Pretoria - Cabinet had approved that the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, and Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, further consult on the hosting of the 62nd International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2011).
The event, which has been described as the world's premier meeting of space industry companies and space professionals by Cabinet spokesperson Jimmy Manyi, is to be held in Cape Town from 3 - 7 October 2011.
The IAC is expected to draw over 3 500 conference participants and exhibitors.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing today, Manyi said: "This is the 'FIFA Cup' of space meetings and will be attended by heads and top executives of the world's leading space agencies."
The IAC is an annual meeting of actors in the discipline of space, and consists of plenary sessions, lectures and meetings. In addition, there is a large exhibition running concurrently.
Also expected to attend are academics, researchers, industry and commerce executives, students and young professionals. - BuaNews
