Tartu Observatory at IAC 2026

From October 5-9, 2026, Antalya is hosting the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), bringing together over 10,000 space experts, innovators, and industry leaders from around the world. Tartu Observatory of the University of Tartu is represented at the IAC as part of a joint Estonian stand together with Enterprise Estonia (EIS) and other Estonian space sector companies.

Tartu Observatory is Estonia´s leading hub of innovation and research, focused on the development and application of cutting-edge space technologies. The space technology department of Tartu Observatory specializes in satellite systems, space exploration instruments, and remote sensing solutions. The main research domains include planetary rovers, simulations, robotic autonomy, payload and instruments, and astrobiology, contributing to both scientific advancement and the practical applications of space exploration. The department also offers testing facilities, which are equipped for environmental testing of devices and optical measurements. With a strong focus on sustainability and scientific excellence, Tartu Observatory contributes significantly to both academic research and industrial advancements in the global space sector.

Tartu Observatory is participating at Estonia’s stand 2F-06 in Hall 2, together with other Estonian companies and institutions.


Below is a list of oral and interactive presentations by researchers and engineers from Tartu Observatory:

06.10 at 16.50 Ric Dengel From Synthetic Data Generation to On Board Deplyoment: A Perception Pipeline for AI Driven Space Imaging (Hall 28)

09.10 at 11.19 Sten Salumets OPIC on Comet Interceptor: Towards Autonomous Imaging of Poorly Characterized Targets of Opportunity (Room E3)

09.10 at 12.00 Lara Cecilia Bernardes de Souza Simulation-Driven Validation Framework for Lunar Rover Perception Using a Digital Twin and Physical Analoog Testbed (Hall 1)

09.10 at 14.41 Rando Avarmaa Lightweight Vision-based BEV Occupancy Mapping for Autonomous Lunar Rover Operations Using Lidar-based ground-truth (Hall 5)