The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) is dedicating focus to 'space' as a key theme throughout its 160th-anniversary celebrations in 2026, through various events and publications. This aligns with a period of significant global activity and anticipated advancements in the space sector. Experts project 2026 to be a pivotal year for the deployment of orbital infrastructure at a substantial scale, moving from demonstration phases to operational assets that are critical for daily functions, such as refueling stations, secure communications, AI-driven logistics, and in-space manufacturing and servicing. Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to become the 'central nervous system' of space, playing a crucial role in autonomous spacecraft control, optimizing systems, mission planning, and analyzing vast cosmic data. This integration is seen as vital for enabling more complex and longer human missions. Furthermore, 2026 will see increased anticipation for lunar missions, with plans for sustained human presence and utilizing the Moon as a staging post for further deep-space exploration. The development of next-generation space stations is also a major trend, including successors to the International Space Station (ISS), commercial ventures by companies like Axiom and Blue Origin, and national space stations planned by countries such as China, Russia, and India. The year will also solidify space's role as a backbone for modern intelligence and defense, emphasizing sovereign capabilities and fostering collaborations between governments and commercial entities. The orbital economy is rapidly expanding, with an increased focus on connectivity through advanced extra-terrestrial communication networks and direct-to-device satellite services. These trends underscore a shift from purely symbolic exploration to space becoming an essential platform for addressing Earth-based challenges and driving technological innovation globally.