The International Astronautical Academy (IAA), the research arm of the International Astronautical Federation ( IAF), is holding its first conference on private human space flight from May 28-30, 2008, in Arcachon, Bordeaux, France.

Including a plenary session and two full days of parallel sessions, the conference is a sizable affair for what is still a rare conference topic. There are also many new faces - representatives of companies and organisations which are new to the subject, such as Airbus, RAL, ONERA, EADS, and others.

Space Future Consulting's Dr. Collins' will give a keynote speech covering the wide range of benefits that can be anticipated from the growth of space tourism into a major new industry.

He will also present a joint paper on space tourism work in Japan. Pioneered by the Japanese Rocket Society, this is waiting for its second wind - which should be stimulated by Europe finally getting moving on space tourism - as can be seen from the contents of the IAA programme, details of which can be found here. (The programme and other details are linked via buttons at the bottom of the page.)

With presentations covering such topics as a French spaceport (!), space tourism insurance needs, and the first aerospace prime contractor's plans for a sub-orbital passenger vehicle, the IAA meeting could be a turning point for the movement.