According to the Roscosmos press service, a high‑level delegation led by Director General Yuri Borisov is set to take part in the International Astronautical Congress, which is scheduled to commence in Baku on October 2. This participation is explained by the agency as a continuation of longstanding Russian engagement with the global space community, reinforcing Russia’s commitment to international collaboration in space exploration and technology development. The announcement, reported by RIA News, underscores that the delegation will bring a comprehensive program focused on current and future space initiatives, partnerships, and shared standards among leading spacefaring nations.
The Russian delegation previously did not attend the Space Congress held in Paris the prior year, a gap attributed to the absence of invitations and visa barriers that blocked Russian representatives from participating. The current announcement signals a renewed intention to engage directly with international counterparts, despite past obstacles, and to contribute to discussions on advancing astronautics in a cooperative international framework.
Roscosmos states that the delegation, headed by Borisov, will participate in the IAC-2023 opening events in Baku, including the official opening ceremony and the exhibition presentation. Beyond ceremonial duties, the leadership will participate in plenary discussions and bilateral meetings with heads of other space agencies. These engagements are aimed at addressing a broad spectrum of topics, such as human spaceflight, the management and mitigation of debris and pollution in near‑Earth orbit, the expansion of multi‑satellite constellations, and the continued development of Earth observation programs. The discussions will also touch on responsible behavior in space, the health of the space industry, and workforce capacity building through training and education initiatives that support evolving missions and national programs.
In addition to formal sessions, the Russian delegation is planned to hold bilateral meetings with colleagues from other national space agencies, seeking to strengthen scientific collaboration, joint missions, and knowledge exchange. Such engagements are a hallmark of the IAC, a gathering that brings together experts from around the world to share insights, align on safety and interoperability standards, and explore new commercial and public‑sector opportunities in space technology and exploration.
The International Astronautical Congress stands as a premier annual forum where astronauts, engineers, researchers, and policymakers converge to discuss breakthroughs, standards, and strategic directions for space activities. The congress operates under the auspices of the International Astronautical Federation, which coordinates international cooperation and the dissemination of space science knowledge across member nations. The event’s emphasis on diplomacy, science, and industry reflects the global nature of modern space endeavors and the importance of shared frameworks for safe and productive activity beyond Earth.
Additionally, there is heightened interest in how discussions at the Congress may influence broader political and strategic conversations about space, including the potential for new collaborative projects and the harmonization of regulatory approaches that enable more efficient international cooperation. Observers note that such forums can help align national programs, foster interoperability of spacecraft and systems, and promote transparent, accountable practices across the space sector. In parallel coverage, comments and scheduling details surrounding the IAC are followed closely by trade and policy circles, as stakeholders anticipate practical outcomes that could shape future missions and satellite infrastructure investments. [Source: Roscosmos press service]