Tag Archives: future

Closing remarks

Editor’s note: These brief extracts are paraphrased from live webcast and may not be fully correct.

Closing Session: ‘Future Perspectives and Closing Remarks’

Thomas Reiter, ESA Director of Human Spaceflight & Operations

  • This symposium has once more highlighted the success of ISS.
  • There is every possibility to continue research on ISS.
  • Our research objectives are interrelated. The science on ISS addresses issues for astronauts but the main focus is definitely for people on Earth.
  • We will see an increased scientific return in the coming years.
  • Research on the ISS is institutionally funded. We should engage industry to use ISS for research.
  • Investment in space is recognised as having economic benefits and this is even more important in times of financial stress.
  • All the best in the future, the ISS symposium 2012 is now concluded.

 

ESA’s future science and technology

Editor’s note: These brief extracts are paraphrased from live webcast and may not be fully correct.

Future ISS Perspectives: ‘The ISS and ESA’s future Science and Technology’
             Michael Longair, ESA HISPAC Chair

Download the full presentation slides: The ISS and ESA’s Future Science and Technology

  • There is a fine line between science, applied science and technology in ESA activities.
  • HISPAC (High-level Science Policy Advisory Committee) was set up to think about interdisciplinary  science and technology without considering financial or political restraints.
  • The HISPAC team is made up of star scientists.
  • ESA reorganised the structure of its science advisory.
  • In preparation for the ESA ministerial council meeting HISPAC was asked to prepare long-term grand science themes across all ESA programmes.
  • The director general himself has not seen these themes:
  • 1. Cosmic climate: Earth observation and studying exo-planets.
  • 2. Understanding gravity: gravity influences everything
  • 3. Life in the universe
  • 4. Cosmic magnetism and high energy particles in space.
  • We need to look at space research horizontally across broad scientific themes.

Future benefits for you

Future ISS Perspectives: ‘ISS and beyond: What is in there for you?’

Berndt Feuerbacher, ESA-HESAC Chair

Download the full presentation slides: ISS and beyond: What is in there for you?

Editor’s note: These brief extracts are paraphrased from live webcast and may not be fully correct. 

  • We saw great examples over the past days but there is more to the ISS.
  • By expanding ISS utilisation we add 'three further generations of PhD students' [worth]' of research possibilities.
  • ISS utilisation is at a turning point
  • We are seeing industrial applications from space research such as turbine blades and plasma therapy.
  • Quantum physics research is comeing to the ISS. The ACES space clock is the first step but more research is possible.
  • These are not just toys for scientists but promise radically new technologies and will have economic impact.
  • When I was young we had a laser in our research lab. Nobody imagined that they would be in everyone's homes as CD players were a few years later.
  • I wish that partners: reduce mission costs, shorten access times & lessen paperwork, include the private sector and enlarge ISS to more international partners.
  • Beyond 2020 we need to involve private companies, but actions need to be taken now to prepare for this.
  • The most fascinating destination for humans is Mars.
  • To get to Mars we will need major technology changes, such as new propulsion systems, self-supporting life systems and changes in communication.
  • Future exploration requires huge efforts and is a task for humanity as a whole.
  • A tool exists to coordinate a global exploration effort: the International Space Exploration Group.
  • Human exploration is starting today, global cooperation, economic progress, innovation, inspiration and increase in knowledge await all who join in the endeavour.
  • The ISS is available now: let's use it!