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INTRODUCTION

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The International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS) is a non-profit organization committed to fostering international cooperation and advancing scientific progress in the field of space systems safety. IAASS is a member of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and serves as a Permanent Observer at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). Established in 2004, the association works to shape and promote a global culture of space safety, contributing to safer space travel, vehicles, stations, extraterrestrial habitats, equipment, and payloads for the general public, ground personnel, crews, and flight participants. The IAASS also advocates for the protection of terrestrial and planetary environments during space missions and supports the creation of a global framework for space operations governance.
 

The 14th IAASS Conference, “Together for a Safe Space Frontier”, invites reflection and the exchange of knowledge on critical space safety topics that demand international collaboration. The conference serves as a forum to build mutual understanding, trust, and the broadest possible cooperation in the peaceful, responsible, and shared use of space.
 

The once-exclusive “club” of nations with autonomous space access capabilities is rapidly expanding, with a growing and diverse range of participants. Commercial spaceports are becoming an established reality. In human spaceflight, a commercial market has emerged, with both governments and private entities relying on commercial services for cargo and crew transportation to orbit and beyond. Space systems and aviation traffic increasingly share congested airspace, while aviation itself depends more heavily on space-based, safety-critical services.
 

Today, most nations possess space assets, primarily satellites of various types and purposes, that face constant risks, both accidental and deliberate. The rise of large satellite constellations, the sharp increase in cislunar operations, and the onset of lunar surface activities mark a new frontier that requires a thorough reassessment of requirements and methods to mitigate collision risks during launch, re-entry, and on-orbit operations.
 

Equally pressing is the challenge of identifying and countering cyber threats to space systems. Addressing this issue demands a comprehensive, integrated, and systematic approach to safeguard space assets and critical services. International awareness is growing, reaffirming the principle, enshrined for decades in space treaties, that space is a shared asset of humankind, and that we all bear responsibility for its stewardship. Without bold and proactive initiatives to establish a global regulatory framework for space governance, future generations may be denied reliable access to and use of space.
 

In addition to plenary and splinter sessions, the 14th IAASS Conference will feature dedicated panel discussions on key topics requiring focused attention in space programs: International Space Governance, Aviation Safety During Space Launch and Re-entry Operations, Space Traffic Management, Safety on Long-Duration Space Exploration Missions, Need for a Unified Space Safety Regulatory Framework, Lunar Search and Rescue, High-Altitude Operations Safety. 

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Become an IAASS Member

Find out more information on the IAASS website

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Cover photo:  NASA