The Second Planetary Congress took place in Budapest in 1986, drawing 32 flyers from 12 countries; the theme of the Congress was "Toward Space Civilization." The members honored Dr. Oleg Gazenko, the foremost Soviet expert in space biomedical problems and Dr. Gerard O'Neill, the space colonization visionary. In their official Congress statement, the group called for a continuation of the cooperative spirit of the Apollo Soyuz Test Project in future space exploration. ASE members reported on recent developments in their respective space programs, made a series of community appearances, finalized the ASE charter, selected an official ASE logo (the space helmet with Earth reflected in the visor), moved forward on approval for an ASE book, The Home Planet and approved a program of joint astronaut/cosmonaut lecture tours.

In 1989, ASE expanded its lecture tour program to Japan, sponsored visits by Soviet cosmonauts to NASA facilities, participated in meetings of the IAA Safety and Rescue Committee and the IAA International Space Plans and Policy Committee, provided members for openings of Home Planet exhibits, sent member John Fabian to the IAF meeting in Malaga, Spain to deliver a paper on the history of space rescue, and prepared for an international conference on space rescue at its Fifth Planetary Congress in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The theme of the V Planetary Congress, which drew 50 astronauts from 12 countries, was "Space for Earth," and Yash Pal was honored for his work in harnessing the power of satellites for the benefit of rural communities in India. The members also presented a special award to author/inventor Arthur C. Clarke. The Congress featured the now standard fare of space program updates, community appearances and an art exhibit. Also, several members granted interviews to a U.N.-commissioned film crew as part of ASE's cooperation in the production of the film Our Planet Earth. In a general Congress statement, the members called for the expanded application of space resources for the benefit of Earth. Finally, after hearing from a series of invited experts on the subject of space rescue, the members issued a statement calling on the space programs to move forward with space rescue, and ASE subsequently prepared detailed proceedings of the rescue conference which were widely distributed to international government officials.

In 1992, ASE sponsored U.S. members' attendance at a Russian space launch, sent members to Japan, Mexico and Kent State University for speaking engagements, and arranged members' participation in several international space conferences including one on legal aspects of manned space flight in Germany and the U.S. Space Foundation's 8th National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. ASE continued its sponsorship of international cooperation dinner discussions and published a paper calling for a new approach to international cooperation. In the area of environmental activity, ASE distributed the Earth Pledge to its U.S. members to sign in support of the Earth Summit process begun in Rio de Janeiro, worked to coordinate members' participation in a U.N. ISY Mission to Planet Earth stamp inauguration ceremony, and continued its partnership in the Arbor Project.

ASE-USA's largest undertaking ever, the Eighth Planetary Congress in Washington in August, drew 99 astronauts from eighteen countries. The theme of the Congress was "To Mars Together," and members honored both author Isaac Asimov and the Challenger Center for Space Science Education. Discussions ranged from space program updates to new ideas and initiatives and the futures of the space agencies. Members made community appearances at Georgetown University, held a joint public session with Carl Sagan and the Planetary Society, and helped build a simulated 'Marsville' settlement with Challenger Center students.

In 1993, ASE published and distributed the Proceedings of the 8th Congress to space policy makers and leaders of the international space community. On Earth Day ASE sent a member representative to participate in a U.N. ceremony marking the permanent emplacement of the Crystal Treaty presented to the U.N. by members in 1990. Preparatory work on the book of astronaut essays, The Greatest Adventure, came to completion. ASE continued its collaboration on the Arbor Project, along with its sponsorship of the George Washington University International Cooperation discussions. The ASE-USA board of directors issued a statement in support of the international space station, and board member John Fabian testified before a Congressional panel in support of the proposed collaboration with Russia on the station project.

The Ninth Planetary Congress, held in Vienna, Austria, drew 81 astronauts from sixteen nations. The theme of the Congress was "Space for Life," and the members honored Sir Hermann Bondi for his many contributions to international space scientific research. At the Congress, the members discussed the contributions that space biomedical research has made to the understanding of life's biological processes as well as the future challenges and opportunities presented by an extended human presence in space. The Congress program included space program updates, a special session on Space and the Environment, and community appearances throughout Austria.

