The IISC is a joint project between the International Space University (ISU) based in Strasbourg, France and the Isle of Man Government. The ISU decided that they wished to become more global and wanted to establish a number of associated International Institutes around the world.

Three international institutes are planned - an International Institute of Space Commerce, an International Institute of Space Law and an International Institute of Space Tourism. The first institute to "go live" is the Isle of Man Institute of Space Commerce.

Present at the opening will be representatives of the international space community, including George Abbey and Dr Soyeon Yi.

Mr. George Abbey is the Senior Fellow for Space Studies from the Baker Institute at Rice University in Texas.

Formerly Mr. Abbey was the Director of the NASA Johnson Space Centers Flight Crew Operations Directorate (FCOD), presiding from the first group of space shuttle astronauts in 1978 through to 1988 and served on the National Space Council under Vice President Dan Quayle in the Administration of George Bush Senior.

Dr. Soyeon Yi (pronounced SO-YON YEE) came to international prominence on 8th April this year, when she became the first citizen of South Korea, and only the second woman from the whole of Asia, to go into space.

Isle of Man Minister for Space Alex Downie said, "Welcoming the IISC to the Isle of Man is part of our overall strategy to encourage space innovation. Here, they find a perfect combination of a pro-space government, an established professional infrastructure, access to orbital slots and zero per cent tax on space and satellite business."

"Among the many countries interested in the commercial possibilities presented by outer space, the Isle of Man stands out as a place where people have that rare ability to both dream big dreams and close a solid business plan," said Dr. Michael Simpson, president of the International Space University.

"We look forward to a long and productive partnership with the island and its people in the years to come."

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