So much to see, learn and absorb at this year’s Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference (IPSEC), alongside the 30th Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) and The Andy Thomas Space Foundation Education Forum.
Eleanor Ingram, National Committee Member, ASDA shares her observations from IPSEC and the joint exhibition.
One of the themes that emerged for me was a call out to industry to consider the legacy being created right now and does this enable the future we want to see?
Pictured left: Reprenting ASDA as Community Partners at IPSEC, Anny Dailey, Erin Madden, Eleanor Ingram and Larry James. Right: Anny and Katie presenting at APRSAF
We were all honoured to be welcomed onto Wadjak Noongar country, by Ballardong and Noongar man, Professor, Chris Lawrence, Department of Human Centred Computing, Dean of Indigenous Engagement, Faculty of IT – Monash University and founder of the National Indigenous Space Academy. This program is creating real opportunities and pathways for young Indigenous people not only to participate in the space industry, but demonstrating impactful inclusive leadership.
Dr Shawna Pandya, Canadian female commercial astronaut; Physician & Director at the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences Space Medicine Group, joined Australia’s first Astronaut, Katerine Bennell-Pegg on a panel discussion where the two discussed how their work utilises a virtuous innovation cycle. For Katherine it is inspiring young people from remote Indigenous communities into STEM careers. For Dr Pandya it is using the tech developed in space for managing the health of Astronauts and looking at how this can help populations back on Earth that may not have access to immediate healthcare.
Roger Hunter - Program Manager, Small Spacecraft Technology Program – NASA Ames Research Center, spoke directly to students in attendance, sharing a reflection on how an uncertain, tumultuous and conflict riddled past shaped the political space race. His advice – we need the next generation to help build a future that challenges ignorance and apathy. ASDA Committee member, Larry James, added to this perspective, that a way through is beyond political parties, and instead enable partnerships and unilateral support.
It was wonderful to see collaboration in the space community and ASDA Committee members spent time connecting and engaging with many conference attendees, where we discussed and explored diversity, inclusion in the industry, and the opportunities available to them.
Dr Ekaterina Kostioukhina, medical practitioner, cybersecurity expert, and author of Cyberpsychology—shared an inspiring quote from Louis Pasteur: "Chance favours the prepared mind."
This raises a thought-provoking challenge for the rapidly growing space sector: how prepared are we to seize this moment to shape our collective space future? Can we build a legacy that not only embraces Earth’s rich diversity but also ensures it thrives?
We certainly hope so. Reach out to the team at ASDA if you need support.
Pictured left: Representing Australia at APRSAF, Erin Madden, Anny Dailey and Katie Mouser. Right: On stage at IPSEC Anny Dailey and Erin Madden for Engineers Australia National Committee on Space Engineering.
A day at the 30th APRSAF
Katie Mouser and Anntonette Dailey spoke at the APRSAF Working Group ‘Space Education for All’, sharing the mission and purpose of the Australian Space Diversity Alliance (ASDA). During their presentation, they highlighted current statistics on women’s participation in the space sector, referencing data from the aviation and STEM fields to underscore the importance of ASDA's efforts.
The low representation of women was discussed as a reflection of broader challenges faced by other diverse groups in the industry. Katie also showcased the contributions of co-founder Elise Stephenson, including insights from the Landmark Study on Gender Equality in the Space Sector.
The presentation sparked lively engagement, with questions and comments from the audience, including representatives from the UK Space Agency.
Comentarios