Umiam, Meghalaya: In a move that will immensely benefit the Indian space research community, Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary of the Department of Space (DOS) and Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), officially unveiled the 23rd National Space Science Symposium (NSSS-2026). The announcement was made during a high-profile online event that also marked the launch of the symposium’s dedicated website, www.nsss2026.in.
Scheduled to take place from February 23 to 27, 2026, the 23rd edition of NSSS will be hosted by the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) at Umiam in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya. NESAC, an autonomous organization under the Department of Space, Government of India, has been pivotal in leveraging space technology for the holistic development of India’s North Eastern region since its inception in 2000.
The National Space Science Symposium, a flagship biennial event initiated in 1978, has evolved significantly over the decades. It now serves as a premier platform for Indian researchers, academicians, and space science professionals to present cutting-edge research, engage in scientific discourse, and collaborate on challenges and innovations in space science and technology.
The virtual launch event was graced by several eminent personalities, including Mr. A.S. Kiran Kumar, former Secretary DOS and Chairman ISRO, who also chairs the National Organising Committee for NSSS-2026. Other notable attendees included Mr. M. Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary of ISRO; Dr. S.P. Aggarwal, Director of NESAC; Dr. Tirtha Pratim Das, Director of the Science Programme Office at ISRO Headquarters; along with senior academicians from leading Indian research institutions and officials from ISRO and DOS.
Symposium Highlights and Scientific Scope
NSSS-2026 promises to be a comprehensive scientific congregation featuring:
- Six parallel technical sessions covering diverse themes such as atmospheric sciences, space and planetary sciences, astronomy, astrophysics, and solar system exploration.
- Plenary and interdisciplinary sessions designed to foster cross-domain collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Public lectures and invited talks by leading experts and pioneers in space science.
- A dedicated student session aimed at nurturing and encouraging young scientific talent.
- Oral and poster presentations providing a platform for researchers to showcase their latest findings.
- An exhibition featuring innovations and contributions from industry and government agencies in the space sector.
This format reflects NSSS’s commitment to advancing space science research in India, aligning with global trends in space exploration and technology development.
The choice of NESAC as the host institution underscores the growing importance of space-based applications in regional development. Established on September 5, 2000, NESAC focuses on utilizing space technology for environmental monitoring, disaster management, natural resource management, and sustainable development in the North Eastern states of India. Hosting NSSS-2026 at Umiam will highlight the region’s emerging role in India’s space science ecosystem.
Since its inception in 1978 at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, NSSS has been a cornerstone event for India’s space science community. Conducted every two years, it brings together researchers from universities, research institutes, and space agencies across the country. The symposium fosters collaboration, encourages innovation, and helps shape the future trajectory of space science research in India.
Stay Updated: Visit the Official NSSS-2026 Website.