 

1994 marked the 25th anniversary of Apollo 11's landing on the moon. To commemorate the event, ASE members from five countries came to Washington to participate in a number of events designed to raise awareness of space exploration and of man's first steps on another world. ASE's second book, The Greatest Adventure, was published and enjoyed great initial success.

Also in 1994, ASE addressed the theme "Space and Ecology" at its Tenth Planetary Congress in Moscow and Ulan-Ude, Russia. Over 100 astronauts and cosmonauts from fifteen countries attended the Congress to discuss ways space-based observation platforms help identify and characterize environmental problems. Of particular concern at this Congress was the long-term health of Lake Baikal in Siberia. ASE members traveled from Moscow to Lake Baikal in order to gain an understanding of the environmental issues surrounding this unique ecosystem and to exchange ideas with local scientists, political leaders and residence. Members also presented a special award to the widow of Yuri Gagarin to honor the world's first man in space on the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of his birth.

In 1995, ASE relocated from San Francisco to Washington, DC. Ongoing activities included ASE co-sponsorship of occasional dinner symposia with the George Washington University's Space Policy Institute and representation of the ASE at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Under the auspices of the ASE's International Standing Committee on Ecology, the Earth Education Exhibit was commissioned for display at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria. ASE also initiated a Corporate Membership Campaign; Charter Corporate Sponsors of ASE include ANSER, Computer Sciences Corporation, INTEC, McDonnell Douglas and Calspan SRL Corporation.

The Eleventh Planetary Congress in Warsaw/Krakow, Poland drew 50 astronauts and cosmonauts from 12 countries. The theme of the congress was "Space and Contemporary Society." Science fiction writer Stanislaw Lem was honored with the ASE Planetary Award, the Crystal Helmet. Polish President and Pope John Paul II were presented with special ASE awards, produced by ASE member Alexei Leonov, for their contributions to the development of civil society in Poland. At the Congress, attendees discussed the role and impact of space exploration and technology on modern and future society. Members also attended international space program update sessions and visited several notable Polish educational and scientific institutes.

In 1996, ASE participated in a variety of activities in concert with other professional and educational space advocacy organizations. ASE and its members supported and participated in the official debut of the X Prize Foundation in St. Louis, appeared at schools, universities and community events nationwide, assisted with the Challenger Centers' Marsville and Space Shuttle simulation projects, participated at the US Space Foundation's National Space Symposium, and co-sponsored the von Braun Exploration Forum and Dinner. Internationally, ASE member Dorin Prunariu (Romania) represented ASE as an observer-member of the UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in Vienna, Austria and ASE-USA member John Fabian convened a member panel at the International Aeronautics Federation Congress in Beijing, China. In 1996, ASE corporate membership grew with the addition of Lockheed Martin Information Systems and United Space Alliance.

The Twelfth Planetary Congress of the Association was held in Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, Canada, with forty-eight astronauts and cosmonauts from 14 nations attending. The theme of the 12th Congress was “Cooperation in Space-Progress for Humanity.” Canadian scholar Nicolas Matescu Matte was awarded the ASE Planetary Award for his pioneering work in the field of space law. ASE also participated in the christening of the Canadian Space Agency as the John H. Chapman Space Center. Congress sessions included discussions on space and life sciences, advanced aerospace and space propulsion technology, updates on US, Russian and Canadian activities in space, and future cooperation in building and operating the International Space Station.

ASE and its members engaged in a number of activities designed to increase public support for human space exploration. In addition to ongoing astronaut visits to various scientific and educational institutions, the ASE continued its participation in the George Washington University's Space Policy Institute evening roundtables and the USSF National Space Symposium; assisted with astronaut participation in the Planetary Society's Planetfest 97; and became a member of the Space Awareness Alliance, a consortium of space advocacy organizations and aerospace companies chartered to actively promote the benefits of space research and development to life on earth.

The Thirteenth Planetary Congress of the Association was held September 12-19, 1997 in San Jose, Costa Rica. Hosted by astronaut Franklin Chang-Diaz, the theme of the Congress was “Space Technology for Sustainable Development”, reflecting the association's belief that space technologies can significantly enhance efforts to monitor and characterize the impact of human development on the earth's environment. During the congress, ASE members participated in working sessions focused on crew safety, ecology, and space research and applications and traveled throughout Costa Rica to meet with children, teachers and community leaders.

