3rd International Workshop on Key Issues of Manned and Deep Space Exploration Missions

The 3rd International Workshop on Key Issues of Manned and Deep Space Exploration Missions took place in Hangzhou, China, from 27 to 29 April 2026. Hosted by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and supported by the IAF and other organizations, the workshop gathered experts and scholars from China, France, Germany, Italy and other countries to conduct in-depth discussions on hot topics such as cross-domain intelligent flight, core technologies for deep space exploration, commercial space, and sustainable development of the space environment.

In his address at the opening ceremony, IAF Executive Director Christian Feichtinger introduced the IAF’s 75-year contributions to promoting global human spaceflight and deep space exploration from academic, technological and policy perspectives. He expressed the hope that more passionate and talented young people engage in the space industry, take over the baton of cosmic exploration, and contribute youthful strength to the peaceful exploration of outer space for humanity.

The program continued with the visit to the Satellite Supermarket of the China Academy of Space Technology.

During their visit, Christian Feichtinger and Elena Feichtinger held in-depth exchanges and meetings on future cooperation with Li Daming, IAF Vice President and President of the China Academy of Space Technology; Li Zhongbao, Co-Chair of the IAF Sub-select Committee on Satellite Commercial Applications and Chief Engineer of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC); and Wang Yiran, Vice President and Secretary General of Chinese Society of Astronautics(CSA) which is a member of the IAF.