Global space agencies, industry and academia gather to discuss AI, mission operations, and future space challenges.
The second edition of the International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations (SMOPS-2026) is being held in Bengaluru from April 8 to 10. The conference is jointly organised by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Astronautical Society of India and the International Academy of Astronautics.
The event was inaugurated on April 8 by former ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar in the presence of ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, along with other officials and international representatives.
The theme of the conference is focused on innovative operations for smart and sustainable space mission management.
It covers topics such as mission design and operations, automation, large constellations, human spaceflight, space robotics, space policy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and ground station operations.
The conference includes around 120 oral and 88 poster presentations. Experts from global space agencies including NASA, ESA, JAXA are participating as keynote speakers and panelists.
Discussions focussed on challenges in handling increasing space traffic, managing large satellite constellations, and addressing complexities in future human and interplanetary missions.
The role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in improving mission operations and enabling more autonomous systems is also being talked about.
The event also includes a workshop for students and young professionals on the final day.
ISTRAC, which handles spacecraft operations for ISRO missions, is playing a major role in organising the conference.
The event is also serving as a platform for collaboration between global space agencies, industry, startups, and academia.
Source: PIB
