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50% of you think that the South African Government has the potential to make the biggest impact on reducing carbon emissions in South Africa; |
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8% opted for the technology sector; and |
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42% opted for private industry. |
Shuttle Discovery landed for the last time at Florida’s Kennedy Space Centre on 9 March 2011. Discovery has completed 39 space voyages (its first being on 30 August 1984), has spent a total of 365 days in space and travelled more than 238 million kilometres during it’s lifetime.
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With space scientists and astronauts from all over the globe convening in Cape Town in October, South African learners, educators, students and the public will have a wonderful opportunity to make valuable connections with professionals in the space science field, as well as their peers who have similar interests. |
All of the space agencies on our blue planet will be represented when astronauts and space scientists from all over the world convene in South Africa this year from 3 to 7 October for the 62nd International Astronautical Congress (IAC).
SAASTA has the task of creating space science awareness among learners and the public during the conference. Together with the aid of funding from the Department of Science and Technology, rocketry, career profiling, astronomy and satellite applications will be highlighted to make people aware of the benefits of space science to all.
Activities that have been confirmed for the Congress:- A Student Zone where 400 Grade 8 learners from the Western Cape will be informed and entertained on the wonders of space science, hosted by NASA.
- A rocketry competition for Grade 6 learners, hosted by the German Space Agency.
- A Professional Development Programme for Primary School Educators that will entail a two-day workshop with 40 educators, on 30 September and 1 October.
- A theatre production hosted by UNESCO and NASA.
- A space art competition.
- A Citizen’s Day.
More details will be provided in the next issue of getS.E.T.Go!
Grants to plan and execute space science activities during this time have been awarded to:- Hermanus Magnetic Observatory (Overberg),
- South African Astronomical Observatory (Southern Suburbs and Sutherland),
- iThemba LABS (Faure, Northern Suburbs),
- Iziko Museum (West Coast),
- Accelor Mital (Saldanha), and
- Cape Town Science Centre.
The International Astronautical Federation (IAF), an international non-governmental and non-profit organisation, is responsible for the IAC. The Federation encourages the advancement of knowledge about space and the development and application of space assets for the benefit of humanity. It plays an important role in disseminating information, and in providing a significant worldwide network of experts in the development and utilisation of space. Members of the IAF include space agencies, space companies, societies, associations and institutes.
For more information on the space science awareness activities during the IAC contact Lorenzo Raynard, SAASTA, at lorenzo@saasta.ac.za.