NASA Highlights Low Earth Orbit, Sustainability at Space Conference

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy visited the agency’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans on Dec. 8, 2021 for tours and briefings on Michoud’s role in the Artemis program and other capabilities that enrich many facets of the nation’s space exploration endeavors.

Credit: NASA/Michael DeMocker

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy will lead the agency’s delegation at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) from Monday, Oct. 14, to Thursday, Oct. 17, in Milan.

During the congress, NASA will discuss its Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy, emphasizing the agency’s efforts to advance microgravity science, technology, and exploration. The agency also will highlight its commitment to space sustainability and several missions, including initiatives that support NASA’s Moon to Mars exploration approach and the Artemis Accords.

NASA will amplify the following talks happening at the congress through its YouTube Channel:

• Monday, Oct. 14
• 7:45 a.m. EDT (1:45 p.m. CEST): One-to-One with Heads of Agencies featuring Nelson.
• 12:15 p.m. EDT (6:15 p.m. CEST): Host Plenary on Responsible and Sustainable Space Exploration for Moon to Mars featuring Melroy.
• Wednesday, Oct. 16
• 9 a.m. EDT (3 p.m. CEST): A New Era in Human Presence featuring Melroy.

A full agenda for this year’s IAC is available online.

Members of the media registered for IAC will have three opportunities to meet with NASA leaders. To register, media must apply through the International Astronautical Federation website. Opportunities include:

• Monday, Oct. 14
• 5:30 p.m. CEST (11:30 a.m. EDT): NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, Lisa Campbell, president, CSA (Canadian Space Agency), and Teodoro Valente, president, Italian Space Agency, to discuss the 3^rd Annual Heads of Agency meeting of the Artemis Accords Signatories.
• Tuesday, Oct. 15
• 5 p.m. CEST (11 a.m. EDT): NASA Administrator Bill Nelson to discuss the agency’s international partnerships in the Artemis era.
• Wednesday, Oct. 16
• 5 p.m. CEST (11 a.m. EDT): NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy and Robyn Gatens, director of the International Space Station and acting director of Commercial Spaceflight to discuss NASA’s Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy

In addition to the events outlined above, NASA will have an exhibit featuring the first sample of the asteroid Bennu to appear publicly in a non-museum setting, as well as information on the Artemis campaign, NASA’s future in low Earth orbit, and several upcoming science and technology missions. NASA also will host subject matter expert talks throughout the week at its exhibit.

NASA will provide photos and updates about its participation in the International Astronautical Congress from its @NASAExhibit account on X.

For more information about NASA participation at IAC, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/nasa-at-iac

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