IAF HIGHLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL ASTRONAUTICAL FEDERATION - Connecting @ll Space People
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I NT E R NAT I ON AL
A ST RO NAUTICAL
F E DE RAT I O N
IAF HIGHLIGHTS
Connecting @ll Space People
CONTENTS
Welcome Message 2
IAF 2017 Events Overview 3
IAF General Assembly 4
IAF Symposium 2017 6
IAF Spring Meetings 2017 7
GLEX 2017 9
IAC 2017 11
Overview 11
Plenaries 13
Highlight Lectures 22
Late Breaking News 25
IAF Global Networking Forum (GNF) 27
Educators Professional Development Workshop 32
IAF IDEA “3G” Diversity Events 33
International Space Education Board (ISEB) 36
IAC Hosts Summit 37
8th International Meeting for MoPs 38
Published by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) IAF Committees’ Reports 39
2nd Issue - March 2018
Technical Committees 39
Administrative Committees 62
Copyright © International Astronautical Federation.
All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted by any form or by any
IAF 2017 Activities 69
means, electronical or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage
or retrieval system without prior written permission from the publishers. Other Events 69
New IAF Communications Initiatives 72
Welcome
Message
IAF 2017 Events Overview
A
nother year has passed and following on were the welcome speech of the China’s Vice
our initiative from 2016, we have compiled President at the Opening Ceremony, Buzz Aldrin’s
our main highlights of the year for you to keynote on Cycling Pathways to Mars and many
enjoy in this publication, IAF Highlights outstanding presentations from top-level speakers
2017. This has indeed been a memorable year for from all around the world.
the International Astronautical Federation, with
conferences organized in places such as Paris, The International Astronautical Congress 2017
Beijing and Adelaide. A strong emphasis in 2017 took place in Adelaide, Australia. This 68th IAC
has been on space exploration, this was the theme was organized together with the Space Industry
of our Global Conference but has also been a focus Association of Australia (SIAA) on the theme
in our other events. Especially topics such as the “Unlocking imagination, fostering innovation
exploration of the Moon and Mars have received and strengthening security”. The congress was
a lot of attention, but more notably a strong attended by 4,472 delegates and among all the Spring
focus has been on the International cooperation events there was an extraordinary technical Meetings
in exploring space and how we can achieve goals programme and numerous exciting plenaries 2017
together. and GNF sessions, including talks by outstanding IAF Symposium
Paris Vienna GLEX 2017
personalities such as Bill Nye, Charles Bolden and
Our Global Space Exploration Conference, GLEX Elon Musk. Beijing
2017, was held in China and co-organized together
with our colleagues from the Chinese Society of We hope you will enjoy this publication on our
Astronautics (CSA). It was a great success and main highlights of 2017. We would like to thank all
followed up the previous GLEX conference held in of you who are part of the IAF community, all IAF
Washington D.C in 2012. More than 1,000 delegates volunteers and all delegates attending our events.
from 50 different countries gathered in Beijing for You were all part of making this such a great year
a few days to discuss important topics related to and we look forward to another fantastic IAF-year
Space Exploration. Highlights of this conference with all of you in 2018!
Adelaide
Jean-Yves Le Gall Pascale Ehrenfreund IAC 2017
President, Vice-President for Communications, Publications
International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and Global Conferences,
International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
2 3
IAF General
Assembly
The General Assembly of the International Astronautical Federation has gathered during the New IAF Members
International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2017 in Adelaide, Australia in two sessions (Monday,
The IAF General Assembly also approved the applications of 21 new Member Organizations from 15 countries
25 September 2017, and Friday, 29 September 2017). Several important decisions have been
worldwide. With this, the IAF Membership comprises 343 Member Organizations from 68 countries, confirming IAF’s
taken. position as a truly global Federation.
2017 Elections of IAF Officers Upcoming IAF Events Company Category Region Country
ArianeGroup SAS Industry Europe France
4 new Vice-Presidents have been elected by the General During the IAF General Assembly sessions, reports
Assembly: were given on the advancement of preparation for the Axiom Space LLC Industry North America United Kingdom
IAC 2018 in Bremen, Germany and for the IAC 2019 in beSpace GmbH Industry Europe Germany
• Gabriella ARRIGO, Head of
Washington D.C., United States.
International Relations, Italian Space Center for Innovation in Aerospace
R&D Europe Spain
Agency (ASI), Italy, has been appointed as Technology (CINAE)
Also, a detailed presentation was offered on the
IAF VP for Science & Academic Relations EOS Data Analytics Industry North America United States
progress made in the organization of the Global Space
and Global Networking Forum
Applications Conference 2018 (GLAC 2018) that will Incomspace Industry Latin America Mexico
• Seishiro KIBE, Advisor, Japan take place in Montevideo, Uruguay, from 21-23 May Institito Technológico de Costa Rica (TEC) University Latin America Costa Rica
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), 2018 in cooperation with the Centro de Investigación y
Japan, has been appointed as IAF VP for Difusión Aeronáutico Espacial (CIDA-E). ispace, inc Industry Asia Japan
Honours and Awards New Zealand Space Agency Space Agencies & Offices Oceania New Zealand
The IAF General Assembly has also endorsed the
• Valanathan MUNSAMI, CEO, South Planet Labs Industry Europe The Netherlands
potential organization of a Global Conference on Space
African National Space Agency (SANSA),
for Emerging Countries in 2019 (GLEC 2019). The PRatian LLC R&D North America Puerto Rico
South Africa, has been appointed as
International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the
IAF VP for Developing Countries and PwC Advisory Industry Europe France
Royal Centre for Remote Sensing (CRTS) will be co-
Emerging Nations Singapore Space and Technology Association & Professional
organizing the event in Morocco. Asia Singapore
Association (SSTA) Societies
• Baohua YANG, Vice President,
Chinese Society of Astronautics (CSA) and Sky and Space Global (UK) Ltd Industry Europe United Kingdom
China Aerospace Science and Technology IAF Finance Association & Professional
Space Cooperative Inc North America United States
Corporation (CAST), China, has been Societies
appointed as IAF VP for Societies and Space Environment Research Centre
The IAF has also approved the final accounts 2016 and R&D Oceania Australia
Limited
Museums auditor’s statement 2016 and the revised budget
and preliminary accounts 2017 and the proposed Space Tech Expo - Smarter Shows Ltd Industry Europe United Kingdom
budget 2018. Spacety Industry Asia China
Selection of Host City for IAC 2020
Swiss Space Office SSO Space Agencies & Offices Europe Switzerland
The IAF General Assembly at its second session on The University of Sydney University Oceania Australia
September 29, selected Dubai, UAE, as Host City for
Viterbi School of Engineering University North America United States
IAC 2020. The Hosting Organization is the Mohammed
Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), a member of IAF
since 2012.
