Expanding Horizons
As humanity expands its presence beyond Earth, regions across the world are seeking their own pathways to space.
“The Many Pathways to Space” will will convene in Oviedo as a premier open forum for scientists, engineers, technologists, and students. Our goal is to share ideas and define new opportunities for participation in this evolving ecosystem. From planetary defense to sustainable exploration, the meeting embraces the full spectrum of research and innovation that will shape our collective future.
We invite dialogue across disciplines and sectors, academic, industrial, and institutional, fostering the cross-pollination of ideas that turns bold visions into tangible projects.
Core Areas of Interest:
- Human exploration & Space health: Sustaining life beyond Earth.
- Space mining & resources: Utilization of in-situ resources.
- Subterranean analogues & Microgravity: Utilization of underground infrastructure.
- Planetary defense: Protecting our future.
- Cislunar space: The next frontier of operations.
- Aerospace technology: Engineering the vessels of tomorrow.
Confirmed Invited Speakers:
- Pete Worden, chairman of the Breakthrough Prize Foundation and Executive Director of its Breakthrough Initiative.
- Francisco Córdova, Chief Operating Officer of the International Space Station (ISS).
- Emmanuel Urquieta, Vice Chair of Aerospace Medicine and Associate Professor of Medicine at University of Central Florida – College of Medicine.
- Dani M. DellaGiustina, professor at the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory ; PI of the NASA OSIRIS-APEX missions.
- Phil Metzger, Director of the Stephen W. Hawking Center for Microgravity Research and Education.
- Seiji Sugita, Professor at the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of Tokyo and Science PI of the Hayabusa2 Optical Navigation Camera.
- Humberto Campins, Pegasus Professor of Planetary Science at the University of Central Florida; Former Jefferson Science Fellow of the National Academy of Science at the US State Department.
- Julia de Leon, Planetary Scientist; ESA contact point in Spain for NEOS and Planetary Defense.
- Antonio Maudes, Co-founder & CEO of Light Bridges and researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics of The Canary Islands.
If you are interested, please, fill the NOTICE OF INTERESTso that we can count on you and you don't miss any news.
Why Asturias?
From mining legacy to space analogues
Asturias offers a unique scenario for this conversation. Rooted in a proud legacy of mining and heavy industry, the region is pioneering a bold transformation: converting its vast subterranean infrastructure, over 5,000 kilometers of tunnels, into advanced analogue environments for space research and technology development in dust-rich conditions.
This transition, driven by strong collaboration between regional institutions, the University of Oviedo, and private industry, positions Asturias as a strategic hub for experimentation and innovation in environments that simulate extraterrestrial challenges.
A historic celestial alignment
The conference is scheduled for 5-7 August 2026, taking place the week immediately preceding a historic astronomical event: on August 12, the first total Solar Eclipse in over a century will cross the region from West to East.
This gathering will not only define how this territory can serve as a testbed for humanity’s next steps beyond Earth, but it will also serve as the perfect prelude to a spectacular astronomic observation event.
Experience Asturias
Where innovation meets tradition
Located in northern Spain, Asturias is a lush, mountainous region where the Cantabrian Sea meets deep green valleys. It is a land dotted with traditional villages and defined by a strong sense of local culture.
- The Host City: Oviedo The capital, Oviedo, is a welcoming, walkable city renowned for its charming historic center, traditional culture and proximity to nature. It serves as the perfect host for intellectual exchange and networking.
- Cultural heritage. Home to unique Pre-Romanesque art and architecture recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Asturias is also projecting itself into the 21st century with avant-garde buildings such as the Calatrava Congress Palace in Oviedo and, nearby in Avilés, the iconic Niemeyer Cultural Centre
- Gastronomy: A renowned destination for food lovers, celebrated for its unique cider culture, fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and rich culinary tradition.
- Academic Excellence :The University of Oviedo, with campuses across the region (Oviedo, Gijón, Mieres), is a fundamental pillar of cultural and scientific life. As the cradle of influential thinkers and distinguished scientists, it provides an inspiring setting for this international gathering.
Plan your visit
- Destination: Visit Asturias (Official Tourism, English) | Visit Asturias (Official Tourism, Spanish) | Oviedo city Guide (English and Spanish)
- Culture: Museums and cultural spaces | Pre-Romanesque | Niemeyer Center | Historic building of the University of Oviedo
- Astrotourism
- The Underground Connection: Mining Heritage & Tours (Pozo Sotón)
- The 2026 Eclipse: IGN: Eclipses in Spain (2026-2028) | Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Path & Information (NASA/OAN)
Join the Conversation
Be part of the definition of the future of space infrastructure.
Interested in attending or contributing?
Please fill out the Notice of Interest form to receive updates on the Call for Papers and registration.
Steering Committee
- Noemí Pinilla Alonso: Distinguished Researcher at Institute of Space Science and Tchnology (ICTEA), Universidad de Oviedo, Spain.
- Julia de León: Distinguished Researcher at Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain.
- Javier de Cos Juez: Director of the Institute of Space Science and Technology (ICTEA), Universidad de Oviedo, Spain.
- Humberto Campins: Pegasus Professor University of Central Florida, USA.
