Letter from the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) President

Dear Friends,

Please allow me to address you in my capacity of IAF President in this challenging period. I hope that you are safe and managing to work remotely in these difficult and complicated times.  Though we look at the future with hope, it is hard to predict how the situation will unfold in the upcoming weeks and months.

I would like to let you know that the IAF is thinking of you. The Federation has been supporting the space community for more than 70 years, and we are here also now.  

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has, inevitably, affected our planned activities for 2020, but the IAF remains flexible, innovative and resilient. We are currently working on devising new ways to keep you engaged and connected. Now, more than ever, we understand the importance of a strong supportive community and we are committed to ensure that you feel a part of it. 

Earlier this month we were had to announce the postponement of the GLEX in St. Petersburg and of the IAC in Dubai. However, after much reflection, we have decided that we still want our community to gather around a main event in 2020 and feel part of the great IAF “family”, as many of you call it.

I am therefore delighted to announce that we will be hosting an IAC 2020 in virtual format. The 71st International Astronautical Congress – The CyberSpace Edition will take place in your homes and offices around the world during 12 – 14 October 2020. Please make sure to mark those dates in your calendar and stay tuned for additional details on the programme and logistics for the event in the upcoming weeks.

I am also pleased to inform you that the new dates for the 72nd International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2021 have been fixed. The IAC 2021 will take place in Dubai, U.A.E., from 25 – 29 October 2021. Please also mark these important dates in your calendar.

Furthermore, the IACs in Paris and Baku will be postponed accordingly. Exact details will be communicated in the coming weeks.

Despite the challenges we face due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am confident that we can emerge from this crisis stronger than before and that we will continue to discover innovative and creative ideas on how to shape a global society with the help of space technologies for a bright future.

The IAF is nothing without its community; together we stand stronger and more resilient than ever. I look forward to tackling our future challenges together.

Warmest Regards,

Prof. Pascale Ehrenfreund
President
International Astronautical Federation (IAF)