emerging technologies that support long duration missions beyond Earth. The conference also highlights the increasing role of private sector participation in space exploration and the integration of science, policy, and industry.
The National Space Society, founded in 1987 through the merger of the National Space Institute and the L5 Society, is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting space exploration and human expansion beyond Earth. It engages millions through educational outreach, advocacy, and global programming.
Griffin’s keynote is expected to be one of the most anticipated sessions of ISDC 2026, offering historical insight from the Apollo era alongside reflections on the future of human spaceflight. His participation connects the legacy of early space exploration with the evolving vision of sustainable and collaborative space development.
More information about the conference is available through the National Space Society’s official ISDC website.
