International Academy of Astronautics

The International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) is a Paris-based non-government association for the field of astronautics. It was founded in Stockholm, Sweden on August 16, 1960, by Dr. Theodore von Kármán. It was recognised by the United Nations in 1996.

The stated purpose of the IAA is: * Recognize the accomplishments of their peers * Explore and discuss cutting-edge issues in space research and technology * Provide direction and guidance in the non-military uses of space and the ongoing exploration of the solar system

Among the activities the academy is involved, there are: * Organizes annual conferences, symposia, and gatherings covering topics such as space sciences, space life sciences, space technology and system development, space systems operations and utilization, space policy, law, economy, space and society, culture, and education. * Publishes cosmic studies concerning space exploration, space debris, small satellites, space traffic management, natural disasters, climate change * Publishes the journal of the International Academy of Astronautics, ''Acta Astronautica.'' * Publishes dictionaries in 24 languages * Publishies book series on subjects such as small satellites, conference proceedings, remote sensing, and history. Provided by Wikipedia