Global space scientists to meet in Mysore this week

Some 2,500 of the world’s space scientists are set to come together in Mysore from July 14 to 22.

The event, Cospar-2012 or the Committee on Space Research, will discuss papers worked around the theme `Space for the benefit of mankind’. It will formally open on July 16.

The highlight will be a roundtable where space agencies will present a vision for space beyond 2020. The ISRO Chairman, Dr K. Radhakrishnan, will unveil the Indian vision.

ISRO is hosting the premier 39th Cospar edition after 33 years. With 75 countries participating, it said the meet was a major platform to present India as a significant venue for space research and innovation.

“This is a recognition of ISRO and India as a space power,” a scientist said.

Infosys Technologies Ltd is co-hosting the event at its Mysore campus, the N.R. Narayana Murthy Centre of Excellence.

Cospar-12 will place a recent study titled ‘A space astronomy global road map for the next decades.’ Top experts are slated to make a public lecture on exo-planets.

The event will kick off on Saturday with the International Academy of Astronautics Day and awards will be presented on July 16.

Cospar, founded in 1958, ranks among top space science research promotion bodies. The upcoming assembly offers the largest interdisciplinary platform for exchanging recent results in space research.

Its current president is Dr Giovanni F. Bignami, Chairman of the European Space Agency’s Advisory Council.

Former ISRO chief, Dr U.R. Rao, who is also Chairman, Physical Research Laboratory Council, heads the Cospar scientific programme committee.