STORY: 75th International Astronautical Congress held in Italy
SHOOTING TIME: Oct. 15, 2024
DATELINE: Oct. 16, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:09
LOCATION: MILAN, Italy
CATEGORY: SCIENCE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the event
2. SOUNDBITE (English): CHRISTIAN FEICHTINGER, Executive Director of International Astronautical Federation (IAF)

STORYLINE:

The 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) opened on Monday at the MiCo Convention Center in Milan, Italy. The event has drawn more than 10,000 space experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and professionals from around the world. 
   
This year's congress, themed "Responsible Space for Sustainability," focuses on promoting the sustainable development of space technologies globally, ensuring that future space exploration and utilization strike a balance between scientific advancement and environmental protection.
   
Throughout the week, over 200 technical sessions will be held, covering a wide range of topics, including sustainable exploration of the Moon and Mars, space-based Earth observation for climate change, the role of private companies in space development, and applications of artificial intelligence.

Li Guoping, chief engineer of the China National Space Administration, said China is committed to expanding international cooperation in space exploration. He also presented lunar soil samples collected by China's Chang'e-6 mission from the far side of the Moon, marking the first time this sample has been displayed abroad, which stirred up a round of applause from the attendees.
   
SOUNDBITE (English): CHRISTIAN FEICHTINGER, Executive Director of International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
"China has presented itself over the last years as one of the major players in space to an international community. The openness of China to international cooperation has been recognized. And I think global space today without China is just unimaginable."
   
The IAC, held annually since 1950, is the largest global event in the aerospace sector. This year's five-day congress is organized by the IAF and hosted by the Italian Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Milan, Italy.
(XHTV)