In 1998, the Association moved its main office from Washington, DC to Houston, Texas. ASE activities focused on establishing a relationship with the Johnson Space Center and enhancing its role as a professional society of astronauts and cosmonauts. The international standing committee on Crew Safety and Technology Development began work on producing a set of international design standards for caution and warning systems and interfaces for future vehicles as well as a set of advanced crew safety concepts for long-duration, relatively autonomous missions such as a crewed mission to Mars. The committee also prepared preliminary flight safety guidelines for teams competing for the X Prize. In October, 1998 ASE members participated in the Future Vessel at the Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, hosted by the Globetree Foundation and sponsored in part by the National Environmental Board of Sweden. ASE members joined scientists, philosophers, artists and over 2000 children from 100 countries at the event and presented the space traveler's perspective on the fragility of our home planet and its environment.

The Fourteenth Planetary Congress of the Association was held in Brussels, Belgium and was hosted by Belgian flier Dirk Frimout. Eighty-seven fliers from eighteen countries participated in the week-long event; the theme of the 14th Congress was "Space and Education-A Message to the Youth" and the fliers actively engaged Belgian and European students in discussing the importance of committing to a life-long process of education. Congress sessions included discussions on crew safety, European activities in space and a review of 1998 international flight operations.

 

In 1999, ASE members reached thousands of students worldwide through visits to educational institutions, public lectures and through cooperative arrangements with other space advocacy organizations. Work also continued on the Planet Earth: The United Nation, a cooperative endeavor between The Future Foundation and the Association of Space Explorers. ASE also entered into an agreement with Starport.com to provide on-line educational and entertainment resources for students, parents and teachers.

ASE's International Standing Committee on Crew Safety and Technology Development continued work on a set of advanced crew safety concepts for extended-duration missions and hosted its first technical interchange meeting at the Johnson Space Center. The International Standing Committee on Ecology continued development of its internet-based Earth Education Exhibit on the ASE web site. ASE members also represented the Association at the UN UNISPACE III conference held in Vienna, Austria; a significant result of this meeting was the approval of ASE-UN cooperation in implementing the UN Programme on Space Applications.

Twenty-five astronauts and cosmonauts from eleven countries gathered in Bucharest, Romania, October 3-10 for the 15th Annual Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers. Hosted by Romanian cosmonaut Dumitru Prunariu, the theme of the 15th Congress was “Space and Astronomy–Toward the New Millennium." During the Congress, astronauts and cosmonauts discussed space science and exploration with students, faculty and representatives of the Romanian scientific community at the International Symposium on Microelectronics, at the Polytechnical University of Bucharest and at Brasov University. Members also gathered at the World Trade Center in Bucharest for a live internet discussion with students in Sweden, organized in cooperation with the Globetree Foundation.

In the year 2000, ASE continued to participate in a variety of activities and programs that have a direct impact on public awareness of U.S. and international achievements in space. ASE members reached thousands of people through appearances in the United States as well as through sponsored appearances in Japan, Spain, Sweden, Germany, France, Russia, and Brazil. ASE members also participated in the Astronaut Encounter, a new initiative by the KSC Visitor Complex to bring astronauts to the Kennedy Space Center for daily public appearances.

ASE also began discussions with the Challenger Center to organize an ASE youth affiliate network dedicated to promoting the exploration and development of space and to the advancement of the scientific literacy of our youth. It is anticipated that the program will be launched by the fall of 2001.

Sixty-three astronauts and cosmonauts from twelve nations gathered in Spain November 13 through 17, 2000 for the Sixteenth Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers. The theme of the Congress was “A New Space for Humanity,” reflecting the belief that the upcoming millennium represents a new era of international cooperation in the pursuit of a permanent human presence in space; the XVI Congress was hosted by astronauts Pedro Duque and Michael Lopez-Alegria.

