The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially launched the 23rd edition of the National Space Science Symposium (NSSS-2026). Scheduled to take place from February 23 to 27, 2026, the symposium will be hosted by the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) at Umiam, Shillong, Meghalaya.
This biennial event, which began in 1978 at Andhra University in Visakhapatnam, is a flagship platform for Indian space scientists, researchers, students, and industry professionals to come together and discuss new findings, trends, and ideas in space science and technology.
A Grand Launch by ISRO Leadership
The announcement of NSSS-2026 was made on July 3, 2025, by Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space (DOS) and Chairman of ISRO, during an online event streamed from ISRO Headquarters. Dr. Narayanan also launched the official website of the symposium.
The launch event saw the presence of eminent figures such as Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, former ISRO Chairman and Chair of the National Organising Committee for NSSS-2026, Shri M. Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary, ISRO, Dr. S.P. Aggarwal, Director of NESAC, and Dr. Tirtha Pratim Das, Director of the Science Programme Office at ISRO HQ. Senior academicians, scientists from various institutions, and officials from DOS and ISRO also attended the online gathering.
Who can register for NSSS-2026?
The NSSS-2026 is open to a wide range of participants who are interested in space science and technology. Researchers and scientists working in ISRO, universities, colleges, and national research labs are eligible to take part. Faculty members and academicians involved in teaching or guiding research in areas like astronomy, atmospheric science, planetary science, and astrophysics are also welcome.
Postgraduate (M.Sc., M.Tech.) and Ph.D. students doing research in space-related subjects can participate, especially in the dedicated Student Session, which is aimed at encouraging young minds. Even final-year undergraduate students (B.Sc. or B.Tech.) with a strong interest in space science may be allowed to attend, particularly for public lectures and student-focused events, if recommended by a faculty member.
People from industry, especially those working in aerospace and space technology, as well as government officials from science-related departments, are encouraged to join the exhibition and technical sessions. Select public lectures and exhibitions will also be open to the general public, including school students and science enthusiasts.
All participants must register through the official NSSS-2026 website and follow the guidelines and deadlines provided by the organizers.
NSSS-2026 Registration Fees
The registration fee for NSSS‑2026 is set at ₹5,000 per participant. This single fee grants access to all symposium activities, including technical sessions, the student forum, plenary talks, public lectures, and the exhibition
Also Read: ISRO Launches Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon 2025 to Inspire Student Innovation in Space Technology
What to Expect at NSSS-2026
NSSS-2026 promises a vibrant and engaging scientific experience, with six parallel technical sessions covering a wide range of themes in space science. The sessions will include:
- Oral and Poster Presentations from researchers
- Plenary and Interdisciplinary Sessions
- Invited Talks by leading national and international experts
- Public Lectures aimed at wider audiences
- An Exclusive Student Session designed to encourage and motivate young scientific minds
Additionally, an exhibition featuring contributions from both industry and government will showcase innovations, technologies, and applications developed for space research.
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Accommodation and Local Hospitality
For participants attending the symposium, NESAC and the organizing committee have shared details of nearby accommodations. Some prominent options include:
- Courtyard Shillong (Resort)
- Pinewood Hotel, Shillong (Hotel)
- The Ri Kynjai, near Umiam Lake (Hotel)
- Umiam Lake View Resort, Umiam (Resort)
These locations offer comfortable lodging and scenic surroundings, ideal for a memorable scientific retreat.
FAQs – NSSS-2026
1. What is NSSS-2026?
It’s the 23rd National Space Science Symposium organized by ISRO, held at NESAC, Shillong.
2. When will NSSS-2026 take place?
From February 23 to 27, 2026.
3. Who can attend the symposium?
Researchers, students, faculty, industry experts, and space enthusiasts.
4. Is there a student session?
Yes, there is a dedicated session for students to present and participate.
5. How to register for NSSS-2026?
Through the official NSSS-2026 website (link to be announced by ISRO).
