Chandigarh University NAAC A+
Kalpana Chawla Centre (KCC) for Research in Space Science & Technology

August 17-18, 2026

National Space Technology Conclave 2026 (NSTC-2026)

In Association with:
Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST), Dept. of Space, Govt. of India

Theme: Emerging Space Technologies for India's
Future Space Missions

Register Now Download Brochure

About the Conclave

National Space Day 2026 Celebrations A Flagship University Initiative Aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.

India's space programme stands at the threshold of a transformative era, driven by rapid advancements in satellite engineering, space science, advanced payloads, artificial intelligence, launch systems, remote sensing, and commercial space technologies.

Organized as part of the National Space Day 2026 celebrations, the National Space Technology Conclave 2026 (NSTC 2026) is envisioned as a premier national platform for high-level dialogue, innovation, collaboration, and mission-oriented research across India's growing space ecosystem.

Hosted by the Kalpana Chawla Centre (KCC) for Research in Space Science & Technology, Chandigarh University, in joint association with the Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST), Dept. of Space, Govt. of India, this two-day summit brings together over 25–30 high-level national delegates, distinguished scientists, key policymakers, industry pioneers, tech startups, faculty, and young innovators.

Our Vision

To establish Chandigarh University as a premier Centre of Excellence in Space Science and Technology by developing capabilities in Small Satellite Technology, Payload Development, Ground Station Technologies, and Mission-Oriented Research through strategic collaborations with the Indian Space Ecosystem, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Core Objectives

  • Bring together experts from ISRO, IIST, IN-SPACe, NSIL, National laboratories, Academia, and Industry.
  • Promote collaboration in small satellite technologies, payload development, and ground station systems.
  • Develop a long-term roadmap for strengthening Chandigarh University's Space technology ecosystem.
  • Encourage multidisciplinary research, innovation, and technology development.
  • Inspire students to pursue careers in Space Science and Engineering.

Focus Areas
& Technical Themes

  • Track 1: Space Systems & Mission Engineering: Small Satellites, CubeSats & Nano Satellites, Satellite Bus Technologies, Spacecraft Systems Engineering.
  • Track 2: Engineering & Scientific Payloads:
    - Engineering Payloads: Earth Observation, Satellite Communication, Technology Demonstration.
    - Scientific Payloads: Atmospheric Science, Space Physics, Planetary Science, Space Weather, Solar-Terrestrial Physics.
  • Track 3: Ground Segment & Mission Operations: Ground Stations, Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TTC), Mission Operations, Ground Data Systems.
  • Track 4: Launch & Mission Technologies: Launch Vehicle Technologies, Propulsion Systems, Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC), Mission Planning & Operations, Space Access Technologies.
  • Track 5: Strategic Collaboration & Roadmap: Collaborative Programmes, Advanced Payload Development, Space Economy & Policies, Industry-Academia Collaboration, Startups & Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Development.

Program Schedule

Day & Date

Programme Schedule

17.08.2026
(Summit)
Day-1

Inaugural Session: Invocation, Welcome Address, Addresses by VC & Chancellor, Chief Guest Address, Release of KCC Vision Documents.

Leadership Talks: India's Future Space Program, Small Satellites, University Ecosystem, Space Economy, Vision 2047.

Distinguished Expert Talks: Small Sat Systems, Advanced Payloads, Launch Tech, AI for Space, Remote Sensing, Space Physics, Ground Segment.

National Strategic Round Table: High-level panel with ISRO, IIST, IN-SPACe, NSIL, Industry & Startups.

Evening: Campus Visit & Networking Dinner.

18.08.2026
(Roadmap)
Day-2

New Space Ecosystem Session: IN-SPACe, NSIL, ISpA, SIA India, Space Startups & Industry.

Student Space Tech Showcase: KCC Internship Projects, Student Innovations, Tech Demonstrations.

Expert Interaction: 1-on-1 Mentoring & Technical Reviews with scientists.

National Brainstorming Panels: Small Satellite Labs, Payload Dev, Ground Stations, Collaborative Research, AI in Space, National Research Funding.

