China's Space Utilization Drew Global Attention at the 75th International Astronautical CongressThe 75th International Astronautical Congress was convened in Milan, Italy, from October 14-18, 2024, with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in attendance at the opening ceremony. The theme of this year's congress, "Responsible Space Activities for Sustainable Development," underscored the significance of space activities, advocating for the safe, open, and peaceful utilization of outer space, and fostering international cooperation to safeguard the common interests of the global community. Over 10,000 space experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and professionals from around the world registered to participate. the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization, Chinese Academy of Sciences (hereinafter referred to as CSU) hosted a special forum on China Manned Space Program during the congress, organizing technical sessions, bilateral exchanges, and other activities. Lin Xiqiang delivering opening speech on video Andrew Peebles delivering speech Sun Hui delivering speech On October 17, local time, the China Manned Space Program Special Forum was held at the plenary session level. This forum brought together thousands of experts, scholars, and industry leaders from the domestic and international space sectors to explore new opportunities in manned spaceflight. Lin Xiqiang, Deputy Director of the China Manned Space Agency, delivered a video speech, introducing the operational achievements of China Space Station and the planning for Manned Lunar Exploration missions, expressing China's openness to cooperation in the field of space. Andrew Peebles, an official from the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, reiterated the importance of international cooperation and looked forward to future collaborative outcomes. Sun Hui, Director of the Organization Department of the International Cooperation Bureau of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, introduced the supportive role of the Chinese Academy of Sciences at the forefront of space experimental science and emphasized the key role of international cooperation in driving research. Zhong Hong'en presenting report Serena Perilli answering questions In the keynote report session, Zhong Hong'en, Deputy Chief Engineer of CSU, provided a detailed introduction to the experimental layout, research facilities, and latest scientific achievements of China Space Station. Li Ming, Director of the Science and Technology Committee of the China Academy of Space Technology, and Serena Perilli from the Italian Space Agency, among other guests, also shared their practical experience and future plans in the field of manned spaceflight. The speakers expressed strong confidence in future international cooperation and looked forward to achieving more collaborative outcomes.
During the technical sessions, research backbones from the System General Research Office, Space Manufacturing Technology Research Office, Space Exploration Technology Research, and Reliability Assurance Center of CSU presented reports in their respective fields, actively disseminating China's academic progress and achievements in the field of space utilization, which were met with a warm response from the attendees. During the conference, CSU also conducted bilateral exchanges with representatives from the European Space Agency, the Italian Space Agency, and cooperation project teams, promoting future cooperation directions and the progress of international cooperation projects.
CSU's participation in the IAC not only showcased China's latest achievements and open cooperation stance in manned spaceflight and space science and utilization, but also made a valuable contribution to the exchange and cooperation of the global space community. Participants widely believe that manned spaceflight is a concrete practice for achieving responsible and sustainable space development and are filled with confidence and anticipation for the future prospects of global manned spaceflight cooperation. |