International Space Games to Bring Together Students From Around the World

The first International Space Games are scheduled to take place in Moscow from October 26 to November 1, 2026, bringing together student teams and academics from eight countries. Participants from Russia, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Pakistan and Uzbekistan are expected to tackle engineering challenges linked to space exploration.

The event is being coordinated by Russia’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Roscosmos, with HSE University serving as its operator. Organisers describe the Games as a practical engineering competition: teams will work through mission-style tasks in a simulated autonomous settlement designed to represent life beyond Earth.

International Space Games 2026: Key details

What will students do at the Games?

Teams are expected to take part in real-time challenges at a specially designed autonomous extraterrestrial settlement. High-tech settlement modules will be set up at the Skolkovo Innovation Centre and linked to an international Mission Control Centre at SKOLKA Innovation School.

The challenges are intended to connect engineering knowledge with problems that a space mission could face. Organisers have highlighted areas including energy, robotics, artificial intelligence and life-support systems. Participants will need to work across disciplines, respond to changing mission demands and apply technical ideas in a simulated operational setting.

• Mission problem-solving: teams will address practical challenges in a simulated settlement environment.
• Engineering skills: activities are designed around technologies relevant to space missions.
• International teamwork: participants from eight countries will meet through a shared competition.
• Student projects and learning: the wider programme is expected to include project presentations, workshops and lectures by practising engineers.

International Space Games timeline

A separate Orbita International Space Tournament is also planned as part of the programme for school students aged 14–18 and university students. The International Space Games therefore combine an engineering competition for national student teams with additional space-themed activities for younger participants.

With India among the participating countries, the event will give students an opportunity to engage with international peers on space technology and mission challenges. The Games are scheduled for October 26 to November 1; further programme details should be checked through organiser updates.