UTES2026 – Unmanned Technologies for Earth and Space 2026 is set to bring together an international lineup of experts from defence, aerospace, autonomous systems and space exploration when the two day symposium takes place at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 26–27 October 2026.
The event’s preliminary speaker programme features specialists whose experience spans maritime autonomy, loitering munitions, drone testing, AAM, human spaceflight, robotics and flight software, reflecting UTES2026’s broad focus on the technologies connecting terrestrial and space based autonomous operations.
Among the keynote speakers is Richard Tanner, Strategic & Operational Advisor specialising in maritime autonomy. Tanner advises organisations navigating the transition towards autonomous and remotely operated maritime systems, with a focus on combining technological innovation with operational effectiveness and safety.
Lars Forssell, Program Manager for Loitering Munition at the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), will bring a defence perspective to the programme, sharing expertise in advanced defence technologies, autonomous systems and the evolving role of loitering munitions in future operational environments.
The event will also feature Jordi Salvador Bernadí, CEO of BCN Drone Center, one of Europe’s leading UAS testing facilities. His expertise encompasses drone testing, certification, regulatory compliance and the development of advanced air mobility.
Looking beyond terrestrial applications, Vladimir Pletser, Director of Space Training Operations at Nautexe Global, will contribute extensive experience in human spaceflight, astronaut training and microgravity research. His career has included space mission preparation and operational training supporting human activities in space.
Also joining the keynote lineup is Dr. Jeevan Perera, NASA Senior Engineer and Manager, whose more than four decades of experience includes work across the International Space Station, Space Shuttle and Orion programmes. Perera has contributed to numerous flight software systems, pioneered NASA’s risk management framework and currently leads advanced robotics development.
Together, the speakers are said to represent the multidisciplinary approach at the heart of UTES2026, connecting expertise from Earth based autonomous operations with the technologies required for future space missions.
Hosted by Chalmers University of Technology, with Chalmers Area of Advance Transport as principal sponsor, UTES2026 will feature presentations, discussions and an accompanying exhibition. Attendance, exhibiting and speaker participation are free of charge, supporting broad participation from industry, academia, government, research organisations, start-ups, SMEs, students and the wider innovation community.
The symposium aims to strengthen collaboration across the Swedish and European unmanned technology ecosystem while creating opportunities for knowledge transfer, partnerships and innovation across Earth and space applications.
Taking place 26–27 October 2026 at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, UTES 2026 is free to attendees and exhibitors.