In 2001, ASE membership grew by ten percent with the addition of 28 newly flown astronauts and cosmonauts to the member roster. ASE members continued reaching out to students and teachers worldwide and the Association embarked on the development of several new projects in cooperation with other U.S. and international space advocacy organizations. With renewed attention to environmental awareness, the ASE drew up plans and began seeking funding for an immersive, interactive earth education exhibit, designed to educate viewers, from the space traveler's perspective, about the climactic changes and remediation policies for affected areas over the 40 year history of human space flight.

Twenty-four astronauts and cosmonauts from eight nations gathered in Almaty, Kazakhstan September 26–October 2, 2001 for the XVII Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers. The theme of the Congress was “Gateway to Space Exploration and Environmental Protection,” reflecting the role of Kazakhstan as the launch site for humanity's first venture into space as well as its struggle to address severe environmental problems that plague the region. The XVII Congress was hosted by Kazakh cosmonaut Tokhtar Aubakirov.

In 2002, for the first time in the 17–year history of the organization the annual Congress was not held, due primarily to the worldwide economic downturn following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. Nevertheless, the Association continued its work with concept development for the Earth Education Exhibit and initiated a public service announcement campaign designed to encourage the study of (particularly among female and minority students) science, mathematics and engineering; to encourage students to stay in school and to live a drug-free lifestyle and to promote the direct benefits of space research and exploration to life on earth.

In 2003, the U.S. Chapter of the ASE (ASE-USA) initiated a series of quarterly dinner symposia in the Houston area to facilitate professional development and greater communication among astronauts, cosmonauts and aerospace professionals. These events featured briefings by key personnel in the spaceflight community involved with issues critical to current and future human exploration. ASE also opened discussions with the IGNITE Foundation on possible areas of collaboration in developing classroom based curricula and other activities designed to inspire students to careers in aerospace.

Sixty-five astronauts and cosmonauts from fifteen nations gathered in Tokyo, Japan, October 13 through 17, 2003 for the XVIII Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers. The theme of the Congress was “Learning From Space–Enriching World Culture” reflecting the belief that education, space and exploration transcend political and cultural boundaries for the benefit of all humanity; the XVIII Congress was hosted by Japanese astronaut Mamoru Mohri.

In 2004, ASE – USA worked to increase its effectiveness and outreach in our two primary mission areas of promoting education in science, engineering and mathematics and serving as a professional forum for space fliers.

In the area of education, ASE-USA teamed with the IGNITE Foundation on several programs to facilitate astronaut interaction with K-12 students and parents. Additionally, ASE –USA continues its partnership with the Globetree Foundation in Sweden and participated in Space Day activities here in the U.S.

As a professional forum for astronauts, ASE – USA continued to develop opportunities for interaction among space fliers and policymakers of the various international space programs. ASE–USA hosted the following technical symposia in Houston:

New Opportunities for Exploration

Prospects for Hubble Robotic Repair

Reference Design Requirements for Future Crewed Vehicles

Orbital Space Plane and Future Vehicles

ASE-USA also co-hosted (with the Planetary Society) a workshop on launch vehicle requirements to meet the needs of human space exploration beyond low-earth orbit; and with Lockheed Martin Space Operations, a public lecture at the University of Houston Clear Lake on the Early Results from the Mars Exploration Rover Mission.

Also in 2004 ASE – USA held its First National Congress in conjunction with the bi-annual Astronaut Reunion. The three-day event included briefings by senior NASA program representatives as well as presentations by current and former astronauts on various topics pertinent to the nation's activities in space.

ASE-USA also organized member testimony to the President's Commission on Moon, Mars and Beyond.

In 2005, ASE formed the Committee on Near Earth Objects, under the leadership of Rusty Schweickart, and charged it with bringing to the attention of world leaders and key international institutions the threat of asteroid impacts to life on Earth. In an Open Letter of October 14, 2005, the ASE said, in part:

“Due to advances in both the discovery of these objects and in space technology we are aware of the unique fact that these infrequent cosmic collisions are, using advanced space technology, both predictable and preventable. This distinctive and providential characteristic of NEO impacts allows the prevention of these largest of natural disasters, if, and only if, national governments and relevant international institutions understand these inevitable events and act together to prevent their occurrence.”

