The 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) will take place in Milan, Italy, from October 14 to October 18, 2024.

It is within the framework of this important congress that the AIDAA Student Team Challenge will take place, with the aim to link students with business and research sectors, providing them with an additional opportunity to gain connections and display the benefits of being part of a student team. The competition will focus on the overall theme of IAC 2024: Responsible Space for Sustainability.  

Due to the dynamic and innovative environment that the IAC represents, the proposed challenge could be an even greater opportunity for aerospace student teams that want to exhibit their creative way of dealing with engineering issues as well as how they work together as a team. 

WHO?

AIDAA is the  local host of IAC 2024.  The Internationa Astronautical Congress 2024  (IAC) is a crucial and prestigious international platform for everyone involved in the aerospace industry.

Who can apply? 

The AIDAA Student Teams Challenge is open to all student teams from universities around the world working on Space-related topics. 

WHAT?

The challenge is an additional opportunity for the student team all over the word to actively participate in the IAC. It wants to highlight the merit of the work done in the student team as well as the innovative thinking of young students applied to their approach to engineering problems. The competition offers an insight into the reality of the student team to the main players in the space sector. 

The topic is Responsible Space for Sustainability, following the IAC 2024 central theme.

HOW?

All the student teams willing to participate in the challenge must follow the application procedure. 

  1. Call for interest: fill out the form at the link: Google Form. It not include any technical requests, there are only some questions about the team and the motivation for the team to take part in the challenge. The Call is open and will close on 15 December at 12:00 p.m. 15 January at 12:00 p.m.  For more information  Download challenge details.
  2. Descriptive report: the team is required to submit a comprehensive report outlining both the team proposal for the challenge and a detailed overview of the team itself, adhering to the provided guidelines and template. The completed report must be emailed to aidaa4students@aidaa.it by the specified deadline of 12:00 p.m. CET on March 31, 2024 15 April at 12:00 p.m. CET .

Awards

For the winners:

  • 3 badges for attending IAC 2024, 
  • T-shirt Aerospace Italy 2024  and IAC 2024 gadgets. 

Furthermore, different aspects will be evaluated, and several special awards will be defined. The winners can have:

  • Possibility to display your own hardware in the exhibition area of the IAC 2024 in Milan, Italy. 
  • Possibility to make technical presentations during students conferences. 

FAQ

The team works on several projects at the same time. Can we submit more than one application?

No. Each team can only submit one application and one project.

If the team does not win the challenge, can they still go to the IAC?

Yes, the Challenge is an additional opportunity to participate in the IAC. It is in addition to the normal opportunities. The team can participate in the IAC regardless of the Challenge.

Where can I find more information and updates about the challenge?

You can visit this website to stay informed about the Challenge (deadlines, link to attach the report, awards, etc.). Additionally, we will be posting reminders on AIDAA’s social media pages.

Is it possible for more than 3 team members to attend IAC?

Yes, AIDAA will pay for 3 badges, but the team can buy more by themselves.

Are there any technical requirements that must be satisfied or is just the "idea" that counts?

The report doesn’t focus on technical aspects, so provide an idea that is workable. It’s preferable to include technical analysis to ensure the idea’s applicability and sustainability. Be creative in describing your innovative and sustainable solution.

Is the challenge done before IAC or are some activities planned also onsite?

The challenge is prior to IAC 2024. The report needs to be submitted and will be reviewed before IAC 2024. The conference will offer several opportunities for the team to present its work and team activities.

When will the report be reviewed and the awards be published?

TBD. All the updates will be published on this website, after the report deadline.

Are there any scholarships or discounts available for travel and accommodations in Milan?

The team should independently acquire financial assistance for travel and accommodation for IAC 2024 (sponsorship, scholarship…). There will be discounted accommodation for students. Some other scholarship opportunities will be defined.

Are there any constraints for the report?

All editing information, including the number of pages, structure and content, as well as the report template, will be published on this website after the Call for Interest deadline.