18th European Space Conference

The 18th European Space Conference (ESC), held in Brussels on 27 - 28 January 2026 under the theme “Delivering on Europe’s Space Ambition: Sovereignty, Security, and Industrial Transformation,” marked the opening intervention of the International Astronautical Federation’s (IAF) for 2026. As the partner organisation of the ESC, the IAF played an active and visible role throughout the Conference.

As part of its engagement, the IAF organised a VIP Networking luncheon, convening senior leaders from government and the international space community. Speakers included Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space of Germany; Joseph Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA); Gabriella Arrigo, President of the IAF; and Christian Feichtinger, Executive Director of the IAF. Drawing record participation, the IAF luncheon provided a high-level platform for strategic exchange on Europe’s space ambitions and international cooperation.

Additionally Christian Feichtinger participated as a speaker in the session “Space Exploration: A Driver of Industrial Competitiveness?”, alongside colleagues from the European Space Agency (ESA), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and GMV Space Systems. The discussion highlighted the critical role of space exploration in strengthening industrial capability, innovation, and long-term economic resilience.

A notable moment of the Conference was the address by Andrzej Domański, Minister of Finance and Economy of the Republic of Poland, who prominently emphasised Poland’s full preparations to host the 78th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2027) in Poznań. His remarks underscored the strategic importance of the IAC for Poland and its growing role within the global space community.