This week, the organizers of the world’s largest space congress – the International Astronautical Federation – IAF, gathered more than 9300 delegates from 110 countries on the occasion of the 73rd International Astronautical Congress.
After the first IAC which gathered 10 delegates in 1950 in Paris, 72 years later, in the same city, the event had been beyond expectations. The strong presence of the next generation representing 45% of the congress participants is inspirational.
The IAC 2022 official opening day clearly set the tone for a successful event. French Prime Minister, Ms. Elizabeth Borne announced a budget of 9 billion Euros for the French space sector over next three years. Throughout the week, more than 3000 papers were presented. Among them were 800 innovative interactive presentations.
25 GNF sessions and 19 Special Sessions were very-well attended. 10 plenaries and Highlight lectures covered the most exciting topics of the year, including two Late Breaking News sessions on the DART Mission and on the James Webb Space Telescope MIRI Instrument.
On Wednesday 21, more than 2200 delegates were present for the Public Day. Among them, French Astronaut, Thomas Pesquet who met with and inspired the young generation. An impressive exhibition welcomed 250 exhibitors on more than 8.000 square meters. The IAF membership was propelled to 468 with the addition of 45 new members approved at the IAF Generation Assembly.
Four additional countries are now part of the IAF Family: Greece, Iceland, Monaco, and Rwanda. In addition, Sydney (Australia) was selected as Host City for the IAC 2025 and four new IAF Vice Presidents were elected: Ms. Mishaal Ashemimry, Mr. Anil Kumar, Ms. Tanja Masson-Zwaan and Ms. Pilar Zamora.
The global space community now looks ahead to next year’s IAC which will take place from 2 – 6 October 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the pearl of the Caucasus, home to a stunning mix of landscapes, culture and innovation.
