From International Astronautical Federation

Global Lunar Conference Opening Ceremony

On 31 May, the opening ceremony of the Global Lunar Conference took place with about 450 delegates from 26 nations. The formal proceedings were launched by Mr Wu Yangsheng, Vice-President of the Chinese Society of Astronautics (CSA), General Manager of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and Vice President of the International Astronautical Federation. The two-hour ceremony was held with the participation of Mr Chen Qiufa, Vice Minister for Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), Prof. Dr Berndt Feuerbacher, President of the International Astronautical Federation, Mr Ma Xingrui, President of CASC, Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of ESA, David Kendall, Director General of Science, Exploration and Technology at the Canadian Space Agency, an important delegation of key decision makers from the Chinese space programme and others from US, Russia and Europe.

Vice Minister Chen Qiufa stressed that “there is a lot to be done in cooperation”, underlining the fast evolution of the Chinese space programme and its ambitious lunar programme. He added that China is willing to join international cooperation, sharing technologies and research results with other countries, while independently developing its own technology.

Prof. Dr Berndt Feuerbacher insisted on the fact that international cooperation amongst nations is a must for future exploration programmes. “IAF and CSA have worked hand in hand to prepare this important meeting” said the IAF President mentioning the large attendance from Chinese experts in the conference and the 350 technical presentations which will be addressed in more than 30 sessions over the coming three days.

Joining forces with the IAF, the International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG) is holding its 11th meeting and according to its Executive Director, Prof. Bernard Foing: “this unique opportunity should make history”. In the ILEWG tradition, the conference should conclude on Wednesday with recommendations and clear actions prepared by the International Programme Committee and shared with all delegates at the closing ceremony.

In his keynote speech, Jean-Jacques Dordain called for a speedy discussion to debate the support of human versus robotic exploration and also the rival destinations of the Moon and Mars. He said that these are complementary routes which should go together.

The major differences between a human and robotic approach is the visibility. “A Head of State prefers to shake hands to a human rather than a robot” he said. Astronauts have always fascinated people. They are more visible but human spaceflight is more costly.

Robots are an essential technology for science and exploration - funding should not be taken from one to the other.

Moon versus Mars is a question of timing and budget. He concluded in saying that the approach, taking one step at a time, should be a mix of a race and cooperation.

Dordain said international cooperation on space exploration has been progressing slowly. To achieve more, the partnership needs to be expanded.

He said that the existing partners of the International Space Station who are currently forming the best example of international cooperation should welcome new countries such as China, India and Korea, with the consent of all partners and agreement on mutual benefits.

In the concluding keynote speech, Mr Yu Dengyun, Vice Director of the Commission of Science Technology of CASC reported on the development of the China Lunar Exploration Programme (CLEP). Reaping the fruits from the successful experience from Chang’e 1 launched in October 2007, CLEP is planning to launch 3 additional lunar missions starting this year to prepare for a soft landing on the Moon. Then the programme will develop the Mars Orbiter Yinhuo-1 in 2011 until the programme reaches its third step by 2030 with manned moon missions, a Mars landing and sample return as well as missions beyond Jupiter.

Credit: CCTV

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