The 75th edition of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, serving as the launchpad for the upcoming congress in Milan in October 2024. The IAC 2024 in Milan is expected to bring together more than 10,000 experts and researchers from academia, space agencies, research centers, and astronautical associations worldwide.
The organizing committee for the event includes the Italian Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics (A.I.D.A.A.) representing academia, Leonardo leading the Italian aerospace industry, and the Italian Space Agency (ASI). The IAC 2024 is organized with the support of AIM Group International, and the Milano Congress Center (MiCo) will serve as the venue.
The selection of Milan as the host city is a significant achievement for the Italian space sector, highlighting the excellence of Made in Italy in Space and Milan’s suitability as a global event location. The 2024 edition will once again recognize Italy’s prominent role in Space Exploration, Earth Observation, Space Economy, and Space Diplomacy.
Italy boasts a thriving and well-established space ecosystem, comprising approximately 300 industries, SMEs, start-ups, research centers, and universities. These entities contribute to innovation and technological development in various international space programs under the coordination of ASI. Milan and the Lombardy region are at the forefront of these efforts.
The motto for IAC 2024 is “Responsible Space for Sustainability,” aiming to raise awareness about the need for conscious and responsible use of the space environment. The increasing number of satellite constellations and missions in orbit raises concerns about space debris and potential disruptions to satellite systems crucial for daily activities such as telecommunications, transportation, environmental monitoring, and security.
Key topics at the 2024 edition will include skills, diversity, inclusivity, and the training of young people, particularly women, to engage them in STEM subjects and explore future opportunities at the IAC. Additionally, the event will focus on the contributions of the Space Economy to developing countries. Space has always been a platform for international collaboration and interaction, vital for human development, innovation, and knowledge.
The IAC, now in its 75th edition, is organized annually by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), established in 1951 with A.I.D.A.A. among its ten founding members. The federation now comprises 73 member states, represented by major space agencies, companies, research centers, universities, societies, associations, and museums. This will be the fifth time Italy hosts the IAC, with previous editions held in Rome (1956 and 1981), Turin (1997), and Naples (2012) organized by A.I.D.A.A. and ASI. Milan will now take the spotlight as the world capital of Space for one week.
Save the date for the IAC 2024 in Milan, near the Duomo, from October 14 to 18, 2024, and join the mascot Mimì in this exciting event.