ILA 2024

The 2024 edition of the Berlin International Airshow (ILA) was held from 4 to 8 June. ESA participated with an exhibition in the Space Pavilion, joined by the German Space Agency (DLR) and the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI). The Space Pavilion welcomed institutional and trade visitors for the first three days, while the last two days were open to space enthusiasts, students and families. 

Highlights of the trade days included the visit of the German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the opening ceremony for the Space Pavilion and the kick-off press conference with ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher joined by ESA astronauts and Directors. Several sessions featuring high-level speakers from ESA, space agencies, institutions and industries, focussed on key themes such as space safety, European access to space, international cooperation, climate change and new technologies. The third day featured sessions dedicated to ESA's commercial ambitions and initiatives. Other remarkable moments included a talk with ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and ESA astronauts, and the signature ceremony of the Zero Debris Charter. 

On the last two days, the airshow opened its doors to public. Crowds gathered at the Space Pavilion to explore the joint exhibition by ESA, the German Aerospace Agency (DLR) and the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI). Visitors had the unique opportunity to engage with ESA astronauts and attend presentations focused on science missions that study the Solar System and exoplanets. Other key topics were Europe’s access to space, sustainability, space safety, human and robotic exploration, and navigation. Additionally, visitors could explore a wide range of career opportunities in the space industry, thanks to the presence of recruitment teams from DLR and ESA.