Today was a day that was truly brimming with energy, as students and young professionals made their presence felt throughout the congress. Fearlessly engaging with heads of agencies and industry leaders, they sought to build connections and contribute to the future of space. The enthusiasm from this next generation of space professionals was palpable, as they took every opportunity to learn, network, and carve out their own roles within the industry.
President of the International Astronautical Federation, Clay Mowry, opened the day declaring that Diversity is not just a buzzword—it is a clear commitment of the IAF, and a relatively new one at that. Today marked the launched its new diversity survey initiative, aimed at creating an annual benchmark for inclusivity within the space sector. This effort reinforces the IAF’s dedication to fostering a more diverse and accessible space community.
At the German Pavilion Breakfast, the message was clear: “Space is not nice to have. Space is essential to have.” The sentiment underscored the vital role space plays in our everyday lives and the need for continued investment and collaboration.
A true reflection of IAF’s 3G+ philosophy (geography, generation and gender), the standout session of the day addressed Accessibility in Human Space Flight. Paralympic sprinter John McFall, Europe’s first astronaut with a physical disability, made a powerful statement: “To fly, you only need wings.”
He challenged the traditional perception of astronauts as paragons of physical perfection, emphasising that people with disabilities should be fully integrated, responsible and useful members of any space crew. To date, the comprehensive research and testing on this notion has indicated that there is no technical showstopper to be able to achieve just that. McFall rejected the notion of being a “Parastronaut,” instead expressing his desire to be recognised simply as an astronaut, performing his role alongside able-bodied peers. He pointed out that that decades of data on space flight lack any input or experience from individuals with physical disabilities. This represents a huge knowledge gap that NASA’s Joel Montalbano, Deputy Associate for Space Operations, hopes international partnerships will help fill. As Montalbano noted, “What they said we couldn’t do 20 years ago in space, we now do as second nature.”
The day also featured exciting technological developments. Axiom Space unveiled its newest Prada-designed space suit, the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU). This suit represents the unconventional partnership combining advanced engineering with materials and design. After several years in development, this suit will be used by NASA on lunar landing missions – most notably commencing with Artemis 3.
Australia had another strong showing today with the signing of several key agreements. SmartSat CRC signed an MoU with Aerospace Corporation to create a global gateway for Australian space expertise, aiming to integrate Australian startups into global supply chains and position them as significant players on the international stage. Additionally, SmartSat signed an MoU with the NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre, led by Deputy Centre Director for Technology and Research Investments Christyl Johnson, to develop an emergency distress beacon that will be integrated into astronaut space suits and vehicles. This beacon will leverage lunar-based satellite constellations to provide real-time emergency communication back to Earth, ensuring enhanced safety for astronauts on future lunar missions.
The day concluded with the A Taste of Australia networking reception, which drew more than 100 attendees eager to engage with the Australian space community and explore opportunities for IAC 2025 in Sydney. Jeremy Hallett, Chair of the Local Organising Committee and Executive Chairman of the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA), highlighted Australia’s rich indigenous history, its vibrant culture, and the dynamic role the Indo-Pacific region will play in shaping the future of space. The reception generated excitement for next year’s congress, with participants vocalising their enthusiasm about contributing to and attending IAC 2025.
The overwhelming sentiment of the day was one of hope, collaboration and a genuine desire to support all walks of life as we embark on our next adventures into space. In every sense of the word, the IAC has evoked a feeling of immense pride to work in such a collaborative industry and amongst those who share a resolute commitment to ensure that space is accessible for all.
