World’s largest space conference to land in Jerusalem

Despite violence, some 3, 000 participants -- including heads of world's space agencies-- to attend International Astronautical Congress.

The 66th annual International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2015 gets underway in Jerusalem tomorrow, with some 3, 000 participants from 60 countries expected to take part. The October 12-16, 2015, gathering convenes leaders of the space industry, agencies, and academia for a week of intense meetings and deliberations.

Despite the wave of terrorist attacks across the country, and especially in Jerusalem, Science, Technology and Space Minister Ofir Akunis said not one of the expected participants has cancelled attendance.

The Israel Space Agency is hosting the IAC event.

About 40 heads of space agencies and astronauts will be among the participants at IAC 2015.

“Israel has made significant contributions to the space capabilities over the past few decades and we are honored to host IAC 2015 in Jerusalem, ” said former Space Minister Danny Danon. “This annual event serves as a backdrop for the global space sector allowing governmental, academia and private industry leaders to envision, implement and complete collaborative projects for the betterment of science and humanity.”

The conference will also include over 2, 000 professional lectures and poster presentations and a variety of plenary and panel sessions highlight lectures that are aimed at both the professional community and the general public.

Israel21C, by Viva Sarah Press