International Astronautical Federation

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International Astronautical Federation (IAF) is based in Paris. It was founded in 1951 as a non-governmental organization. It has 165 members from 44 countries across the world. They are drawn from industry, professional associations, government organizations and learned societies.

It is linked with the International Academy of Astronautics and the International Institute of Space Law with whom the IAF organises the annual International Astronautical Congresses. (Selected papers are published in Acta Astronautica).

Working in close cooperation with the United Nations, IAF organises annually the Space Workshop for Developing Nations and participated in Unispace III. With the Committee on Space Research and the International Institute for Space Law, the IAF also conducts an annual survey of Highlights in Space for the United Nations.

James V. Zimmerman of the United States is currently the President of the IAF.

[edit] Locations of recent and future International Astronautical Congresses (IAC)

International Astronautical Congresses normally takes place during the first half of October. Every ten years, the World Space Congress regroups the IAC and COSPAR.