International Astronautical Congress

What International Astronautical Congress does

The International Astronautical Congress (IAC) is the annual flagship conference of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), a non-profit federation founded in 1951 and headquartered at 100 Avenue de Suffren, Paris, France. The IAF's mission is to promote space activities for peaceful purposes and to foster international cooperation across the global space sector. The IAC itself is described as the world's premier global space event, bringing together space agencies, aerospace companies, research institutions, universities, and individual professionals for knowledge exchange, networking, and policy dialogue. The IAF Secretariat is a lean operation of approximately 15 staff led by Executive Director Christian Feichtinger, a former senior ESA official with deep human spaceflight and exploration experience.

The IAF's product portfolio extends well beyond the annual IAC to include thematic global conferences (Global Space Conference on Climate Change/GLOC, Global Space Exploration Conference/GLEX, Global Space and Oceans Conference/GSOC), the annual Spring Meetings in Paris, the Global Space Leaders Summit, the IAF Symposium, and the UN/IAF Workshop. Supporting products include the IAF Digital Library, IAF Highlights Journal, and IAF Technical Papers for knowledge dissemination, plus programmatic offerings such as the Abstract Mentor Programme, Launchpad Mentorship, IDEA 3G Diversity Platform, International Astronauts Chapter, and Young Space Leaders Recognition. There is no proprietary technology platform underpinning the offering; the core deliverable is in-person and associated digital convening.

Revenue is generated through three primary streams: tiered annual IAF membership dues from 604 member organizations in 82 countries, event registration fees for IAC and the broader event portfolio (including early-bird and category-based pricing), and exhibition and sponsorship packages sold to commercial and governmental space entities. Distribution is direct via the official IAF and event-specific websites (iafastro.org, iac2026.org), amplified by the 604-member network and active social media presence across Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Flickr. The rotating host-city model (Milan 2024, Sydney 2025, Antalya 2026, Maldives 2027) reflects deliberate geographic diversification of both attendance and sponsorship economics.

Name

International Astronautical Congress

Legal name

International Astronautical Federation (IAF)

Website

https://www.iafastro.org/events/iac

Company type

Private

Founded year

1951

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The International Astronautical Congress is the annual flagship conference of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), a non-profit federation founded in 1951 connecting 604 member organizations across 82 countries for global space-sector networking, technical exchange, and policy cooperation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Space Industry Conferences and Events

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (81392), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Government & Public Sector Conferences (MPAGAGAH), Government & Public Sector Congress & Summit Planning (THAHACAC), International Science, Technology & Space Cooperation Organizations (BPADAAAK), Defense, Security & Emergency Management Congresses (THAHAJAG)

Keywords

• Space industry conferences
• Astronautical federation events
• Space policy networking
• Aerospace professional development
• Space research publications

Headquarters

HQ city

Kanata

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Event Registration and Participation Fees: The IAC generates revenue through registration fees for attendees participating in the annual congress, including various registration tiers and early bird discounts.
2. Exhibition and Sponsorship: Organizations can purchase exhibition space and sponsorship packages at the IAC event, providing visibility to the global space community.
3. IAF Membership Fees: The IAF, organizer of the IAC, generates revenue through membership dues from its 604 member organizations across 82 countries, with membership open to all companies and organisations working in space-related fields.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The International Astronautical Congress (IAC) is the world's premier annual global space event, organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) since 1951. It convenes space agencies, aerospace companies, research institutions, universities, and individual professionals for technical presentations, exhibitions, ministerial meetings, and networking aimed at advancing international cooperation in space for peaceful purposes. Complementary offerings include thematic global conferences (GLOC, GLEX, GSOC), Spring Meetings, the Global Space Leaders Summit, ministerial forums, the IAF Symposium, the UN/IAF Workshop, professional mentorship programs, and knowledge publications.

