February 2007
President's Report
The year has only just started, but the NSSA has started with full engines!
The Board of Directors met together recently for a very positive and uplifting meeting. There is a real atmosphere of moving forward in bigger and better ways. We are working on building the capacity of the team and providing leadership avenues. This, more than ever, is the best time to get involved!
The last 3 months have been actioned packed with the focus being on education. Pioneer Award recipient, Dr Jeanette Rothapfel hosted the NSW School of Space Science. As Principal of the School, Jeanette did a wonderful job. Thanks are extended to the NSSA volunteers who helped out as staff and presenters the students (and I) had a great time!
This was also the first year that an American based competition had a heats competition as the Australian Space Design Competition. Mark Shaw and his management team brought together a high profile design competition whereby teams of approximately 20 high school students designed a space ship settlement under challenging guidelines. The teams worked hard over the two days and amazed us with intricate details of their settlements. The NSSA and Engineers Australia will be working with the management committee to expand the competition from Queensland into the other States and Territories.
There have been other exciting activities, including Virgin Galactic presentation, awards dinner, public presentations, workshop and bbq’s! We are hard on the organisation for the next Australian Space Science Conference and will be working on a business plan for the Australian Space Development Conference. More information to come soon!
We welcome the newest and youngest member of the NSSA community Daniel McEgan who was born on 24 January 2007. Family are doing well and we understand that former President of the NSSA, Tim has a smile you can see from the moon!
Lastly, but importantly, the NSSA would like to recognise and thank Natalie Gardner for her work putting together eSFN. The service and commitment is truly valued!
Ad
Astra!
Anny
Joseph
President NSSA
In this months issue:
Readers Request
If there is a topic that you'd like to read about in the next issue of eSFN or your chapter would like to be featured just let us know. Email your Readers Requests to: eSFN@nssa.com.au
Russia And Europe Discuss Developing New Manned Spacecraft
Daniel Sacotte, director of human space flight at ESA said the goal was to develop a vehicle capable of crew transfers to the International Space Station (ISS), as well as later participating in a US-planned lunar exploration program. ESA is discussing the project with the Russians, as well as possible Japanese participants. The vehicle would be based on an updated version of the Russian Soyuz, and could be ready for its first flight by 2010 and launched by the Russian Soyuz-2 rocket, In-depth study of the project is underway with the goal of presenting a concrete proposal at an ESA ministerial meeting in the end of 2008, Sacotte said.
ESA's main launch facility in French Guiana near the town of Kourou (pictured)
NSW School of Space Science
A three to four day weekend residential space science school held on the grounds of University of Newcastle, 18th Sunday 21st January 2007. Students are mainly from Years 9 and 10, and are chosen from schools from all over New South Wales.
Guest Speakers included:
Activities included:
This month's Board Member Profile: Anntonette Joseph - President and Financial Controller
I am excited to be the President of the NSSA. In addition to being the President, I will continue on as the Financial Controller of the NSSA. I have been financial controller for the past 2 years and I am happy to continue.
I am presently completing my final year studies in Environmental Engineering. For the past four years I have been employed by the NSW Government working on water related projects. Currently I am assessing applications for funding of water saving projects. There is a water shortage on Earth - and most certainly out there in the solar system!
I joined as a high school student after a Board member of the NSSA inspired me. After the NSSA assisted me in attending space camp, I became more involved - hopefully I can do the same to others! But I have always been excited by space, through primary school and high school.
The wonderful group of friends who support and encourage my dreams - not to mention the exciting conversations we have on space related topics. Its amazing to hear space stories from different people - things I never knew!
The vision for the NSSA is people living and working in space! I love the idea of people being intimately involved - the reality of everyday people working in space is not that far off. I know that my generation will see that day come!
In terms of the NSSA, I see us engaging with the broader community (business, industry, research) in the spirit of advocacy to raise awareness and promote the concept of people in space.
How to start an NSSA Chapter
Have you got a group of friends that enjoy discussing space? Would you like to do it regularly and get recognised for your efforts? Well here is your chance! Start a new NSSA Chapter today, it's this easy:
1. Identify which of your friends enjoy chatting about space issues
2. Suggest that a group of you get together one time to talk about space eg. at a cafe
3. If it goes well then suggest you do it regularly eg. once a month
4. Once you have 5 people who are NSSA members let NSSA know and request recognition as a chapter.
5. Ask NSSA for the contact details of other members in your area.
6. Find a regular venue to meet eg. Uni tutorial room or a community centre
7. Appoint a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer (although these do not need to be three separate people).
8. Each chapter receives a share of the membership fees paid by their members who join or renew each year.
9. Arrange a guest speaker eg. A local university lecturer
10. Organise a public outreach event eg. Have a stand at a public event such as National Science Week
11. NSSA can tell you when people of note will be in your area and help you invite them to your meeting as a speaker eg. Andy Thomas is occasionally in Adelaide.
12. Inform the Board of your activities if you are doing something exciting.
13. Have the chance to stand for election to the Board as your Chapters representative.
Tips on how you can be more involved with the NSSA
Ad Astra Magazine Some
of our members receive the magazine AD ASTRA by subscription. There has been
problems with distribution in 2006. However, we pleased to note that the
WINTER 2006 issue arrived recently. Please contact us if you
are still have received the latest magazine yet.