KIFA International Space Conference 2026
26-29 June 2026, Korea Institute for Astronauts (KIFA), Seoul
Abstract Submission Deadline: 16 March 2026
Notification of Acceptance: 25 March 2026
Human Research in Space:
Astronauts, Science, and Moon-Mars Explorations
Conference Overview
The Korea Institute for Astronauts (KIFA) is dedicated to advancing humanity’s readiness for space exploration through comprehensive, multidisciplinary research. Focusing on human factors in space, KIFA brings together global experts from diverse fields, including space medicine, spacesuit design, astrobiology, policy and ethics, physiology, habitat modeling, and microgravity research.
This collaborative approach enables us to address the complex challenges of long-duration human spaceflight—particularly in preparation for the Moon and Mars missions projected for the 2030s.
We invite scholars, astronauts, scientists, engineers, industrial professionals, and practitioners whose work aligns with or contributes to the following fields of study to participate in the KIFA International Space Conference 2026.
Conference Aim
The goal of the KIFA conference is to develop practical, evidence-based solutions that enhance astronaut safety, health, and performance in extreme environments. Through individual presentations and panel discussions, participants are encouraged to explore the scientific and ethical dimensions of sustainable human presence in space and mission success.
Fields of Research:
· Radiation exposure and protection
· Space habitat design and materials
· Astrobiology and life-support systems
· Space medicine and human physiology
· Mental health and behavioural science
· Aging and nutrition in space
· Tool design and dexterity in microgravity
· Plant growth and bioregenerative systems
Other perspectives are also welcome.
If you are interested, please send your abstract (150-180 words) and biography (80 words) to the following email: davidwj_kim@yahoo.co.uk
Proposals for panels of 3 or 4 papers must include the above information for each paper and a brief description of the panel itself (100 words).
The conference fee is US$600, but doctoral candidates and early-career researchers without full-time positions will pay US$500. Local presenters are US$350.
The conference cost includes registration fee, conference dinner, a one-day free tour (limited to 100 people), and coffee breaks. The best paper submitted by HDR students will be awarded (US$500). To be considered for this award, the full paper must be submitted one month before the conference (by 25 May 2026).
A limited number of bursaries will be available to some accepted doctoral candidates and early-career researchers after the conference. In addition, the selected papers will be published in a space book volume in the UK, Europe or the USA.
· Crew selection, teamwork, and leadership
· Human–AI collaboration in missions
· Human missions to the Moon and Mars
· Space law, ethics, and governance
· Space tourism and economics
· Physics and materials science (with astronaut involvement)
· Spacesuit ergonomics and performance
· Sustainability and long-duration living
KIFA Conference Committee:
Prof. David W. Kim (chair)
Prof. Ravi Gupta
Prof. Emmanuel L. M. Wolfs
Prof. Do Youn Lee
Dr. Tara Smith
Emer. Prof. Tu Hwan Kim