As World Space Week (4-10 October) approaches, ESA invites the next generation of space professionals to give their opinions about the future of space. As part of this year's European Space Talks campaign, students across Europe are invited to take part in a special online debate on 8 October dedicated to sharing their ideas on what European space activities should be achieving.
The students will take part in an online poll across Europe, the results of which will be shared at Space19+, the name given to ESA Ministerial Council, to represent the thoughts of those who will deliver the next generation of space missions.
Universities will be connected from all over the Europe (Helsinki, Bremen, Graz, Bristol) to hear the presentations and interact with the presenters including ESA astronauts Thomas Pesquet and Claudie Haignere and ESA Director General Jan Worner. Students of engineering, economics, business, law, science and the arts all have a stake in the future of the space industry and what challenges space missions.
The main event will be hosted by HEC Business School in Paris in collaboration with ESA and ESTACA Engineering School. Around 1200 students with an interest in the future of space will gather at HEC.
ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet, in full support of this initiative, says: "I remember being a young engineering student passionate about aviation and spaceflight. This is the time to talk about the future that this generation will build for all of us, and ensure that we make every preparation for the best use of space for all of Europe and humankind."
One the highlights for the students will be the live connection to the International Space Station to hear from Italian ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano. Luca, who was launched to the International Space Station on 20 July on his Beyond mission, will address topics related to Space19+ www.esa.int/space19plus
Join European #SpaceTalks
European Space Talks are a chance for everyone across Europe to share their passion for space. Speakers come from a whole range of space organisations and private companies – people whose work benefits everyday life now, and who are building technology for our lives of tomorrow, on Earth and beyond. Details of all the talks are on the dedicated website, available in five languages, and participants can add events taking place up to and including 31 October.
"It is my wish to bring the next space generation on board and to involve them in a large debate about the future of space. On this occasion, I will share my vision with them but would also like to hear the voice of these young students, the future space players who will make our dreams and expectations a reality through new programmes and activities that will respond to upcoming challenges for humankind and for the planet," says Jan Worner.
Organisers of the Space Talks are free to propose any topic ranging from Earth observation, astronautics, new technology development to biology or art – and of course, in this year of the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 11, the journey forward to the Moon. Dozens of Space Talks have already been held this year, with more to come at the ESA Open Day at ESTEC in the Netherlands on 6 October.
Meanwhile, on 12 October, ESA will organise a series of Space Talks on stage at the 'Festival Atmospheres', in Courbevoie, France, dedicated to sustainable development, science and societal issues and considering how human life will function off Earth.
