Two IAA Conferences This Week On Emerging Technologies, Human Dimension Of Space

The International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) is holding 2 parallel conferences on Apr 15-17 in Dnipropetrovsk (the Palace of Students), Ukraine to discuss current and future space exploration systems and how they impact human civilization. Both conferences are being organized by the National Space Agency of Ukraine, and the Yuzhnoye State Design Office (YSDO), developers of the Zenit, Cyclone, Dnepr and Mayak rockets. The '2nd IAA Conference on Advanced Space Technologies for the Humankind Prosperity' will include technical sessions on current and future launch systems, space satellite systems, future rocket and propulsion systems and new materials and technologies for spacecraft construction. A concluding session, called 'Space for Humankind,' will examine prospective ethical aspects of space exploration, and the impact of space activities on society. Noted speakers include Leonid Kuchma (CR), ex-President of Ukraine, along with representatives from Arianespace, Astrium and other companies, and space agencies including NASA and ESA. The '3rd Space and Society Conference' focuses less on technical aspects of the space industry, and more on the human dimension of space. Discussions and presentations will cover important ways in which people are involved in or impacted by space activities, while also examining issues of international cooperation, space commercialization, education and public outreach. Speakers include Alexander Degtyarev, General Director of YSDO, and Bernard Foing, Chief Space Scientist of ESA. (Credit: IAA, YSDO, NASA)

The 'Sally Ride Science Festival,' taking place April 18 at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, will encourage 5th-8th grade girls to pursue careers in science with support from parents and educators. Discovery Workshops led by local scientists and engineers will focus on disciplines such as medicine, chemistry and biology. Workshops aimed at parents and educators are planned to cultivate the foundation and motivation for success. The keynote speaker will be cosmochemist and Director of Sciences and Exploration at the Goddard Space Flight Center, Laurie Leshin (CL). NASA’s first female in space and professor emeritus at University of California San Diego, Sally Ride (CR) is president and CEO of Sally Ride Science, a company offering programs and publications in support of math, science and technology education since 2001. Dr Ride will be inspiring slightly older scholars on April 14, when she addresses the 'Colorado State University Global Climate Conference for High School Students,' at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver CO. Global climate issues will be examined in breakout sessions covering topics such as 'How do People React to Climate Change?' and 'Acting It Out: Climate Change and Theater.' (Credit: Sally Ride Science, UCSD)