2026 China Aerospace Conference Main Forum Opens in Chengdu
Summary: The 2026 China Aerospace Conference (CSC 2026) main forum opened in Chengdu, Sichuan on April 24, co-hosted by the Chinese Society of Astronautics (CSA) and the China Aerospace Foundation. Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of China's aerospace industry, the conference brought together leading figures from around the world under the theme "Seven Decades of Space Exploration, Hand in Hand to the Stars."
Conference Background
Chen Mingbo, Chairman of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and rotating Chairman of the Chinese Society of Astronautics, delivered a keynote address highlighting China's remarkable aerospace achievements over 70 years, including the Long March rockets, Shenzhou crewed missions, Chang'e lunar exploration, and the Beidou navigation system. He emphasized China's commitment to peaceful exploration and international cooperation in space.
International Participation
Christian Fichtinger, Executive Director of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), delivered a keynote speech acknowledging China's 70 years of aerospace achievements and proposing pathways for deeper international cooperation in space exploration.
Conference Activities
The CSC 2026 featured more than 20 side forums and supporting events covering academic exchange, industrial cooperation, education, science outreach, and exhibitions — spanning lunar exploration, Mars missions, space station operations, commercial space, and Beidou applications.