The just-concluded 2024 International Astronautical Congress, or IAC exhibition, in Italy's Milan has showcased the latest breakthroughs in aerospace technology and innovation from spacesuits and rovers to cutting-edge satellites and space stations for ordinary people.
The 75th session of the world's largest space event featured over 530 exhibitors from 46 countries displaying their most eye-catching innovations from October 14 to 18 this year.
The coolest high-tech exhibits included a stylish unmanned vehicle designed by a group of Polish university students and a newly unveiled Prada Axiom spacesuit that combines style with function.
The event also gave visitors a chance to try out a lunar rover with a headset to navigate over rocks and uneven terrain on the surface of the moon. The FLEX Rover developed by California-headquartered Venturi Astrolab is expected to be sent to the moon via a commercial lunar mission in the next few years.
"We are working with commercial entities, as well as there is interest from governmental space agencies if they have instruments that they would like to use for data collection," said Alex Henry, Astrolab's sales manager.
A scale model of a private space station named "Haven" designed by Vast presented a vision for humanity's next-generation space stations - a resort-like experience, not just a stroll through the distant space. Visitors were offered a taste of what it would be like to spend a night in a space station, floating in zero gravity and tucked under a cozy blanket.
"We welcome all types of visitors on our space stations - space tourists, private citizens, astronauts, scientists, researchers. Anybody is welcomed to join us," said Yu Dali, Industrial Designer at Vast.
As the upcoming commercial and touristic space missions have made the need for space farming more relevant, this year's IAC exhibition also highlighted innovations in space agriculture with systems designed to cultivate plants in microgravity.
The exhibition hall showcased not only novelty, but also for one of the most essential elements of space missions - rockets. Latest rocket models from around world were on full display, with each boasting its unique brilliance.
Among the stunning models was Long March 12, China's latest liquid fueled rocket. It is expected to have its maiden launch by the end of this year.
Aside from the participating space agencies, most of this year's exhibitors were private companies, clearly showing that the space economy is growing faster than ever.
IAC exhibition in Milan displays most eye-catching innovations
