Ariane 6, centerpiece of the 69th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Bremen (October 1–5, 2018) 09-20-2018 |  2 minutes

Organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the IAC is the space industry’s headline annual event. Ahead of the event, on 17 September, an imposing ¼-scale model of the ArianeGroup-primed Ariane 6 future European launcher was erected in front of the Conference Center – a symbol of the launcher’s importance and the keen interest it generates across the whole space community.

Specialist ArianeGroup personnel will participate in a range of programmed sessions, including panel discussions, plenary and technical sessions, and interactive presentations. Two key highlights are the panels on

• “The role of industry in Lunar Exploration” (Tuesday, October 2, 9.40-10.40)
• “What will shape the future of European launchers?” (Wednesday, October 3, 9.40-10.40),

at which ArianeGroup senior management will be speaking.

The IAC has not been held in Europe since 2012, and the 2018 event with Bremen, a city closely linked with the history of space, as host provides the ideal opportunity for the European space sector to highlight the range and innovativeness of its activities. For ArianeGroup, Bremen is especially pertinent: it is the site of one of the company’s centers of excellence, specialized in the development of Ariane launchers from the very start of the program. 

ArianeGroup at Bremen is also shaping the future of access to space, with the upper stage of the new Ariane 6 launcher which will undertake its maiden flight in 2020. Pre-integration operations on the first model began on September 17.

The IAC brings together the entire space community – scientists, industry and agency representatives, astronauts, political decision-makers, journalists, and the increasingly-interested general public – and provides a forum for a comprehensive overview of latest trends and developments. The IAC theme this year is “Involving Everyone”, with particular emphasis on the value of collaboration between all players, and the need to raise awareness among the younger generation of the challenges facing the sector.