The 75th International Astronautical Congress has officially kicked off at the MiCo Convention Center in Milan, Italy. This prestigious event has attracted over 10,000 participants, including space experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals from around the globe. Italian President Sergio Mattarella graced the opening ceremony with his presence, underscoring the significance of the congress.
The theme for this year’s congress is “Responsible Space for Sustainability.” This focus aims to promote sustainable development in space technologies, ensuring that future space exploration and usage balance scientific progress with environmental conservation.
The emphasis is on ensuring that advancements in space do not come at the cost of the planet's health, according to a report by Xinhua news agency.
Throughout the week-long event, attendees can look forward to over 200 technical sessions. These sessions will cover a diverse array of topics that are critical to the future of space exploration.
Discussions will include sustainable exploration efforts for the Moon and Mars, space-based Earth observation initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, the growing role of private companies in space development, and the various applications of artificial intelligence in the aerospace sector.
Clay Mowry, the president of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), emphasised the unprecedented scale of this year’s congress. He noted that more than 7,000 abstracts have been submitted from participants representing 106 countries, highlighting the global interest in space. Furthermore, over 530 exhibitors from 46 nations are showcasing the latest innovations in space technology.
Mowry expressed excitement about the current era of space exploration, comparing it to the thrilling advancements seen during the Apollo missions of the 1960s.
In a notable moment during the congress, Li Guoping, the chief engineer of the China National Space Administration, spoke about China's commitment to enhancing international collaboration in space exploration. He presented lunar soil samples collected by China’s Chang’e-6 mission from the far side of the Moon.
This presentation marked a significant milestone as it was the first time these samples were displayed outside of China, eliciting applause from attendees.
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