Defence in Space Conference 2026 (DISC 26)

About DISC 26

The Defence in Space Conference is a free professional meeting focused on the systems and policies connecting military operations with the space domain. The 2026 event runs on 27 and 28 October at The Brewery in London. It is organised by the Defence in Space community with guidance from a steering committee, rather than being owned by a government department or commercial exhibition group.

The published programme includes more than twenty talks across military satellite communications, space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, Earth observation, navigation, space domain awareness, national programmes, security and cyber strategy. The format is conference-led, supported by sponsors and professional networking. Free attendance lowers the price barrier, but delegates still need to book and satisfy any stated professional or capacity conditions. The event describes itself as being for government, industry, institutions and academia, creating a mixed audience around operational needs and technical capability. Sponsor involvement supports delivery but does not make every sponsor a speaker or imply official endorsement. The conference also supports the Allied Forces Foundation, a separate charitable relationship that should not be confused with event organisation.

Event history and organiser

DISC 26 is the 4th Defence in Space Conference. The official archive links earlier London editions in 2023, 2024 and 2025, showing a short annual series developed around a professional space-and-defence community. The event describes itself as organised by and for industry, with a steering committee providing guidance and expertise. That structure differs from a conference formally owned by a military command or agency. Government, military and institutional speakers may contribute, but their presence does not transfer organiser status. The Brewery is the 2026 venue and provides the central London setting. Sponsors support the programme, and the Allied Forces Foundation is the named charity supported by the conference. Earlier programmes help show continuing interest in communications, ISR, navigation and space security, but they do not verify the 2026 speaker list or sponsor roster. Current booking, schedule and venue pages remain the authoritative source for this edition.

Topics and themes

DISC follows the operational services that armed forces obtain from space and the threats affecting them. Its talks connect missions, systems, national programmes and security practice. DISC connects these themes with evidence, delivery choices and the needs of its professional community.

• Military satellite communications: protected, resilient and interoperable links support command, deployed forces and operations across contested environments.
• ISR and Earth observation: space-based sensing contributes to intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and decision-making across military domains.
• Navigation: positioning, navigation and timing support movement, targeting and coordination while requiring alternatives when signals are disrupted.
• Space domain awareness: tracking objects, behaviour and threats helps operators understand congestion, risk and potentially hostile activity.
• National and cyber strategy: programmes, procurement and protection of connected ground systems determine whether policy becomes resilient operational capability.

Who should attend?

DISC 26 is aimed at government officials and military personnel working on space operations, capability, acquisition or security. Defence primes, satellite operators, technology suppliers and consultancies can use the programme to understand operational concerns and meet relevant institutions. Space agencies and allied organisations may find value in discussions about national programmes, interoperability and domain awareness. Researchers, universities and technical specialists can connect applied work with defence needs, while policy and cyber professionals can examine governance and protection of critical systems. The conference is professionally oriented rather than a public space festival. Free booking does not remove the need to register or confirm attendance. Suppliers should use sponsorship information where they want a formal event presence and should not assume a general ticket includes exhibition or speaking rights.

Practical information

DISC 26 runs at The Brewery in the City of London on 27 and 28 October. Attendance is advertised as free, subject to booking and availability.

Confirm registration acceptance, opening times, identification, venue access and the final schedule. Sponsors, speakers and media should follow their separate organiser instructions before arrival. Confirm current access instructions and local travel arrangements before departure for DISC.