European astronauts to share their unique experiences

By Martin Banks

Date: 10/02/05

Several European astronauts will share their unique experience with the public during the Earth and Space Week in Brussels, which runs from 12-20 February.

The 'Meet the astronauts' opportunity is one of a series of events which have been organised by the European Commission in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) to help boost interest and co-operation in Space. The Space explorers will meet the public at Brussels' Autoworld museum this Saturday and Sunday (12-13 February).

The week-long jamboree encompasses three main events: the Third Earth Observation Summit, a conference on international co-operation in Space plus a public exhibition on Earth and Space.

The exhibition is expected to attract up to 1,500 visitors per day.

Commission Vice-President Günter Verheugen, who is responsible for the European Space programme, and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik are among those taking part.

The event does not officially start until tomorrow (11 February) but last

night (9 February) Potocnik opened the 'Earth and Space Sphere' on Rond-

Point Schuman.

Inside is a 20-metre projection screen that can present images of Earth and beyond. The sphere will be illuminated during the hours of darkness for the duration of the event.

A Commission spokesman said: "These events will shape future Earth observation capabilities and applications and increase co-operation in space, especially vis-à-vis the developing world.

"Better co-ordinated observation systems could save lives and preserve resources. The recent Asian tsunami tragically underlined the increasing importance of anticipation, planning and response."

Most events are open to public and are free of charge.

• Event highlights:
• 11 February 11am: Earth and Space Exhibition opening ceremony, Autoworld, Parc du Cinquantenaire. Guests of honour at the event include Prince Philippe of Belgium, Verheugen and Jean-Jacques Dordain, the ESA director-general;
• 12-13 February 2pm: Meet the astronauts;
• 14 February: Lunchtime seminar. Depressions and cold fronts - our weather systems explained.

The seminar will explore the images from the Meteosat weather satellite, which is used to forecast the weather and monitor long-term changes in our climate.

Valentine Night 'star party'. Amateur astronomers and space enthusiasts come together to explore the romance of the night sky. Outdoors at the Cinquantenaire Park, adjacent to Autoworld;

• 16 February: Third International Earth Observation Summit, Palais d'Egmont, Place du Petit Sablon, with participants from 58 nations and 30 international organisations involved in building a sustainable system for observing the Earth and sharing scientific data;
• 17-18 February: Conference on co-operation in Space, in the Commission's Charlemagne building. It provides a platform for established and emerging Space players to discuss the benefits of space co-operation.

Preview of the Earth and Space Week in Brussels, running from 12-20 February 2005 and encompassing three main events: the Third Earth Observation Summit, a conference on international co-operation in Space plus a public exhibition on Earth and Space.