Published on March 8, 2021

Thank you for submitting 3356 abstracts from 86 countries!

See you in Dubai

For 72 years, the IAF has firmly believed that new research is critical for improving standards of science and with this in mind it is excellent that this year's IAC features one of its highest number of abstract submissions ever.

We would like to thank you for submitting 3356 abstracts from 86 countries. The International Programme Committee will now select the abstracts to be presented in Dubai. For the very first time, the IAC is opening its doors to the global space community in the United Arab Emirates, the first Arab country to host the IAC since its establishment in 1950. And we thank you for responding to our call so enthusiastically. Let’s keep on safely travelling and opening new horizons to young scientists by presenting and interacting with colleagues from across the world.

It is confirmed that Category A on Science and Exploration has received the highest number of abstracts, closely followed by Category E on Space and Society. A heartfelt congratulation message also to students submitting more than 30% of abstracts! Students are the ones that will take the responsibility of guiding the space world into a new one. It seems as at the IAC 2021 in Dubai we will have an insight of the future they are preparing.

This year, it is also particularly exciting that the Special Session format reached a record-breaking number of 87 proposals! Special sessions are a valuable way to cast light on cutting-edge themes, theories, and methods being interdisciplinary and interactive. Final selection results of abstracts and Special Session proposals will be announced beginning of April.

The IAC has always been the most important space gathering prizing personal interactions as much as academic presentations. The IAF is working closely with IAF Member, The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in order to preserve the IAC spirit during this pandemic. This impressive number of abstracts received for the IAC 2021 is a clear message from the space community showing their support and trust into the organization of a safe, inclusive and futuristic Congress.

We can’t wait to see you all in Dubai.

Best Regards,

The IAF Secretariat