MAX POWER: NASA’s Inaugural Aerospace Expo Ignites America’s Future

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman presided over the inaugural MAX POWER aerospace expo and air show on November 7, 2026, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The event commemorated America's 250th anniversary and served as the debut of the agency's first exhibition of space and aeronautics advancements. Thousands of attendees participated in the multi-day, family-friendly festival held over early November.

Among the notable highlights of MAX POWER were a skydive by NASA Administrator Isaacman, the arrival of President Donald J. Trump, the announcement of a new experimental X-plane, and a student Moon Base challenge. Additionally, the agency discussed its latest lunar exploration plans and invited the public to witness various aircraft, rovers, autonomous vehicles, and technologies that will shape the future of air and space.

Throughout the event, NASA and its external collaborators hosted various private and public events, showcasing the latest aircraft, rovers, and technological innovations. Experts, astronauts, scientists, and engineers participated in moderated discussions and appearances. Key announcements included the opening of astronaut applications for Artemis and low Earth orbit missions, a $1 million competition for students to design Moon Base solutions, and numerous awards, task orders, and selections for companies advancing lunar base development.

Among the most significant advancements announced were NASA's nuclear-powered lunar rover PROMISE and the unveiling of the new X-70 Fractal X-plane, which promises to revolutionize crewed flight with its maneuverability and flight-control technology. The expo featured four flyovers, including those piloted by Isaacman and featuring T-38s, F-5s, and an ER-2.

NASA's Artemis III crew members also participated in the event, previewing their test flight in low Earth orbit in 2027. The astronauts included Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio, Andre Douglas, and ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano, who will fly aboard Orion, launch on the SLS, and test docking and rendezvous capabilities with the Blue Origin Blue Moon and SpaceX Starship lunar landers.

MAX POWER marked the first event of its kind organized by NASA, with plans for CAPEWEEK: The Great American Aerospace and Technology Expo scheduled for March 27 through April 2, 2028. The new annual expo will continue to grow, with an expected audience of over 500,000 people, demonstrating NASA's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the aerospace industry.