Theme: “Innovative Operations for Smart and Sustainable Space Mission Management – Next Generation”
Chairman ISRO calls for global synergy and innovative solutions to address evolving space sector challenges
The second edition of the International Conference on “Spacecraft Mission Operations: SMOPS-2026” was inaugurated today in Bengaluru, India. Centered on the theme “Innovative Operations for Smart and Sustainable Space Mission Management – Next Generation,” the three-day event (April 8-10) is being jointly organized by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the Astronautical Society of India (ASI) and the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) in collaboration with various space startups.
The conference was inaugurated by A. S. Kiran Kumar, former Chairman of ISRO/Secretary DOS. The ceremony was attended by Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman ISRO/Secretary DOS; M. Sankaran, Director URSC; Dr. Jean-Michel Contant, Secretary General IAA; and Dr. A. K. Anil Kumar, Director ISTRAC.
During the inaugural address, Dr. Narayanan, Chairman ISRO emphasized that the success of any space mission hinges on the meticulous planning and flawless execution of mission operations. The Chairman underscored the necessity for the Indian space sector to proactively engage with global counterparts to find innovative solutions to modern challenges.
One of the central themes of SMOPS-2026 is navigating the increasing complexity of diversified and distributed mission operational concepts. These complexities arise from:
- Disruptive technological innovations.
- The advent of large satellite constellations.
- Exacerbating space traffic congestion.
- Ambitious human space exploration beyond Earth’s orbit.
The conference highlighted the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in fostering autonomous, efficient mission operations through human-machine synergy.
The conference, a first-of-its-kind in India, features 120 oral presentations and 88 poster presentations. It has drawn leading domain experts, keynote speakers, and panelists from premier global agencies and institutions, including:
- ESA (Europe), CNES (France), DLR (Germany).
- NASA (USA), JAXA (Japan).
- IBMP and IKI (Russia).
- Eumetsat, Eutelsat, Celestrak, and TU Delft (Canada/Netherlands).
The final day of the conference (April 10) will feature an exclusive workshop for students and young professionals. This session will include invited talks on Space Domain Awareness, Space Applications, and the intricacies of robotic operations on the International Space Station (ISS). In the backdrop of a burgeoning private space sector in India, SMOPS-2026 serves as a vital confluence of ideas, fostering international cooperation and partnerships to chart a safe and sustainable roadmap for the future of global space mission operations.
