European Space Agency to host second edition of ‘Space for Inspiration’ from 29–31 October, Bilbao, Spain

PARIS, 16-Oct-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — Media are invited to the second edition of ‘Space for Inspiration’, an international conference organised by the European Space Agency for everyone curious about space exploration and why it matters. The event takes place in Bilbao, Spain, 29–31 October, and focuses on how space can be a powerful instrument for positive change and new businesses on planet Earth. This year’s theme ­is ‘Living in our Universe’.

The two-day conference will be packed with thought-provoking talks, ground-breaking research and interactive experiences. A vibrant speaker line-up will bring together tech-industry visionaries, policy makers and investors. Ideas to boost space exploration range from artificial intelligence and smart materials to virtual reality and automation.

“Europe is ready to inspire and bring more business into orbit. We are opening the door to bold companies and research communities to join a new space exploration era,” says David Parker, ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration.

Participants will learn about the emerging market for commercial applications not far from Earth and how to improve their company performance in times of change.

From lunar business to exploring life in the Universe, media can learn about how space exploration brings benefits to our planet.

During the event the winners of the Space Exploration Masters competition will be announced. The competition encourages ideas to solve some of the space industry’s main challenges and the best products and services with commercial potential.

Start-ups, entrepreneurs, and research teams have tackled the challenges in human and robotic missions, resources, space tourism and more. This year’s competition partnered with the United Nations World Health Organization to target health and food.

Programme highlights

The event combines plenary sessions with interactive workshops and inspirational talks.

Monday, 29 October
18:00 Registration opens

19:00 Opening of exhibition “Space Avenues”

19:30 Opening talk by ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli. “Stories from space: an astronaut’s view”

Tuesday, 30 October
09:00-18:00 Business opportunities day: ‘Designathon’ children’s competition – Best Space Inventor

18:15 Space Exploration Masters – Awards ceremony

20:00 Dine and discuss

Wednesday, 31 October
09:00-17:15 Innovation and technology day

More on Space for Inspiration

The full programme and a list of speakers is available at http://space4inspiration.esa.int/

Location
Space for Inspiration will be held at the Euskalduna conference centre in Bilbao, Spain. Address: Abandoibarra Avenue 4, 48011.

Paolo Nespoli’s opening talk will take place at the University of the Basque Country. Address: Abandoibarra Avenue 3, 48009, Bizkaia Aretoa, Mitxelena auditorium.

Media accreditation

Media representatives with press or social media credentials are invited to register for all the sessions and social events throughout the conference at https://atpi.eventsair.com/space-for-inspiration/press-registration

If you wish to attend the pre-conference event at the University of the Basque Country with ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli, please register at https://www.ehu.eus/es/komunikazio-bulegoa/harremanetarako

Media contacts

For further information and interview requests please contact:

ESA/ESAC Communication Office, Spain

Tel: +34 91 81 31 359

Email: comunicacionesac@esa.int

About the European Space Agency

The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe’s gateway to space.

ESA is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.

ESA has 22 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Slovenia is an Associate Member.

ESA has established formal cooperation with six Member States of the EU. Canada takes part in some ESA programmes under a Cooperation Agreement.

By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, ESA can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. It is working in particular with the EU on implementing the Galileo and Copernicus programmes as well as with Eumetsat for the development of meteorological missions.

ESA develops the launchers, spacecraft and ground facilities needed to keep Europe at the forefront of global space activities.

Today, it develops and launches satellites for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications and astronomy, sends probes to the far reaches of the Solar System and cooperates in the human exploration of space. ESA also has a strong applications programme developing services in Earth observation, navigation and telecommunications.

Learn more about ESA at www.esa.int

For further information, please contact:
ESA Media Relations Office
Email: media@esa.int
Tel: +33 1 53 69 72 99

SOURCE: European Space Agency