Tag Archives: World Space Week

50 years of Space Exploration

September 27, 2011 9:44 PM ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

The first human spaceflight took place on April 12, 1961, when cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin made one orbit around the Earth aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft, launched by the Soviet space program and designed by the rocket scientist Sergey Korolyov.As of 2010, human spaceflight missions have been conducted by the former Soviet Union/(Russia), the United States, the People's Republic of China and by the private spaceflightcompany Scaled Composites.Several other countries and space agencies have announced and begun human spaceflight programs by their own technology, including India (ISRO), Ecuador (EXA), Japan (JAXA),Iran (ISA) and Malaysia (MNSA).
Currently the following spacecraft and spaceports are used for launching human spaceflights:

  • Soyuz with Soyuz rocket—Baikonur Cosmodrome
  • Space Shuttle—Kennedy Space Center
  • International Space Station (ISS)—Assembled in orbit; crews transported by the previous two spacecraft
  • Shenzhou spacecraft with Long March rocket—Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center

Historically, the following spacecraft and spaceports have also been used for human spaceflight launches:

  • Vostok—Baikonur Cosmodrome
  • Mercury—Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
  • Voskhod—Baikonur Cosmodrome
  • X-15—Edwards Air Force Base,[4] (two internationally recognized suborbital flights in program)
  • Gemini—Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
  • Apollo—Kennedy Space Center (Apollo 7 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station)
  • Salyut space station—Baikonur Cosmodrome
  • Almaz space station—Baikonur Cosmodrome (Almaz was a series of military space stations under cover of the civilian name Salyut)
  • Skylab space station—Kennedy Space Center
  • Mir space station—Baikonur Cosmodrome
  • SpaceShipOne with White Knight—Mojave Spaceport

As you can see, international collaboration has been key to the success of humans in space. The theme for World Space Week 2011 is "50 Years of Human Spaceflight." The theme is selected to increase the impact of World Space Week on all humanity.  Further, by using a uniform theme globally, World Space Week demonstrates unprecedented global cooperation in space.  AASTRO will organise vivid activities on the occasion.Please do join us in celebrating these great accomplishments.

 

Posted in: AASTRO, Astronomy News, Events, Featured, Solar System, Space Agencies ⋅ Tagged: , ,

AASTRO Lecture@University College

October 12, 2010 7:54 PM ⋅ 1 Comment ⋅

On the backdrop of World Space Week, AASTRO conducted an Astronomy lecture on 8th October at department of Physics, University College, Thiruvananthapuram. The lecture was given by Shri.S. Rajashekar, who is a scientist from ISRO on the topic "Mysteries of the cosmos" which is the theme of present year's space week. It was a colourful presentation about the various wonders and mysteries in the universe that fire human imagination and inspire thrill. The function, presided over by AASTRO office bearer Shri. Vaisakhan Thampi,and was formally inaugurated by Dr. K. Madhosoodanan Pillai, Head of the Department of Physics, University College. Around 50 people including  teachers, undergraduate and post-graduate students in the department were present for the talk.

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AASTRO Observed World Space week

October 12, 2010 7:45 PM ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

As part of its World Space Week celebrations, AASTRO -Thiruvananthapuram chapter conducted a lecture series on 7th October for students and public. The program started at 3 pm at the seminar hall of Kerala State Science and Technology Museum, PMG, Thiruvananthapuram. The first lecture was presented by Dr. Thirtha Pratim Das, Scientist, VSSC about 'Discovery of H2O on Moon'. Dr. T. P. Das, with the aid of beautiful slides, lucidly presented the chronological development of the explorations that finally confirmed the presence of water on moon. The second lecture was presented by Prof. K. Pappootty, Director, State Institute of Encyclopedic Publications and President of AASTRO, about 'Astronomy and Astrology'. He briefly explained the difference between the purely scientific concepts of of Astronomy and the superstitious interpretations given to them. The lectures were followed by interactive sessions where the audience could clear their queries.

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WORLD SPACE WEEK 2010

October 5, 2010 7:42 PM ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

World Space Week is observed annually from October 4 to October 10 as announced by the United Nations General Assembly and has been considered as an International Celebration of Science and Technology. This day is observed for its contribution to the improvisation of the human condition. World Space Week is supported by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs with the assistance of World Space Week Association, an NGO.

Each year World Space Week commemorates this week with a mission to encourage, educate and commemorate space exploration across the world through various programs and events centered at a specific theme. For 2008 that theme was "Exploring the Universe", and for 2009 it was "Space for Education.".

The theme for World Space Week 2010 is "Mysteries of the Cosmos."

Throughout history, humans have looked to the heavens and wondered about the universe and our place within it.   Today, we are learning much about our universe but, with each answer comes more questions.   Not only do the questions deal with the nature of the galaxies and stars, but the nature of life itself.   This year World Space Week is a time to probe what we know, what it means, and what we have yet to learn about the mysteries of the cosmos.

World Space Week is a transnational observance of space science and the mileages enjoyed by the human race in terms of space-related technology. Objectives were encouraging public in space exploration, educating children, and promoting international coordination in space-related endeavors.The first World Space Week, held in 2000, was commemorated in 31 countries. The event has grown gradually with 54 countries participating in the year 2009. Participants come from every continent excluding Antarctica.

We have come a long way since the inception of human race, but we are still oblivious of the immense secrets and facts the space and astronomy holds in store for us, which will take years for us to explore.

Let’s celebrate and move a pace ahead towards the next level of development and our destination to explore even new aspects and facets of milky space in 2010, the New Year, which has already ushered in our lives with yet more hopes and with new enthusiasm.

v s / AASTRO

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