The 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) has officially kicked off at the MiCo Convention Center in Milan, Italy, drawing enthusiasm and attention from space enthusiasts and professionals alike. More than 10,000 experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals have gathered to share insights and explore new horizons in space technology. The event unites minds from around the globe, with notable attendance from Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who inaugurated the session.
This year’s congress is themed "Responsible Space for Sustainability," emphasizing the need for sustainable development within the space sector. It aims to find ways to balance scientific exploration with environmental safeguards, ensuring future endeavors do not come at the expense of Earth's ecological health. The congress covers over 200 technical sessions, highlighting diverse topics such as sustainable exploration of the Moon and Mars, Earth observation technologies for tackling climate change, the increasing role of private enterprises in space exploration, and advancements involving artificial intelligence.
Leading the charge is Clay Mowry, president of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), who remarked on the unprecedented scale of this year’s event. With more than 7,000 abstracts submitted from 106 countries, the excitement is palpable. Mowry stated, "This is the most exciting time in space since the Apollo era of the 1960s." Meanwhile, over 530 exhibitors from 46 different nations are set to showcase their cutting-edge technological developments and research initiatives during the five-day event.
Among the standout moments at the congress was the significant display from the China National Space Administration (CNSA). Li Guoping, the chief engineer of CNSA, presented lunar samples taken from the Chang'e-6 mission—an event publicly commended by attendees and reflective of China’s commitment to international cooperation within the space community. This unique showcase marked the first international appearance of these samples from the far side of the Moon, generating widespread applause.
The annual IAC, which has been held since 1950, stands as the largest global event focused on aerospace. This year, the congress is organized by the IAF and is hosted by the Italian Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics, along with support from Italy’s prestigious aerospace enterprises.
On the sidelines, several renowned companies are also making their mark at IAC 2024. A significant player, TelePIX, is presenting its innovative satellite solutions including the Chouette optical payload, the world's first satellite dedicated to monitoring blue carbon known as BlueBON, and TetraPLEX, which integrates advanced artificial intelligence for satellite operations. Seongick Cho, CEO of TelePIX, expressed his enthusiasm, noting the opportunity to introduce their technology to key global stakeholders.
This congress takes place against the backdrop of intensified geopolitical dynamics, with space exploration continuously shaping how nations interact beyond terrestrial boundaries. Unlike past events, this year reflects these tensions prominently, as Roscosmos, Russia's leading space agency, is conspicuously absent from discussions, following its isolation caused by the Ukraine crisis.
Despite these obstacles, representation is substantial, with nearly all 77-member nations of the IAF present at the discussions. Many of the presentations will center around lunar exploration, leveraging NASA's Artemis program, and the imperative for Europe to establish more independent access to space.
Joe Roulette reports on the anticipated convergences of governmental agendas, with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson ready to gather support for the agency's strategies centering on private sectors following the planned retirement of the International Space Station (ISS) by 2030. Discussions will also touch upon the transition to new habitats and collaborations necessary to continue exploration missions.
The IAC showcases numerous thought leaders addressing the fundamental challenges of using space technology ethically and sustainably. Roberto Cingolani, CEO and general manager of Leonardo, reinforced the notion of peace, stating, "It seems easier to find collaboration outside the Earth than here on terrestrial ground." This sentiment underlines the essence of the congress, urging attendees to develop practical solutions to global problems through technological advancements.
Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, echoed these sentiments, stressing Italy’s commitment to becoming a leader within the space economy over the coming years. The Italian government has pledged €7.2 billion for projects aimed at this goal, aiming to create dense partnerships between public institutions and private enterprises.
At the heart of the congress, discussions are set to inspire future generations, promoting the importance of youth involvement and education within the field. Dignitaries and industry veterans alike advocate for increased collaborations among nation-states to propel forward the legacy of space exploration and scientific discovery.
Italy's positioning as host reflects its ambition to cultivate leadership within the aerospace sector on both national and international stages. Leading voices at IAC encourage the integration of sustainable practices aligned with innovation, making strides toward peace and cooperation.
The 75th IAC is poised to be a milestone event, steering the conversation around global space cooperation and the moral imperatives of our ventures beyond Earth. With the future of space on the table, delegates from around the world prepare to engage, network, and plan for the generations to come.