Product overview

The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) operates the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) as its flagship annual event - the world's premier global space conference. IAF's portfolio includes multiple conference products (IAC, Global Conferences on Climate Change and Exploration, Spring Meetings), digital knowledge platforms (IAF Digital Library, Technical Papers, Highlights Journal), and professional development programs (Abstract Mentor Programme, Launchpad Mentorship, IDEA 3G Diversity Platform, International Astronauts Chapter, Young Space Leaders Recognition). The organization connects over 604 member organizations from 82 countries representing more than 35,000 people in the global space community.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• International Astronautical Congress (IAC) The annual premier global space event organized by IAF, bringing together space agencies, companies, research institutions, and professionals worldwide for technical presentations, exhibitions, and networking to advance space activities for peaceful purposes.
• IAF Global Conferences (GLOC, GLEX, GSOC) Thematic conferences including the Global Space Conference on Climate Change (GLOC), Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX), and Global Space and Oceans Conference (GSOC), each addressing specific space-related topics for international stakeholders.
• IAF Spring Meetings Annual meetings bringing together IAF members, committees, and working groups for networking, coordination, and committee activities between the larger congress events.
• IAF Global Space Leaders Summit High-level summit connecting global space leaders to discuss strategic directions and cooperation in space activities.
• IAF Symposium Specialized symposium events organized by IAF covering targeted space topics for technical and professional audiences.
• UN/IAF Workshop Joint workshop between the United Nations and the IAF focused on international space cooperation, policy, and capacity building.
• International Space Forum at Ministerial Level (ISF) Ministerial-level forum convening government ministers to discuss space policy and international cooperation.
• IAF International Meeting for Ministers and Members of Parliaments (MMoP) High-level policy meeting engaging ministers and parliamentarians to advance space awareness and cooperation in legislative and governmental contexts.
• Affiliated IAF Events Third-party organized events affiliated with the IAF that align with its mission to advance space science and international cooperation.
• IAF Digital Library Online repository providing access to IAF publications, technical papers, and conference proceedings for the global space community.
• IAF Technical Papers Collection of technical papers and research publications from IAF conferences and events.
• IAF Highlights Journal Journal publishing key highlights and summaries from IAF space activities and events.
• IAF Abstract Mentor Programme Mentorship initiative helping individuals develop and submit abstracts for IAC technical presentations.
• IAF Launchpad Mentorship Programme Mentorship program supporting emerging space professionals and entrepreneurs in developing their ventures and careers.
• IDEA 3G Diversity Platform Initiative promoting Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) across the space sector through the '3G' (Geographic, Gender, Generation) framework.
• IAF International Astronauts Chapter Community connecting astronauts and space professionals for knowledge sharing, mentorship, and recognition.
• IAF Young Space Leaders Recognition Programme Recognition program for early-career professionals demonstrating excellence in space activities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 604 member organizations benefit from global space network connectivity
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOSPAR is a Non-Governmental Organization partnering with IAF for the advancement of space research and fostering international cooperation in space science.
• International Academy of Astronautics (IAA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIAA is a Non-Governmental Organization that works with IAF on the development of astronautics and space science through joint initiatives and events.
• International Institute of Space Law (IISL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIISL collaborates with IAF on space law matters and international space policy discussions during IAC events.
• Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSGAC works with IAF to engage young professionals and students in the global space sector through joint programmes and events.
• World Space Week AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinates global space awareness activities including World Space Week, collaborating with IAF's outreach initiatives.
• Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPSCO is an Intergovernmental Organization working with IAF on space cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
• European Space Agency (ESA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerESA collaborates with IAF as one of the world's leading space agencies, participating in IAC events and IAF activities.
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerITU collaborates with IAF on spectrum management and satellite communications regulatory matters.
• UNESCOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNESCO partners with IAF on space education, science cooperation, and international space policy advocacy.
• United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNOOSA is a key partner with IAF, working together on the UN/IAF Workshop and international space cooperation initiatives.
• World Meteorological Organization (WMO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWMO collaborates with IAF on satellite meteorology and space-based weather observation systems.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Space Foundation: Space Foundation organizes the Space Symposium, the leading annual space industry conference in the United States and a direct comparable to the IAC as a premier global/regional space congress for agencies, industry, and defense stakeholders.
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA): AIAA is a nonprofit aerospace professional society that runs a portfolio of major conferences, forums, and publications — directly comparable to IAF's role as an association-run organizer of flagship space conferences and technical committees.
• American Astronautical Society (AAS): AAS is a US-based scientific and professional society that organizes specialized space conferences (e.g., Spaceflight Mechanics, ISS Research Conference), comparable to IAF as a nonprofit membership organization running technical space congresses.
• Committee on Space Research (COSPAR): COSPAR is a listed strategic partner of IAF and runs biennial Scientific Assemblies that gather the global space research community — directly comparable as an international scientific space congress with overlapping membership and themes.
• Eurospace: Eurospace is the European space industry association representing the European space manufacturing and launch sector, comparable to IAF as a membership-based federation representing the space industry and serving as an event and policy convening body.
• World Satellite Business Week (Novaspace): World Satellite Business Week is a long-running annual gathering for the global satellite and space industry, directly comparable to the IAC as a flagship international space-industry conference with strong sponsorship and executive attendance.
• Space-Comm Expo: Space-Comm Expo is a UK-based space industry exhibition and conference series that brings together agencies, primes, and suppliers — a regional peer to the IAC with comparable audience and commercial sponsorship model.
• Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC): SGAC is a listed IAF partner and a global nonprofit representing university students and young professionals in the space sector, comparable to IAF's Next Generation activities as a global space-network organizer for emerging professionals.
• United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA): UNOOSA is a core IAF partner and runs the UN/IAF Workshop and broader UN space cooperation programming, comparable to IAF as a convening body for international space policy and intergovernmental dialogue.
• International Space University (ISU): ISU is an international, interdisciplinary space-education institution that runs space-focused programs and conferences, comparable to IAF in operating globally in the space sector with a membership/community-driven model and convening function.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/IAC2014Canada
• YouTubeyoutube.com/iafastro
• Facebookfacebook.com/iafastro
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/international-astronautical-federation
• Instagraminstagram.com/iafastro
• TikToktiktok.com/@iafastro.space

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about International Astronautical Congress