Milan hosts world's largest space conference with calls for greater global cooperation

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.

"Space must be approached responsibly and together. Let us strive for higher standards and best practices that ensure sustainability," said Clay Mowry, president of the International Astronautical Federation.

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.

"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," said Li.

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.

Milan hosts world's largest space conference with calls for greater global cooperation

Iran's Imam Khomeini International Airport resumed limited international passenger flights on Saturday after more than 50 days of suspension, with passenger traffic expected to recover gradually as routes reopen in phases.

Destinations including Medina in Saudi Arabia, Muscat in Oman and Istanbul in Türkiye were among the first to reopen, as travelers took to the skies for the first time since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on the country, prompting Iranian retaliatory attacks on Israeli and U.S. targets across several countries in the region.

For many passengers, the reopening brought long-awaited reunions with loved ones abroad.

"I am traveling to Istanbul to visit my daughter. She is a student. It has been very difficult. I couldn't stay in touch with her because we didn't have internet. I'm very happy that flights have resumed," said Narges, a passenger at the airport.

Others said the suspension had forced them to attempt difficult overland journeys, only to remain stuck for weeks.

"This is the first flight that allows us to finally send our child to Frankfurt. She is a student. We tried once or twice to reach Frankfurt by land through Ankara, but we were stuck for nearly 50 days. We are very happy now," said Abolfazl, a passenger.

Some travelers remained concerned, saying the ceasefire between the United States and Iran felt fragile.

"We are worried because of the war. We heard some thuds in Tehran a few nights ago. No one knows what will happen," said a passenger who gave his name as Hassan.

Airport officials said only a handful of destinations were currently available, but the gradual return of international flights marks a cautious step toward normalization, with key international routes still in the planning stage.

"Flights to Beijing and other Chinese cities have long been a major part of this airport's schedule and remain so. Cargo flights are definitely operating. Passenger flights, as I mentioned, are being planned for implementation," said Ramin Kashef Azar, CEO of Imam Khomeini Airport City.

Tehran's largest airport resumes int’l flights after more than 50 days