Setting the course in space: ESA at IAC 2024
From 14 to 18 October 2024, the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) will return for its 75th edition, and the European Space Agency (ESA) is gearing up for front-centre roles, from presenting Europe’s future space ambitions and today’s big steps to get there, to addressing global challenges with other world space leaders. Held at the Milano Congress Centre (MiCo), the largest conference venue in Europe, the event will bring together more than 8 000 experts from industry, research institutions, and space agencies worldwide. The first four days will feature a comprehensive programme of events and presentations for professionals and stakeholders, while the final day will be open to the public.
This year’s congress, themed ‘Responsible Space for Sustainability’, will highlight the importance of preserving space for secure exploration, peaceful use, and international collaboration. Experts from leading space agencies, companies, and research centres will convene to discuss how best to approach these critical issues.
This year’s IAC edition will be hosted by the Italian Association of Aeronautics and Astronauts (AIDAA) and co-hosted by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and Leonardo.
Professional days (14 to 17 October)
During the professional days, ESA’s stand promises to be a key platform for global dialogue and will host high-level representatives, including ESA experts, industry leaders and policymakers. Throughout the week, the booth will feature key presentations and discussions on ESA’s latest projects, innovations in space technology, and Europe’s role in future space endeavours.
Public day (18 October)
For those in Milan who may wish to visit, the congress will open its doors to the public on 18 October, offering an engaging programme tailored for space enthusiasts. During the public day, ESA’s stand will host an exciting range of activities, featuring launchers, Earth Observation missions, astronauts, science missions, career opportunities in space, and much more.
A city-wide celebration of space
As the 75th International Astronautical Congress unfolds at MiCo, ESA is also organising an array of events beyond the conference centre, turning Milan into a vibrant space hub to celebrate space and engage the local community and international visitors. Highlights include striking exhibitions and inspiring talks designed to appeal to both professionals and the public.
One major attraction will be the Our ocean from Space exhibition, on display at MiCo during the IAC week. Other striking ESA-supported exhibitions will be on display, including the Space for our Planet exhibition that recently arrived at the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci in Milan following a three-year tour around the globe. It will be on display until 20 October. Another must-see is the exhibition Forests Seen from Space - Echoes of the Vaia Storm: a collection of captivating ESA satellite images and photographs by Italian photojournalist Alessandro Cinque, created in collaboration with Leica Camera Italia.
During IAC week, there will also be opportunities for knowledge exchange and inspiring networking, thanks to the Ecsite Space Group Annual Meeting, which will take place on 16 and 17 October at the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci. As every year, this event will bring together representatives from science centres, museums, and professional science communicators to foster the exchange of ideas with the aim of making European space achievements accessible to a broader public.