ESA at the '50 Years of Space Achievement' exhibition in Vienna
2007 marks two memorable events in the history of space: the 50th anniversary of the Sputnik-1 launch, the world's first artificial satellite, and the 40th anniversary of the Outer Space Treaty. In celebration of these historic events and of its 50th anniversary, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) held its 50th session at the International Centre Vienna (VIC), Austria, from 6 to 15 June.
A number of special events were organised: a High-level Panel on Space Exploration Activities, a Photo-exhibition on the "United Nations and Outer Space", a Symposium on Space and Water and video documentaries on the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space. The session of the Committee also coincided with the opening of a multinational exhibition entitled “50 years of Space Achievements”, where 30 States and international organizations were present. The multinational exhibition, held for the entire month of June in the UN building at the Vienna International Centre, can be viewed as part of a guided tour.
ESA had a dedicated area where its achievements in space activities were exhibited. The main ESA programmes and activities were covered: from Earth observation to the exploration of other planets; from Galileo, the first European satellite navigation programme to the advanced research in telecommunications; from Europe’s contribution to the International Space Station to astronauts performing experiments in microgravity conditions.
Displays on future activities included the Cosmic Vision programme and the long-term exploration programme. ESA showed models of the European launchers Ariane 5 and Vega and the Russian-built Soyuz, which will be launched from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana.
Visitors were also able to explore ESA's Huygens probe, which landed on Titan in 2005. The descent on Saturn's largest moon is the most distant robotic mission ever attempted in the Solar System.
The presence of ESA at the “50 Years of Space Achievement” exhibition is the result of a long collaboration. The Agency is the main contributor to the United Nations Programme on Space Applications, the purpose of which is to improve the use of space science and technology for the economic and social development of all nations, in particular of developing countries . ESA also participates actively in the work of COPUOS, the international forum for the development of international space law.
For more information, please contact:
Maria Menendez
Head of the Exhibition Office
+33 1 5369 7167
or
Marie-Elisabeth De Vel
International Relations
+33 1 5369 7731