About ASE

Founded in 1985 by small group of US, Russian and international fliers who met in Cernay, France, the Association of Space Explorers (ASE) is an international nonprofit professional and educational organization of over 395 astronauts and cosmonauts from 35 nations.
As the only professional association for space fliers, ASE supports the advancement of space exploration by providing opportunities for communication among space professionals at the international level. ASE works closely with other space organizations to expand and invigorate international dialogue on such issues as crew safety, operational compatibility, and the potential hazards of near earth objects. ASE regularly sponsors international discussions among astronauts and cosmonauts on space flight operations.
About Planetary Congress
The all-inclusive annual ASE Planetary Congress, held in a different host country each year, has a long history as the premier forum for astronauts and cosmonauts from all spacefaring nations to meet and exchange information about their respective space agencies, human spaceflight operations and future plans for exploration beyond low earth orbit.
About ASE 27th Planetary Congress
ASE 27th Planetary Congress, to be held in Beijing, China September 10-15, 2014, is hosted by the Association of Space Explorers (ASE) and China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). The theme of the 27th Planetary Congress is “Cooperation: To realize humanity’s dream together”. Nearly 100 astronauts from 16 nations will gather in Beijing to review international manned space development and discuss future international manned space programs and potential cooperation opportunities. It is the first time that such a planetary congress has been held in China. It will certainly promote cooperation between Chinese astronauts and astronauts from other countries. 
About the organizer of ASE 27th Planetary Congress: CMSA
China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) is an agency that was set up to represent the government to take management and coordination responsibilities and carry out international cooperation and exchange in manned spaceflight with other space agencies and organizations.