The Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025 was held in New Delhi from May 7 to 9, 2025. It marked a significant milestone in the evolving landscape of international space exploration. As the 12th edition of this premier global forum, GLEX 2025 brought together leaders, scientists, astronauts, engineers, entrepreneurs, educators, agency representatives, and policy makers from across the world to deliberate on the future of space exploration. Organised jointly by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as the host, and the Astronautical Society of India (ASI) as the co-host, the conference reflected the growing momentum of global cooperation in space at a time when exploration planning and programmes have significantly advanced since the previous edition. Hosted at the India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC)—Yashobhoomi—GLEX 2025 underscored the country’s expanding footprint in global space leadership and its vision of exploring space for the benefit of humanity.
Why the Conference
Since its inception in 2010, GLEX has emerged as a premier platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in the domain of space exploration. GLEX 2025 was designed to encourage the sharing of programmatic, technical, and policy information, as well as collaborative solutions, challenges, lessons learnt, and paths forward among all nations with the desire to explore space.
The conference sought to take stock of developments in global space exploration over the last four years and undertake an outlook to the future on a global scale. Its programme was structured to bring together leaders and decision-makers within the science and human exploration community, providing a forum to discuss recent results, current challenges, and innovative solutions while further examining how space exploration investments provide benefits and how those benefits could be increased through thoughtful planning and cooperation.
Theme and Scale of the Conference
GLEX 2025 was held under the theme ‘Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance’, reflecting the renewed global interest and ambition in space exploration. Over 1,800 attendees took part in the conference, including 233 international delegates from 36 countries, making it the largest IAF global conference ever held. Representatives from more than 30 nations, top space agency officials from China, Japan, Canada, Europe, and 10 astronauts representing different countries or agencies were present, highlighting the truly global character of the summit. The record-breaking participation reinforced the relevance of GLEX 2025 as a major forum for international space diplomacy and cooperation.
Academic and Technical Engagement
A defining feature of GLEX 2025 was its extensive academic and technical engagement. A total of 1,275 abstracts were submitted from 57 countries, the highest ever for an IAF global conference. Of these, 822 abstracts, constituting 64 per cent of the total, were submitted from India, while 453 abstracts, accounting for 36 per cent, were received from international contributors. The high participation of students was particularly notable, with 562 abstracts submitted by students, underscoring the growing global interest and engagement of the next generation in space exploration. The conference featured 10 parallel technical sessions covering 15 thematic areas such as Deep Space Exploration, Space Resource Utilisation, Sustainable Space Logistics, AI & Autonomy in Space Exploration, with more than 240 interactive presentations showcasing global advances in space exploration.
Leadership and Inauguration
Inaugurating the summit, Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space described GLEX 2025 as a milestone in India’s expanding leadership in the global space community.
The conference featured plenary sessions addressed by leading global figures in space exploration, including Josef Aschbacher (Director General, USA), Kazuyoshi Kawasaki (Japan), V. Narayanan (Chairman of ISRO); Jill Smyth (Canada), Wu Weiren (China), and Salem Al Marri (UAE), and others.
Some Highlights from Narendra Modi’s Address
The Prime Minister described space as ‘not merely a destination but a declaration of curiosity, courage, and collective progress’. He traced India’s remarkable space journey from the launch of a small rocket in 1963 to becoming the first nation to land near the Moon’s South Pole with Chandrayaan-3.
He recalled the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) of 2014, which reached Mars on its first attempt. He highlighted Chandrayaan-1 which contributed to the discovery of water on the Moon; Chandrayaan-2, delivered the highest-resolution images of the lunar surface, and Chandrayaan-3, which furthered scientific understanding of the Moon’s South Pole. He noted that India developed cryogenic engines in record time, launched 100 satellites in a single mission and successfully deployed over 400 satellites for 34 nations using Indian launch vehicles. He also referred to India’s latest accomplishment of docking two satellites in space, describing it as a major step forward in space exploration.
