The second edition of the international conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations (SMOPS-2026) commenced in Bengaluru on Tuesday, bringing together global space agencies, scientists, industry leaders and researchers to deliberate on the future of space mission management.
The three-day conference, themed “Innovative Operations for Smart and Sustainable Space Mission Management – Next Generation,” is being jointly organised by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Astronautical Society of India (ASI) and the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).
The event was inaugurated by former ISRO Chairman A. S. Kiran Kumar in the presence of ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, along with other senior officials and international representatives.
Focus on next-generation mission operations
SMOPS-2026 aims to address a wide spectrum of topics related to spacecraft mission operations, including advanced mission design, automation, artificial intelligence, large satellite constellations, human spaceflight, robotics, cybersecurity and interplanetary exploration.
The conference features over 120 oral and 88 poster presentations, along with keynote sessions by experts from leading global space agencies such as NASA, ESA, JAXA and others.
Key themes being discussed include mission operations strategy, AI-driven automation, ground segment innovations, space domain awareness and the growing role of the new space economy.
Addressing future challenges in space
In his inaugural address, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan highlighted the importance of meticulous planning and flawless execution in ensuring the success of space missions. He emphasised the need for stronger international collaboration to tackle emerging challenges such as increasing space traffic, complex mission architectures and the rise of large satellite constellations.
Experts at the conference also underscored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in enabling more autonomous and efficient mission operations, particularly as space missions become more complex and data-intensive.
Platform for collaboration and innovation
The conference serves as a key platform for collaboration between global space agencies, startups, academia and industry stakeholders. Discussions are focused on developing innovative solutions for sustainable and secure space operations in an evolving global space ecosystem.
The event is being led by the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), which has played a central role in India’s major space missions, including Mangalyaan, Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1.
Engaging young professionals
An exclusive workshop for students and young professionals is scheduled on the final day of the conference, aimed at fostering the next generation of space scientists and engineers.
With India expanding its space ambitions, including plans for human spaceflight and deep space exploration, SMOPS-2026 is expected to play a crucial role in shaping future strategies for smart, sustainable and collaborative space mission operations.
