A Pakistan national team led by the Institute of Space Technology (IST) is taking part in the International Space Games 2026 in Moscow, joining teams from eight countries for a week of space engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence and mission operations activities.
What happened?
The event runs from October 26 to November 1, 2026. Following the opening ceremony, the Pakistani delegation began hands-on activities covering space engineering, mission operations, robotics and AI, alongside an immersive Mars-habitat experience that simulates conditions for living and working on Mars.
Key details
- Event: International Space Games 2026, Moscow, October 26 to November 1, 2026.
- Teams from eight countries are taking part.
- Activities include space engineering, robotics, AI, mission operations and a Mars-habitat simulation.
- The Pakistani team is led by the Institute of Space Technology (IST).
- Team members: Dr. Rehan Mahmood, Maheen Zulfiqar, Mohammad Daniyal Hasnain, Talha Zubair, Humail Amir Nawaz, Syeda Maryam Murtaza Naqvi, Ayesha Jamil, Fakhar Arooj, Alishba Tanveer, Maheera Fatima and Hafiz Muhammad Abdullah.
What it means for people in Pakistan
The games give young Pakistani engineers and students hands-on experience in space technology and robotics, and a chance to exchange ideas with peers from other countries. Skills built in mission operations and AI feed directly into Pakistan’s growing space and technology sector.
