Azerbaijan represented at 73rd International Astronautical Congress
A delegation of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport and Azerbaijan Space Agency – Azercosmos is attending the 73rd International Astronautical Congress in Paris (France) on September 18–22.
The congress, which is organized once a year by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), brings together representatives of the global space industry.
The theme of this year’s event is “Space for all”. The congress brings together space technology manufacturers, representatives of governments where the industry is developed, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations, international organizations, prestigious research and development centers, scientists and astronauts in the field of astronautics.
Our country is represented in Paris by stands IAC 2023 Baku and Azercosmos. The stands reflect the history of space sector development in Azerbaijan, space programmes implemented in our country, projects implemented to improve knowledge and skills in this field, as well as information about the history, culture and tourism opportunities of Azerbaijan.
In addition to Azercosmos, the European Space Agency, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), space agencies from the UK, the United Arab Emirates, India, Japan, Germany and other countries are also represented in the pavilions of the exhibition.
The opening ceremony, held today, featured panel discussions on the experiences of public and private companies and developing countries in the area of space, ways of their development and innovations in the global satellite industry, and the use and capabilities of small satellites in the application of innovative technologies for research and development.
It should be noted that the 12th International Meeting of Ministers and Parliamentarians of the member countries was also held within the International Astronautical Congress. Azerbaijan was represented at the meeting by MP Soltan Mammadov, head of the working group on inter-parliamentary relations between Azerbaijan and France, and MP Vugar Bayramov.
The International Astronautical Congress is taking place in Paris for the fourth time in its 73-year history. The congress, organized by the National Centre for Space Studies of France (CNES), was innovative for the first time in the way it organized the event, applying sustainability principles and operating in accordance with environmental protection standards. These include activities that reduce carbon emissions and pollution, and increase energy and resource efficiency.
Congress will keep space innovation in focus this week with interesting panel discussions such as back and forth missions to Mars and the Moon, the James Webb Space Telescope’s contribution to humanity and the Global Networking Forum, roundtable meetings, interactive sessions and packed programmes.
Azercosmos’ participation in the congress is an indication of the rapid preparatory process for the 74th International Astronautical Congress, which will be held in Baku in 2023. The Paris Congress is also important in terms of inviting the international space community to the event to be held in Baku next year. The congress will open up new opportunities to further develop the space sector ecosystem, instil the importance of space for future generations and contribute to space initiatives in our country.
It should be recalled that the city of Baku won the right to host the International Astronautical Congress in 2023 during the elections to the International Astronautical Federation held in the US capital Washington on 25 October 2019. The Congress, which was first held in Paris in 1950, is considered the most prestigious space event in the world.
