Paris, 24 Feb 2003
Students interested in space science and technology might like to check out ESA's education site to see what activities are new or ongoing in 2003.
One of the valuable opportunities for students is the chance to take part in the 2003 annual congress of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). Last year, under its Student Participation Programme, ESA sponsored 220 students to take part in the IAF Congress held in Houston, Texas.
This year's venue is in Bremen, Germany and ESA will sponsor 400 students. Those selected will be able to present their own papers, hear about the most up-to-date developments and meet some of the top researchers in their field. They will also be able to meet up with their peers from across the world, as students from Canada, Japan and the USA will also be present at the Congress.
Students who are new to this programme have until 30 April to register while students who have already participated have until 21 February. More information and application forms are available on Student Participation Programme site.
There is also still time to participate in ESA's Student Space Exploration and Technology Initiative (SSETI). SSETI's main objective is to create a network on the internet of students, educational institutions and organisations to work together on the design, construction and launch of micro satellites.
Since SSETI began in October 2000, 20 universities from all over Europe have taken part.. The European Student Earth Orbiter, or ESEO as the first micro satellite is called, is currently in phase B development and is expected to be launched by the end of 2004 by a European Ariane-5 launcher. Students and universites interested in taking part should check the SSETI site.
These are just some of the ESA initiatives for students that will be taking place in 2003, to learn more about these and other activities check ESA's Education and Outreach site. If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to education@esa.int.
European Space Agency
http://www.esa.int/export/esaCP/index.ht ml