A look back at our participation in IAC 2024

We are Megha Choudhary and Alessandra Bergese, Master's students in Aerospace Engineering at ISAE-SUPAERO in Toulouse. Thanks to the support of the Association Aéronautique et Astronautique de France (3AF), we recently had the incredible opportunity to attend theInternational Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2024 in Milan. Selected to represent France at the IAF Student Conference, we had the honor of presenting our research project entitled "The Dolphin Mission: A Feasibility Study Using Preliminary System Design and Cost Estimation". Presenting our work on cost estimation for interplanetary missions to an international audience and seeing our research recognized was a highlight for us. We are deeply grateful to our mentors, Professors Joan-Pau Sanchez Cuartielles (ISAE-SUPAERO) and Veerle Sterken (ETH Zurich), for their invaluable support and guidance.

The theme of this year's IAC, "Responsible Space For Sustainability", particularly resonated with the aims of our project. Our work highlights how cost engineering can make space missions both more efficient and sustainable, perfectly in line with the conference's focus on responsible and sustainable space. By estimating and planning mission costs at an early stage, we are helping to make space exploration more affordable and sustainable for future generations.

As well as showcasing our research, we attended inspiring sessions on critical topics ranging from lunar exploration roadmaps to circular economy initiatives in satellite design, highlighting the importance of collaboration and sustainable design for the future of space. The IAC also highlighted the human side of space exploration. Listening to astronauts talk about teamwork, inclusivity and the challenges of long-duration missions reminded us of the deeply human aspect of this field. Discovering cutting-edge technologies, such as virtual reality models of future space habitats, intensified our enthusiasm for innovations in the sector. Meeting engineers and seeing the latest technological advances reinforced our passion for the infinite possibilities that space offers.

Outside the conference sessions, catching up with our fellow ISAE-SUPAERO students and forging new friendships with students from around the world reinforced our shared commitment to a sustainable space. Each exchange with peers, researchers and professionals was an enriching experience that broadened our perspectives.

We learned that the IAC is much more than an annual event - it's a global gathering united by a passion for space and a common mission. This year's theme, Responsible Space, reminded us that the future of space exploration lies in our commitment to sustainability.

It was an incredible experience, and we are, once again, deeply grateful to 3AF for this unique opportunity!