4 5
IAF Symposium 2017 IAF Spring Meetings 2017
IAF Symposium at UN
COPUOS STSC in Vienna
(8 February):
What is at Stake in Space
in 2017 and 2018?
the International Space Station, are a testament to what
is achievable by humanity when we all work together.
Not only is there a need for communication between
space agencies and space industries, there is a definite
need to make all of humanity aware of the benefits
of space. Sandy Magnus of the AIAA discussed the
need to have clear communication with the public of
the existing and future space activities, especially of
Spring
the reason why we do go to space. This is especially Meetings
important with politicians and investors to ensure 2017
stability and continuity of existing space programmes
despite domestic and international politics.
On 21 – 23 March the IAF hosted its traditional
Recent years have seen a dramatic shift in the way Spring Meetings 2017 in Paris. Various events
humanity conducts space activities. Nicknamed Space The access to space has many direct benefits. Ground
observation can provide information on the weather, took place during the SM including the selection
4.0, the space activities, space participants, and the of abstracts for IAC 2017; an IAF Diversity Day,
impact of space has expanded from previously being ground fires, and the impacts of climate change on
Earth’s environment to name a few. The use of the comprising of an IDEA 3G Diversity Breakfast,
the sole activity of a few space agencies to being a Luncheon and Afterwork gathering; committees’
global endeavour of academia, industry, governments, internet from satellites has had lasting impacts in
remote locations by connecting people from around meetings including 2 sessions of the IAF Bureau; Global
and the public. Activities in space have had many Networking Forum sessions on various topics such as
wide-reaching benefits, however there must be the globe, enabling the sharing of medical expertise,
improving education, and allowing effective distribution the “2Outcome of the ESA Council Meeting at Ministerial
international collaboration to ensure the ongoing Level”, “A Step by Step Approach to Low-cost Access to
access to space by all. of food, water and other resources to where they are
most needed. Future projects, such as the OneWeb Space” by Blue Origin, “The 0G Summit - Shuttle Diplomacy
satellite constellation planned to launch in 2018, are set in a New Space Age” by Space Trust and “Proxima Mission
Human space use has dramatically changed in the
to further improve the global impacts of space. Presentation” and, of course, the traditional IAF cocktail.
decade. What was once the sole field of government
agencies has now given way to the commercialisation
of space, with private companies having the capability As the number and breath of space activities increase,
to launch spacecraft to extra-terrestrial bodies, building there is an increasing need for strategies to ensure that
space stations, or construct satellite constellations. Jan space can be sustainably shared amongst all parties.
Woerner of ESA discussed the role that governmental Issues such as space debris and safe disposal strategies
space agencies have started to take, and should continue of satellites can drastically affect how much of space
to take to adapt to the new environment; becoming is available for use. As IAF Symposium Chair John
facilitators of space activities rather than solely Horack and many of the panel members said, space is
conducting the ground-up manufacturing of spacecraft intrinsically a global endeavour, and as such, there must
and conducting research of space. Jan discussed the be international collaboration to ensure the ongoing
importance of global involvement on research; where, preservation of space for all.
if the entire space community is part of a scientific
research study, its results are far more likely to get global
agreement. Furthermore, space programmess such as
6 7
IAF Global Conferences
GLEX 2017
Global Space
Exploration
Conference 2017,
IAF Committee Meetings IAF Distinguished Service Award Ceremony Beijing
The sixth instalment of the IAF Global Series GLEX2017 brought together leaders and decision-
Conferences, the Global Space Exploration Conference makers within the science and human exploration
2017 (GLEX2017) took place at the Beijing International community – engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs,
Convention Center on 6-8 June 2017 and it was a great educators, agency representatives and policy makers.
international success, with a participation of over 1,000
delegates from more than 50 countries. The Plenary Programme showcased four Plenary Events,
including a Heads of Agencies plenary, a session on the
The Conference was co-organized by the IAF and the Development of China Space Activities and a session
Chinese Society of Astronautics (CSA), a close member on the Importance of International Cooperation. In
of the Federation since 1980, the host organization addition, 9 top-level Keynote Lectures touched upon
of two outstanding International Astronautical a series of high-level topics, including presentations
Congresses (IAC 1996 and IAC 2013), the host from the European Space Agency Director General, the
organization of the successful 2010 Global Lunar Former Apollo 11 Astronaut, Buzz Aldrin and on China
Conference (GLUC) and an IAF Alliance Partner. Space Exploration Missions.
IPC General Meeting IAC 2017 Abstract Selection
IAC 2017 Abstract Selection IAF Spring Meetings
8 9
The IAF Global Networking Forum Programme touched upon the most recent
and hot topics in Space Exploration with a total of 9 sessions, giving all
participants the opportunity to be updated on recent developments and
future endeavors in Space Exploration.
