North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) jointly with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and in collaboration with Government of Meghalaya organized the 23rd National Space Science Symposium (NSSS-2026) at NESAC, Umiam, Meghalaya, during 23rd to 27th February 2026, marking a significant milestone for the Centre and for the scientific community of the North Eastern Region (NER) of India. The Symposium, a premier biennial event of the ISRO, India’s foremost national platforms for scientific deliberations in atmospheric sciences, space and planetary sciences, astronomy, astrophysics, and enabling technologies brought together leading scientists, academicians, industry representatives, and students from across the country for five days of intensive scientific deliberations.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri A. S. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman, ISRO / Secretary, Department of Space and Chair of the National Organising Committee, as the Chief Guest. Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO / Secretary, Department of Space, addressed the gathering online. In his welcome address, Dr. S. P. Aggarwal, Director, NESAC and Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), welcomed the distinguished dignitaries, delegates, and students to NESAC. He highlighted the significance of hosting NSSS-2026 in the NER and emphasized NESAC’s commitment to strengthening space science research, regional capacity building, and national integration through scientific collaboration. Dr. Aggarwal underlined that the Symposium provided an opportunity to showcase the scientific potential of the region and to deepen academia-ISRO linkages.
Shri A. S. Kiran Kumar, in his inaugural address, commended NESAC for successfully organising the national event and reflected on the evolution of the Symposium over the decades. Dr. V. Narayanan emphasized the importance of NSSS as a platform for presenting and critically examining results from India’s major space science missions, including Aditya-L1, XPoSat, and the Chandrayaan programme, and for aligning national scientific efforts towards Space Vision 2047. Shri M. Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary, ISRO, underscored the importance of identifying capability strengths and gap areas in space science and enabling technologies. Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Vice Chancellor, IIST, and Chairman, Scientific Organizing Committee elaborated on the structure and depth of the scientific programme, highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary engagement. Dr. Tirtha Pratim Das, Director, Space Science Programme, ISRO HQ also addressed the gathering. The inaugural program ended with formal vote of thanks by Dr Shyam S Kundu, Organizing Secretary, NSSS-2026. The Abstract Volume of NSSS-2026 was also formally released, followed by the inauguration of the Space Exhibition.
NSSS-2026 incorporated several notable initiatives. NESAC conducted an intensive year-long Regional Outreach Programme (ROP) across nine locations covering all eight North Eastern States, engaging 867 students. Through this initiative, meritorious undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with enthusiastic teachers from the region, were identified and recognised. Approximately 30 meritorious students from the NER were selected to participate in the Symposium. In addition, 50 meritorious undergraduate and postgraduate students from other parts of the country, including top performers of ISRO’s START-2024 and START-2025 programmes, were selected through a structured process. In total, 80 students were sponsored to attend a dedicated Students’ Session. This edition also witnessed enhanced participation from start-ups and private industries in technical sessions and exhibitions, fostering stronger academia-industry synergy.
The technical programme of NSSS-2026 recorded an unprecedented participation, with more than 820 abstract submissions, the highest in the history of the Symposium. The presentations were organised across six parallel sessions covering meteorology and climate change, middle atmosphere and aeronomy, solar and planetary sciences, astronomy and astrophysics, enabling technologies, and a dedicated Students’ Session. Specialised breakout sessions were conducted within each domain to deliberate on emerging research themes, identify gap areas, and explore new concepts. The programme featured a substantial number of short oral and poster presentations to encourage young researchers.
NSSS-2026 had four plenary sessions, four interdisciplinary talks and two special talks delivered by eminent speakers like Dr. Ajit Kembhavi, Former Member, Space Commission and Former Director, IUCAA, Dr Prakash Chauhan, Director, NRSC, Dr Anil Bhardwaj, Director, PRL, Dr Annapurni Subramaniam, Director, IIA, etc. Two public lectures were also delivered by Shri A S Kiran Kumar, Member, Space Commission at Royal Global University, Guwahati, Assam and by Dr D Banerjee, VC, IIST at NIT-Meghalaya, Sohra.
Dedicated interaction sessions were arranged between senior ISRO scientists and participating students, including special interactions with Shri A. S. Kiran Kumar and Gaganyatri Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. Advanced lectures delivered by senior scientists provided deeper insights into various facets of space science and technology. Students were closely mentored throughout the five-day event. Several students presented scientific results derived from data of India’s space science missions, reflecting the growing utilisation of national mission datasets for academic research.
The Space Exhibition, organised alongside the Symposium, attracted significant interest, including visits by approximately 300 school students from six local institutions. Additionally, 50 students from local schools had the opportunity to interact with Gaganyatri Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.
NSSS-2026 concluded with the valedictory session on 27th February 2026. The Symposium provided a comprehensive platform for scientific self-assessment, generation of new ideas and concepts, and nurturing of an inspired pool of young researchers. The deliberations and outcomes of NSSS-2026 are expected to contribute meaningfully to India’s future space exploration endeavors and support the realization of Space Vision 2047.
Director, NESAC delivering the welcome address during the inaugural program of NSSS-2026
Release of the Abstract volume by Chief Guest Shri A S Kiran Kumar, Member, Space Commission during the inaugural program of NSSS-2026
Inauguration of Space exhibition by Chief Guest Shri A S Kiran Kumar, Member, Space Commission
A section of the porter presentation and interaction
Gr. Captain Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla AC with the delegates after delivering a interdisciplinary lecture at NSSS-2026