National Space Science Symposium 2026

PS1 Space-Based Meteorology, Oceanography, Geosphere–Biosphere Interactions, and Climate Change

Venue: TBD

This plenary session will delve into the transformative role of space-based observations in advancing our understanding of meteorology, oceanography, geosphere–biosphere interactions, and climate change. With a focus on cutting-edge satellite technologies, the session will highlight recent progress in monitoring key atmospheric and oceanic parameters such as aerosols, trace gases, precipitation, and cloud dynamics. These observations are critical for unraveling the complex feedback mechanisms within the Earth system that drive both short-term weather patterns and long-term climate variability. The session will further explore how space-based data is enabling deeper insights into interactions between the geosphere and biosphere, influencing ecological processes, biogeochemical cycles, and environmental sustainability. By showcasing the latest scientific advancements and technological innovations, this session aims to underscore the vital contributions of space science in addressing the global challenge of climate change and enhancing predictive capabilities for future Earth system behavior.

PS3 Solar and Planetary Sciences

Venue: TBD

The session on Solar and Planetary Science at NSSS 2026 will bring together experts, scientists, researchers, and emerging scholars to discuss the latest advancements and discoveries in the interconnected domains of Solar and Planetary Sciences. The plenary session will serve as a curtain-raiser, highlighting the ideation, progress, key findings, and future directions of India’s flagship solar and planetary space missions. Interdisciplinary and parallel sessions will facilitate in-depth discussions, cross-disciplinary dialogues, and vibrant exchanges on significant scientific results and the techniques that enabled these discoveries. Key topics to be explored include findings from the Aditya-L1 mission; studies on the Sun, solar wind, and heliospheric physics; solar eruptive events; results from the Chandrayaan missions; investigations of solar system bodies; planetary analogues; planetary geology; and the dynamics of planetary atmospheres, ionospheres, and magnetospheres. Additionally, the session will delve into Sun–planet interactions, space weather phenomena, and future solar and planetary missions and instrumentation.

PS5 Enabling Technologies for Space Exploration

Venue: TBD

In the backdrop of ongoing space exploration and India’s Space Vision 2047, which envisions the establishment of a Bharatiya Antariksha Station and the landing of Indian astronauts on the Moon, this session invites abstracts that propose innovative ideas for the development of novel space technologies and engineering solutions. Contributions are sought from Indian researchers, industries, and startups across a wide range of domains, including—but not limited to—quantum technologies, space robotics, AI/ML-based systems, in-situ resource utilization, sustainable space practices, spacecraft, communication and navigation systems, advanced sensors, relevant simulations, and scientific instruments for astronomy, cosmology, Earth and planetary explorations. Additional areas of interest include microgravity experiments, lunar structure construction, technologies enabling astronaut landings on the Moon, advanced propulsion systems, new materials, power and ground support systems, space habitats, biomimetics and biotechnologies, life support systems, as well as innovations that serve as spin-offs or spin-ins from space R&D.