From Earth to Near-Space: ITPO Russia participates in the 9th Global Conference on Near-Space Industrialization
September 28, 2026
The 9th Global Conference on Near-Space Industrialization (GCNSI 2026) took place on September 11–12, 2026, in Maryina Gorka, Republic of Belarus. Igor Kozhin, Head of ITPO of the Russian Federation, and Ivan Seregin, Project Administrator, participated in the event.
Held in Belarus for the ninth time, the Global Conference on Near-Space Industrialization brings together representatives from the scientific and engineering communities, international organizations, government bodies, and the business sector to discuss promising technologies for near-space exploration and their potential applications for sustainable development. The conference was organized by Astroengineering Technologies, a member of the International Astronautical Federation. The event was held in a hybrid format, drawing participants from countries around the world. (uspaceprogram.com)
In 2026, the conference brought together representatives from 35 countries. More than 1,000 participants attended in person, while the online broadcast audience exceeded 10,000 people. The conference continued a long-standing international scientific dialogue on the development of advanced technologies and the space industry, as well as the search for solutions to reduce the anthropogenic burden on Earth.
The conference’s scientific program covered a wide range of topics—from engineering solutions for near-space exploration to the environmental, biological, energy, and social aspects of technological development. Proceedings were organized around four main thematic areas: geospace and geotechnical sciences and technologies; energy and information systems; and environmental and biological aspects of closed, biosphere-type ecosystems on Earth and in space. …social, legal, and financial aspects of the development of human civilization.
At the conference, scientists, engineers, researchers, and industry representatives discussed the development of geospace technologies, transport, energy, biotechnology, and infrastructure, as well as approaches to addressing global environmental challenges. A key focus of the agenda was the interrelationship between technological advancement and the preservation of Earth’s biosphere.
Addressing the conference participants, Igor Kozhin noted that over the years, the event has solidified its role as an international platform for professional dialogue on responsible technological development, the future of industry, and the preservation of Earth’s biosphere. He emphasized that innovations are particularly valuable when they help strengthen national capacities, ensure the responsible use of natural resources, and yield concrete, practical results.
In his remarks, the Head of the ITPO also highlighted cooperation with Anatoly Unitsky’s team on an initiative involving the use of environmentally sustainable technologies to restore degraded land and combat desertification, including solutions based on the uTerra approach. The initiative integrates issues such as ecosystem restoration, food security, the development of local expertise, and the responsible implementation of innovations.
Igor Kozhin underscored the importance of international collaboration among engineers, scientists, the business community, government institutions, and international organizations in transitioning from promising ideas to practical solutions. He noted that the value of such conferences lies not only in the exchange of research findings and professional insights but also in the opportunity to establish contacts that could evolve into concrete partnerships.
The participation of the ITPO Russia in the 9th Global Conference on Near-Space Industrialization continued its engagement with the international scientific and engineering community regarding innovation, environmentally responsible technological development, and the search for practical solutions to foster sustainable industry.
