Space Summit 2026 to Set Strategic Direction for Hungary’s Space Research Future

Hungary is preparing to open a new chapter in space research with the launch of Space Summit 2026, a high-level professional conference aimed at shaping the long-term direction of the country’s space ambitions. The event will take place on 10 February 2026 and is intended to become a tradition-setting forum within the Hungarian and European space research landscape.

The conference is closely linked to the strategic development of the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network and its Space Research Program, bringing together researchers, universities and industry partners to assess Hungary’s current position and future role in global space science.

Astronaut host and international speaker Line-up

The full-day event will be hosted by Tibor Kapu, an astronaut of Hungary’s HUNOR program, who gained first-hand experience in orbit in 2025 as a crew member of the Axiom-4 mission, where he contributed to scientific and technical experiments aboard the International Space Station.

The speaker programme reflects both Hungary’s spaceflight heritage and its international connections. Among the invited guests are iconic figures of Hungarian space exploration Bertalan Farkas and Charles Simonyi, alongside international astronauts Peggy Whitson and Sławosz Uznański Wiśniewski, who will share insights from their own missions and discuss the practical challenges of modern space research.

The programme will also feature Orsolya Ferencz, Hungary’s Ministerial Commissioner for Space Research, and Klaudia Vivien Nagy, a certified space medicine physician working with the European Space Agency.

From Scientific Conference to Strategic Forum

Organisers emphasise that Space Summit 2026 is not intended to be a conventional scientific conference. Instead, it is designed as a strategic meeting point where research institutes, universities and industry stakeholders can jointly assess what space research means for Hungary today — and where the country holds genuine competitive advantages.

In a broad sense, the discussions will cover the full spectrum of space-related research, from astronomy and space weather to planetary defence and instrument development. In a more focused sense, the emphasis will be on areas where Hungarian research already demonstrates internationally recognised strengths.

One of the central questions of the summit will be whether Hungary can develop a flagship space research programme capable of integrating the country’s scientific, academic and industrial capacities into large-scale international projects.

Building a Competitive Space Ecosystem

A recurring theme of the conference will be cooperation across sectors. Presentations will highlight best practices in collaboration between basic research, applied research and industrial development, with the aim of building a space research ecosystem that allows rapid knowledge transfer, efficient project execution and strong competitiveness in international funding programmes.

Participants will also evaluate Hungary’s current position in the global space sector. Key strengths include high-level basic research, specialised expertise in instrument development and strong links to international research infrastructures. Hungary’s ESA membership, participation in international missions and integration into global research networks are seen as crucial factors in enabling Hungarian researchers and companies to contribute meaningfully to future space programmes.

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Focus on the Next Generation

Another important topic on the agenda will be human capital. Speakers will examine the state of university education, research career paths and the challenges of retaining talent in a highly competitive international environment. The discussions will underline that successful space research depends not only on scientists, but also on engineers, software developers and other highly skilled specialists.

The long-term goal is to establish education and career pathways that can provide a stable and sustainable talent base for Hungary’s space research sector.

HUN-REN Institutes Represent the Full Value Chain

Several HUN-REN institutes will represent Hungary’s domestic space research value chain at the conference, including the HUN-REN Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science, the HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics, the HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, the HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, and the HUN-REN Institute for Nuclear Research.

Together, these institutes cover a wide range of activities from fundamental research to advanced instrument development.

Hungary’s Ambition in Space

The core message of Space Summit 2026 is clear: Hungary does not intend merely to participate in space research, but to actively shape its future. By strengthening the integration of science, higher education and industry, the country aims to create new innovation value chains with scientific, technological and economic impact.

Organisers hope the summit will help define strategic priorities and partnerships that ensure Hungary’s visible and influential presence in the global space sector for years to come.

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The detailed program and full list of speakers are available on the event’s official website.