IAC 2017
The Technical Programme for GLEX2017 was organized in special
sessions which were divided into 25 tracks covering all aspects of space
technology. The programme involved authors from 22 countries. It was
composed by 200 high-quality papers and 50 posters that have been
thoroughly reviewed and selected out of 392 submissions. The most
OVERVIEW
popular session, in terms of attendance, was Session 3 on Lunar
Exploration with more than 100 participants. Altogether, the
INTERNATIONAL ASTRONAUTICAL
technical sessions attracted daily 500 participants. CONGRESS, 25-29 SEPTEMBER 2017,
ADELAIDE
In the frame of the IAF International Platform for Diversity and
Equality in Astronautics (IDEA) a “3G” Diversity lunch was The 68th International Astronautical Congress took place in
hosted jointly by IAF and CSA. Adelaide, Australia last September with more than 4,400 global
delegates from 72 different countries. IAC is the world’s premier
The Pre- and Post-Congress activities, such as the SpaceUp, space event and it keeps growing from year to year. IAC 2017 had
the International Lunar Observatory Association Galaxy the most packed programme we have ever featured. Some of the
Forum and the Technical Visits were extremely well- main highlights included:
attended and contributed to the success of the whole
Conference. • Bill Nye “The Science Guy” recounted the inspiring story
of the Lightsail® solar sailing spacecraft.
• Charles Bolden, our 2017 IAF World Space Awardee,
gave an excellent Highlight Lecture on how to grow
opportunities for international cooperation in
science and astronautics.
• Lockheed Martin spoke about the Mars Base Camp
and the Deep Space Gateway projects.
• And for the second time, following on from the
previous IAC in Guadalajara, Elon Musk from
SpaceX presented an update on his plans for
colonizing Mars.
10 11
8 Plenaries 3 Highlight Lectures IAC 2017 Plenaries
180 Technical Sessions
42 GNF Events 1,700 Technical Papers
2 Late Breaking News
Plenary 1:
280 Interactive Presentations Heads of Agencies
More than 60 Exhibitors
7 Press Conferences The nature of human space activities has dramatically The interlinked nature of science and business may
changed over the past years, with exponential growth be far closer than what at first appears, reported the
in the number and type of participants. The role of President of the Canadian Space Agency, Sylvain
the space agencies in supporting science and business Laporte. What may at first seem only as exploration
stake holders to engage in space activities was missions to conduct science, may in the future prove to
Age groups attending the IAC 2017 9%
discussed in the Heads of Agencies plenary session on have massive unforeseen benefits. One such example
Monday 25 September. mentioned by Igor Komarov, Head of ROSCOSMOS,
is the launch of Sputnik around 60 years ago, which
54% < 35 years A common view amongst all the agency heads was paved the way for modern telecommunications and
the mutually complementing nature of business and business. Komarov continued by stating that many
science. The President of the Japanese Aerospace other research activities currently being conducted may
37% Exploration Agency (JAXA), Naoki Okumura, expressed have unforeseen applications or functions in the future.
37% 35-60 years 54%
this as “developing both [science and business] provides To support continued groundbreaking innovation, we
a benefit to humanity”. Early human space activity must ensure different disciplines, generations, cultures
was driven by exploration and discovery, however and countries are included. The space industry, as both
9% > 60 years with the rise of new space technologies and increased a consumer and a creator of disruptive technology, is in
commercialisation, space activities – particularly a key position to lead this.
for space agencies – have significantly advanced the
frontiers for state of the art sciences as well as created What are the big growth areas in space? Both Laporte
new opportunities in business development. Space and Tian Yulong, Secretary General of the China
activities can now benefit all aspects of human life; National Space Administration, discussed how the
ranging from energy, water and food security, to disaster growing demand for data is one of the current growth
management and earth observation. areas for space, especially with the ever increasing
number of Earth observation satellites. This data can
Robert Lightfoot, NASA Acting-Administrator, told the provide fantastic benefits to downstream users, and its
plenary session that a common misconception of space use is not restricted to government organizations. To
agencies is the belief that they should either promote ensure ongoing benefits to all of society, space agencies
business activities before science, or science before
business. The value of conducting science missions
such as the recently disposed Cassini-Huygens probe
to Saturn may not be easily seen, but these missions
have the ability of engaging with everyone. This was
built on by Jan Woerner, the Director General of the
European Space Agency (ESA), who discussed the
ability of space to inspire and fascinate people,
especially the younger generation. The benefit
of this cannot be measured, and as such, must
be made known to those in a position to fund
space activities.
12 13
must provide leadership on facilitating availability of providing funding or incubation of new businesses,
data for all. leaving the technological commercialisation of space to
the private sector. Plenary 3: Space Traffic
The plenary also discussed the role of space agencies
in providing incubation for new space technology. The Common amongst all plenary’s panellists was the desire Management – Global
Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre in for increased future collaboration, especially with the
India, Shri Somanath, highlighted that while there has announcement of the Australian Space Agency earlier in Challenges to Protect the
been a shift from space agencies to private companies the day. The panellists discussed their agencies’ plans for
conducting space activities, a lot of these activities are extra-terrestrial exploration, not as individual countries, Strategic Domain of Space
still in their early stages of development. Space agencies but as a united world. Through space activities such as
should continue driving technology innovation by this, we will inspire the next generation on Earth.
Safeguarding a safe space directions of its member states. While a United Nations
environment is critical in body may bring together nations to collaborate towards
the increasingly congested a solution, such a regulatory body may have limited
space domain, the third capability to resolve disputes between member states
plenary session was told. Not or with the private sector.
only do satellite operators need
space situational awareness of A privately-funded NGO would have similar issues,
Plenary 2: The Space their assets to ensure they do not
infringe on other satellites, there
Nield continued. Furthermore, such a solution may have
issues with the security risk of sensitive data of satellite
Industry’s Economic and is an increasing amount of orbital
debris which poses a safety risk to
operations and positions. There may also be financial
challenges. Would it be compulsory to pay for STM and
Social Impact - Host Plenary all satellites. space awareness services? What if these fees are too
expensive, with governments and other organizations
The Associate Administrator for Commercial Space no longer providing support? And could an NGO create
The IAC host plenary discussed the role and value of a Transportation at the Federal Aviation Administration compulsory, binding and enforceable regulations?
