India is preparing to host the 12th edition of the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2025) in New Delhi from May 7 to May 9, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey as a global space leader. The summit, themed “Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance,” will be inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Space Dr Jitendra Singh, and is expected to attract more than 1,800 delegates from around the world.
GLEX 2025, jointly organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), will provide an unprecedented platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in space exploration. The conference is set to host a record-breaking number of participants, including 233 international delegates from 36 countries, alongside academic engagement with 1,275 submitted abstracts from 57 countries—the highest ever for an IAF global conference.
Of the total abstracts submitted, India accounted for 64%, underscoring the country’s deep engagement in space research. Notably, students contributed 562 abstracts, reflecting the growing interest of the next generation in space exploration.
The event will feature 10 parallel technical sessions covering 15 thematic areas, along with 240 interactive presentations. Distinguished global space leaders such as Josef Aschbacher from the European Space Agency (ESA), Kazuyoshi Kawasaki from Japan, Jill Smyth from the United States, Wu Weiren from China, and Salem Al Marri from the United Arab Emirates will participate in plenary discussions, alongside ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan and Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh.
One of the highlights of GLEX 2025 is the astronaut outreach programme, which will feature nearly 10 astronauts, including UAE’s Hazzaa AlMansoori, Türkiye’s Alper Gezeravci, USA-Spain’s Michael López-Alegría, and India’s Angad Pratap and Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut.
Dr Jitendra Singh will also inaugurate a space exhibition featuring stalls from 22 leading organizations, including Indian space startups, global aerospace companies, and ISRO, showcasing advancements in space technology.
During the curtain-raiser media interaction, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized India’s emergence as a global space leader under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan, along with senior space scientists, reaffirmed ISRO’s commitment to the success of GLEX 2025.
GLEX 2025 promises to be a pivotal event in advancing global space exploration dialogue, positioning India as a key player in shaping the future of space technology and international collaboration.
