The fourth edition of the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX-2025) was successfully held from 7th to 9th May 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, co-hosted by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Astronautical Society of India (ASI) under the aegis of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). With the theme “Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance”, the event marked a milestone for India’s growing leadership in global space affairs and became the largest IAF Global Conference ever held, attracting more than 1,700 participants from 36 countries.
The primary objectives of GLEX 2025, were to foster international cooperation in space exploration, share technical and policy information, and discuss collaborative solutions and challenges.
GLEX 2025 featured 6 Plenary sessions, 3 Highlight Lectures, 8 Global Networking Forums and 650 Technical presentations comprising of oral and interactive presentation covering 15 thematic areas. The themes were:
International Cooperation, Challenges, and New Horizons
Lunar, Mars, Near-Earth Asteroids, Deep Space Exploration
Space Vehicles for Exploration & Propulsion for Deep Space
System Engineering and Long-Term Space Travel
Space Bioastronautics, Space Medicine, Life Support Systems
Microgravity Science and Experiments
Space Resources Utilisation and Space Economy
Sustainable Space Logistics & Key Technologies
Navigation, Guidance and Control for Deep Space Missions
Space Finance, Investment and Insurance
Space Policy, Sustainability and Legal Aspects
Space Stations & Challenges
Ground-Based Preparatory Activities
AI Impact & Autonomy on Space Exploration
Empowering the Next Generation of Space Explorers
The GLEX-2025 was organized by International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and jointly hosted at New Delhi by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Astronautical Society of India (ASI). ISRO was involved in finalizing the theme & technical sessions and selection of papers, apart from providing logistics support in organizing this international event. Organizing this event in India has contributed in benefiting the Indian space ecosystems from the technical papers, discussion and exhibitions by the global space community. The event enabled many of the scientists and students from Indian universities and institutions to interact with domain experts and from various space agencies and Astronauts.
GLEX had 40 technical sessions and 02 interactive presentation sessions in which 650 technical papers were presented. 231 Foreign delegates from 36 Nations were among the 1700 dignitaries across space ecosystem, including Astronauts, Space Agency leaders, Industry leaders and students, who participated in this conference. On the sidelines of this conference, ISRO had bilateral meetings with officials of space agencies and space industries from other nations. Such interactions both at individual and entity-level are expected to pave way for collaboration to enhance India’s capabilities in space exploration.
As part of GLEX 2025, Astronaut Chapter and Outreach events were held. For the Astronaut Chapter, 10 International astronauts including Gaganyaan Astronaut designates also participated. Multiple outreach events were planned at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Department of Biotechnology for interaction of students and researchers. A dedicated Astronaut interaction event was planned at Yashobhoomi wherein more than 350 students from various school participated and closely engaged with Astronauts. Astronauts also participated in public day as part of GLEX programme and interacted with media and general public.
GLEX-2025 featured a Space Exhibition, which drew wide attention from delegates and the public. With participation from leading space agencies, industries, start-ups, and academic institutions, the exhibition highlighted both global advancements and India’s emerging private space ecosystem. The Department of Space (DoS) Pavilion received around 2,000 visitors, offering insights into ISRO’s missions and technological capabilities.
This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
