About the Association for Space Explorers

The Association for Space Explorers (ASE) supports the advancement of space exploration by providing opportunities for communication among space professionals at the international level. The only professional association for astronauts, this international, nonprofit 510(c)(3) professional and educational organization was founded in 1985 and currently consists of approximately 400 astronauts and cosmonauts from 38 nations. ASE’s activities are conducted via five international regional committees: U.S., Russia, Asia, Europe and At-Large.

History of the ASE Planetary Congress

The very first edition of the Congress took place in Cernay, France, in 1985.
It has since traveled around the World.

II - Budapest, Hungary 1986
III - Mexico City, Mexico 1987
IV - Sofia, Bulgaria 1988
V - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 1989
VI - Groningen, The Netherlands 1990
VII - Berlin, Germany 1991
VIII - Washington, DC, U.S.A. 1992
IX - Vienna, Austria 1993
X - Moscow, Russia 1994
XI - Warsaw, Poland 1995
XII - Montreal, Canada 1996
XIII - San Jose, Costa Rica 1997
XIV - Brussels, Belgium 1998
XV - Bucharest, Romania 1999
XVI - Madrid, Spain 2000
XVII - Almaty, Kazakhstan 2001

The XXXII ASE Planetary Congress will take place
October 14-18, 2019 in Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
Marking the first return of the event to the United States since 2008.

ASE International Membership

ASE membership currently consists of approximately 400 astronauts and cosmonauts from 38 nations.