Within reach of the Universe

Outer space. Vast expanses of the universe…over 4,500 experts will meet during the International Astronautical Congress 2018 (IAC 2018) to discuss the immense scope of the various space-related disciplines. Interested members of the public are also invited.

On 3rd October, German Unity Day, the conference organizers invite you to the „Public Day“. Visitors will meet and experience high-level representatives from science, politics, and industry, and experience a live-call to the International Space Station ISS.

The highlight event „space is big – space is public“ is currently planned to begin at 1:30 pm with a roundtable discussion on “Space Safety”. The subject: How can space traffic be regulated? How to avoid collisions in outer space? The number of space objects in orbit is steadily on the increase.

Along with the many satellites out there, space debris or junk has increased to about 750,000 objects larger than 1 cm! Sun storm and cosmic radiation from other distant sources are just some of the other hazards that dictate space weather and which impact the Earth’s climate and terrestrial technology causing disruptions and malfunctions in our power grids, etc.

The discussion also includes “planetary defence systems”: These ensure early warnings about possible asteroid or comet impacts, and their avoidance or mitigation. Is playing billiards with comets an option we need to consider seriously?

As from 2:30 pm, the audience will tune-in live to the International Space Station, ISS. The schedule currently includes a live session with Alexander Gerst, who will be the second ESA and first German commander of the International Space Station in the twenty years of its existence.

Gerst launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on 6 June 2018 for his mission ‘horizons – Knowledge for Tomorrow’, his second mission to work on the largest international technology project in the history of humankind. In this scientific laboratory, the major spacefaring nations are joining forces to develop solutions for the global challenges of our society: ‘Health, Environment and Climate Change’, as well as ‘Digitalisation, Industry 4.0, Energy Supply and Mobility of Tomorrow’. He will carry out 65 European experiments – the German Aerospace Center contributes to 41.

At about 2:45 pm, visitors will be able to get close-up to real astronauts. They will report on their experiences in outer space, taking enough time to answer questions from the audience.

A visit to the space exhibition is possible as from 12.00 am. The space industry, research and space agencies, from America’s NASA to the Chinese CNSA, will be exhibiting in Exhibition Hall (Hall 5). German space organizations and particularly Bremen’s space community can be found along the “Team Germany Boulevard”. The organizations on this boulevard have been involved in planning the IAC 2018 from the very first moment, particularly the Local Organizer, the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) at the University of Bremen in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center DLR, OHB, Airbus, ArianeGroup, MT Aerospace and the City of Space Bremen.

Of particular importance for students: the privately-run International Space University (ISU) as well as the University of Bremen will be there – the latter of them to present its new Masters programs in space science and technology.

INNOspaceEXPO „ALL.täglich!“ (=‘Space Day-to-Day’), the exhibition designed by DLR, will be of interest to everyone. It takes a look at the results of outer space research and at science in outer space which are directly relevant for life on Earth. One example: Thanks to earth observation satellites, you can already access aerial views of your chosen hotel when planning your vacation.

Important facts:
The International Astronautical Congress and accompanying exhibition take place from Monday 1st to Friday 5th October 2018. On 3rd October, Public Day, entrance for the public is between 12 am and 6 pm and free of charge. The event “space is big – space is public“ is organized by the European and German Space Agencies, ESA and DLR and the Association of Space Explorers ASE, together with the organizers of the IAC 2018, the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), as well as the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) at the University of Bremen.
More information available via: www.iac2018.org/public-day
Association of Space Explorers

Media Information and Accreditation:
Media representatives are welcome to register for the IAC 2018 in Bremen. Accreditation for journalists and media professionals is available at: https://www.iac2018.org/media/
Media accreditation includes access to the opening press conferences, the daily press briefings as well as the complete congress program.

ZARM – Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity
Annika Teubner
Phone: +49 (0)421 218-57821
E-Mail: media@iac2018.org