To facilitate this process the ASE, through its Committee on NEOs, proposed to convene a series of four workshops, calling on experts from around the world with relevant experience, to address this challenge in detail and to prepare, for submission to the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), a draft NEO deflection protocol for its consideration.

ASE–USA also continued its dinner symposium series, hosting ISS Program Manager Bill Gerstenmeier for dinner and discussion with ASE members on the topic “ISS – What is it good for, Anyway?”.

Fifty-six astronauts and cosmonauts from 10 nations gathered October 9 – 15 in Salt Lake City, Utah for the XIX Planetary Congress. Hosted by former U.S. Senator Jake Garn, the week-long Congress featured technical sessions on the current activities and future plans for the U.S.,  international  and commercial human spaceflight programs, excursions to areas of cultural and social interest and astronaut/cosmonaut visits to 39 of the 40 school districts in Utah. The theme of the Congress was “Our Destiny in Space, Worlds Without Borders”, reflecting the conviction of the ASE membership that collaboration is a necessary condition of future exploration beyond earth orbit. The XIX Congress was title sponsored by ATK Thiokol.

At the XIX Congress, ASE celebrated the 20th anniversary of the founding of the organization.

In 2006, ASE participated in a growing number of events, both in the US and internationally.

In the US, ASE–USA and its members participated in the first International Symposium for Personal Spaceflight, hosting two public sessions on Medical Considerations for Suborbital and Orbital Flight, and Maximizing the Personal Spaceflight Experience. ASE–USA technical symposia included a dinner briefing and discussion with JSC Center Director Mike Coats on the status of the ISS, Shuttle and CEV programs.

ASE–USA conducted its 2nd National Congress in coordination with the biennial JSC Astronaut Reunion. Technical topics included Applied Nanotechnology for Human Space Exploration, Crew Survivability and Medical Issues, Constellation Space Suit Systems and Transition to Orion: the Flight Director’s Perspective. An evening lecture, in co-operation with the Lunar and Planetary Institute and Planetary Society, was delivered by ASE member Tom Jones on Astronauts, Robots, and 21st Century Space Exploration.

ASE also responded with several suggested modifications to the Federal Aviation Administration’s Proposed Rule for Human Spaceflight Requirements for Crew and Spaceflight Participants.

ASE maintained its international presence, supporting the Globetree Foundation’s World Championships in Cooperation and opening discussions for ASE participation at the annual Festival of Science and Enterprise in Glasgow, Scotland, as well as for ASE support of the biannual Scottish Space School program in Houston, TX.

The Committee on NEOs delivered a technical presentation and intervention to the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of COPUOS, providing a general review of current developments in NEO early warning and the technical capability for NEO deflection. The NEO Committee also began planning the composition of the Committee’s  Panel on Asteroid Threat Mitigation and the sequence of four workshops, to take place over the next two years.

In 2007, work began in earnest on the ASE NEO deflection protocol. At a Gala Fundraiser hosted by the Chabot Science Center in Oakland, CA, the NEO Committee raised nearly $150,000 for the NEO effort. The Panel on Asteroid Threat Mitigation was formed and its participants included ASE members, former UN diplomats, ambassadors, international law experts, national space program leaders, risk management specialists and re-insurance executives.

The NEO Committee delivered a status report to the COPUOS in February, a paper describing the international policy issues  to the AIAA Planetary Defense Conference in March, and convened its first two workshops at the ISU in Strasbourg, France and in Sibiu, Romania.

ASE – USA hosted one technical dinner symposium in 2007 “New Constellation on the Horizon” with Constellation Program Manager Jeff Hanley, and hosted the session “A Day in the Life of an Astronaut on Mars” at the Risk & Exploration Symposium II at Louisiana State University.

ASE educational activities included hundreds of school visits world-wide and participation in the two-week long Festival of Science and Enterprise in Glasgow, Scotland.

In another major environmental and educational initiative, ASE–USA partnered with the Technical Education and Research Centers (TERC) to develop an earth education exhibit. Leveraging an existing software capability developed by TERC under a grant from the National Science Foundation, ASE and TERC began work on astronaut-related educational content for Windows on Earth. The partnership also resulted in the conception, development and deployment of Windows on Earth: Flight, a revolutionary new, 3D earth-visualization tool designed to better facilitate astronaut earth observations training and photography from the International Space Station.

