World's largest space conference lands in Toronto

Canadians living outside Toronto often complain Torontonians think their city is the centre of the universe, but this week it really is as the city hosts a meeting of experts on all things astronomical.

The 65th International Astronautical Congress, is being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

"It's like a big space party," Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacque told CTV's Canada AM Monday. "People are working hard, year-round, in their own countries on various aspects of the space program and this is one of those opportunities we have every year to come together and discuss and share ideas and that's how we all go forward together."

"This is the biggest one (space conference) in the world," retired astronaut Chris Hadfield told CTV's Canada AM Monday. "(We) have the heads of all of the space agencies in the world coming here to talk to the head of our space agency…and about high level things like policy, but everything that has to do with exploring the rest of the universe" from science to space law.

Saint-Jacque and fellow Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who are hosting the opening ceremonies on Monday, both said international cooperation fostered through events such as these is the key to growth.

"It (the conference) is going to influence everyone's space programs," Hansen told Canada AM, pointing to the cooperation that keeps the International Space Station running. "It's a matter of understanding each other, who has which capabilities, and how can we bring those capabilities together."