How do we get young Canadians to reach for the stars? by Sumitra Rajagopalan

Forty years later, the sequel is being written as the US and many other countries, including Canada, gear up for the next Moon shot. Like the Sputnik and Apollo programs, this new space race is a golden opportunity to inspire the next generation of space explorers and enthusiasts. But, first, they need this generation to tune in.

Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk is to undertake in the months ahead aboard the International Space Station, where he will remotely control and drive a robot parked at CSA’s offices near Montreal. Open-source coding could allow participants to program lunar robots in real time, with all the excitement streamed live over the Internet.

From the Canadian Space Society

The CSS connected with the Hamilton Police Pipes and Drums to record a tune to honour Bob Thirsk and Julie Payette currently in orbit. The tune of choice?  “The Maple Leaf Forever”, a tune that dates back to Canadian confederation and has been played for dignitaries at official functions at home and around the world. To download and listen to the recording sent to the astronauts, click here.

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Canadian Space Summit 2009
Dual Use: Opportunities for collaboration on space technologies
Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, ON, Canada,
November 20-22, 2009
Organized by the Canadian Space Society, Kingston Chapter
Confirmed Session Chairs

Fees:

SPACE Cananda and the International Academy of Astronautics are sponsering
“FROM THE SUN TO THE EARTH” An International Symposium on Solar Energy from Space

September 8-10, 2009
Ontario Science Centre
Toronto, Canada

Overall Goals To determine what role solar energy from space might play in meeting the rapidly growing need for abundant and sustainable energy during the coming decades To assess the technological readiness and risks associated with the space-based solar power concept To frame a notional international roadmap that could lead to the realization of the concept

Master of Ceremonies

Bob McDonald National Science Correspondent for CBC and Host of CBC Radio One’s “Quirks and Quarks”

Day 1: Space Canada International Policy Forum Keynote Speaker – Dan Fortin We are delighted to have Dan Fortin, president of IBM Canada, delivering the keynote address. Dan is responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of IBM’s Canadian division. Dan leads a team of 20,000 professionals in providing industry-leading solutions to help IBM clients address today’s most pressing business challenges. Dan will be followed by a full complement of outstanding speakers including: Dr. Andrew Weaver, Nobel Laureate, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Dr. Bryan Erb, Pioneer in Space-Based Solar Power Dr. Ram Jakhu, Associate Professor, Institute of Air and Space Law, Faculty of Law, McGill University Jessica West, Program Associate at Project Ploughshares and Manager of the Space Security Index Dr. Robert (Bob) Richards, Founder and CEO, Odyssey Moon enterprise Iain Carson, European Business Editor, The Economist

Co-Chairs, IAA Study:
John Mankins & Nobu Kaya