| 08 Nov 2008 |
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'We're moving into an era of personal space flight' says expert
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Abu Dhabi to host keya discussions on Space Tourism at the Global Space Technology Forum
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 8th November, 2008: As Richard Garriott, the latest member of a select group of 'space tourists' returned from orbit, space experts from around the world will converge in Abu Dhabi to attend the inaugural Global Space Technology Forum to discuss the growing space industry and the future of Space Tourism.
Eric Anderson, CEO of Space Adventures, the company behind Garriott's trip and the only company at present that takes tourists into space, will speak about the importance of space exploration and research on the second day of the Forum, taking place from 16-18 November at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
According to Anderson, Space Tourism is gaining momentum due to the increased involvement of private companies. "The momentum is building for Space Tourism, we've turned a corner and proven that a market exists for Space Tourism.
"Space was previously controlled by a small number of governments, and it's now opening up to the private sector. There's been a paradigm shift and we're moving into an era of personal space flight," said Anderson.
"Space travel is breaking free of its old bureaucracy, and private industries are bringing entrepreneurship, innovation, and a sustainable approach to space exploration, resulting in a cost effective and safe way of travelling to space."
"We hoped, and I believe succeeded, with the Ansari X PRIZE to encourage the private sector and hang a sign on the frontiers of space now saying 'Open for Business!'"
Ansari, CEO and founder of Prodea Systems, a technology company focused on the digital home, will discuss the feasibility of low cost access to space and the steps toward achieving that goal on day three of the Global Space Technology Forum.
Also joining the conference programme on day three is Stephen Attenborough, Commercial Director for Virgin Galactic, a company wholly owned by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group which is on track to become the world's first passenger carrying commercial spaceline.
Speaking on Virgin Galactic's vision of the future of Space Tourism, Attenborough said: "We believe that space will be the ultimate tourism experience for many years to come and that if we are successful with our early sub-orbital flights, the industry will attract major investment in new technology which could enable cost effective and safe orbital travel."
Nick Webb, Director of Streamline Marketing Group, organisers of the event said, "The global space industry is experiencing phenomenal growth as advancements in space technology continue to create new commercial markets and exciting opportunities within the space industry, and for investors and entrepreneurs in non-space related fields.
"Space Tourism is taking a massive turn with the growth of private sector interest and contribution. Global Space Technology Forum, in its very nature, is an opportunity for investors to get involved in the growing industry and can act as a spring board for private involvement in space exploration," added Webb.
Sponsored by Surrey Satellite Technology, Space Adventures, Marsh, and Arianespace, the Forum includes a three day conference featuring industry leaders addressing a wide range of topics including forecasts for the global space industry, research and development, and the role of space technology in national defence and security.
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The Global Space Technology Forum will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 16-18 November 2008.
Organised by Streamline Marketing Group in association with Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC), the Global Space Technology Forum is sponsored by firms such as Surrey Satellite Technology, Arianespace, Space Adventures and Marsh and has the support of key international organisations including UAE Space Reconnaissance Centre, The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), The International Society for Photogrammertry and Remote Sensing, The International Space University, Aviation Business and Space Careers.
For more information about the Global Space Technology Forum, please contact Project Manager Biju Saeed,
Tel: +9714 332 9029 or biju@smg-online.com or visit www.smg-conferences.com
For further press information please contact:
Danielle Fanning / Anya Leonard
Total Communications
Tel: + 971 4 336 9909
Fax: + 971 4 336 9905
Email: danielle@totalcompr.ae / anya@totalcompr.ae
© Press Release 2008
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