The IAF, The International Astronautical Federation, founded in 1951, is an association with 407 members in 71 countries. The goal of this federation is to be the world’s leading space advocacy body. The “allies” in the 407 members include universities, corporations, space agencies, companies, associations, museums and institutes around the world.
What the IAF is
The International Astronautical Federation was founded by scientists, all with expertise in space research. These came together with the goal of having a line of communication between all the nations of the world, without responding to the corresponding political turmoil of the corresponding countries.
Successful in this endeavor, immediatelythe IAF became the association that could make the East and the West communicate through its congresses. The most famous one, called IAC, took place and still takes place once a year. During this congress, scientists present their research to the scientific world and contribute to the Space Race.
This year, 2021, The IAF will be 70 years old. Over the years, all the nations that began to have an interest in the space world, approached this federation. This has resulted in the IAF increasing its network of scientists and becoming the world’s largest association for space research.
Objectives of the IAF
The following are the organizations that signed the IAF Constitution during the second IAC in London, on September 4, 1951:
- Argentina;
- Austria;
- France;
- Germany;
- Italy;
- Spain;
- Sweden;
- Switzerland;
- United Kingdom;
- United States.
The main objective of the IAF is to promote cooperation. Its technical committees provide platforms where experts from space agencies, researchers, and industry can collaborate. The IAF also contributes globally to the advancement of development in various states by sharing the knowledge of all members and recognizing the achievements of individuals and groups that stand out within the space science community.
This federation is also concerned with preparing students and young professionals for the world of work. In addition, through its publications and global network, the IAF promotes public appreciation of the space field worldwide.
The IAF and its biggest event
In addition to conferences, the IAF is also committed to helping heads of state and all policymakers understand the political, economic, social, and scientific value of space. In addition, by using their platforms at events, encouragement of investment in organizations and innovation is possible. The student and youth component is very high: nearly a quarter of IAC participants are under 35. This demonstrates the success of this federation.
The International Astronautical Federation), together with the International Academy of Astronautics and the International Institute of Space Law, organizes its congresses. The IAC, the largest space event organized by this federation, has about 6000 members who actively participate each year. The event is annual, usually held between September and October in a different city each year.
Where the IAC was held?
You can find the last 10 congressional venues listed here:
2023 – Baku, Azerbaijan;
2022 – Paris, France;
2021 – Dubai, UAE;
2020 – No events held due to COVID-19 pandemic;
2019 – Washington DC, USA;
2018 – Bremen, Germany;
2017 – Adelaide, Australia;
2016 – Guadalajara, Australia;
2015 – Jerusalem, Israel;
2014 – Toronto, Canada;
2013 – Beijing, China;
2012 – Naples, Italy.
