USEFUL INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS
The United Nations, through its Programme on Space Applications implemented by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, and the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) are co-organizing the Workshop on Space Technology for Socio-Economic Benefits on the theme "Access to Space for All: Bridging the Space Divide" to bring together policy- and decision-makers, and the research and academic communities to discuss on different topics related to space and how space science, technologies and applications can support of sustainable economic, social and environmental development and the development of science, technology and innovation (STI) policies related to space.
The Workshop will be held in Paris, France, from 16 to 17 September 2022 in conjunction with the 73rd International Astronautical Congress (IAC), and it will be the 29th in the series of such workshops.
The Workshop will provide a forum for discussion on how space science, technologies and applications can support of sustainable economic, social and environmental development and the development of science, technology and innovation (STI) policies related to space and leveraging the Access to Space for All Initiative.
Considering the direct and/or indirect relevance of space to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the workshop will address the specific elements of SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), in addition to SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals). The Workshop will serve as a platform to ensure inclusive development in the areas of space technologies taking people, students, private sectors, researchers, academia, innovators and other actors on board in bringing the benefits of space exploration to the end-users.
The main objectives of the Workshop are to:
Presentations made during the Workshop will be published on the website of the Office for Outer Space Affairs to increase awareness about the capabilities and benefits of space technology applications. The report of the Workshop and its recommendations will be distributed to the participants and the space technology user community.
Opening Ceremony
Session 1: Heads of Governmental Space Actors on Innovation, International Cooperation and Socioeconomic Benefits of Space
Governmental Space Actors bear the most responsibilities to serve social and economic development using space technologies and bring the benefits of space all over the world. The Access to Space for All Initiative works with various governmental actors to bring the access to space opportunities to United Nations Member States with particular attention to developing nations, to bridge the space divide.
Session 2: Session: Access to Space Enablers
This session will provide an overview of the different elements that are needed to maximize the benefits of space activities. This session welcomes government officials, members of academia, private sector, students and practitioners, aiming at providing a holistic view of the key elements that make space a sustainable endeavor.
Session 3a: Science, Technology and Innovation from Hypergravity and Microgravity Experimentation
The Hypergravity and Microgravity experimentation aims at developing the knowledge, engineering processes and human workforce to conduct basic science and technology experiments in hypergravity and microgravity conditions. It works as the foundation of space technology and space exploration. Hypergravity and Microgravity experimentation contains ground facility experimentation and in-orbit experimentation, research outcomes, innovation ideas and cooperation efforts are welcome in this session.
Session 3b: Science, Technology and Innovation from Satellite Development
This session provides a chance in exchanging ideas on satellite development efforts, including educational efforts for developing technical know-how, engineering processes and satellite development case studies. Participants from developing nations are especially encouraged to submit their contributions to this session.
Session 3c: Science, Technology and Innovation from Space Exploration
Thanks to an inclusive approach implemented by many space-faring countries, several developing, and space emerging nations are also dlving into space exploration. Space exploration efforts by international and national entities, space agencies, industry and civil society, reveal the latest and future approaches toward space exploration are welcome in this session.
Closing Ceremony
Specific workshops on filling in Access to Space for All Application forms would be held depending on number of participants and available resources.
The deadline for applications is 30 June 2022. The link is now closed.
The working language of the Workshop will be English. All participants are required to have good English language skills.
The Office for Outer Space Affairs of the United Nations and IAF are responsible for organizing the Workshop. Sponsorship of the workshop is still open to other interested entities. Interested parties may contact Mr. Jorge Del Rio Vera, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.
The Workshop is being planned for a total of 100 participants including, engineers, innovators, educators, and policy- and decision-makers and senior experts from the following groups: international, regional, national and local institutions, United Nations agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, research and development institutions, and also from industry. Participants should be in senior managerial or decision-making responsibility at governmental agencies, national and regional institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations or industry. Applications from female applicants are particularly encouraged.
Participants funded by the Office might be eligible for a waiver on the IAC 2022 registration fee of the IAC.
Within the limited financial resources available, a limited number of selected participants will be offered financial support to attend the workshop. This financial support will defray the cost of travel (a round trip air ticket - most economic fare - between the airport of international departure in their home country and Paris, France) and/or the room and board expenses for the duration of the workshop. The co-sponsors of the workshop will jointly select participants on a competitive basis. Successful applicants will be notified of the outcome within two weeks after the deadline.
Life/major health insurance for each of the selected participants is necessary and is the responsibility of the candidate or his/her institution or Government. The co-sponsors will not assume any responsibility for life and major health insurance, nor for expenses related to medical treatment or accidents. Please pay attention to the online application form when registering for the Workshop.
For additional information on the Workshop programme, please contact: Mr. Jorge Del Rio Vera or Ms. Hazuki Mori, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.
The focal point for IAF is Ms. Isabella Marchisio