International Astronautical Congress 2003

The 54th International Astronautical Congress organised jointly by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) was held at Bremen, Germany from September 29 to October 3, 2003. The congress, organized in a well-equipped convention centre, was attended by about 1,500 delegates (the scintillating inaugural function was attended by about 2,500 delegates). Most space agencies of the world and 132 of the 158 IAF members participated. ISRO was represented by a 11 member delegation.


Indian space activities received a high level of recognition at the Congress. Dr K Kasturirangan, Member of the upper house of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and former Chairman, ISRO was selected for the prestigious international award of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) – the Allan D Emil Memorial Award for 2004. This award, which is given to a distinguished personality for significant and life-time contribution for the development of space and astronautics, will be presented in the 55th IAF in Vancouver during October 4-8, 2004. Also, Dr Kasturirangan was elected as the Vice President of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and in this capacity, he will steer the scientific activities of the academy in the coming years. The IAA is an international academy, which aims to foster the development of astronautics and space for peaceful purposes. It is a non-governmental organisation recognized by the United Nations and has members from 65 countries. An IAA Regional Workshop is proposed to be held in India on a selected topic in 2005 which will be led by Dr Kasturirangan.

Prof U R Rao, Chairman of the Programme Council of Physical Research Laboratory and former Chairman of ISRO was re-elected as the Chairman of the IAF committee on Liaison for Developing Countries.