The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) was founded in 1951 with a core mission to address the growing need for international cooperation in the areas of space activities and knowledge.

The purpose of the Federation is to promote:

• public awareness and appreciation of space activities worldwide
• the exchange of information on space programme developments and plans
• the development of highly-motivated and internationally-knowledgeable workforces
• the recognition of achievements in space activities and space programme cooperation
• the use by developing countries of space systems for human development

It is an international non-governmental and non-profit organisation consisting of 199 members in nearly 50 countries and governed by a Constitution. Members of the IAF include space agencies, space companies, societies, associations and institutes.

The Federation encourages the advancement of knowledge about space and the development and application of space assets for the benefit of humanity. It plays an important role in disseminating information, and in providing a significant worldwide network of experts in the development and utilisation of space.

It remains to this day the only international federation for the space community that addresses all aspects of space - developments, activities, knowledge and the future.

It is responsible for the annual International Astronautical Congress (IAC) alongside other symposia.

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