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Over 150 spacemen from 35 countries to meet for congress in Moscow

The Planetary Congress will discuss the construction of the ISS, spaceflight security and the exploration of the Universe, promising programs of the national space agencies

MOSCOW, September 5 (Itar-Tass) —— The 24th Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers will open here on Monday. The congress will be held under the motto “He Invited Us All in Space” in the year, when the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s first world spaceflight is celebrated. The motto reflected the common recognition of the absolute pioneership of our country in the manned spaceflights, a source in the organizing committee of the congress told Itar-Tass.

“More than 150 cosmonauts and astronauts from 35 countries will meet in the Russian capital. The Planetary Congress will discuss the construction of the International Space Station, spaceflight security and the exploration of the Universe, promising programs of the national space agencies,” the source said.

The composition of the delegations and guests at the congress notes its high importance. Prominent statesmen and public personalities, Russian cosmonauts of all generations, astronauts from various countries, the personnel of the first launching sites, aerospace designers, the command and scientists of specific scientific-research institutes and higher educational establishments, figures of culture, businesspeople and diplomats will attend the congress.

“The top officials and employees of NASA, the European Space Agency and national associations of cosmonautics will be special guests at the congress,” the source said.

The year of 2011 is declared the Year of Russian Cosmonautics in Russia.

The Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers will last until September 9.