Highlights from the 74th International Astronautical Congress 2023

This year Azerbaijan took centre stage to host the 74th International Astronautical Congress 2023 (IAC) in its capital city, Baku, hosted by Azercosmos, Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The theme of IAC 2023 titled “Global Challenges and Opportunities: Give Space a Chance,” encouraging strong collaborations and prospects between a diverse international audience. To kick off the Congress on October 2nd the opening ceremony welcomed attendees to the five-day event.

The IAC is one of the largest annual space conferences, gathering representatives from industry, space agencies, international organisations, academia and non-space sectors from around the world. Except for the Technical Sessions, where the three papers were presented by dotSPACE, it hosts several plenary events with high-level speakers, special sessions addressing topics of general and specific interest, and the IAF Global Networking Forum presenting recent advancements in various aspects of the space sector. IAC 2024 will take place from 14 to 18 October in Milan, Italy.

The dotSPACE Foundation presented three papers around current exciting projects and activities. Discover the highlights of dotSPACE at the IAC 2023 and the presentation of the following three papers, authored by team members Tessa Buckley,  Linda van Duivenbode and Kacia Rutkouskajya.

Saving Lives by Integrating Space-Based Solutions IAC-23-B5.2.1

Ms. T Buckley, Mr. J Yao, Dr. S Peters, Dr. G Kazanjian, Mr. R Blankert, Mr. C Wever

Nature FIRST: Forensic Intelligence and Remote Sensing for Nature Conservation IAC-23-B1.5.12

Ms. Linda van Duivenbode, Ms. Tessa Buckley,  Mr. Cristian-Remus Papp, Mr. Boris Hinojo, Mr. Jan Kees Schakel

From Space to Earth: Bridging the Space-Non-Space Gap Through Raising Awareness and Mutual Understanding IAC-23-E1.IPB.9

Ms. K. Rutkouskaja, Ms. T Buckley, Mr. J. Krüse

Saving Lives by Integrating Space-Based Solutions

The ‘Integrated Applications End-to-End Solutions’ session (B.5.2.1) of the IAF Symposium on Integrated Applications offers a platform to present case studies, proof-of-concept applications and new projects focusing on innovation and sustainable solutions. These solutions combine space and non-space tools, data and markets to address specific user requirements. 

Saving Lives by Integrating Space-Based Solutions focused on the MUI-SAT project, a current project led by Water Insight and dotSPACE. The project is financed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency RVO and has successfully integrated remote sensing tools with coastal user needs in Phase 1 – feasibility study. The MUI-SAT project aims to provide a user-focussed tool to mitigate the impacts of rip currents at the coast by developing a predictive risk map for primarily rescue organisations, as well as many other end-users, using space data. These maps are derived from satellite images using artificial intelligence and show where there is a potential risk of rip currents. In addition to close collaboration with coastal users in the Netherlands, the European Commission-funded Iliad Digital Twin of the Ocean project was integrated for market research. Resultantly, mapping rip currents proved to be a useful tool for more than just swimmers in the water!

More can be found about MUI-SAT here. 

Nature FIRST: Forensic Intelligence and Remote Sensing for Nature Conservation

This paper formed part of  the IAF Earth Observation Symposium and the session ‘Earth Observation Societal and Economic Applications, Challenges and Benefits Session (B.1.5.12)’. As described by Co-Chairs Dr. Masami Onoda, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Dr. Na Yao, Qian Xuesen Laboratory of Space Technology, China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), this popular forum receives large interest, attracting many audience members and a competitive selection. This session focuses on the use of Earth Observation data to deliver information, applications and services for meeting sustainable development challenges, addressing socio-economic benefits and delivering commercial applications. 

The European Commission-funded project Nature FIRST was in the spotlight, receiving great interest from the audience. Nature FIRST is developing preventive capabilities for nature conservation by combining ecology sciences and environmental forensics with environmental observations (satellite-based and on-site). The paper and presentation focused on the Earth Observation tools provided by Nature FIRST including ecosystem basemaps and monitoring ecosystems for habitat and species risk mapping as well as digital twin technologies. These Earth Observation tools can be explored on the Nature FIRST website and via the news and blog page. 

From Space to Earth: Bridging the Space-Non-Space Gap Through Raising Awareness and Mutual Understanding

This paper was presented as an interactive presentation  in the IAF Space Education and Outreach Symposium (E1.IPB.9). The paper and presentation, which focuses on bridging the divide between space and non-space activities through raising awareness and developing a mutual understanding, was successfully shortlisted for the 2023 Interactive Presentations Competition. 480 IP presentations were received by the IAF, and this one by dotSPACE Consultant Marketing & PR Kacia Rutkoŭskaja was shortlisted within the top 68 presentations. 

The presentation demonstrates the landscape of space technologies and their potential for non-space industries by also introducing space technologies of non-space. With themes of technology brokering and technology transfer, the overarching theme of communication is key is underscored by the importance of audience-specific communication and showcases a practical public relations model: Promise – Process Demonstration – Result Demonstration – Result Support. In essence, we must communicate the story of the future, space exploration, in clear, truthful, and inspiring language. While the upstream and the downstream space sectors differ, tailoring proven PR strategies from the former can bridge the gap, fostering collaboration and innovation across sectors. The paper elaborates on public relations strategies and media tools for the downstream sector, the use of internet marketing tools and how Groundstation.Space has practically implemented these strategies.

To learn how Groundstation.Space has used these strategies and test it on our institution, feel free to reach out to Kacia at kacia.rutkouskaja@groundstation.space.

Like what you see?

dotSPACE welcomes you to ask questions, support and get involved with the  MUI-SAT and Nature FIRST projects, as well as for developing communication and public relation strategies. Get in touch with us to find out more and explore our projects at info@groundstation.space.