uSpace on the International Space Stage: Anatoli Unitsky’s Participation in IAC 2026
Anatoli Unitsky, author of the uSpace program for non-rocket near-space industrialization, and representatives of the Unitsky Group of Companies took part in the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026).
The Congress took place in Antalya, Türkiye, from October 5 to 9. It is one of the world’s leading platforms for discussions on space exploration, space science, and technology. This year, the event attracted a record 18,600 participants from 111 countries. IAC 2026 was organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF).
At the Congress, the presentation titled “Global Program for Non-Rocket Space Industrialization” introduced the uSpace program. It envisages the industrialization of near space and the creation of a unified geocosmic transport and industrial infrastructure connecting Earth with orbital space. One of the key principles of uSpace is relocating industries that pose environmental risks beyond the Earth’s biosphere.
At the heart of the program is the General Planetary Vehicle (GPV), developed by Anatoli Unitsky. It is designed to transport cargo and passengers into orbit using electrical energy, without chemical rocket fuel.
According to the developer’s calculations, the GPV will be capable of transporting up to 10 million metric tons of cargo in a single mission. This approach could significantly expand the scale of space transportation while eliminating toxic atmospheric emissions associated with the use of chemical rocket fuel.
An important outcome of participating in IAC 2026 was the development of international connections. The Unitsky Group of Companies team met with representatives of the space agencies of Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Brazil, Japan, Vietnam, China, and Singapore, as well as specialists from scientific and educational institutions and the aerospace industry in Spain, Ireland, Switzerland, Türkiye, and other countries. The discussions focused on prospects for future cooperation and opportunities to participate in international industry events.
The Congress also provided an opportunity to meet Dr Yang Yuguang, a professor at China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) and Secretary of the IAF Space Transportation Committee. He invited Anatoli Unitsky to speak at the Commercial Aerospace Forum, which will take place in Wuhan, China, in November.
“Participating in the International Astronautical Congress is an opportunity to present my ideas and technologies to the professional community – ideas and technologies I have been working on for many years – and to connect with like-minded people who are shaping the future of the space industry.
Space exploration should not only open up new opportunities for humanity beyond Earth, but also help address challenges here on our planet, above all those related to preserving its biosphere. Preserving Earth for our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren is the principle at the heart of my uSpace program. I hope that international dialogue will help bring its implementation closer,” Anatoli Unitsky noted.
Participation in IAC 2026 marked another step in developing international cooperation under the program for non-rocket near-space industrialization. In 2025, Astroengineering Technologies LLC, established by Anatoli Unitsky to implement the uSpace program, became a member of the International Astronautical Federation, which brings together more than 600 organizations from over 80 countries.
Cooperation continued in 2026. In the summer, IAF Executive Director Christian Feichtinger and Senior Advisor Elena Feichtinger visited the Unitsky Group of Companies. In September, IAF representatives took part in the 9th Global Conference on Near Space Industrialization in Maryina Gorka. During the event, Anatoli Unitsky and Christian Feichtinger signed a Joint Declaration on the Development of Space Activities and International Scientific and Technological Cooperation.