India has the unique opportunity to host the 58th International Astronautical Congress (IAC-2007) during September 24-28, 2007 at Hyderabad. Hailed as one of the prestigious meets of the world's astronautical community, IAC is organised every year jointly by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and International Institute of Space Law (IISL). Astronautical Society of India (ASI) and Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO will be hosting this event in India. ISRO and ASI are active members of IAF and over the years, ISRO/ASI scientists have played a significant role in the activities of IAF, IAA and IISL. Mr G Madhavan Nair, who is the Chairman of ISRO and President of ASI, is also the Vice President of the Scientific Activities of IAA.

By electing India to host the 58th Session of IAC, the world space community has recognised the country's significant achievements in space science and technology and their benefits to humankind. It is also significant that India is hosting the IAC in the year 2007 which marks the 50th anniversary of the first launch of Russian Sputnik-1 in 1957 that heralded the space age. The last time that India hosted the IAC was in 1988 in Bangalore.

A Planning Committee, Chaired by Dr B N Suresh, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, with senior scientists and administrators of ISRO as members, has been specially constituted to organise this international event at Hyderabad.

Several other sub-committees to coordinate the technical programme, preparation of the venue and organisation of the exhibition have also been constituted.

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, in his message has said “on behalf of the Pearl City of Hyderabad, it gives me an enormous pleasure in welcoming the delegates to the 58th International Astronautical Congress”. He added that Hyderabad is one of the most distinctive and historic Indian cities that provide a fine blend of the old world charm and its distilled flavor with the exuberant energy and passion of the Generation next.

In his message on the holding the IAC 2007 at Hyderabad, Mr James V Zimmerman, the President of the IAF has said that India has, for many years, been pursuing a wide range of space applications programme and the theme of the Hyderabad Congress “Touching Humanity: Space for Improving the Quality of Life” will enable the space community to focus on the growing use of space to improve the lives of humankind. He added that the congress will also provide an opportunity to discuss many robotic and human space exploration activities to expand our knowledge of the universe.

Mr G Madhavan Nair, Chairman, ISRO, has said that Hyderabad is the hub of information, aero-space and bio-technology pursuits in India and also encompasses many landmarks to portray its ancient history and cultural heritage. He has further said that the delegates to IAC 2007 will have an opportunity to experience India's rich tradition and culture.

More than 2,500 delegates including eminent leaders, professionals and industrialists engaged in space science, technology and applications from all over the world will be participating in IAC 2007. The important aspects of the congress include:

A demonstration on space systems based telemedicine linking hospitals between India and Europe is also planned as part of open Plenary Event on the last day.