India: The 10th edition of SPIE Asia Pacific Remote Sensing Symposium kick started in Dwarka, New Delhi. The first day featured distinguished speakers and leaders, including A. S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman, ISRO; Upendra N. Singh, NASA Langley Research Ctr; Charles F. Bolden, Administrator, NASA; and Jean-Yves Le Gall, President, CNES.
Charles Bolden, Administrator, NASA, said, gatherings like this remind me that critically important task of studying our planet are global undertakings. Working together we can advance knowledge about our planet for all humanity.
He added, “We are suing instrumented airplanes as well as the ISS for studying our planet. ISS optimal platform from the standpoint of cost effectiveness. The things we are learning at other planets are informing the study of our own planet. More than 80 nations using ISS. I hope you all remain excited about turning science fiction into science fact and making the impossible possible.”
Delivering an address on the Next Steps in Space Observation—Vision for International Collaboration, Kiran Kumar, Chairman, ISRO, said, “Heads of all space agencies have confirmed our commitment to use of remote sensing tools for climate change initiatives.”
The four day event will feature various discussions and talks over a variety of topics including climate change and environmental issues. As many as seven to eight space agencies have gathered to participate in the event. This is the first time when space agencies have come together for sharing an idea under one roof.
According to Upendra Singh, NASA Langley Research Ctr, “All space agencies are funded by taxpayers and we owe them societal benefits to make life on Earth better. If all space agencies have the same vision, why can't we work together? One agency's challenge may be another's strength. Let's work together to go to the next frontier.”
Jean-Yves Le Gall, president of CNES said, “Our society is facing an unprecedented threat. Accelerating climate change threatens all of humankind as a species. Our economies and societies are at risk. For the first time ever we are depending on space asses for our survival. We need global and continuous monitoring. Space agencies cannot provide solutions to curb climate change. Out of 50 essential climate variables, 26 can be read only from space. Mexico declaration of Sep 2015 instilled a new sense of urgency. New Delhi declaration to be signed. I'm more than convinced that those who invest in space now will reap the rewards later in terms of market positioning.”
The symposium in itself is a historical event as such an event hasn't happened in India before.
Source: Our Correspondent
