In March, the International Astronautical Federation will gather astronauts from all over the world together at a celebration in Paris to mark our 60th anniversary. Alongside the celebration, we are arranging an opportunity for accredited press to meet with them at a special IAF press briefing.

Sixty years ago, in 1951, leading astronomers and scientists founded the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). Those sixty years have seen many giant leaps – from Sputnik and Apollo to the International Space Station and beyond. From a Space Race with only two players we now welcome organisations from all continents active in space or using space assets.

The IAF has always been at the heart of humankind’s journey into space and during these same six decades, the Federation has changed remarkably. In its early years, the Federation and its annual International Astronautical Congresses were one of the few forums where East and West could meet. Later on, its role was more focused on acting as a “catalyst” between the space powers and the emerging space nations, agencies and industry, senior exports and the young generation. Furthermore, it has contributed to a proliferation of knowledge and skills, and to worldwide access to the benefits of space.

Today, by far the world’s foremost space advocacy organisation, the Federation’s 205 members in 58 countries include all leading agencies, space companies, societies, associations and institutes worldwide.

The IAF will be holding a celebration on 22 March 2011 between 18:00 and 20:00 at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris, France to mark sixty years of connecting space people. We will welcome on stage leading IAF personalities, youth and astronauts for an exciting journey through six decades of space history and a fresh look into the future.

We are also pleased to announce a special IAF press briefing where all astronauts due to appear on stage are going to be present:

– Sergei Krikalev (Roscosmos)
– Steven L. Smith (NASA)
– Robert Brent Thirsk (CSA)
– Michel Tognini (ESA)
– Koichi Wakata (JAXA)
– Zhai Zhigang (CMSE)*
*awaiting final confirmation

The press briefing will be held on the same day, from 16:45 to 17:30. Please come to the registration counter at UNESCO HQ (125, avenue de Suffren, 75007 Paris) no later than 16:20.

Due to security reasons, only accredited media will have access. In order to receive accreditation, please contact Juliane McCarty before 14 March.

Contact Information
Juliane McCarty
Communication Officer
94bis, avenue de Suffren
75015 Paris

T: + 33 (0)1 45 67 55 97
Juliane.mccarty@iafastro.org