Gold Sponsor
Patronage
ANTS 2026 has been granted the patronage of Assoc. Prof. Bohuslav Svoboda, Mayor of the City of Prague.
Call for Papers
The ANTS Call for Papers is now open!
ANTS 2026 will be the first European conference dedicated to space nuclear technologies, bringing together leading experts from across the global space and nuclear communities. The ANTS conference was established to provide a consistent platform linking Europe’s expanding nuclear and space sectors, as no regular forum currently exists to connect these two rapidly evolving communities.
The conference is organised by an international Scientific Programme Committee composed of renowned experts from leading European research institutions, space agencies, industry leaders, and nuclear organisations. Their collective expertise ensures a high-quality technical programme addressing the most important scientific, technological, and strategic developments in the field.
Held in Prague, Czech Republic, ANTS 2026 will take place as a two-day conference complemented by optional technical tours, providing participants with valuable opportunities for in-depth discussions, networking, and collaboration.
While ANTS aims to attract a broad international audience, it will also provide a unique opportunity for the rapidly growing European community in space nuclear technologies to meet, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaboration with partners from around the world.
CONFERENCE TOPICS
The Programme Committee invites both oral and poster contributions on, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Technology Research and Development: This track covers the research and development of space nuclear technologies, including:
- Fission Power Systems
- Nuclear Propulsion
- Radioisotope Power Systems
It also encompasses fuel development, energy conversion, heat rejection, cryogenics, autonomy and control systems, as well as modelling and simulation.
- Testing, evaluation, and production supply chain: This track covers isotope production and processing, fuel testing, irradiation experiments, post‑irradiation examination, component and system testing, high‑temperature and speciality materials, advanced manufacturing, supply chain aspects, ground operations and integration, and test facilities.
- Architectures, Missions, and Use Cases: This track includes civil, commercial, and defence applications. It covers programmatic overviews and updates, lessons learned from past programmes, nuclear vs conventional trade studies, compatibility with space launch vehicles and complexes, space science and exploration, resource recovery and utilisation, and payload concepts.
- Policy, Regulations, Safety, and Security: This track addresses challenges and gaps for commercial nuclear systems, including fission systems, as well as existing regulatory frameworks and approaches, safety approaches and best practices, consensus standards, export control, safeguards, non‑proliferation, and international engagement
Mark your diaries and be a part of it! Upload your abstracts before 1 September 2026.
INSTRUCTIONS AND DEADLINES
| Next steps |
Deadlines |
| Abstract Submission Deadline |
1 September 2026 |
| Author Notification |
11 September 2026 |
| Full Paper Submission |
23 October 2026 |
| PowerPoint Presentation due | 13 November 2026 |
| ANTS 2026 in Prague | 22-25 November 2026 |
Programme
The preliminary programme of ANTS 2026 will be online in the coming months
IMPORTANT
The ANTS 2026 programme has been extended to include additional networking and technical activities.
| 22 November 2026 |
Pre-registration and Welcome Drink |
| 23–24 November 2026 |
Conference |
| 25 November 2026 |
Technical Tours |
We therefore encourage participants to plan their stay from 22 to 25 November 2026 to take full advantage of the conference programme.
Programme Committee
| Martin Sevecek (Chair) | Czech Technical University in Prague | Czech Republic |
| Richard Ambrosi | University of Leicester | UK |
| Valere Girardin | European Space Agency | International |
| Jakub Handrlica | Charles University | Czech Republic |
| Georg Herdrich | University of Stuttgart | Germany |
| Francesco Lodi | ENEA | Italy |
| Eric Proust | CEA | France |
| Brieuc Spindler | Tractebel | Belgium |
| Benoit Winterholer | Framatome | France |
Technical Tours
Technical Tour I – UJP Prague
UJP PRAHA is one of the Czech Republic’s leading engineering companies in the fields of nuclear technologies, radiation applications and advanced materials. During this guided technical tour, participants will gain exclusive insight into selected facilities supporting the nuclear fuel cycle and industrial radiation technologies.
Highlights of the visit include:
- The new irradiation facilities, where modern gamma irradiation technologies are used for sterilization, material modification and industrial applications.
- The experimental hall, presenting the development, processing and testing materials, including nuclear fuel components.
- The depleted uranium processing facility, where participants will learn about recycling technologies and the manufacture of shielding components and specialised products from depleted uranium.
Throughout the visit, UJP experts will introduce the technologies, engineering solutions and safety principles behind these activities, demonstrating how advanced materials and radiation technologies support nuclear energy, medicine and industry.
