STARFEST 2009

Special Report: Major Astronomy & Space Conferences

Presented On: August 22, 2009

Presented By: ASX ‐ Farnaz Ghadaki (President) ‐ Nivedita Chandrasekhar (Project Director) ‐ Iman Datta (Secretary)

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 1 Agenda • ASX Introduction • Report on ISDC –International Space Development Conference (May 2008) • Report on Canadian Space Summit (Nov. 2008) • Report on SpaceFest (Feb. 2009) • Report on ASX’s Annual Symposium • Notable upcoming symposia/conferences • Q & A

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 2 ASX Introduction

• ASX is the Astronomy & Space Exploration Society at the • ASX’s mission: educate, excite, and inspire students and the general public about astronomy and space exploration • ASX members consist of students, professionals and anyone having an interest (or just curiosity) in the fields of astronomy and space • ASX has no membership fees, and provides most of its events FREE of charge

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 3 ASX Highlights

• Established by students in 2003 • Rapidly grown to over 1600 members • Host the LARGEST student‐run event in the GTA: The Annual ‘Expanding Canada’s Frontiers’ Symposium • Organize variety of other events throughout the year:

Film Viewing Faces of Space (FoS) Talks Observing Panel Discussions

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 4 ASX and IYA

• ASX participated in the Toronto Astronomy Festival (Jan. 10) @ OSC – Exhibitor & on planning committee • ASX Symposium (Jan. 23) embraced theme of international cooperation • Earth Hour Observing Event (Mar. 28) in collaboration with U of T Astronomy Dept • Co‐host of Yuri’s Night Celebration (Apr. 11) • Astronomy Day Celebration (May 9) @ HH Farm • Other events include FoS, Movie Nites; more to come

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 5 ASX’s Select Past Speakers

Anousheh Ansari (First Female Dr. Bob Richards (Odyssey Private Space Explorer) Chris Hadfield Dr. Ying Du (China Academy Moon, Optech, ISU) (Canadian Astronaut) of Space Technology)

Dr. Carolyn Porco Prof. Mike Brown (Space Science Institute) Prof. Jaymie Matthews (Discoverer, 10th Planet) (MOST Satellite) Dr. Darlene Lim (NASA)

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 6 ASX’s Select Past Events

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 7 ASX in the News

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 8 Our Partners

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 9 Our Sponsors ‘Sun’ Sponsor ‘Jupiter’ Sponsors

‘Saturn’ Sponsors ‘Earth’ Sponsors

‘’ Sponsors

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 10 Special Report: ISDC 2008

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 11 ISDC 2008

27th Annual Conference Theme: ‘The New Pace of Space’ Attendees: ~1,000 Base Price: $50 ‐ $200 Organizer:

• NSS is an independent, educational, grassroots, non‐profit organization, with 20,000 members and over 70 chapters • NSS is the publisher of the award‐wining Ad Astra Magazine • Other projects include the society’s telescope outreach programs, legislative campaigns, and technical challenge projects http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 12 ISDC 2008 Program Overview: • Exclusive pre‐conference event: Space Investment Summit 4 (on May 28) • 3 ½days full of sessions; over 45 speakers – One main morning + 4‐6 concurrent afternoon sessions – Space topics included: tourism, law & policy, space solar power, spaceports, space medicine, settlement – Astro topics included: astrosociology, astonomers without borders • Ticketed luncheons, dinner, Gala, and showing of movie ‘The Wonder of it All’ • Exhibit room (~ 15 exhibitors, e.g. Moon Society)

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 13 ISDC 2008 –keynote speakers

Dr. John Marburger Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson Science Adviser to the President Astrophysicist, Author, Director of and Director, Office of Science and Hayden Planetarium Technology Policy

Burt Rutan Anousheh Ansari President of Scaled Composites CEO and Co‐founder of Prodea and designer of SpaceShipOne Systems, Inc. and Spaceflight Participant

Buzz Aldrin Elon Musk Lunar module pilot for Apollo 11 Co‐founder of PayPal and Space and former Chairman of the NSS Exploration Technologies Board of Governors

General Simon 'Pete' Worden Director, NASA Ames Research Founder, ; Center Zero Gravity Corporation; Rocket Racing League, ISU

Dr. George Nield Hugh Downs Acting Associate Administrator for Broadcaster, Author, NSS Commercial Space Transportation, Chairman FAA http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 14 ISDC 2008

C‐SPAN videos available online (free to view): • Rep. Nick Lampson • Constellation Program • Future of the International Space Station • Election 2008 Space Policy • Space Medicine • International Cooperation • Low Cost Access to Space More info: http://www.isdc2008.org/ Conference session notes: http://www.hobbyspace.com

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 15 Special Report: Canadian Space Summit 2008

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 16 Canadian Space Summit 2008

Theme: ‘What’s Next in Space?’ Nov. 21 – 23, 2008 Attendees: ~250 Base Price: $100 ‐ $200 Organizer:

• CSS is a national non‐profit organization made up of professionals and enthusiasts pursuing the human exploration and development of the and beyond. • CSS is the publisher of the Canadian Space Gazette • Other projects include guest speakers, outreach events, and workshops