space agency on the global stage, with a focus on the (FAA), George Nield, gave the plenary keynote speech on
future direction of the Australian Space Agency, the how space traffic management (STM) is one of the most Instead, Nield proposed that a civil governmental
formation of which had been announced earlier that pressing space issues facing humanity. While there are agency, such as the FAA, would be ideally placed to
morning. regulations that cover space use, such as the 1967 Outer have the responsibility of conducting STM. This type of
Callahan, the Vice-President and General Manager of
Space Treaty, there is no consensus on internationally organization would be able to solely focus on STM as its
Civil Space at Lockheed Martin, who stated that while
Australia already has a large space industry, with around binding regulations regarding the management and primary responsibility, rather than as an aside to profit
trying to develop self-sustaining space activities from
$3 billion AUD in annual revenue and a workforce of preservation of the space environment. Along with generation or be distracted by international politics.
a critical mass of space organizations is a good focus,
between 9,500 to 11,500 people. Space industry data the increasing number of planned launches and Additionally, it would be well placed to work with all
we should not overlook the need to collaborate with
uses include weather forecasting, disaster management, proposed satellite constellations, there are an ever- stakeholders on the international stage while constantly
other companies and organizations across the globe.
health, precision agriculture and environmental increasing number of organizations participating in supported by government funding. While such an
We may need to bring in expertise from elsewhere, if
monitoring. However, as discussed by the Chair of the space; governments, private companies, and academia organization may be tied to a specific government, Neild
the required knowledge or experience does not exist in
Space Industry Association of Australia, Michael Davis, included. Any such international STM architecture must said that it would have to cooperate with the entire
Australia. This sentiment was echoed by Mohammed
much more can be done. Davis described his vision of consider the diversity of space activities to the safe space sector to ensure transparency in its operation,
Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency,
having a mature and self-sustaining Australian space access into space for all. and that its services and information should be provided
who stated that since their establishment in 2014, their
industry that conducts high-tech and innovative free of charge. Together with other open-architecture
international collaboration has been key to the agency’s
research and development. A national space agency Nield discussed the primary paths with which STM measurement and tracking techniques built by other
ongoing success on the global stage.
would be able to deliver leadership within this space can be conducted: provision by an international government and private organizations, there can be
industry, being able to drive innovation in areas that organization, a non-government organization (NGO) global consensus on the state of the space environment
Another key item for a successful space sector is the
provide direct benefits to the Australian public. or through a governmental agency. If STM were and a global solution can be worked towards.
need to discuss the benefits of space to those who are
to be regulated by an international body, he sees
unaware of its benefits. Space already has had wide-
But how can Australia build a successful space sector? several key issues would limiting its effectiveness. One of the biggest issues for STM is the amount of
ranging benefits for our society. This will increase even
For Brian Schmidt, Vice-Chancellor of the Australian Firstly, there are no current organizations willing orbital debris currently in orbit around Earth. Paul
more in the future. Madis Vooras, Head of the Estonian
National University, a successful space sector requires or able to take on the responsibilities of such a task. Welsh, Vice President of Business Development at
Space Office discussed how this is not something that
people with the right training and experience, a Should such an international organization be created Analytical Graphics Inc., discussed the enormity of
should be solely undertaken by a space agency, but
focus on solving real-world issues for Australia, and a for this purpose, how would it be funded to ensure this issue for current and proposed satellite missions.
instead of all those involved in the space sector. We
critical mass of space companies and organizations. consistent services and how would it be able to garner Satellite constellations, such as the planned OneWebb
must also be sure to explain it in easily understandable
While Australia has had the former two key items for international agreements on issues when there are communications constellation of approximately 650
terms and directly applicable uses. In doing so, we can
some time, Schmidt stated that only in recent years political differences between countries? A point raised satellites, can expect to have some 300,000 warnings
support the integration of space activities within the
has the space sector started to coalesce from separate later in the plenary by Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of near-debris collision events. This excessive number
school system, and inspire young people to become
fragmented areas of activities. This was built on by Lisa for the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, of potential collision event warnings results in satellite
involved in STEM education areas.
organizations such as the United Nations follows the operators not knowing whether they should commit
14 15
their limited satellite fuel supply to avoid a potential the National Space Programme at MITRE Corporation, aiming to use only four of the seven seats within the need to develop industry standards for private space
impact (with potential loss of satellite operations). discussed how another method of improving STM crew capsule, with the remaining seats either to be used launches to ensure not only public safety, but also the
would involve machine automation, where satellite as extra space for cargo, or seat astronauts from NASA safety of the crew capsule occupants.
To improve the accuracy of debris impact predictions, avoidance of debris could be done in a similar method partners, or space tourists. Flight tests are planned for
the Deputy CEO for the Space Environment Research that autonomous cars detect and avoid objects. 2018, with initial service missions of the crew capsule to
Centre, David Ball, discussed how organizations such occur in the following 5 years. Whenever the community of space faring nations gets
as his are working on improved prediction of debris No matter what the solution, the issue of space traffic a sample return mission to the red planet, it will have
behaviour, however, there is still a long way to go, management is something that needs to be resolved To ensure the safety of the passengers (both astronauts made that important decision on where and what to
including understanding the effects of atmospheric drag in a collaborative international effort. Only then can and non-professional space tourists), specific training sample. Session speaker, Professor Jonathan Lunine,
at high altitudes and solar radiation on debris of different humanity reap the benefits of space while preserving programmes must be developed for each launch method Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science
shapes and sizes. Scott Kordella, Portfolio Director for the space environment. to space. George Nield, the Associate Administrator Director, said the Committee on Space Research
for Commercial Space Transportation at the Federal (COSPAR) should play a large role. “COSPAR is an entity
Aviation, discussed how space travel is inherently risky. that over 50 years, maybe 60, has helped coordinate
He sees that training programmes for space tourists, science cooperation between countries and we could
such as the ones discussed by DalBello and Cornell expect COSPAR will play a big role in the exploration of
during the plenary would need to be further developed Mars and the science coordination, as many countries
prior to commercialisation. Furthermore, governments ramp up Mars exploration programmes.”
