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| Monday / 2 October 2006 | ||
Youth Prep
for a Future in Space in Valencia, Spain. 'Space
Generation Congress (SGC) 2006' wrapped up over the weekend
with a closing ceremony on Saturday, as Valencia prepares to host
the '57th International Astronautical
Congress (IAC)' today through Friday. The IAC features presentations
tomorrow from NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, SMART-1 Project
Scientist Bernard Foing and Tang Xianming, chief of the China Manned
Space Engineering Program Office. At the SGC closing ceremony Saturday,
delegates signed the 'Valencia Youth Space Declaration' and contributed
to the future strategic plan and objectives of the Space Generation
Advisory Council (SGAC). "The spectrum of discussion topics ranged
from long-term lunar / martian exploration and settlement to access
to space, how to increase the reach of media, PR and education
regarding space to those who are yet to discover the full potential
of space in their daily lives," according to a blog entry from
SGC organization team members Bee Thakore and Sanjoy Som. The MoonMars
Workshop at SGC focused on five themes: life science, habitat
design, Moon Base 2027 goals, atmospheric and interplanetary transportation,
and the case for humans in the exploration of the Moon and Mars.
Chris Boshuizen, newly appointed Executive Director of SGAC, gave
an inspiring talk about motivating young people to be involved
in space. Thirty-seven countries were represented at SGC 2006,
with the youngest participant being a 17-year-old from India. Kevin
Stube has been appointed Event Manager for SGC 2007, which precedes
the 58th IAC in Hyderabad, India. SGC 2008 will precede the 59th
IAC in Glasgow, Scotland. According to Stube, Korea and China are
under consideration for the 60th IAC.
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