Int'l Astronautical Congress opens in S Korea

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(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-12 17:05

SEOUL: The 60th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) opened in South Korean central city of Daejeon on Monday, attracting around 3,000 space scientists, heads of leading space agencies, astronauts and businessmen from 72 countries.

With the theme of "Sustainable growth and peaceful use of space", the five-day congress will focus on different topics including international cooperation, climate change, space exploration, space technology development and the peaceful use of the space. A total of 1,585 papers covering 160 separate sessions are planned to be announced during the congress, according to the organizers.

While addressing the opening ceremony, Berndt Feuerbacher, head of the International Aeronautical Federation, said that although the global economy suffered difficulties recently, space-related industries have shown their potential for growth and contribute to the sustainable growth of the world economy.

As climate change has attracted the global attention, the international community must work together, and the space technology will play an important role in this regard, he added.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak also made a speech at the ceremony, calling on the countries of the world to strengthen cooperation to develop space technology.

The president said space technology is already being applied in various areas of people's daily lives, and is seen as the growth engine that will open the future of the mankind. The international community must enhance collaboration and exchanges, and also share their individual research outcome, he added.

During the congress, the head of Korea Aerospace Research Institute Lee Joo-jin will propose to set up a "Asia-Pacific regional group" in a bid to coordinate cooperation and boost the development of space technology.

An exhibition will also be held during the congress to display lunar modules and probes, moon rocks, rockets, and goods produced by 145 domestic and overseas aerospace-related companies including the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS).

On Friday, the congress will issue a Daejeon Declaration that will call on countries of Asia-Pacific region to exchange and share information about space development and technologies.