The 21st Ilan Ramon International Space Conference, the flagship professional event of Israeli space week 2026, will be held on Wednesday, January 28, at Tel Aviv University. The conference, chaired by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, and member of the Political-Security Cabinet, Gila Gamliel, the Rakia Mission, and Israeli astronaut Eitan Stibbe, and with the participation of approximately 1000 researchers, students, industry professionals, and policymakers from Israel and around the world, will bring together astronauts and senior figures from the global and local space industry on one central stage – for an in-depth discussion on the future of space exploration and human activity in space.
This year’s conference is held in partnership between the Israel Space Agency and the Rakia Mission-HALATZ, and focuses on a future outlook towards the global space industry and a discussion on the rapidly changing landscape of human spaceflight, from low Earth orbit to the lunar frontier.
The conference will be opened by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Gila Gamliel, who will outline the national vision for the israeli space industry. Israeli astronaut Eitan Stibbe will emphasize the importance of international cooperation, having recently been chosen to head the International Space University. Also at the opening of the conference: Yiftah Ramon – Chairman of the Ramon Foundation, and Amit Kataria, Deputy Administrator of NASA – among the most prominent and influential figures in the global space industry.
Among the additional speakers at the conference are senior astronauts, including **Charles Bolden**, former NASA Administrator, who will also receive the Israeli Space Award in recognition of his leadership and ongoing contribution to the space industry in Israel, **Juliette Pike**, President of the Astronauts Association, **André Kuipers** from the European Space Agency, **Garrett Reisman**, former NASA astronaut and senior executive at SpaceX, and **Dr. Sian Proctor**, the first civilian astronaut to fly as pilot on SpaceX’s Inspiration4 mission (along with Jared Isaacman, who was recently appointed to NASA).
Alongside the selection of astronauts, the conference will also feature senior executives from leading commercial space companies, including **Vast, Axiom Space, and Voyager Technologies**, as well as representatives from space agencies, academia, and top-tier industry. All will gather for an in-depth discussion on the future of exploration, innovation, and human presence in space, and on how Israel is integrating as an active and influential player on the global stage.
Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology Gila Gamliel: “Space is a prime engine for scientific, technological, and defense growth, especially in an era of global uncertainty. The State of Israel views human space exploration and leadership in international cooperation, particularly the Artemis Accords, as a central component in strengthening its innovation, economy, and scientific influence on the global stage. The Ilan Ramon International Space Conference is an expression of our commitment to a future where Israel is a leading partner in shaping the next generation of space missions.”
Hadar Vining Shilo, CEO of the Rakia Mission: “The Ilan Ramon Conference serves as a professional meeting point that connects people, knowledge, and experience from all over the world. The connection between astronauts, industry, academia, and art allows for a deep dialogue on the challenges and opportunities of the new space age, and positions Israel as an active and significant part of international efforts in the field.”
The Ilan Ramon Conference is held near the anniversary of the Columbia Shuttle disaster. The conference reflects Israel’s ongoing commitment to international cooperation, human capital development, and the advancement of research and innovation.
Among the main topics at the conference:
Space, Academia, and the Future of Knowledge
A discussion on the evolving role of academia in space, focusing on training the next generation of researchers. The session will examine gaps in current training, the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, and the role of new tools such as artificial intelligence and space missions in advancing groundbreaking research.
Inspiration4
The story of astronaut Dr. Sian Proctor and the human and cultural aspects of spaceflight. Inspiration4
Global Space Summary 2025
A review of key developments and trends in the global space sector in 2025, including missions, policy changes, technological advancements, and international collaborations.
Israeli Space Summary 2025
A review of key achievements, strategic initiatives, and the development of Israeli industry and research in the past year.
Beyond the International Space Station (ISS): The Future of Human Presence in Orbit
Industry perspectives on the future of space stations, examining new platforms beyond the ISS, technological and operational concepts for these platforms, and their role in advancing research, industry, and sustained human presence in low Earth orbit.
Return to the Moon: The Artemis Program
An in-depth look at NASA’s program and the return of humans to the Moon, examining the project’s role as a gateway to deep space missions along with international collaborations. Israel’s participation in the Artemis Accords will also be presented, focusing on the leadership of the Israel Space Agency in promoting international cooperation for lunar and beyond missions, and how these partnerships support the development of advanced technologies and groundbreaking scientific research.
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