The second edition of the International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations, SMOPS-2026, is being held in Bengaluru from 8 to 10 April 2026. The event focuses on innovative operations for smart and sustainable space mission management, with emphasis on next-generation mission planning, automation, large constellations, human spaceflight, space robotics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and ground station operations. It brings together space agencies, industry, academia, and start-ups to discuss the changing needs of mission operations in a rapidly expanding space sector.
Conference Theme and Scope
The conference covers the full mission operations chain, from design to execution. Key areas include mission strategy, advanced mission design, ground segment management, space domain awareness, lunar and interplanetary exploration, and downstream applications of space systems. The discussions also address emerging challenges linked to distributed operations, space traffic congestion, and the growing complexity of multi-satellite systems.
Organisation and Participation
SMOPS-2026 is jointly organised by ISRO, the Astronautical Society of India, and the International Academy of Astronautics. The inaugural session was attended by senior ISRO leadership and international space experts. The conference features 120 oral presentations and 88 poster presentations, along with keynote addresses and panel discussions by experts from ESA, CNES, DLR, NASA, JAXA, EUMETSAT, Eutelsat, TU Delft, and other institutions.
Role of AI, Robotics and Human Spaceflight
A major focus of the conference is the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in autonomous and efficient mission operations. Sessions also examine robotic mission operations, astronaut training, human space programme challenges, and future interplanetary missions. The conference marks the need for human-machine synergy in managing increasingly complex space systems.
ISRO’s Operational Experience and Future Outlook
ISTRAC, ISRO’s mission operations hub, has supported major missions from Aryabhata to NISAR, including Mangalyaan, Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and SpaDEx docking experiments. The conference is positioned as a platform to strengthen global cooperation and build a safe, sustainable, and smart roadmap for future space mission operations.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026