Plenary 4: 50 Ways to Leave Your Earth Plenary 5: Innovative
Methods for Assured and
Commercial companies are developing many new of missions of people working in space. Key to achieving
methods to get to space, offering the opportunity for this vision, Blue Origin is developing “operationally Secure Access to Space
both astronauts and non-professionals to experience reuseable” rockets, capable of both launching and
the feeling of weightlessness and seeing Earth from landing. Cornell reported that Blue Origin are planning Resources – Next
space. Although there may not yet be 50 ways to leave to launch space tourists in the next two years in the New
your Earth, there are certainly many companies working Glenn rocket. Based on the its predecessor, the New Generation Plenary
on this. In the fourth plenary session, three of these Shepard rocket, the New Glenn rocket would be able
companies discussed through their respective human- to reach sub-orbital space and provide passengers four
rated space vehicles that are nearing completion in the minutes of zero gravity in space.
Different innovative methods of using and removing uses shape memory alloy to open and close the five-arm
next few years.
space debris from Earth orbit was discussed during the device, capable of capturing objects between 10 to 20 cm
Finally, Chris Ferguson, Director of Crew and Mission
Next Generation plenary session. in size. It is currently undergoing design iterations, with
Richard DalBello, Vice President of Business Systems at The Boeing Company discussed his
the aim of improving its volume-catching capability in
Development and Government Affairs at Virgin Galactic, company’s human-rated crew capsule, the CST-100
Christianna Taylor, founder of Intelligent Space and order to be able to be inserted into a 3-unit CubeSat.
described through the flight profile of SpaceShipTwo, Starliner, which has been designed for NASA service
member of the National Society of Black Engineers
Virgin Galactic’s sub-orbital launch service being missions to the International Space Station, launched on
Space Special Interest Group, discussed how crowded Doris Grosse, Research Scientist at the Australian
developed with the goal of democratising space access. the Atlas V rocket. The CST-100 Starliner incorporates
space is. There are approximately 4,000 non-functional National University Research School of Astronomy and
Taking off from the purpose-built Mojave Air and Space a wide range of safety features such as autonomous
satellites in space, or 3 in every 4 satellites. Intelligent Astrophysics, discussed how there are a lot of small
Port in California, United States, SpaceShipTwo would emergency detection and egress systems, and airbags
Space aims to recycle these dead satellites into useful objects in space that do not justify the cost to remove
be taken on a launcher aircraft, the White Knight Two. to enable the capsule to land on all types of surfaces.
products, using Artificial Intelligence to identify what them. Grosse told of her work using a high-power laser
When SpaceShipTwo reaches its launch altitude, it Together with NASA, Boeing has conducted simulation
components and structures can be made in space. By to disturb the orbit of these small objects to the point
detaches from the launcher aircraft to continue flying of mission phases, and developed a new spacesuit to
using the already existing resources in space, Taylor where the object naturally de-orbits into the Earth’s
through the atmosphere to just space. DalBello spoke ensure passengers on the CST-100 Starliner are well
hopes to develop a manufacturing capability in space atmosphere. Using a secondary laser as an artificial star,
of how SpaceShipTwo would then glide back to land at protected. Ferguson further spoke of how NASA is
while securing crowded satellite orbits. they have compensated for the atmospheric disturbances
the Mojave Air and Space Port, giving four minutes of
to the primary laser beam by understanding how the
zero gravity for a total flight time of two hours. Not only
Wei-Yu Louis Feng, studying a Master’s Degree in Space light from the artificial star is affected. This effectiveness
is SpaceShipTwo capable of launching space tourists, it
Studies at the University of Cape Town, discussed of this technique is limited by the characteristics of the
would also be equipped to fly research payloads.
his thesis project known as MEDUSA: Mechanism of target object – flat, reflective surfaces of low mass work
Entrapment Debris Using Shape-memory Alloy. Based best – and by the power of the primary laser, which is
The Head of Astronaut Strategy and Sales at Blue
on the Venus flytrap, MEDUSA is a low-cost, small-scale currently limited to between 8 to 16 kW of power.
Origin, Ariane Cornell, told the plenary of their vision
and reusable active space debris removal device which
16 17Francois Rivasseau, Director of Security Policy and raised, the high latency between commands and
Space Policy at the European External Action Service, execution means that joint human-robotic exploration
discussed the security needs of the Moon Village; would be the most efficient.
having security of energy, resources, and security
against the space environment. Rivasseau also talked The use of simulated Moon and Mars environments on
about the importance of not using space to provide Earth plays a key role during the development of space
security for Earth. missions. Tai Sik Lee, President of the Korean Institute
of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT),
Robotic exploration was discussed by several plenary spoke of the KICT Extreme Environment Test Centre,
panellists. Pascale Ehrenfreund, Chair of the Executive which will be completed in 2018. Autonomous vehicles
Board of the German Aerospace Centre, reported on within the 4,000 Litre capacity vacuum chamber will
various autonomous vehicle projects the Centre is be able to undergo their mission, tested by the various
Andrew Ratcliffe, Head of Launch Systems at the UK Technology and Innovation Studies at the University of designing in collaboration with the Helmholtz Alliance different environments which can be created within the
Space Agency, discussed the development of a space Edinburgh and Royal Observatory Edinburgh, discussing the “Robotic Exploration of Extreme Environments” chamber. The use of simulation environments for human
harpoon to capture space debris with the collaboration trends in space activities. New space companies (ROBEX), an alliance of 16 institutions across Germany. exploration and research to generate inspiration was
of Airbus and the European Space Agency. This system typically have a flatter structure, with less of a focus David Korsmeyer, Director of Engineering at NASA discussed by Joao Lousada, an Analogue Astronaut for
uses compressed gas to launch the smart projectile at a on hierarchy of people. Academic research is becoming Ames, spoke of their plans to use the Moon as a test the 2017 PMAS Simulation at LunAres Base and Monika
target satellite. While the system can rendezvous with more open, allowing for back and forth collaboration bed for the development of technology, such as NASA’s Johanna Pardo Spiesse, Winner of the SGAC/ILEWG IAC
tumbling objects at a safe distance, it has a potential between businesses and academia to provide a link to plans to launch 12 nanosatellites into lunar orbit for 2017 Article Prize Competition. Not only can we develop
risk of creating more space debris. Ratcliffe reported commercialise innovative new ideas. Additionally, there the development and validation of technology. Using higher quality space missions, by conducting simulated
that further work is required prior to operation of the is more of a focus on securing intellectual property autonomous vehicles for the exploration of the Moon missions on Earth, we are able to use these programmes
space harpoon, such as understanding the dynamics of a issues prior to commercialisation of an idea. Vidmar and Mars is currently the most cost-effective method to to inspire and engage people on the benefit of missions
two-object-and-tether system, and the need to develop believes that the greatest challenge for those starting a conduct research of the two bodies, however, as Krikalev to explore the Moon and Mars.
