Next-Gen Space Exploration: Global Experts Gather in Bengaluru for SMOPS-2026 Conference
Bengaluru, April 8, 2026 — As the global space race accelerates into a new era, the city of Bengaluru is currently hosting some of the brightest minds in aerospace and astronomy. The second edition of the International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations, officially titled “SMOPS-2026,” kicked off in the city on Tuesday, April 8, with a strong focus on navigating the future of space exploration.
The three-day mega-event is jointly organized by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), and the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). The theme for this year’s convention is “Innovative Operations for Smart and Sustainable Space Mission Management – Next Generation.”
A Global Confluence of Ideas
SMOPS-2026 serves as a highly unique networking and collaborative platform, drawing leading experts, industry leaders, startups, and researchers from across the globe.
The conference was officially inaugurated by former ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar, alongside current ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan and senior officials like Dr. Jean Michel Contant, Secretary General of the IAA.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Narayanan stressed the critical need for global collaboration. He highlighted that as mission architectures become highly complex and space traffic increases, “meticulous planning and flawless execution” are non-negotiable for success.
The event boasts an impressive roster of international participants, featuring keynote speakers and panelists from top space agencies including NASA (USA), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), CNES (France), DLR (Germany), and IKI (Russia).
Navigating the Future with AI and Robotics
Over the course of the event, experts will deliberate on the massive technological shifts disrupting the current space landscape. Key themes under the spotlight include:
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for autonomous mission operations.
Advanced robotics and operations aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Large satellite constellation management and space domain awareness.
Human spaceflight programs and interplanetary exploration.
Cybersecurity protocols for upstream and downstream space systems.
The conference features over 120 oral presentations and 88 poster sessions detailing cutting-edge solutions for the new space economy.
Fostering the Next Generation
The entire event is being spearheaded by the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC)—the pivotal nerve center responsible for India’s massive milestones, including the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing, the Mangalyaan mission, and the Aditya-L1 solar observatory.
As ISRO gears up for its ambitious human spaceflight endeavors, SMOPS-2026 will culminate on April 10 with an exclusive workshop entirely dedicated to students and young professionals. The workshop aims to nurture the next generation of space scientists, featuring invited talks on astronaut training and robotic space applications, ensuring India remains at the forefront of the global aerospace industry.