(C) NASA, Huston
Artemis III Astronauts in 2027
KIFA International Space Conference 2026
30 Oct. (Friday) - 2 Nov (Monday), 2026
Place: Korea Institute for Astronauts, Kookmin University, Seoul
KOOKMIN UNIVERSITY, 77 JEONGNEUNG-RO, SEONGBUK-GU, SEOUL, 02707, SOUTH KOREA
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.
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.
Other perspectives are also welcome.
· 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
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
Keynote Speakers
Prof. Tu Hwan Kim
-Korea Institute for Astronauts-
-Korean Space Science Society-
"History and Development of Astronautical Science in Contemporary Korea"
Prof. Ghada Alsaleh
-Oxford University-
"Ageing Beyond Earth"
Diana C. Ly
-Deputy Director, NASA Science Mission Directorate-
"The Artemis II AVATAR Investigation: Advancing Precision Health for Human Exploration of the Moon and Mars"
Dr. Marie J.B. Henderson
-Deputy Lunar Science Lead for the Artemis II Mission, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center-
Andrea Boyd
- ESA, ISS Mission Control-
-EUROCOM-
"Underground to LEO to Lunar: Wisdom from the Human Side of Human Spaceflight"
Roundtable Programme
The roundtable programme is currently being developed and will include the Conference Roundtable Series 1, 2 and 3, as well as sessions with VIP Guests.
Roundtable 1 Theme: Human Factors Engineering
11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Friday 30 OctoberRoundtable 2 Theme: Space Design
11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Saturday 31 OctoberRoundtable 3 Theme: Space Medicine and Physiology
11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Sunday 1 November
The official abstract submission deadline (15 August 2026) has now passed. However, we may be able to accommodate additional submissions up to two weeks before the conference (15 September 2026). Those wishing to submit after the official deadline are asked to contact us directly.
If you are interested in the standard submission process, please submit your abstract (150-180 words) and biography (80 words) using the link above.
Proposals for panels of three or four papers must include the above information for each paper, together with a brief description of the panel itself (100 words).
Conference Fees
The conference fee is US$350 per person; doctoral candidates and early-career researchers without full-time positions will pay US$300. Poster presenters and local presenters are US$250, and commercial booths are US$600.
The conference fee includes the registration fee, conference dinner, a one-day complimentary tour (limited to 100 people), and coffee breaks.
Best Paper Award
The best paper submitted by an HDR student will be awarded US$400. To be considered for this award, the full paper must be submitted one month before the conference (by 5 October 2026).
Bursaries and Publication
A limited number of bursaries will be available to some accepted doctoral candidates and early-career researchers following the conference. In addition, selected papers will be published in a space-themed book volume in the UK, Europe, or the USA.
Abstract Submission:
KIFA Conference Committee:
Prof. David William Kim, Founder and Director in Human Research in Space
Prof. Ravi Gupta, Associate Director in Astrobiology
Prof. Emmanuel L. M. Wolfs, Associate Director in Space Design
Prof. Do-Youn Lee, Associate Director in Space Physiology
Prof. Kim Tu Hwan, Advisory Fellow in Space Physics
Dr. Tara B. M. Smith, Project Manager in Mental and Spiritual Health
Prof. Henderika de Vries, Research Fellow in Creativity Research
Anderson Wilder, NASA Analog Astronaut and PhD Researcher in Human Factors
Prof. Barrett S. Caldwell, International Collaborator in Group Performance Environments
Stella Setbyoul Choi, PhD Researcher in Astrobiology
Dr. Wesley C. Smith, Research Fellow in Space Medicine and Physiology
Dr. Zerrin Kozma Kim, Post-Doctoral Fellow in Astrobiology and Space Food
Dr. Ashok Narayanamoorthi, Astronaut and Research Fellow in Space Medicine
Prof. Jennifer Young, Research Fellow in Mental Health and Behavioural Science
Prof. Olga Shvetsova, Research Fellow in Space Business and Economics
Emily Seolah Min, Research Assistant
Zainab Jamil, Intern in AI-Astronaut Research
Dayeon Heo, PhD Researcher in Space Neurological Physiology and Health
Data
Veronica Hargis, Senior Clinical Fellow in Astronaut Selection and Management
Dr. Christian Caiconte Post-Doctoral Fellow in Space Policy and Ethics
• Contact: contact@kifaspace.org
• KIFA Official Website: https://kifaspace.org
Enquiry:
Prof. David W. Kim
Contact: contact@kifaspace.org
Conference Registration:
if you want to register for the KIFA Spaceflight Conference, please do so at the following address:
Location Info
The Korea Institute for Astronauts is based at Kookmin University in Seoul.
Address
Kookmin University, Bugak Hall, Room 1224, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, South Korea, 02707.
Hours
Mon-Fri (9 am – 5 pm), except public holidays.