(LEAD) S. Korea hosts global space conference

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details from para 7)
By Lee Joon-seung
DAEJEON, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- An annual international space congress kicked off in
South Korea on Monday, aiming to promote sustainable growth and peaceful use of
space, organizers said.

The five-day International Astronautical Congress (IAC) opened in Daejeon 164km
south of Seoul, bringing together a record 3,000 scientists, businessmen and
government policymakers from 72 countries, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute
(KARI) and Daejeon city said.
Experts will take part in highlight lectures outlining space exploration and
various technical sessions that will help plot a course for the future of space
development, they said.
Over 1,500 papers covering 160 separate sessions are planned to be announced
during the week.
A young professional program and so-called late breaking news events that can
help gauge the latest development trends in the field will also be held, with
experts to focus on the potential role of astronautical sciences to deal with
global climate change.
Reflecting the growing importance of space development, Berndt Feuerbacher, head
of the International Aeronautical Federation -- which oversees the IAC -- claimed
that despite recent economic difficulties, space-related industries have proven
their potential to grow and contribute to sustainable growth.
He stressed that with the advent of global climate change, that can only be
resolved through international cooperation, space science has taken on greater
importance.
Scientists are making extensive use of satellites to check the levels of carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Others like KARI head Lee Joo-jin proposed the establishment of a "Asia-Pacific
regional group" that can facilitate coordination and bolster space technologies.
The proposal is expected to be included in the so-called Daejeon declaration on
Friday that will call for a group of Asian, Pacific rim countries to exchange
data and information on space development and technologies.
Such network building can be linked to similar efforts underway in Latin America
and Africa.
Organizers, meanwhile, said senior officials from such organizations as the U.S.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, European Space Agency, Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Chinese National Space Administration are to
be present.
To facilitate wider participation, Daejeon, in addition, organized the first ever
"space festival" on the sidelines of the IAC, involving a large number of private
companies showcasing advances in aerospace areas and commercial use of space.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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