Russia's New Space Week Aims to Inspire Future Scientists and Engineers

Russia will launch an annual Space Week starting in 2026. The event, announced by President Vladimir Putin, will run from April 6 to 12 each year. It aims to highlight the country's achievements in space exploration while encouraging young people to pursue careers in science and engineering.

The new nationwide celebration will coincide with Cosmonautics Day, a long-standing holiday marking Yuri Gagarin's historic flight. An organising committee, headed by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, will shape the event's agenda. Their responsibilities include planning educational projects, science outreach, and student programs as part of an annual strategy.

Space Week will feature themed sessions at major economic forums, such as those managed by the Roscongress Foundation. The foundation has previously hosted large-scale events like the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and the Arctic Forum, drawing participants from over 200 countries. A dedicated youth congress will also form part of the program. Regional authorities have been invited to organise local activities, ensuring the event reaches communities across Russia. The initiative seeks to raise the profile of space-related professions and inspire a new generation to engage with advanced technologies. By fostering generational continuity, the government hopes to strengthen Russia's long-term presence in space exploration.

Space Week will begin in 2026, with its first edition scheduled for April 6–12. The annual event will combine national and regional activities, including forums, youth congresses, and educational initiatives. Officials expect the program to increase public interest in science, engineering, and Russia's space sector.