Milan hosts world's largest space conference with calls for greater global cooperation

The 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2024) opened Monday in Italy's Milan, bringing together experts, professionals, and enthusiasts from more than 150 countries to explore advancements in space technology, research, and exploration.

Organized by the International Astronautical Federation, the premier global space event will run through Friday, offering a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among key stakeholders from all around the world. The congress features plenary events, technical presentations, exhibitions, and discussions on some of the main topics which are shaping the future of space exploration.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony officially kicked off the event at the Milan Convention Center, while there were calls for greater collaboration among countries.

"Space must be approached responsibly and together. Let us strive for higher standards and best practices that ensure sustainability," said Clay Mowry, president of the International Astronautical Federation.

At a panel session, Li Guoping, chief engineer of the China National Space Administration, revealed China will be discussing international collaboration opportunities in its expanding space program, including updates on its future lunar and Mars missions.

Through global cooperation, China is set to construct an international lunar research station (ILRS) with a network linking the moon's south pole, equator and far side by the year 2050.

"Currently, 15 countries and two international organizations have signed to join our international lunar research station plan. In addition, many countries are discussing with us to join the lunar research station," said Li.

At the space event, lunar samples from the far side of the moon, brought back by China's Chang'e-6 mission in June this year, were exhibited to the public for the first time in history.

The Chang'e-6 mission represented one of China's most ambitious international joint missions in which it carried out cooperation with the European Space Agency, France, Italy and Pakistan on four scientific payloads.

The IAC has been a venue since 1950 for scientists, engineers, companies and politicians of space-faring nations to discuss cooperation.

Milan hosts world's largest space conference with calls for greater global cooperation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israel will implement a ceasefire deal to bring a halt to its conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, but will respond forcefully to any violation.

Netanyahu made the remarks in a televised speech after Israel’s security cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement.

The duration of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon, Netanyahu said in the address, translated from Hebrew. "We will enforce the agreement and respond forcefully to any violation."

A ceasefire agreement with Lebanon will enable Israel to focus on the threat from Iran, rebuild its forces and improve its weapons, he said, adding that Israel will make every effort to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Earlier in the day, Israel's security cabinet held a meeting to discuss the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah in Lebanon even as Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting central Beirut and the city's southern suburbs on the same day, killing seven and injuring 37.

The security cabinet approved the ceasefire by a majority of ten votes to one, with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir casting the sole dissenting vote, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. Israel's Channel 12 TV News reported Tuesday night that the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire deal will take effect Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. local time (0800 GMT).

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on his social media account that the Lebanese caretaker government will hold a ministerial meeting on Wednesday morning to discuss the current situation and the latest trends in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

Netanyahu says Israel will enforce ceasefire deal, respond forcefully to any violation