The Trent Building at the University of Nottingham

1st IAA Planetary Sunshade Workshop

13 - 15 May 2026

The International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Planetary Sunshade Workshop, held in the beautiful setting of the University of Nottingham, will bring together leading engineers, scientists, and policy experts to advance the emerging field of planetary sunshades.

With global average temperatures now exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and projections indicating that the coming years will remain at or near record highs, the exploration of planetary sunshade concepts offers a critical forum for advancing interdisciplinary strategies to mitigate climate risks and safeguard Earth's future.

Graphic showing various trajectories of Earth's temperature from different forecasts — Image courtesy of the Planetary Sunshade Foundation

Over three days, participants will share recent work, sharpen priorities, and explore what it would truly take to design, build, and deploy a planetary-scale sunshade.

The workshop will highlight technical progress, strengthen community ties, and channel collective energy into proposals with scientific integrity that can attract funding and drive the field forward.

Expected Outcomes

Clearer understanding of the most promising technical pathways, grounded in rigorous science and engineering
Alignment on one or more concrete proposals worthy of funding and collective support
A stronger identity for the core technical community, enriched by policy, governance, and industry perspectives
Momentum to expand capacity - more people, resources, and visibility - accelerating progress toward future flight missions