2011 Space Generation Congress

The Space Generation Congress (SGC) is SGAC's annual conference that brings together top young minds from around the world to focus on key space topics. The Congress takes place in conjunction with the International Astronautical Congress. This year, Secure World Foundation is partnering a session with SGAC entitled "Integrating Space Technology into Society: Overcoming Societal, Political, Economic, and Logistical Roadblocks."

Participants:

Attendance for SGC is competitive and limited to 100 or fewer. SGAC aims to select a diverse group of dedicated university students and young professionals in the space sector. SGC 2010 had 101 attendees from 40 different countries, with delegates representing organisations that included: NASA, ESA, KAIST, Lockheed Martin, X Prize Foundation, Stanford University, Beihang University, and Leiden University's Institute of International Air and Space Law.

Aims:

The aim of the SGC is threefold:

First, to strengthen the international network of the Space Generation Advisory Council. From the perspective of the individual delegate, many of whom come from developing countries, it is a chance to interact and engage with the incoming generation of space policy professionals from all over the world. From the perspective of the Space Generation Advisory Council, it allows us to consolidate our international links in order to best represent and facilitate the voice of the next space generation.

Second, to examine and consider key questions facing the space and international community (at large) and to provide input  from the next generation of space professionals.

Third, to allow tomorrow's space sector leaders to grow their network and to also have the opportunity to interact with today's space leaders.

Sessions:

• Working group sessions are a key part of the Congress.  Each delegate is assigned to one of five groups.
• The groups in the break-out sessions discuss a pertinent space topic in one of the five themes: Industry, Agency, Society, Exploration, and Outreach.  The preliminary conclusions of each group are presented to the rest of the delegates on the last afternoon of SGC and the final conclusions are written into reports that are presented at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS), and other conferences around the world in the year following the Congress.
• This year the Secure World Foundation, in partnership with SGAC,  will lead the Society session of the Congress entitled "Integrating Space Technology into Society: Overcoming Societal, Political, Economic, and Logistical Roadblocks."

• Watch Dr. Ray Williamson as he  addresses the congress as a Spot Light Society Session Speaker
• Read Dr. Williamson's  presentation now.

For more information click here.