Italy leads the race in the submission of technical and scientific work proposals
ROME: 15 MARCH 2024
The Italian edition of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in 2024 has garnered unprecedented notoriety, setting new records with the number of technical and scientific publication proposals presented for the various sessions of its 75th edition. Organized by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and hosted in Italy by the Italian Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIDAA) with support from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and Leonardo, the proposals have exceeded all records.
As the premier international conference on space, set to be held in Milan from October 14th to 18th, IAC attracts an increasing number of industry experts, as evidenced by the nearly 7000 abstracts submitted—a 30% increase over the previous record set in 2022. This remarkable turnout reflects the growth and significance of the space sector and the enthusiasm for this important global event.
Submissions have come from 106 countries and 2295 organizations worldwide. Italy leads in abstract presentations with 985 proposals, followed by the United States with 782, China with 539, India with 476, and Azerbaijan, last year’s host country, with 345.
The submitted abstracts cover a wide range of topics, from space exploration and transportation to debris risks and the sustainability of space and Earth activities. The selected papers will be presented during the congress in Milan across more than 30 symposia featuring hundreds of sessions.
The responses to “special sessions,” which offer “multidisciplinary and innovative formats,” have also shown a 50% increase in participation over IAC 2022. These sessions make the congress a rich and dynamic experience for all attendees, with enhanced knowledge exchange and collaboration opportunities worldwide.
The “Plenaries and Highlight Lectures” sessions, featuring distinguished speakers discussing the latest trends in space research and technology, have seen a 10% increase over 2022, with 60 proposals submitted. The exhibition part of IAC 2024 is also experiencing strong participation, with over 150 international exhibitors expected.
The five-day congress program will offer a variety of innovative and engaging content covering all space disciplines, including sustainability. The high level of participation demonstrates IAC 2024’s significant renown, appealing not just to the academic and professional world but also culturally. Space is increasingly a part of everyday life, and these results show that IAC 2024 is laying the groundwork for a new era for space and the event itself, with Italy and Milan preparing to host the largest and most engaging edition yet.
