Delegation of RSC Energia headed by General Director Vladimir Solntsev is taking part in the Congress of the International Astronautical Federation IAC-2016, which opened in Guadalajara (Mexico).

V. Solntsev presented report The Russian cosmonautics. International aspects. One of the priority subjects was the following: the Energia plans under the International Space Station (ISS) program including the development of new modules of the Russian Segment, modernization of transport vehicles and launch vehicles, scientific experiments onboard the Station.

He noted that international cooperation on the ISS has a serious impact on the implementation of the Russian national research program and said that despite the commissioning of the U.S. commercial spacecraft, Russian spacecraft Soyuz MS will retain its competitiveness.

The ISS on the whole is a very successful international partnership that has withstood many tests. Its experience is priceless, it is invaluable, to continue this program both in a low earth orbit and in deep space, - the Corporation Head emphasized.

He also spoke about the lunar program including the current status of the project to develop the Federation advanced manned transport vehicle and prospects for the creation of the International man-tended cislunar platform. The capability of developing such a platform is discussed by space agencies of the ISS partner-countries.

The World Space Community recognizes the fact that missions into deep space can be organized only in close international cooperation. The International man-tended platform will provide tasks associated with the development test of elements, systems and technologies to perform manned missions into deep space, - V. Solntsev said.

In conclusion he expressed a hope that international cooperation, support and exchange of technologies will assist in the joint implementation of the most ambitions and expensive projects.

International Astronautical Congress (IAC) – the world’s largest professional forum of participants of space activities (from 3 to 6 thousand delegates excluding the accompanying persons and the press – is held annually since 1951 with the participation of the International Astronautical Federation, International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the International Institute of Space Law (IISL). In 2016 it is held at a period of September 26 - 30 in Guadalajara (Mexico). Taking into account a unique nature of IAC, this forum is traditionally used for the organizations of bilateral negotiations between space agencies and organizations of rocket-space industry. The city selection to hold a Congress in 3 years is also made at IAC. In the current year the city of Congress holding in 2018 will be selected; it may be Bremen (Germany), Vienna (Austria) and Punta del Este (Uruguay). In 2017 the International Astronautical Congress will be held in Adelaide (Australia).