From the Editor

摘要

This special edition of Spaceflight brings together a series of articles focusing on the past, the present and the future of the British Interplanetary Society. As it celebrates its 80th anniversary, the BIS can gain pride from having played a pivotal role in framing the discussion that led to the first artificial satellites (see pages 374-380) and to formulating technical requirements for human and robotic exploration of the solar system and beyond. In an administrative sense, the BIS was also a prime mover in forming the International Astronautical Federation, from which has evolved the International Academy of Astronautics and the International Institute of Space Law (see pages 381-382). All three bodies are integrated within a common structure and a framework that has proven durable and evolutionary.