International Academy of Astronautics
The International Academy of Astronautics is a Paris-based non-government association for the field of astronautics. It was founded in Stockholm, Sweden on August 16, 1960, by Dr. Theodore von Kármán. It was recognised by the United Nations in 1996.
The stated purpose of the IAA is:
- Recognize the accomplishments of their peers
- Explore and discuss cutting-edge issues in space research and technology
- Provide direction and guidance in the non-military uses of space and the ongoing exploration of the solar system
Among the activities the academy is involved, there are:
- Organizes annual conferences, symposia, and gatherings covering topics such as space sciences, space life sciences, space technology and system development, space systems operations and utilization, space policy, law, economy, space and society, culture, and education.
- Publishes cosmic studies concerning space exploration, space debris, small satellites, space traffic management, natural disasters, climate change
- Publishes the journal of the International Academy of Astronautics, Acta Astronautica.
- Publishes dictionaries in 24 languages
- Publishies book series on subjects such as small satellites, conference proceedings, remote sensing, and history.
IAA Mission
According to the Academy's mission statement, the fundamental purposes of the IAA, are to:
- Foster the development of astronautics for peaceful purposes
- Recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in a branch of science or technology related to astronautics
- Provide a program through which the membership can contribute to international endeavors
- Promote international cooperation in the advancement of aerospace science.
Cooperation with other organizations
The IAA has established cooperation with: Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Austrian Academy of Sciences, French Academy of Sciences, English Royal Society, Academy of Finland, Indian Academy of Sciences, Royal Spanish Academy of Sciences, German Academy of Sciences, Kingdom of Netherlands, Academies of Arts, Humanities & Sciences of Canada also known as Royal Society of Canada, U.S. National Academy of Sciences, U.S. National Academy of Engineering, Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, Chinese Academy of Sciences,, Australian Academy of Science, Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Brazilian Academy of Sciences, U.S. Institute of Medicine, Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Academy of Sciences of South Africa, Royal Society of South Africa and Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
Presidents
The Academy's first president was Theodore von Kármán. Edward C. Stone held the post of President of the International Academy of Astronautics until October 2009. G. Madhavan Nair, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, was president of the International Academy of Astronautics from August 2009 until 2015. He was the only Indian and the first non-American to head the IAA.
Journal
The IAA sponsors the monthly journal Acta Astronautica, published by Elsevier Press, which "covers developments in space science technology in relation to peaceful scientific exploration of space and its exploitation for human welfare and progress, the conception, design, development and operation of space-borne and Earth-based systems.” In collaboration with the International Astronautical Federation, the IAA launched a review journal, , in 2016 that focuses on aspects of human space exploration.