a legal framework regarding ownership of reclaimed new company or research is a potential loss of autonomy
satellites; especially as to who has liability should an in order to secure funding. This loss of autonomy can
issue arise with captured space debris. unintentionally alter or limit innovation potential, due
to the need to conduct other work separate to research
The last speaker of the Next Generation plenary and development.
session was Matjaz Vidmar, a PhD student in Science,
Plenary 6: Moon-Mars
Villages for Science, Technology,
Innovation, Cooperation,
Plenary 7: Next Generation On-Orbit Satellite Servicing
Security and Inspiration
and Refuelling Programmes
The varied human-robotic missions planned to the concept of having a Moon Village, an open
explore and facilitate the exploration of the Moon architecture collaboration of organizations who wish The ability to conduct on-orbit servicing and refuelling has experienced malfunctions which significantly
and Mars in the near future was discussed in the sixth to work either independently or collaboratively for of existing satellites could potentially transform affect its performance or has run out of fuel, it is
plenary session. the benefit of all. While Woerner expressed that the how satellites are managed and operated, heard the either de-orbited into Earth’s atmosphere or placed in
Moon Village can just involve robots working together, seventh plenary session. The plenary also heard from a graveyard orbit. Colucci compared this behaviour to
Extensive research activities have been conducted for Sergey Krikalev, Executive Director for Manned Space several different companies aiming to provide this what is done for ground-based assets, explaining how
both the exploration of the Moon and Mars. Bernard Flight Programmes at ROSCOSMOS, reported that service to satellites. wasteful this practice is. If our car runs out of fuel or
Foing, Astrophysicist and MoonMars Scientist at the sooner or later astronauts will join the Moon Village has a tyre puncture, we don’t buy a new car. We instead
European Space Agency (ESA) and Executive Director to compliment robotic exploration of its surface. The primary goal of on-orbit servicing and refuelling refuel or repair the car as required. This discussion
of the International Lunar Exploration Working Krikalev echoed the importance of having an open of satellites is to extend the value of existing was continued by Paul Sheridan, Vice President of
Group, discussed how by studying the Moon and Mars architecture for the Moon Village, where the lack of infrastructure told Tony Colucci, Vice President Optus Satellites, whose company currently operates
we can understand the formation of rocky planets. a fixed programme can be harnessed as inspiration to of Business Development at Space Systems Loral. five Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites.
Jan Woerner, the Director General of ESA, discussed participants to conduct research. Currently, when a satellite reaches the end of its life, Sheridan spoke of how running low on fuel is the main
18 19participants increase and as technology develops. metadata could be used to restrict access to potentially
Stuart Minchin, Chief of the Environmental Geoscience sensitive data to users. However, this is not seen as
Division at Geoscience Australia, reported on Digital too much of an issue by Minchin, who discussed how
Robert Feierbach, Vice President of Business Earth Australia, which packages almost 30 years of the resolution of Earth observation satellites is not
Development at Space Infrastructure Services, Earth observation data of the entire surface of Australia as good as what people would expect; limited to not
discussed his company’s plans of a full-featured, on- into 25 m2 pixels. Using this product, Minchin explained much better than 25 m2 pixels. He explained how
demand robotic service spacecraft. Utilising its two how users would be able to conduct data mining on it would only show “what you could see over your
6-foot long robotic arms, this spacecraft would be extremely specific areas of Australia, such as finding neighbour’s fence”, only affecting the accessibility of
able to conduct satellite inspection, repair, refuelling, locations of water or detecting coastal change over what could already be seen rather than providing any
relocation, and upgrade services, with the aim to past decades. The CEO and Co-Founder of Sinergise, real privacy intrusions.
start services in 2021. The CEO of JKIC, Joerg Kreisel, Grega Milcinski, discussed two of his company’s
spoke of their plans to use modular satellite hardware products: Sentinel Hub Playground and Global Forest So what should be done to continue the sustainable
to enable the easy alteration and modification of Watch. Sentinel Hub Playground uses satellite imagery growth of Earth observation data to ensure lasting
satellites. Kreisel discussed how their system used a from the Sentinel-2 satellite mission to provide users benefits? Brendan Bouffler, Manager of Amazon Web
common interface, similar to the USB port in usage, the capability to view Earth in many different spectral Services Research Cloud Programme discussed how
reason for satellite decommissioning, and this, as per capable of providing thermal, data, mechanical and images, while Global Forest Watch is an interactive exceptionally hard it is to move data around, despite
international regulations, requires the satellite to be electrical interfaces between two modular components. forest monitoring and alert system designed to assist significant improvements to computer processing
removed from orbit and disposed of. users to better manage and conserve forests. power and storage. Bouffler spoke how Amazon has
Peter Swan, President of the International Space been able to solve this by shifting the data processing
Three of the plenary panellists spoke of their company Elevator Consortium, spoke of the use of space elevators But there are issues of such large sets of data produced and storage to a cloud service, reducing both the cost
plans to conduct life extension missions. Shahida to access Earth orbit. While this capability would not be on a continuous basis. Aditya Agrawal, Director of Data and time to access and use the data. Both Agrawal
Barick, Head of Satellite Operations at Effective Space available anytime in the near future, Swan hopes that Ecosystems Development at the Global Partnership for and Minchin spoke of how governments need to
Solutions (ESS), and Tom Wilson, President of Space this transportation method could provide frequent and Sustainable Development, spoke of how the required collaborate with each other and with private industry
Logistics LLC, both spoke of ambitions to service GEO safe transport of goods to space at a price less than data is often not easily accessible, or of high enough to provide a broader and more open access to data
satellites, which alone is a market worth more than $100/kg. quality to be of use. It may also be disaggregated, or and to accommodate the use of public infrastructure
$10 billion USD. Barick reported on how their satellite, not easily provide the required dynamic picture of by industry. This would provide significant benefits
known as a “space tug”, would dock with a target GEO One key point raised by Sheridan during the what is being measured. Milcinski reported on how to humanity by
satellite using the launch interface ring, the structural discussions of on-orbit satellite servicing and refuelling data users may experience information overload due to lowering the cost
interface between the satellite and launch vehicle. technologies was that this capability would not mean the vast quantity of data that organizations such as his of knowledge.