Valedictory Function: Recommendations & Release of Chandigarh Declaration on Emerging Space Tech 2026.

Student Space Innovation
Challenge 2026 & Poster Competition

Undergraduate, Postgraduate students, and Research Scholars are invited to showcase their innovations, working prototypes, and scientific insights to visiting ISRO experts!

  • Theme: “Viksit Bharat@2047: Empowering India’s Space Odyssey”
  • Poster Themes:
    1. Chandigarh University High-Altitude Balloon Satellite (StratoSat Mission)
    2. Innovative Payloads for Small Satellites
    3. Design & Manufacturing of LEO Satellites
    4. University Payloads for ISRO POEM Missions
  • Competition Categories: Poster Presentations (A1/A2 size), Models Presentation (Scale physical models of spacecraft, rovers, rockets), Project Presentation (Working prototypes, hardware/software).
  • Registration & Format: Fee: ₹500 | Deadline: 12 August 2026 | Format: 3–5 min presentation + Q&A during "Meet the Scientists" sessions.
  • Awards & Recognition: Joint Certificates of Participation issued by ISRO, IIST, and Chandigarh University; Trophies, Medals & Special Prizes for top winners presented by esteemed dignitaries.

Organizational Structure
(12 Committees & Mission Teams)

Leadership: Patron (Hon'ble Chancellor), Chief Patron (Vice Chancellor), Co-Patrons (Pro VC, Registrar), Organizing Chair (Prof. (Dr.) Eswar Sunkara, Sr. Director KCC), Co-Convener (Prof. Priyadarshanam, IIST).

  • Steering & Executive Committee: Overall planning, governance, ISRO/IIST liaison, budget approvals.
  • Technical Programme & Scientific Committee: Expert talks, session planning, panel moderation, Chandigarh Declaration drafting.
  • National Space Day Outreach Committee: School/college outreach, quiz, drawing, essay, poster competitions.
  • Competitions, Evaluation & Awards Committee: Jury constitution, ISRO scientist evaluation, judging criteria, trophies.
  • Registration & Delegate Services Committee: Scientist/VIP registration, delegate desk, accommodation, delegate kits.
  • Protocol, VIP & Transport Committee: Airport/railway transfers, local transport, security, stage protocol.
  • Venue, Exhibition & Event Operations Committee: Auditorium, seminar halls, AV, signage, exhibition stalls, power backup.
  • Media, Publicity & Publications Committee: Website, social media, press releases, photography, live streaming, souvenir.
  • Industry Relations & Sponsorship Committee: Industry participation, startups, CSR support, MoUs.
  • Volunteer, Safety & Support Committee: Volunteer training, campus navigation, medical aid, crowd management.
  • Food, Hospitality & Guest Care Committee: VIP dining, working lunches, refreshment counters, green rooms.
  • Strategic Outcomes & Follow-up Committee: Chandigarh Declaration, ISRO-CU roadmap, action points.

Cross-Functional Mission Teams

  • Satellite & Payload Systems
  • Launch & Aerospace Technologies
  • Ground Station, Communication & Navigation
  • AI, Robotics & Emerging Tech
  • Industry, Innovation & Startups

Expected Strategic Outcomes

  • Release of the Chandigarh Declaration on Space Technology for Viksit Bharat 2047.
  • Establishment of official KCC–IIST–ISRO Collaborative Working Groups.
  • Development Roadmaps for Small Satellite Laboratories, CU-SAT Satellite Mission, Ground Station, and Scientific Payloads.
  • National Research Funding Strategies and Industry-Academia Collaborative Projects.

Official Participating
& Partner Organizations

logo logo logo logo logo logo logo
jobBox

Organizers

Dr. Eswar Sunkara
Senior Director
Kalpana Chawla Centre (KCC)
Chandigarh University
Email: seniordirector.kcc@cumail.in
Mob: +91-7993133895
Dr. Priyadarshnam
Professor of Avionics & Head – SSPACe
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
Department of Space, Government of India
Email: priyadarshnam@iist.ac.in