Forum Information

Blue Skies Forum Info

The 2025 Gateways to Blue Skies Forum will be held May 20-21, 2025 in Palmdale, CA. The Forum is closed to the public.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • The Online Registration deadline is 11:59 PM ET on April 17, 2025. Late registrations cannot be accepted or accommodated. No exceptions. [Subject to change]
  • The Hotel Reservation deadline is 11:59 PM ET April 20, 2025. After this time, the group rate will no longer be valid. [Subject to change]
  • Final Technical Papers & Infographics are due at 11:59 PM ET on May 4, 2025. No exceptions.
  • Presentation Chart Decks are due at Noon ET on May 16, 2025. No exceptions. 
  • Due to NASA security restrictions and policies, Foreign Nationals may not be able to attend culminating Gateways to Blue Skies Forum events that take place on-site at a NASA Center (including tours). 
Visit the Competition Details Page

View the 2025 Forum Agenda.

View the 2025 Forum Program Book.

View the 2025 Forum Menu.

The public is invited to view the annual Gateways to Blue Skies Forum via Livestream!

Note: Only team presentations will be broadcast. Questions may be posed via the Livestream broadcast, and will be asked if time allows during each team’s Q&A.


The Embassy Suites
39375 5th St. W
Palmdale, CA, 93551

The 2025 Gateways to Blue Skies Forum will be held at the Embassy Suites Palmdale Hotel. Teams are encouraged to stay at the host hotel, taking advantage of the negotiated group rate of $191/night + tax (approx. $23.27). This rate includes a full breakfast. The following events will be held at the Embassy Suites Palmdale Hotel:

  • Competition Check-In – 6:30-8:30 PM, Monday, May 19, 2025
  • Team Presentations – May 20-21, 2025

Hotel Reservations Online Link (expires April 20, 2025)

Arrivals Note: Please plan to arrive by 6:30 PM Pacific Time on May 19, 2025.

Departures Note: Please plan to depart on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Local Airports:

  • Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) – Approximately 55 mins from the Embassy Suites.
  • Los Angeles International (LAX) – Approximately 1 hr. 19 minutes minutes from the Embassy Suites.


Embassy Suites Palmdale

Forum Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2025 Gateways to Blue Skies Forum, which will be held May 20-21, 2025 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Palmdale, CA.

Each individual must register for the competition, including faculty advisors, judges, staff, sponsors, and special guests.

Due to NASA security restrictions and policies, FNs will not be able to attend the NASA Armstrong Tour on May 21. 

The Blue Skies Forum is not open to the public.

A registration fee will be charged upon completion of the form. Group payments can be made; select “to be paid by group payment” at the end of the individual registration form. Follow the link provided after the form is submitted to make a group payment. When completing the Group Payment Form, include all names of individuals the group payment will cover to ensure payment is applied appropriately to those individuals.

Direct questions about registration, payment and group payment to the Blue Skies Program Manager at blueskies@nianet.org.