Once attached, the ESS space tug would provide life the end for satellite manufacturing. We are constantly need to examine. He discussed how his company has
extension using ion thrusters. Wilson spoke of their developing new technology, which will always be in high used automated filtering techniques such as machine
plans to be able to provide up to 6 years life extension to demand as these technologies can provide increased learning and statistical processing to produce only the
a GEO satellite, with a test space tug being launched in performance. Developing this new capability to refuel useable data, thereby providing cost and time savings
2018. This was similarly echoed by Michel Frezet, Head and repair operating satellites merely opens another without decrement to the data quality.
of On-Orbit Servicing at Airbus Defence and Space, option for satellite operators such as his company. One
who reported on his company’s plans to use their space thing is for certain though; the capability of on-orbit The issue of privacy of Earth observation data was
tug to provide payload exchange for satellites and space satellite servicing will open up opportunities for both also discussed by the panellists. Agrawal spoke of how
debris removal from as early as 2022. technology developers and satellite operators.
Plenary 8: From Up There to Down Here – Big Space Data
Driving Sustainable Development and Economic Growth on
Earth
In recent years, there has been a massive boom in the There has been over a hundredfold increase in the
creation of big space data sets from Earth observation volume of data generated from the previous generation
satellites. In Plenary 8, the panellists discussed how to the current generation of satellites told Harry
data has been used to open up opportunities for their Cikanek, Acting Director of the Centre for Satellite
respective companies and the potential challenges Applications and Atmospheric Administration.
facing the use of this data. This trend is expected to continue as the number of
20 21IAC 2017 Highlight Lectures
Highlight Lecture 1:
Highlight Lecture 2: The
Flight by Light with Bill
Great Barrier Reef:
Nye – LightSail® and
Assessing its Health from
Innovations in Solar Sailing
Space
Using light produced by the sun as a method of
spacecraft propulsion to explore the solar system may
seem like science fiction, but as Bill Nye, the CEO of The The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is one of the great natural coral, however, this method still lacks the resolution
Planetary Society told the packed Highlight lecture, this wonders of the world. It has been inscribed on the World that is needed. Areas of dead coral often look similar to
is something his company is aiming to achieve. Heritage List since 1981, and is estimated to be at least that of alive coral due to the algal blooms that may cover
500,000 years old. However, this natural wonder is under coral after its death. Hardisty spoke of how hyperspectral
The use of solar sails as spacecraft propulsion has been attack. In this Highlight Lecture, Paul Hardisty, CEO of imagery could be used to differentiate between alive
experimented with for over 20 years. The Japan Aerospace the Australian Institute of Marine Science, spoke of the coral and algal bloom.
Exploration Agency (JAXA) had launched a Venus beneficial impact the GBR has for the local communities
orbiter in 2010, the IKAROS, which demonstrated the and marine life, as well as sources of damage to the reef, Another threat to the GBR is the impact that weather
use of a solar sail for both accelerating and manoeuvring monitoring methods, and how the reef can be preserved. events such as cyclones can have on the reef. First of
a spacecraft. Solar sails provide propulsion to spacecraft all, the cyclone can directly damage and destroy coral
by reflecting incident solar photons, providing a near The GBR, located on the north-east coastline of reefs through wave force and impact with the coral. It
constant 9 µN/m2. By altering the angle of the solar sail, Australia, is home to a vast number of marine species also causes the water to become turbid, limiting access
the spacecraft can move towards or away from the sun, such as whales, dugongs and other fish species, and to the light the coral requires for growth. Lastly, the
using similar methods to sailing boats moving on. While with an area of 344,400 km2, it is one of the few living water surface runoff from the coast due to strong rains
the sail material is very expensive, its low mass and lack structures that are visible from space. Not only does it carries chemicals used in agriculture into the reef. This
of need for conventional propulsion systems opens up have vast benefit to marine life, it has become part of the negatively affects the biological environment of the
exploration of the entire solar system. Nye spoke also of the Australian national psyche. It has a long and profound coral reef, and promotes outbreaks of crown-of-thorn
political advocacy and connection to the indigenous peoples of Australia, and starfish that prey on coral.
