The International Astronautical Congress- 2007

THE 58th IAC, HYDERABAD:
REACHING OUT TO SPACE FOR THE SAKE OF ALL HUMANITY

Extra-terrestrial life forms, if any, would certainly have been busy over Hyderabad during the 58th International Astronautical Congress from September 24-28, 2007. Regardless of whether they were benign Martians or malign Predators, the event would have filled them with equal awe and admiration; for here was an event which show cased the collective urge of humanity to rise above petty squabbles and reach out to the final frontier of space for improving the quality of life on Earth. Coming in the 50th year since the launch of Sputnik which marked the beginning of the space age as also the 40th year of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 (OST-1967) aimed at constraining military activity in outer space, the 58th congress in Hyderabad ensured a place in space lore for Hyderabad. It also marked a shift in emphasis from military uses of space and was indicative of a growing desire the world over to preserve outer space for societal development and the benefit of all humankind.
A total of over 1300 presentations, 122 oral as well as interactive sessions, plenary sessions, technical sessions and numerous lectures attempted to address the theme of “Touching Humanity- Space for Improving Quality of Life”. This theme, as per the lead organizer, the International Astronautical Federation was particularly chosen to emphasize the growing interface between space and society. The theme reflected the growing potential of space to contribute to human welfare across the globe. In accordance with the same, many sessions during the congress elaborated on the theme in practical terms through the experience of space professionals of various countries.
The sheer diversity and variety of the presentations as well as the participants was mind-boggling. The sessions addressed a wide variety of issues ranging from plenary events dedicated to space activities of the United Nations, role of governments in space activities, business opportunities in the space industry etc to technical sessions which dwelt in detail upon the intricacies of space power systems, propulsion systems, orbital dynamics, system engineering tools, fluid and material sciences etc to name a few. Entire sessions dedicated to strategies for establishing colonies on the Moon and Mars, lunar governance, for tapping solar resources, searching for extraterrestrial intelligence etc dissipated the science fiction factor largely associated with such affairs. Reality in this case was definitely more prosaic and complex than fantasy. Nevertheless, flights of fantasy abounded in sessions related to Mars exploration, future space transportation systems, innovative and visionary space system concepts etc. Fantasy, in this case also was built upon the solid edifice of mathematics, science and logic which made it too credible to be dismissed as science fiction. Another session which was also witness to packed houses and much animated discussions was the 50th International Colloquium on the Law of Outer Space. This session was witness to an earnest effort at examining the complexities of The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 (OST-67), its interpretation and misinterpretation, the challenges, the issues facing space power, politics, commercialization and privatization in space etc. China’s Anti-Satellite test also came up for discussion but was largely one-sided due to the absence of the Chinese in this session. A Chinese counter-view would have balanced the discussion and enabled one to arrive at a neutral judgment on the issue. However, in this session, the Chinese were conspicuous by their absence.
In addition to the sessions stated above, important events like the opening ceremony, highlight lectures by eminent personalities etc were broadcast live. Recorded coverage of the numerous exhibits of aerospace companies, their products etc were also broadcast through satellites later in the day. These live and recorded coverages were transmitted to more than 30,000 schools and colleges equipped with EDUSAT reception terminals validating the premise that purposeful utilization of outer space has tremendous reach and use for the masses. The icing on the cake (especially for students) was the interactive session with the former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam who enthralled audiences with his inimitable style. Most students also looked forward to interact with Sunita Williams, nevertheless, the heavy security bandobast around her played spoilsport for most.
The other outstanding aspect of the conference was the profile of the participants. Virtually every continent, nationality, race, age, sex and creed was present and participating in some event or the other. Students and scientists, government officials and space professionals, industrialists and businessmen all interacted and exchanged notes, views, ideas and contracts during the event. The congress provided a unique platform to discuss emerging issues, to plan new phases of development, and to enhance the value of application of space technology in improving the quality of life. The 58th IAC, hence also enabled a unique congregation of diverse stake holders with like-minded interests. More significantly, on account of the importance accorded to interaction of students with experienced space professionals, the gap between established professionals and future space leaders was also getting effectively bridged. The interactions provided students the right role models to emulate.
Overall, the congress provided an ideal opportunity to meet, exchange, learn, promote, celebrate successes, share lessons and experience and review activity over the years. The event was of special significance to India, in view of the major role space plays in its development. The ideas generated would need to be put into practice for the gains to be demonstratively manifest. The conference, by most professional accounts is the easier prologue; the back breaking sequel to make the ideas workable is to follow. Considering India’s high stakes in the entire affair, wishing it well in its future endeavours would be appropriate.