The International Astronautical Congress (IAC), one of the premier events of the global space industry, brings together the leading space players from around the world and offers a perfect opportunity to join a vast network of like-minded people.
Held annually, the IAC is the epicentre of the latest developments and achievements in the sphere of space, the forge of the vision for the future of the industry, and the hub where the most prominent players across the industry get together to conjointly reflect on the accomplishments and pave the way forward.
Every year, high-level officials, executives and delegation members of global space agencies and institutions, researchers, scientists, engineers, academics, industry experts and innovators, young professionals and students, entrepreneurs and start-up community, global press and media representatives attend the IAC to be a part of this high-profile event.
The 74th edition of IAC
In 2023, from the 2nd to the 6th of October, the IAC is back to Baku, Azerbaijan exactly half a century after the capital hosted it for the first time in 1973. The Baku Convention Complex, the dedicated venue of the IAC 2023, comprises the futuristic Baku Convention Centre, the Heydar Aliyev Centre designed by prominent architect Zaha Hadid, and the Exhibition Pavilion assembled specifically for this event, all within short walking distance from one another. Located just a 15-minute drive from the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the Complex is surrounded by a lively green park and is easily accessible by all means of transportation.
Organized by the International Astronautical Federation and hosted by Azercosmos, the Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the IAC 2023 offers the opportunity to share research findings and innovative solutions with a broad audience of space industry members and state officials, scientists and researchers, space experts and practitioners. The Congress will facilitate the forging of new partnerships among a variety of stakeholders, promote cooperation, innovation and business opportunities within the global space industry.
The participants and guests of the 74th IAC will be also offered an extensive engaging program that includes familiarization trips and visits to some of the most prominent attractions of the city. For example, the National Aviation Academy of the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), established in 1992, is a higher education institution that prepares highly-qualified specialists pursuing their careers in the aerospace, civil aviation and a number of other relevant areas. The Main Satellite Ground Control Station of Baku, the heart of Azerbaijan’s satellite operations, was opened in 2013 and coincided with the launch of the first satellite of Azerbaijan: Azerspace-1.
The full programme of the Congress, including meetings, technical sessions, presentations and workshops, is available on the IAC 2023 official website. Among this year's exhibitors, there will be several stakeholders from the Italian space industry: Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI), the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), Ceipiemonte, Telespazio, Thales Alenia Space, Officina Stellare, Leaf Space and more.