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 17 Canadian Space Summit 2008

Program Overview: • 2‐day conference, over 30 speakers • 2 parallel tracks on Saturday: – Track 1: Planetary Exploration, Astronomy, Life Sciences – Track 2: Money and Policy, New Space Venture • Common sessions on Sunday: Low/Earth Orbit, Space Commercialization, Law and Policy • Ticketed banquet on Saturday feat. Marc Garneau • Space Summit held in parallel with CAISU’s AGM

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 18 Canadian Space Summit 2008

Featured Speakers: Bob Richards Marc Garneau Founder and CEO, Odyssey Canadian astronaut; Moon Politician Dr. Dave Kendall Kevin Shortt CSA, Director General President, Canadian Space of Space Science Society

Session Chairs: Planetary Exploration: Alex Ellery Astronomy: Gregg Wade Life Sciences: Erin Tranfield Earth Orbit: Larry Reeves Commerce & Commercialization: Chuck Black Space Policy: Anthony Salloum

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 19 Canadian Space Summit 2008

Session Example –Astronomy Topics: • X‐ray Observations of Neutron Stars from Space – Vicky Caspi, McGill U • Astrophysics from the Stratosphere – Barth Netterfield, U of Toronto • Micro‐ and Nano‐Space Missions for Astronomy – Tony Moffat, U de Montreal • The James Webb Space Telescope – Rene Doyon, U de Montreal Session Example –Low/Earth Orbit, Sample Topic: • Academia Microspace Missions –UTIAS Missions Overview – Mohamed Ali, UTIAS (also ASX exec)

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 20 Canadian Space Summit 2008

Commerce Sessions • Enabled via collaboration with the Canadian Space Commerce Association (CSCA) • Companies represented: – MDA – COM‐DEV – Odyssey Moon – Continuum Aerospace – Magellan Aerospace Corporation – Kim Geomatics Corporation – Northeast Space Co.

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 21 Special Report: SpaceFest 2009

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 22 Spacefest 2009

2nd Annual Conference Feb 19‐22, 2009 San Diego, CA Attendees: ~1000 Base Price: $75 Featuring: talks by astronomers, sci‐fi writers, exhibits, space art show, chance to meet astronauts Organizer:

– Novaspace is a Space Art and astronaut autograph gallery and also sells space memorabilia – Hosted the 1st Spacefest in 2007 (held in Phoenix, Arizona) – Next Spacefest may be in summer/fall of 2010

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 23 Spacefest 2009

Program Overview •2‐day conference featuring 17 astronauts, 6 aviators and more than 25 speakers • Talks divided into 2 concurrent tracks – Space topics included: stories from the space programs, history of the sci‐fi genre, doing artwork for NASA, aviation – Astronomy topics included: the Cassini mission, extrasolar planets, SETI, missions to Mars and Pluto • Exhibit Hall featured astronaut autograph sessions, book signings, as well as an art show and gallery • Ticketed Luncheons, Banquet, “Moonwalker Golf Tournament”, screening of “Live From the Moon” and astronaut reception at the San Diego Air & Space Museum http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 24 Spacefest 2009

Featured Speakers:

Carolyn Porco Geoffrey Marcy Imaging Team Extrasolar Planet Leader, Cassini Hunter, UC Berkeley Mission

Chris McKay Peter Smith Planetary Scientist, Chief Investigator, NASA Ames Phoenix Mars Lander

Alfred McEwen Mars HiRise Chief Planetary Scientist, Investigator, MRO New Horizons Mission

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 25 Spacefest 2009

Select Astronomy Talks • The Cassini‐Huygens mission to Saturn – Carolyn Porco – Cassini Imaging Team Leader –talked of the progress on the mission, discoveries made of Saturn’s moons’: ’ geysers, Titan • NEAs: The Peril and the Promise – Dan Durda – Southwest Research Institute, CO –talked of ways of deflecting near‐earth objects, using asteroids to our advantage • SETI Enters its Fifth Decade – Seth Shostak – SETI Institute Astronomer –talked about the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, building radio telescopes to speed search (ATA), consequences of detection

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 26 Spacefest 2009

Select Astronauts in Attendance:

Eugene Cernan Buzz Aldrin Gemini 9, Apollo Apollo 11, 10, Apollo 17 Gemini 12

Rusty Michael Collins Schweickart Apollo 11 Apollo 9, Skylab

Rick Searfoss Former Commander

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 27 Special Report: ASX Annual Symposium

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 28 ASX 2009 Symposium

2009 Symposium Overview: • Date & Time: Fri, Jan. 23, 2009 7PM – 11PM (reception at 10) • Admission: $20 Public, Free for Students • Continued the IYA2009 kick‐off momentum, honouring IYA’s spirit of International cooperation – Speaker’s combined experiences represented various space agencies: Canada, U.S.A., Europe, Russia, China, and Japan http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 29 ASX 2009 Symposium

The 2009 Symposium Featured:

Anousheh Ansari Dr. Ying Du Taryn Tomlinson First Female Private Senior Engineer, Robotics Systems Space Explorer & First China Academy of Engineer, Canadian Space Ambassador Space Technology Space Agency Topic: Privatization of Space Topic: China In Space Topic: Collaborations in Space

