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Volume 15, Number 1 January/February 2003
Space Technology for Developing Nations Conference
To help commemorate the Annual World Space Week celebration, a special conference
entitled “Space Technology for Developing Nations” was held on Friday,
4 October 2002 at New York University. This very comprehensive daylong space
conference was co-sponsored by the New York City Chapter of the National Space
Society, SpaceEquity.com, the NYU Graduate Science & Environmental Reporting
Program and the Space Transportation Association with active participation from
the United Nations (Ms. Amanda Moore, the official U.N. Representative for the
National Space Society was in attendance). Also in attendance among the approximately
25 people present at the conference were N.S.S. New York City Chapter President
Elaine Walker, Arthur Smith, president of the newly formed Long Island Space
Society and John Pazmino, former president of the New York Amateur Astron-omers’
Association and current Board member.
The conference consisted of five discussion panels debating a wide range of
various subjects and topics concerning the current state of worldwide space
technology. There were some lively spirited discussions during many of the debates,
which were followed up by a question-and-answer session with the audience. The
speakers on each discussion panel were very impressive and consisted of various
entrepreneurs, scholars, space advocates and authors. Among the many distinguished
speakers attending the conference were Taylor Dinerman, Founder of SpaceEquity.com,
Pat Bahn, Klaus Heiss, Ed Hudgins, Pascal Lee, Tom Olsen and Paul Contursi,
President of the Mars Society of New York.
The main subjects and topics discussed at this very comprehensive space conference
included Precision Global Positioning Satellite (G.P.S.), Agriculture &
Space Solar Power, Space Law & Remote Sensing, Distance Learning, Planetary
Explora-tion by Developing Nations, Telecom-munications & the Digital Divide
& Space Technology and the Future of Humanity as a Whole.
The conference officially opened with an introduction by Taylor Dinerman briefly
explaining and outlining the various subjects and topics that would be discussed
and debated by each panel. The first panel discussion centered on how political
and religious barriers in various third world and underdeveloped countries can
be overcome to provide farmers with state-of-the-art G.P.S. (Global Positioning
Satellite) agriculture technology through a coordinated central agency. The
numerous principles of Space Law & Remote Sensing were debated. The future
use of various helioelectric satellites to harness and convert solar energy
to electricity, suborbital espionage rockets and sophisticated spy satellites
was extensively discussed.
Perhaps the most lively and spirited debate of the conference was the discussion
regarding Space Technology & the Future of Humanity as a Whole. The history
and motivation of the U. S. Space Exploration Program was examined in detail.
The feasibility of somehow getting developing countries involved with the human
exploration of Mars and establishing a permanent presence in space was also
discussed and debated.
The conference concluded with some closing remarks from the distinguished speakers,
who were then invited to attend a special reception at the nearby Miracle Grille.
For addidional information contact Gene Cervone at (718) 272-4438 adastracervone@mindspring.com
cervonef@ujafedny.org.