The latest destination for the European Space Expo (ESE) was Dublin. This spectacular exhibition made its most recent landing between 4 and 9 June in the centre of the Irish capital at the Trinity College Dublin. The ESE has been a massive hit across Europe and Dublin was no exception with plenty of activities for all ages during its week in the Emerald Isle.
The European Space Expo was formally opened on 4 June in Dublin by Irish Minister for Research and Innovation Seán Sherlock. Speaking to an audience of local school students and the Irish media Minister Sherlock highlighted: "the ability of space to inspire the next generation to study science and technology subjects."
"If we are to meet the rising demand for suitably qualified scientists and engineers to work in Europe's growing space industry more students must be encouraged and facilitated to study these subjects. They can then take advantage of the many rewarding career opportunities that exist in all aspects of the global space economy," he continued.
Following the opening ceremony Minister Sherlock spent time talking with the students and enjoying the exhibits.
Dean of Research Professor Vinny Cahill welcomed the European Space Expo to Trinity College saying: "We are delighted to host this exciting space exhibition. It is a celebration of innovation and exploration that will inspire and stimulate all age groups. It also provides Ireland with a wonderful platform to showcase some of its own exciting research in space."
Emerald isle
The opening ceremony was introduced by the Professor Peter Gallagher a solar physicist at the Trinity College Dublin and the main local partner of the Space Expo in Dublin.
For the European Commission, which is financing the exhibition, Mr Antti Peltomäki, Deputy Director-General of DG Enterprise and Industry thanked Trinity College Dublin and the Irish Government for hosting the Expo. He pointed out that images from space showed that Ireland truly was the 'Emerald Isle'.
"The European Space Expo shows how Europe's investments in programmes such as Galileo and Copernicus can bring benefits for all citizens today and also inspire the next generation for tomorrow," he stated.
A recent visitor to space completed the opening ceremony in Dublin. Commander Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency closed the session with a video contribution. Chris recently returned to Earth after a five-month stint as commander of the International Space Station (ISS). The first Canadian Commander of the ISS famously sang David Bowie's Space Oddity as a finale to his mission.
Now back on solid ground he addressed the Dublin audience and he expressed his hope that the European Space Expo proved inspirational to all ages. Bringing greetings from the Canadian Space Agency he also emphasised the essential international and collaborative nature of space research.
The Space Expo was situated in the heart of Trinity College Dublin on Front Square under the shadow of its famous Campanile built in 1853. The Expo also brought sunshine to the Irish capital and proved a major attraction to both school students, members of the science community and tourists to the Irish Capital for whom the college and its ancient treasures – such as its magnificent Library and the ancient Book of Kells – are a significant draws.
Major event
The European Space Expo highlights the critical role of space and space-based technologies to Europe. In Ireland there is a very active space science and astronomy research community that has worked with European space organisations for many decades. And well over 40 Irish companies are working in the sector on everything from telecommunications, to advanced materials to remote sensing of the oceans.
The Space Expo also coincided with the 9th Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) European Congress which ran from 4 to 7 June at the Dublin Convention Centre. The European GNSS Agency participated at the Congress with speakers in four of the main conference sessions.
With some 2000 delegates expected the 9th ITS Congress was anticipated to be the largest international conference brought to Dublin by the Irish presidency of the EU. And many of the delegates took time to visit and contribute to sessions at the Expo.
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