Space exploration starts with the dream, and the dream of space is born very early in human's life. To turn this dream into reality takes a lifelong learning, which begins at school.

To discuss the tasks and problems of space education on every level, from elementary school to postgrads, to bring together the key actors of space education community, Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IKI) hosts the conference "The Road to Space".

In 2026 the conference is scheduled for September 29 — October 2.

We are expecting school and college teachers, university educators, museum and planetaria workers, science journalists and communicators, and everyone engaged with space education and outreach on the conference.

The name of the conference brings us back to the First Man in Space, Yuri Gagarin and his famous book, known in the West as "Road to the Stars". The year 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's flight — the first space flight of the mankind.

Registration opens on May 12, 2026. Please, follow the updates on:

The conference is a part of IKI's Space Science Days, a series of events in October dedicated to the launch of Sputnik-1. Space Science Days are part of UN World Space Week on October 4–10.

Program Committee (preliminary)

  • Acad. Dr. Lev M. Zelenyi (IKI), Chair
  • Dr. Andrei M. Sadovski (IKI), Academic secretary
  • Dr. Igor V. Belokonov (SNRU)
  • Dr. Mikhail V. Gordin (BMSTU)
  • RAS Corr.Member Dr. Alexander A. Lutovinov (IKI)
  • Acad. Dr. Anatoly A. Petrukovich (IKI)

Local Organizing Committee

  • Acad. Dr. Lev M. Zelenyi (IKI), Chair
  • Dr. Andrei M. Sadovski (IKI), Vice Chair
  • Elena A. Antonenko (IKI)
  • Mikhail N. Boyarsky (IKI)
  • Anastasia V. Fateeva (IKI)
  • Dmitry A. Shishkin (BMSTU)
  • Anna Yu. Titova (IKI)
  • Dr. Olga V. Zakutnyaya (IKI)
  • Tatiana D. Zharkova (IKI)

LOC e-mail:  roadtospace@cosmos.ru

Address: Space Research Institute (IKI), Moscow, Profsoyuznaya str., 84/32, entrance А-4

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