60th International Astronautical Congress 2009

IAC 2009 opens in South Korea: Space for Sustainable Peace and Progress

12 October 2009
The 60th International Astronautical Congress was officially opened today in Daejeon, South Korea. The Daejeon Convention Centre, under the aegis of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute and the International Astronautical Federation, is this week welcoming some 3000 space experts from more than 70 countries.

Space agencies, scientific institutes, aerospace associations, large and small firms involved in space activities, and students all have the opportunity to share their experiences and new ideas. The International Astronautical Congress (IAC), running 12–16 October, provides opportunities for networking and business interaction in space, science and technology by hosting a large variety of Technical Sessions and exhibitions.

IAC 2009 Daejeon was officially opened by Lee Joo-jin, President of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and Bernndt Feurenbacher, President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), in the presence of Lee Myung-Bak, President of the Republic of Korea.

ESA’s Director General, Jean-Jacques Dordain, and a delegation of Agency specialists in various fields are taking part in this international event. The first plenary session today saw the participation of the leading Heads of Agency: Charles Bolden of NASA (USA), Jean-Jacques Dordain of ESA (Europe), Joo-Jin Lee of KARI (Korea), Steve MacLean of CSA (Canada), G. Madhavan Nair of ISRO (India), Anatoly Perminov of Roscosmos (Russia) and Keiji Tachikawa of JAXA (Japan).

This session provided an overview of current space programmes and an insight into plans, with the participants exchanging views on developments and potential opportunities for closer international cooperation. The session ended with an interactive discussion with the audience.

Traditionally, the IAC offers an opportunity for ESA’s Director General to meet his counterparts and discuss cooperation. Several bilateral meetings with ESA’s international partners will be held, including a meeting with the KARI President.