The Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub (SSAH), part of the University of Sharjah, recently took part in the fourth International Deep-Space Exploration Conference 2026, or IDSEC 2026, held in Hefei, Anhui Province, China.

The conference brought together scientists, space-industry experts, representatives of space agencies, and delegates from international research institutions and centers. SSAH was represented by Noura Al Ameri, Acting Head of the High-Energy Astrophysics Laboratory and a member of the International Society for Deep Space Exploration.

SSAH’s participation was intended to strengthen the hub’s international scientific presence, keep pace with emerging developments in deep-space exploration, and expand opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange with specialized institutions and research centers around the world.

Held under the theme, “Sustainable Deep Space Exploration: Opportunities and Challenges,” the conference explored major scientific and technological issues shaping the future of deep-space exploration. Participants examined new opportunities and challenges in the field, while emphasizing the value of collaboration among space agencies, research institutions, and international experts. The gathering also provided a platform for participants to exchange knowledge and experience and to explore new avenues for scientific and research cooperation.

On the sidelines of the conference, the delegation visited Galactic Energy, a commercial space-launch company in Chizhou, China. The visit offered an up-close look at liquid-propellant rocket technology and the stages of assembly, integration, and testing involved in preparing launch vehicles for space missions. The delegation also toured the company’s Pallas-2 launch vehicle, a next-generation reusable liquid-propellant rocket currently under development. The visit provided insight into the technologies supporting the vehicle’s design and the preparations underway for its future launch operations.