The Planetary Society has built two orbital 3-unit public outreach that supports over 60,000 jobs in local communities across
CubeSats equipped with solar sails, the first having The Planetary Society the GBR coastline. Coral is formed by the symbiotic Coral reefs are being forced to live in a warmer world, one
been launched in May 2015 and the second planned conducts. With over 50,000 relationship between a hard calcium carbonate structure that they cannot escape from. Being static structures,
for 2018. The first satellite, LightSail-One, suffered members in more than 100 and a living plant-like algae creature, together forming they lack the ability to move, and are not able to adapt
some software and camera issues, but the mission was countries, the society can lobby a coral polyp. due to their slow growing nature, and so are forced to
an overall success with deployment of its solar sail. governments across the world to conduct space die. We are running out of time to save our precious coral
Using the lessons learned, The Planetary Society will exploration missions. Two such missions were the What are the sources of damage to the GBR? Hardisty reefs, and as we progress further into Climate Change,
build LightSail-Two, planned to launch alongside the New Horizons mission that conducted a flyby mission reported how coral bleaching events have become the pressure on them will not ease. Hardisty discussed
Prox-1 mission, which will have a greater solar sail area of Pluto in 2015, and the Europa Clipper, which is more common and widespread across the GBR and how we could protect coral reefs by enhancing the rate
than the previous design, and will also have the added planned to fly to the icy moon of Jupiter after its launch the world, occurring from the ocean acidification and at which the reef recovers, by restoring lost corals using
feature of being able to manoeuvre, in addition to in 2025. In addition to lobbying for space exploration rising water temperatures due to Climate Change. Coral laboratory-grown coral, by reducing their exposure to
being able to accelerate. Nye spoke of the various risks missions, The Planetary Society participates in bleaching events kill the coral, where it loses its colour threats, or by conducting genetic engineering to improve
that they are needing to mitigate or solve for LightSail- spreading the global benefits of science, advocating to a skeleton white and becomes brittle. The death of the tolerance of coral to its environment. One thing is
Two, such as the deployment of the solar sail. There for its economic and social benefits. It is truly an coral in a localised area devastates the local marine life, for certain. We need to ensure the preservation of all
is no vacuum chamber large enough to accommodate extraordinary time that we are living in, where global forcing them to try and locate a new home. Occasionally, coral reefs across the world due to the vast impact they
the deployed solar sail, and as such, this process cannot citizens – not part of a government or private company coral can rejuvenate back to some extent provided the have. The cost of preservation is far less than the cost of
be tested prior to launch. Nevertheless, Nye is very – are able to actively contribute to the advancement of conditions remain favourable. Hardisty spoke of how restoring these reefs, so the time for action is now.
confident of the success of LightSail-Two. human knowledge. satellite imagery has been used to map areas of dead
22 23IAC 2017 Late Breaking News
IAF World Space Award Highlight Lecture: Late Breaking News 1: We
International Cooperation in Space are Explorers - Plans about the
Mars Base Camp and the Deep
The IAF World Space Award is presented only to those the world on international collaboration ever since the Space Gateway
people who have made an outstanding contribution launch of the first components in 1998. There are now
to space science, space technology, space medicine, even more partnerships between the private and public
space law or space management to the level of having sectors, not only in designing and constructing space
an exceptional impact to humanity’s progress in vehicles and satellites, but in conducting collaborative Never before have we had the technology and public To achieve real-time control, we need to have humans
astronautics. The third recipient of this award was research missions across the solar system. interest to conduct deep space human exploration to on or in-orbit of Mars. By using both humans and
Charles Bolden, President and CEO of The Bolden the Moon and Mars. Robert Chambers, Programme robots together, we will be able to achieve so much
Consulting Group LLC and Administrator of NASA from Bolden also discussed the benefits of the space industry Strategy Lead for Orion Production, Tim Cichan, Space more than what can be done separately. Additionally,
2009 to 2017, who was given the opportunity at IAC to to humanity, particularly its ability to inspire people. Exploration Architect, and Danielle Richey, Advanced having humans on Mars provides the capability to
discuss his experiences. The Apollo 11 mission to land on the Moon had a huge Programmes Exploration Architect, detailed Lockheed react and deploy probes or rovers to locations of
inspirational impact not only in the United States, Martin’s plans for the Mars Base Camp and the Deep immediate interest.
Bolden talked about how the international space sector but across the globe; even to those nations who at the Space Gateway; two space stations to facilitate the
has repeatedly shown its ability to work together towards time were on opposing sides in the Cold War. Imagine exploration of Mars and the Moon respectively. Chambers, Cichan and Richey all discussed Lockheed
common goals, aspirations and values, regardless of what the impact of landing on Mars could have for Martin’s vision for the Mars Base Camp space station,
politics and tensions between countries. We understand humanity? Bolden described how he believes that in Why do we explore space? Chambers discussed how a platform to conduct real-time scientific research
the importance of working together, especially to achieve the future, life on Earth will be improved thanks to the there have been fundamental existential questions that and exploration of Mars. Built around the Orion crew
the big dreams we all have. As such, the International innovation and inspiration provided by current and humans have been asking for thousands of years. Where module, this platform would be able to facilitate in-
Space Station, a platform to conduct scientific research future space activities. Space will be a place where the do we come from? Where are we going? Are we alone in situ sample analysis of Mars. Richey described how
and technology development in micro-gravity, should only competition is the competition of ideas. the cosmos? By exploring Mars, we will conduct science these samples could be analysed on the space station
be given a Nobel Peace Prize due to its effect across to directly assist providing answers to these questions. by the six crew members using the 6,800 kg and 40 kW
of power allocated to scientific equipment. Chambers
spoke of the safety systems that would be included on
the Mars Base Camp, such as multiple redundancy of
all critical systems. This is important since there will
not be the same level of support that can be provided
to Earth- and Moon-orbiting space stations, should
something go wrong.
Lockheed Martin’s single-stage, reusable aero-spacecraft
lander was unveiled by all the speakers. Richey detailed
how the lander would be able to support four astronauts
for two weeks on the surface of Mars, enabling them to
achieve their scientific objectives before launching back
up to the Mars Base Camp. Cichan detailed the specifics
of the Mars lander, describing how the cabin section
would be based on the Orion crew module currently
in development by Lockheed Martin. Furthermore, the
Mars is a dynamic and active planet, despite its first- lander would have a delta-v capability of 6 km/s with its
glance appearance as a dead, desert planet. To explore liquid oxygen and hydrogen propulsion system, allowing
Mars properly, we must act in a similarly dynamic it to leave the Mars Base Camp and return back again,
manner. We are not currently able to do this with the without the need to generate additional fuel while on
use of only robotic vehicles on Mars, which has up to the surface of Mars.
25 minutes communication delay from Mars to Earth.
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