Seventy-three astronauts and cosmonauts from 15 nations gathered September 17-21, 2007 in Edinburgh, Scotland for the XX Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers. Hosted by Careers Scotland, the week-long Congress featured technical sessions on the current activities and future plans for the U.S.,  international  and commercial human spaceflight programs, excursions to areas of cultural and social interest and astronaut/cosmonaut visits to over 45 school districts all over Scotland. The theme of the Twentieth Congress was “50 Years in Space ­– Launching into the Future”, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the launch of the first artificial satellite into space.

At the Congress, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield was elected as the first non Russian/non US president of the international Association of Space Explorers.

In 2008, the ASE Committee on NEOs continued its efforts to develop an NEO deflection protocol. Committee members delivered status briefings to the United Nations, presented “The Asteroid Threat: Decisions Upcoming” to the 37th Session of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), presented its Decision Program on Asteroid Threat Mitigation to the International Astronautical Congress, and completed its final two workshops in Guanacaste, Costa Rica and San Francisco, California.

The NEO Committee’s final report, “Asteroid Threats: A Call for Global Response” was completed following the final workshop and will be presented to the United Nations in 2009.

ASE–USA continued, in partnership with TERC, to develop the Windows on Earth project. Windows on Earth: Flight was flight qualified and flown to the International Space Station on board Soyuz TMA-13 with ASE member Richard  Garriott.

Forty-seven astronauts and cosmonauts representing fifteen nations gathered September 15-19, 2008 in Seattle, Washington for the XXI Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers. The theme of the XXI Congress was “Exploring Space – Inspiring Planetary Stewardship”, reflecting the Association’s belief that humanity’s continued expansion into space will ultimately result in greater awareness of, and care for, our home planet. The Congress was hosted by Seattle Museum of Flight president and former astronaut Bonnie Dunbar and underwritten by Title Sponsor Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.

Also in 2008, Sweden, Malaysia and the Republic of Korea were welcomed as new member countries of the Association.

In 2009, after three years of preparation and four international workshops, the NEO Committee formally submitted their report and recommendations: Asteroid Threats: A Call for Global Response. The report was introduced in the 2009 session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN/COPUOS) in Vienna, Austria.

Forty-nine astronauts and cosmonauts from 14 nations gathered October 4-10, 2009 in Prague, Czech Republic for the XXII Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers (ASE). The theme of the XXII Congress was “Space – Opportunities for All”, reflecting the Association’s belief that emerging international spaceflight capabilities and technologies all play an important role in contributing to the growing human presence in space. The XXII Planetary Congress was hosted by Czech cosmonaut Vladimir Remek.

Also in 2009, Brazil and China were welcomed as new member countries of the Association.

Fifty-eight astronauts and cosmonauts from 18 nations gathered October 5-10, 2010 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the XXIII Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers (ASE). The theme of the XXIII Congress was “1 Planet, 1 Hope, 1 Future”, reflecting the Association’s belief that all nations and people play an important role in the protection and preservation of our home planet. The XXIII Planetary Congress was hosted by Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar.

Acting on its report, “Asteroid Threats: A Call for Global Response,” the NEO Committee co-sponsored a series of multi-space agency implementation workshops for each of the report’s functional elements: information and warning, mission planning and operations, and authorization and oversight.  A Mexico City meeting in January 2010, focused on the role of the NEO Information, Analysis, and Warning network (IAWN). ASE, ESA, and NASA again brought together representatives from the space-faring nations in October 2010 in Darmstadt, Germany, examining the establishment of the Mission Planning and Operations group (MPOG).  Here, the space-faring nations discussed technology and planning considerations for a future NEO deflection.

In 2011, the ASE NEO Committee continued to co-sponsor implementation meetings, and actively supports regular NEO negotiations at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).

Seventy-three astronauts, cosmonauts and taikonauts from 19 countries convened in Moscow, Russia, 5–9 September 2011 for the XXIV Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers. Hosted by ASE-Russia, the theme of the XXIV Congress was “He Invited us all to Space”, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the flight of Yuri Gagarin.