More than 2,000 expected at space meeting

GLASGOW, Scotland, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Officials from seven national space agencies will detail their future missions later this month during the 59th International Astronautical Congress.

The Sept. 29-Oct. 3 event in Glasgow, Scotland, is being organized by the International Astronautical Federation and the British Interplanetary Society.

The European Space Agency said the event is expected to draw more than 2,000 space program leaders, space professionals and other individuals interested in space activities. The event features 10 plenary meetings, five lectures and three "Late Breaking News" sessions, as well as an exhibition, technical sessions and interactive discussions.

The ESA said the congress will open with the traditional Heads of Agency plenary session Sept. 29, during which representatives from the U.S., European, Japanese, Canadian, Russian and Indian space agencies will outline their plans for the coming years.