Pakistan’s delegation from the Institute of Space Technology (IST) won three distinctions at the International Space Games (ISG) 2026 in Moscow, Russia. The awards, presented at the closing and awards ceremony, were for ‘Best Mission Control Centre (MCC) Team’, ‘Best Flight Engineer’ and ‘Outstanding Overall Coordination’.
The competition involved participants from eight countries competing in a simulated space-mission environment. This included 48-hour habitat expeditions where teams performed engineering assignments, mission-control operations, scientific activities, and simulated emergency scenarios to test teamwork, decision-making, and technical expertise.
The 11-member Pakistani delegation included habitat crew members Ayesha Jamil, Fakhar Arooj, Alishba Tanveer, Maheera Fatima and Hafiz Muhammad Abdullah. Syeda Maryam Murtaza and Humail Amir Nawaz represented the Mission Control Centre. Mohammad Daniyal Hasnain and Talha Zubair served as consulting experts, while Dr. Rehan Mahmood and Engr. Maheen Zulfiqar acted as professional jury members.
Dr. Rehan Mahmood, Director of the Space Systems and Technology Research Lab (SSTRL) at IST, acted as the National Coordinator and Head of the Pakistan delegation. The awards were said to reflect the technical excellence, dedication, teamwork and coordination shown by the team throughout the competition.
The Institute of Space Technology stated that the participation followed months of preparation and technical training. The institution congratulated the recipients and the team, while expressing appreciation to the organizers, host institutions and international partners. The IST noted that the event provided young space enthusiasts with international exposure and practical experience in space exploration and engineering.






