The European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC) held its 71st Plenary Meeting from 22 to 24 September 2026 at ESA’s ESRIN site in Frascati, Italy.

ESRIN provided a wonderful facility for the meeting, and ESSC members were also given the opportunity to explore its data visualisation facilities. The Committee is very grateful to ESRIN and its staff for their warm welcome and generous hospitality.

ESSC always embraces these opportunities to gather in person and to exchange ideas, brought forward by its own membership and by its guests. The plenary also offered a welcome occasion to hear closing words from departing SSEP member Mauro Messerotti, whom the Committee thanks for his contribution.

The plenary was held in a hybrid format, enabling participation both on site and online. ESSC extends its sincere thanks to all members and guests for their attendance and contributions, which made for productive and engaging discussions over the three days.