Milan, Italy - October 14, 2024

The 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2024) opened Monday in Italy's Milan, bringing together experts, professionals, and enthusiasts from more than 150 countries to explore advancements in space technology, research, and exploration.

Organized by the International Astronautical Federation, the premier global space event will run through Friday, offering a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among key stakeholders from all around the world. The congress features plenary events, technical presentations, exhibitions, and discussions on some of the main topics which are shaping the future of space exploration.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony officially kicked off the event at the Milan Convention Center, while there were calls for greater collaboration among countries.

At a panel session, Li Guoping, chief engineer of the China National Space Administration, revealed China will be discussing international collaboration opportunities in its expanding space program, including updates on its future lunar and Mars missions.

Through global cooperation, China is set to construct an international lunar research station (ILRS) with a network linking the moon's south pole, equator and far side by the year 2050.

At the space event, lunar samples from the far side of the moon, brought back by China's Chang'e-6 mission in June this year, were exhibited to the public for the first time in history.

The Chang'e-6 mission represented one of China's most ambitious international joint missions in which it carried out cooperation with the European Space Agency, France, Italy and Pakistan on four scientific payloads.

The IAC has been a venue since 1950 for scientists, engineers, companies and politicians of space-faring nations to discuss cooperation.

Shotlist:
Milan, Italy - Oct 14, 2024:
1. Various of visitors entering Milan Convention Center, venue for 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2024);
2. Various of visitors, exhibits on space science;
3. Sign showing IAC sponsors partners;
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Clay Mowry, president, International Astronautical Federation (partially overlaid with shot 5/ending with shots 6-7):
"So space must be approached responsibly and together. Let us strive for higher standards and best practices that ensure sustainability.";
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
5. Attendees;
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
6. Space professionals;
7. IAC sign;
8. Ribbon-cutting ceremony in progress;
9. Various of Li Guoping, chief engineer of China National Space Administration, at panel discussion;
10. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Li Guoping, chief engineer, China National Space Administration:
"Currently, 15 countries and two international organizations have signed to join our international lunar research station plan. In addition, many countries are discussing with us to join the lunar research station.";
11. People in spacesuit costumes welcoming visitors;
12. China Space exhibition zone;
13. Visitors looking at lunar sample;
14. Visitor taking photo of picture showing landing site of Chang'e-6 lunar probe on moon's far side;
15. Picture of Chang'e-6 lunar probe on moon's far side.

[Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]