The International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) is an independent non-governmental organization established in Stockholm (Sweden) on August 16, 1960, by Dr. Theodore von Kármán, and recognized by the United Nations in 1996.

The IAA has elected members from all over the world.

Since 1960, the IAA has brought together the world's foremost experts in the disciplines of astronautics on a regular basis:

• to recognize the accomplishments of their peers,
• to explore and discuss cutting-edge issues in space research and technology, and
• to provide direction and guidance in the non-military uses of space and the ongoing exploration of the solar system.

The IAA is involved in numerous scientific activities. For example, the academy:

• Encourages international scientific cooperation through conferences, symposia and meetings in the area of: space sciences, space life sciences, space technology & system development, space systems operations & utilization, space policy, law & economy, space & society, culture & education;
• Conducts 30+ conferences per year;
• Publishes cosmic studies dealing with a wide variety of topics including space exploration, space debris, small satellites, space traffic management, natural disaster, climate change, etc.;
• Publishes the journal of the International Academy of Astronautics, Acta Astronautica.
• Publishes dictionaries in 24 languages (last languages Afrikaner and Swahili); and
• Publishes book series on small satellite, conference proceedings, remote sensing and history.

Recent developments, e.g., the easing of East–West tensions, the progressive integration of European economies, and the emergence of the Asian economic revolution, have enhanced the political prospects for international cooperation in space. Cost, scope, complexity and other pragmatic considerations associated with space exploration dictate cooperation among nations; and it is probable that such 21st century initiatives as a permanent lunar base and the first crewed mission to Mars will be international ventures.