Visit time: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Technical Tour II – Czech Technical University in Prague (Laboratories of the Department of Nuclear Reactors, Research reactors VR-1 and VR-2); Stellar Exploration
The Department of Nuclear Reactors at Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU in Prague) is one of the main centres for nuclear engineering education and research in Central Europe. It offers a unique opportunity to study nuclear science in an international environment while gaining hands-on experience that goes beyond classroom theory. Students work with modern computational tools as well as real nuclear facilities, including the VR-1 training and research reactor, located directly on campus. The department focuses on reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics, nuclear fuel cycles, radiation protection, and reactor safety, with applications ranging from research and power reactors to advanced concepts such as small modular and space reactors.
The highlight of this tour is the VR-1 research reactor – It is a zero-power nuclear reactor operated by the CTU in Prague and serves as a central part of nuclear engineering education at the university. Designed specifically for teaching and experimental work, VR-1 allows students to move beyond theory and gain direct experience with real reactor systems. The reactor’s flexible core configuration makes it possible to demonstrate fundamental reactor physics principles in a clear and intuitive way. VR-1 is also used for research, training of reactor operators, and international education programs.
Stellar Exploration development labs – During your visit to its cleanrooms, CTU in Prague will show you the live manufacturing and testing of our advanced satellite batteries. You will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the development of our innovative propulsion systems, the enablers for the NASA CAPSTONE mission, and touch the antennas designed for the Mars Orbiter. CTU engineers will guide you through the entire process and happily answer any questions about the hardware that powers today’s satellites.
Visit time: 10:00 am – 3.30 pm
Technical Tours Registration
The two Technical Tours are included in the registration fee.
The maximum size of each group is limited, and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please fill in the appropriate section of the registration form and the required information for the security check.
Registration
Registrations will open in the coming months.
ANTS Registration Fees (all rates excl. 21% VAT)
- Regular: 15.000 CZK
- Student/ENS Young Generation*: 7000 CZK
*A valid ENS membership number and/or proof of enrolment as a student will be required.
What is included in my conference fee?
- Participation in all sessions
- Conference materials
- Lunches and coffee breaks
- Welcome Drink
- Conference Dinner
- Technical Tours (Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis)
Social Programme
One of the greatest strengths of the international ANTS (Advanced Nuclear Technologies in Space) 2026 Conference is the opportunity to meet and engage with colleagues from the international nuclear technology community. The social programme has been designed to foster informal discussions, strengthen professional connections, and encourage new collaborations.
Participation in the social events is included in the conference registration fee. To assist with the organisation, please indicate your attendance when completing the registration form.
Welcome Drink
All delegates are warmly invited to the Welcome Drink on Sunday, 22 November 2026. Combined with the conference pre-registration, this informal gathering offers an excellent opportunity to meet fellow participants before the scientific programme begins.
Conference Dinner
The Conference Dinner will take place on Monday, 23 November 2026. This highlight of the social programme provides a relaxed setting to continue discussions, exchange ideas, and build new professional relationships while enjoying an evening in Prague.
Info Point
ANTS 2026 – Advanced Nuclear Technologies in Space | The Venue
The Advanced Nuclear Technologies in Space – ANTS 2026 – will take place in Prague at the Grandium Hotel
Politickych veznu 913/12
Prague, 11000, Czech Republic
The Grandium Hotel Prague offers 365 rooms across a range of categories. Participants can book their accommodation directly through the hotel website (click here). Conveniently located in the heart of Prague, the Grandium Hotel is surrounded by a wide selection of alternative accommodation options, all within easy walking distance of the conference venue.
Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural life. From the iconic Charles Bridge to the historic Prague Castle, the city blends medieval charm with a dynamic modern atmosphere. An international hub of science, innovation, and education, Prague provides an inspiring setting for international exchange, making it an ideal host for ANTS 2026.
VISA
Citizens from countries outside of the Schengen area might need a visa to enter the Czech Republic.
Upon request, the European Nuclear Society will prepare a visa invitation letter for delegates whose registration fees have been received in full. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to give any further support to the visa application process. Obtaining a visa remains the sole responsibility of the participant. Regular cancellation deadlines apply, regardless of whether your visa was granted or not.
GETTING THERE
The Grandium Hotel is located in the city centre, just 5 minutes by walking from the Prague Central Station. See here for more information.
Prague is served by the Vaclav Havel International Airport, the largest airport in the Czech Republic and one of the largest airports in Central and Eastern Europe. The airport is well served by public transport (buses and trolleybuses), which connect it to the city centre (visit the website). Prague Central Station (Praha hlavní nádraží) also has international, frequent connections, handling services to Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland.
ORGANISER
European Nuclear Society
Avenue des Arts 56
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Email: conferences@euronuclear.org
ANTS is an ENS conference