AN Isle of Man company has been given the major accolade of being accepted as a member of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the most prestigious institution in the space community. 

The International Institute of Commerce (IISC), which is based in Douglas, was given the award at a ceremony during the 62nd International Astronautical Congress, held recently in Cape Town, South Africa.

The IAF is the world’s leading space organisation, grouping all main space agencies, space companies and space related institutes worldwide.  The Federation advances knowledge about space, fostering the development and application of space assets by advancing global co-operation.

The proposal for the IISC to become a member of the IAF was made in Cape Town by Prof. W. Peeters, Executive Director of IISC, representing the Institute at that meeting.

“This is another milestone for the Island’s prestigious space industry,” said Allan Bell MHK, Minister for the Department of Economic Development. “We are proud of this accolade and the Department intends to expand our support to the IISC and to continue to play a prominent role in the space arena.  

“On behalf of the Isle of Man Government, we express our thanks to IAF for accepting an Isle of Man organisation into this very prestigious body.”

Mr. Alex Downie OBE MLC, Political Member for the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for space and the Isle of Man Government’s representative for the IISC, added, “The Isle of Man is constantly expanding its efforts to become a central location for the new space economy.

“The recognition of IISC, an Isle of Man based institution, in the prestigious IAF is another important step towards providing recognition of the increasing efforts of the Manx Government to consolidate this position.”