Students and career professionals from across the UK gathered at Kings College London (KCL) on 14 and 15 March 2026 for the 38th National Student Space Conference (NSSC).
The NSSC is one of the largest student focused space events. The event organisers were UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (UKSEDS). It was hosted by KCL’s Space Society.
The event brought figures from the space industry, academia and government to discuss developments in space technology, policy and research.
Roar attended the second day of talks. Attendees spoke highly of the events of the previous day.
Opening the conference, UKSEDS Chair Anna Kalapurakkal welcomed attendees and highlighted the organisation’s role in supporting the next generation of space professionals through networking, skills development and national projects.
The Sunday started with a talk from Libby Jackson, the Head of Space at the Science Museum. She discussed her journey into the field and her time as Head of Space Exploration at the UK Space Agency.
Over the two days, talks, workshops and panel discussions were held covering vast range of topics such as satellite technology, AI in aerospace, space exploration and the future of space economy.
Students were treated to sessions on how to build a CV and how to enter the space industry.
Industry representatives from organisations including Airbus, RAL Space and other leading institutions also showcased their work in exhibition sessions.
The conference included with networking sessions aiming to connect students with professionals in research and industry, underlining NSSC’s mission to inspire and prepare the next generation for the expanding space sector.
It ended with the UKSEDS National Awards, celebrating the students, branches and projects across the UKSEDS network.
This article was edited on 19 March 2026 to include the involvement of KCL Space Society in organising the event.
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