72nd International Astronautical Congress to kick off in Dubai in 30 days

Dubai: In 30 days from today, the who’s who of the space industry will gather at the World Trade Centre in Dubai for the 72nd International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2021) to be held from 25-29 October 2021. Hosted by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) along with the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) with the theme “Inspire, Innovate & Discover for the Benefit of Mankind”, IAC 2021 will make a contribution to humanity and to science by strengthening and enhancing cooperation between all countries in the space sector.

The International Astronautical Congress is the world’s premier space event which draws high-level stakeholders from space agencies and institutions around the world under one roof. The UAE is the first-ever Arab country to host this annual, high profile gathering of the international space industry and Dubai is the first city in the region to host the event in its seventy-year history. The purpose of this event is to exchange information and ideas, discuss developments and advances, and share insights on strategies and rising trends in the fields of space research and exploration.

Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Director General, MBRSC said: “As we draw nearer to the launch of the first ever International Astronautical Congress in the Arab region, we are excited that soon some of the world’s best minds in the space industry will be in the UAE to learn, share experiences, and to chart a new way forward for the space sector. Delegates and participants that will be visiting the UAE will not only be able to witness first-hand the futuristic capabilities of the country, but also the ways in which we are engaging collaboratively in the space sector and thereby contributing to the development and popularity of this field in the region.”

Prof. Pascale Ehrenfreund, President, International Astronautical Federation said: “The IAC 2021 is our chance to inspire the next generation, to architect the further development and expansion of the space sector’s growing ecosystem. In fact, this congress is a unique opportunity to contribute in breakthroughs that revolutionise the future of space exploration. I am convinced that thanks to the dedicated work of all parties involved, the 72nd IAC will be of remarkable significance for the space sector and for the UAE.”

This year’s edition will entail a rich plenary programme with the Heads of Agencies roundtable, and various sessions focusing on Future Mars Sample Return Missions, the role of Emerging Space Agencies, Small Satellites, and the views of the Next Generation. The comprehensive technical programme will offer a large number of presentations thoroughly selected by the IAC International Programme Committee Steering Group. Meanwhile, the Global Networking Forum will bring together stakeholders, policy-makers, experts and young professionals in the global conversation about present and future of space activities. IAC 2021 will also feature an exhibition that will showcase the latest in the field of space technology and research with big names in the industry confirming their participation. 

The International Astronautical Congress is structured to maximise networking opportunities and its organisers place heavy emphasis on the creation of alliances and partnerships during the event’s run. IAC 2021 will provide a platform to network with the global space sector’s leaders across government, industry and academia, and to make critical business connections. It will allow for collaboration and cooperation on a domestic as well as an international level.

IAC 2021 will further provide an opportunity for participating organisations to highlight their capabilities, their experience, their contributions and their innovations in the space sector and beyond to a wide spectrum of attendees and high-level representatives of international agencies.

In view of the ongoing pandemic and with the health and welfare of local, national and international attendees, partners and visitors being top priority, all necessary safety measures in compliance with the local authorities have also been taken by the hosts.

To register for the event, visit https://iac2021.org/registration and for any other queries related to the registration, please email info@iafastro.org 

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About MBRSC:

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, founded in 2006, is home to the UAE National Space Programme. The Centre builds and operates earth observation satellites, offering imaging and data analysis services to clients around the world. It has launched the DubaiSat-1, DubaiSat-2 and the KhalifaSat, which was developed 100% in the UAE by a team of highly qualified Emirati engineers. The Centre also launched the Emirates Mars Mission “Hope Probe”, which became the first Arab interplanetary mission to reach the Martian orbit on 9 February 2021. The Hope Probe will gather key scientific data about Mars’ atmosphere.

The Centre recently announced the launch of the Emirates Lunar Mission, the first Emirati and Arab mission to explore the Moon and plans to develop MBZ-SAT, the most advanced commercial satellite in the region in the field of high-resolution satellite imagery. Furthermore, MBRSC is hosting the 72nd edition of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2021, the world’s premier space event, in Dubai. The UAE is the first Arab nation to host the IAC since its establishment in 1950. The Centre is also responsible for the UAE Astronaut Programme, which saw the launch of Hazzaa AlMansoori, the first Emirati Astronaut, to the International Space Station on a scientific mission on 25th September 2019, and the development of the Mars 2117 Programme to build a human colony on Mars.

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© Press Release 2021