SpaceOps 2026 Workshop
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) will host the SpaceOps Workshop 2026 in the vibrant city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from Tuesday, 21st April to Thursday, 23rd April 2026 Tuesday, 8th September to Thursday, 10th September 2026. The event will be held at the MBRSC headquarters. This biennial workshop, held between the main SpaceOps conferences, serves as a strategic forum to explore emerging topics, evolving paradigms, and pressing challenges in space mission operations. Unlike the larger conference format, the workshop encourages in-depth, theme-specific discussions among a carefully selected group of professionals, experts, and thought leaders. It is designed to explore emerging operational concepts, disruptive technologies, and critical challenges affecting current and future space missions.
Workshop Organizers
Chair
Saeed Al Mansoori
[email protected]
Co-Chair
Gerard Galet
[email protected]
Workshop Themes
Integration of commercial programs in LEO microgravity
Emergence of commercial programs in microgravity / new use of LEO microgravity for R&D
- To compare Ops concepts and approaches between the traditional (institutional) sector and the disruptive (private) sector.
- To explore interoperability and potential synergies between the two sectors.
- To identify the constraints and boundaries of commercial missions.
Theme Chairs
Synergies between institutional & commercial programs in lunar missions
Emergence of commercial programs & solutions in Lunar missions
- To explore interoperability and potential synergies between the two sectors (e.g., in communications, navigation, ground segments, etc.)
- To compare the Ops concept / approaches between the traditional sector (space agencies) and the disruptive sector (private actors)
Theme Chairs
Emerging Space network architectures
Challenges and opportunities from interconnected networks (from earth to space or from space to space)
- What are the new challenges and solutions offered by multi-asset architectures (stations, ISL, data relays, IoT, optical, etc.)?
- What are the emerging use cases (e.g., reactivity, latency, etc.)?
- How can space operations be effectively managed from the ground (e.g., orchestrators, complex scheduling, etc.)?
Theme Chairs
Lifetime management for a sustainable space environment
Emergence of solutions for IOS life extension versus traditional disposal in the context of evolving space regulation
- What are the possible trade-offs between self-disposal and life extension via IOS?
- How can the best approach for disposal or life extension be determined?
- How should associated investments be decided in the context of evolving regulations?
- Comparison of approaches between constellations and single satellites
Theme Chairs
Innovative & disruptive ideas from young generation
Provide an opportunity for students and young professionals to share their ideas, innovations, and perspectives
- Platform for emerging talent to showcase innovative solutions
- Fresh perspectives on space industry challenges
- Bridge between academic research and industry applications
- Encourage innovation from the next generation of space professionals
Theme Chairs
The organizing committee is currently finalizing the list of theme chairs, and the Call for Presentations will be announced shortly. In the meantime, you may start considering potential ideas or topics you would like to submit.
After the final selection, each theme will include four to five presentations that will contribute to the discussions during the thematic round tables. As usual the workshop should bring together approximately 50 to 70 people, including 20 to 30 invited speakers.Â
Important Information:
No Registration Fees: Attendance for this event is free of charge.
Selection Process: Participation is subject to abstract approval by the Theme Chair
All participants are required to contact the respective Theme Chairs in advance via their listed email addresses.
Abstract Submission Format
There is no strict template or predefined format for abstract submissions to the SpaceOps 2026 Workshop. Authors are encouraged to prepare a clear and well-structured abstract that concisely describes the proposed contribution, including its objectives, scope, methodology, and relevance to the selected workshop theme. The abstract should be written in professional English and provide sufficient technical and contextual detail to allow for an effective evaluation by the theme chairs. If authors have any questions, require clarification, or would like guidance prior to submission, they are welcome to contact the respective Theme Chairs for the theme they intend to submit to. The Theme Chairs will be pleased to provide support and assistance as needed.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Abstract Submission Deadline Extended | |
| Presenters Notification Postpone | |
| Presentation Submission Deadline Postpone | |
| Workshop Postpone |