Vision of Collaboration and Global Responsibility The prime minister emphasised that India’s space journey is not about competing with others but about reaching greater heights together. He underlined the collective goal of exploring space for the benefit of humanity and highlighted India’s commitment to regional cooperation through the successful launch of a satellite for South Asian nations. He announced that the G20 Satellite Mission, introduced during India’s G20 Presidency, would be a significant contribution to the Global South.
Roadmap for Human Spaceflight and Deep Space Exploration He highlighted that India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, reflects the nation’s growing aspirations in space technology. He further outlined India’s long-term vision, stating that by 2035, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station would facilitate groundbreaking research and international collaboration. He said that by 2040, an Indian astronaut would set foot on the Moon, with Mars and Venus remaining key targets in India’s future space ambitions.
Space Technology and Empowerment The prime minister emphasised that for India, space is not only about exploration but also empowerment. He highlighted how space technology enhances governance, improves livelihoods, and inspires future generations. He noted that satellites play a vital role in issuing alerts to fishermen, enabling the GatiShakti platform, ensuring railway safety and improving weather forecasting. Additionally, he underscored India’s inclusive approach to scientific advancement, pointing out that many of India’s space missions are being led by women scientists.
Role of Startups and the Expanding Space Ecosystem He along with other speakers, emphasised that India has opened its space sectors to startups, entrepreneurs, and young minds. India now hosts over 250 space startups engaged in satellite technology, propulsion systems, imaging and other pioneering fields. In an initiative to democratise the space sector, over 190 startups have emerged in the past two years, fuelling innovation in deep space missions and commercial applications. This expanding ecosystem was also showcased through a dynamic space exhibition, featuring stalls from 22 leading organisations, including Indian space startups, global space companies, and the ISRO.
Astronaut Outreach and Public Engagement
The conference featured an extensive astronaut outreach programme with nearly 10 astronauts including Hazza Al Mansoori (also spelt Mansouri), Alper Gezeravci, Michael Lopez-Alegria, Angad Pratap, and Rakesh Sharma engaging with the public and youth. This outreach aimed to inspire interest in space science and exploration among younger generations and to communicate the broader societal benefits of space activities.
India’s Position in Global Space Leadership
Speakers at GLEX 2025 repeatedly highlighted India’s transformation from a follower to a global enabler in space. India is not collaborating as an equal partner with leading space-faring nations, serving both its people through space applications and acting as a trusted global partner. India is not working as a ‘Big Brother’ but as ‘equal brothers’ with the space-faring nations. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan reiterated the agency’s commitment to interplanetary exploration and societal benefit, reinforcing India’s central role in international space diplomacy and innovation.
NASA’s Absence Despite the record participation and global significance of GLEX 2025, the absence of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was a notable development. According to official accounts, NASA’s non-attendance was due to budget any reasons. Conference organisers indicated that several scientists and astronauts from NASA were initially expected to participate, but the agency’s inability to raise funds for accommodation and travel prevented their attendance.
The absence was also attributed to larger political and fiscal changes in the US. Following recent governmental transitions, a series of budget reductions significantly affected NASA. Proposed budget cuts outlined a substantial reduction in the agency’s overall funding, along with the cancellation or delay of certain missions. Internal transitions, including leadership changes and the absence of some department heads has raised concerns about their impact on global collaborations and international discussions.
Global Outcomes and Future Direction
Hosting GLEX 2025 for the first time along with the conference’s record number of participants and countries involved demonstrated how far the country has advanced in the global space arena. This success reflects the country’s growing stature and credibility in space exploration. India’s leadership in hosting and shaping the conference also signalled a shift towards a more multipolar global space order.
Conclusion
To conclude, GLEX 2025 emerged as a defining moment in contemporary space exploration, capturing the spirit of a space exploration renaissance marked by collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility. Through high-level dialogue, technical exchange, and public engagement, the conference highlighted the evolving priorities of global space exploration and India’s central role in shaping them. As nations look towards new worlds, GLEX 2025 reaffirmed that the future of space exploration lies in cooperation, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to advancing global knowledge.
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