The Final Frontier. . . Space Conference Comes to Capital
AROUND 100 astronauts and cosmonauts, including the first man to walk in space, will touch down in Scotland today.
The 20th Annual Planetary Congress takes place in Edinburgh this week, and features dozens of space explorers and experts from across the world.
The week-long gathering, which starts today and is organised by the Association of Space Explorers, brings together around 300 people todebate space exploration and education.
It is the first time the congress has been held in Britain. Among the explorers dropping in are US astronaut John Fabian and former Russian cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, who became the first man to walk in space in 1965.
Leonov went on to serve as the Soviet Union’s chief cosmonaut between 1976 and 1982.
He and several other delegates will join Jim Mather, the Enterprise Minister, at a reception today.
The congress is being hosted by Careers Scotland, and it is hoped the event will inspire young people to get involved in science. Teams of astronauts and scientists are to visit every local education area in the country this week to speak to schools about their experiences.
Acting director of Careers Scotland, Danny Logue said: “We are delighted to welcome the Association of Space Explorers to Scotland and hope their visit will be a worthwhile experience both for fliers themselves and for the pupils who will have a chance to meet them.
“Science and technology are key to the success of Scotland’s economy and it is vital that we encourage Scottish youngsters to consider careers in these areas.”
This year is the 50th anniversary of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, being sent into space. To mark the anniversary, the theme of this year’s congress is “Fifty years in space . . . launching into the future.”
Mr Fabian said: “This will be the first time we have come to Britain for our congress and are looking forward to visiting Edinburgh.
“One of our aims is to promote the study of science and we hope that meeting some of our members will inspire young people in Scotland to consider science and technology for study and as a career.”
Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.
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