Event MC: Prof. Paul Delaney, York University

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 30 ASX 2009 Symposium

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 31 ASX 2008 Symposium

Theme: “Lunar Exploration” Featuring:

Bob Richards John Connolly Prof. Ariel Anbar (Odyssey Moon) (NASA) (Arizona State U)

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 32 ASX 2007 Symposium

Theme: “The Search for Life” Featuring:

Prof. Max Bernstein Prof. Ray (NASA Ames) Jayawardhana, (University of Toronto)

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 33 ASX 2006 Symposium

Theme: “Our Journey into the Future” Featuring:

Prof. Mike Brown Nagin Cox (Caltech) (NASA JPL)

Prof. Ray Carlberg Prof. Fran Bagenal (U of Toronto) (U of Colorado at Boulder)

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 34 ASX 2005 Symposium

Theme: “… in Space” Featuring:

Dr. Carolyn Porco Prof Jaymie Matthews (Space Science Institute) (MOST Satellite)

(not pictured): Prof. Slavek Rucinski Dr. James Rice Dr. Laurie Chappell (U of Toronto) (Arizona State University) (MDA)

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 35 ASX 2004 Symposium

Theme: “To Mars and Beyond” Featuring:

Astronaut Chris Dr. Darlene Lim Hadfiel(CSA) (NASA Ames)

(not pictured): Dr. Vicky Hipkin (U of Toronto)

Prof. Dimitar Sasselov (Harvard University, MOST)

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 36 Notable Upcoming Astro/Space Events

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 37 Notable IYA Events ‐ Toronto

Keynote Public Lecture: How to Find a Habitable Planet SPEAKER: Prof. David Charbonneau, Harvard DATE: Sept. 26, 2009 LOCATION: University of Toronto. St. George Campus MORE INFO: http://www1.astro.utoronto.ca/~gasa/ public_talk/iWeb/Scheduled_Tours.html

STAR Symposium DATES: Oct. 3 –4, 2009 LOCATION: York University, Keele Campus MORE INFO: http://starsymposium.ca/

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 38 Notable Events ‐ Canada

International Symposium on Solar Power Satellites DATES: Sept. 8 – 10, 2009 LOCATION: Ontario Science Centre. Toronto MORE INFO: http://www.spacecanada.org

Canadian Space Summit DATES: Nov. 20 – 22, 2009 LOCATION: Royal Military College of Canada. Kingston THEME: Multi‐Use Missions: Opportunities for Collaboration on Space Technologies MORE INFO: http://www.css.ca

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 39 Notable Events ‐ Canada

7th ASX Annual Symposium DATE: (Fri) Jan. 22, 2010 LOCATION: Convocation Hall, U of T, Toronto MORE INFO: http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 40 Notable International Events

International Conference of Young Astronomers (ICYA) DATES: Sept. 7 – 13, 2009 LOCATION: Cracow, Poland MORE INFO: http://www.icya2009.org/about

Pathways 2009 DATES: Sept. 14 – 18, 2009 LOCATION: Barcelona, Spain THEME: Pathways Towards Habitable Planets MORE INFO: http://www.pathways2009.net/

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 41 Notable International Events

Space Generation Congress (SGC 2009) DATES: Oct 8 – 10, 2009 LOCATION: Daejeon, South Korea MORE INFO: http://www.explorerswanted.com/

60th International Astronautical Congress (IAC2009) DATES: Oct 12 –16, 2009 LOCATION: Daejeon, Republic of Korea THEME: Space For Sustainable Peace and Progress MORE INFO: http://www.iafastro.com/

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 42 Notable International Events

17th European Society for Astronomy Culture Meeting DATES: Oct. 21 – 25, 2009 LOCATION: Alexandria, Egypt MORE INFO: http://www.bibalex.org/SEAC2009/

14th ISU Annual International Symposium DATES: Feb. 16 – 18, 2010 LOCATION: Strasbourg, France THEME: The Public Face of Space MORE INFO: http://www.isunet.edu/

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 43 Notable International Events

29th International Space Development Conference (ISDC) DATES: May 27 – 31, 2010 LOCATION: Chicago, IL, USA THEME: "Bring space to life; bring life to space" MORE INFO: http://isdc.nss.org/2010/

Global Lunar Conference DATES: May 31 – June 3, 2010 LOCATION: Beijing, China MORE INFO: http://www.iafastro.com/index.html? title=Global_Lunar_Congress

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 44 Notable International Events

61st International Astronautical Congress (IAC2010) DATES: Sept 20 – 24, 2010 LOCATION: Prague, Czech Republic MORE INFO: http://www.iafastro.com/

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 45 ASX Contact Information

• For the latest news, updates and upcoming events: – Subscribe by emailing [email protected] with subject line “Newsletter Sign‐Up” – Check out our website regularly: http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca • Let us know if you or someone you know would like to support us, e.g. as Corporate Sponsors, Media Sponsor, or to provide donation (in‐kind or monetary) • We are also on Facebook • Our office is located at: – 21 Sussex Ave, #427, Toronto

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/ [email protected] Page 46