Go Space Aotearoa!
Join the NZ space community for two panel sessions on the future of Space in New Zealand, and Space for Planet Earth. (Online + In-Person)
Thursday 27 May
5:00pm - 7:30pm
HYBRID
60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central, Christchurch
What's it all about?
Go Space Aotearoa , 5:00 - 6:15, Panel Discussion (Online (see Zoom registration) and In Person (Turanga Christchurch Library and Victoria University, Wellington)
Is it so crazy to believe that our small nation at the end of the Earth could become the brightest star in the global space industry? With our innovative "number-8 wire" mentality and track record of disrupting the space sector, we are already making a mark on this exciting industry.
So how can we support the growth of homegrown start-ups and small businesses in Aotearoa? How do we bring a uniquely kiwi competitive advantage on the global stage? Conversely, what challenges do we face? And importantly, how can we build a talent pipeline so the brightest minds from schools, university and industry pursue opportunities in the space sector?
Space for Planet Earth, 6:30 - 7:30, Panel Discussion ((Online (see Zoom registration) and In Person (Turanga Christchurch Library)
The planet is in a climate emergency. Without any intervention, the planet will be 4 to 5 degrees warmer by the end of the century rendering the Planet mostly uninhabitable with extreme weather, sea level rise, and mass extinctions of life. We have an urgent need to work together and engage a broader community of researchers and innovators in the region to address the problems created by climate change. Today, we have unprecedented access to satellite remote sensing data and technologies that can help us better detect, monitor and measure these changes in the region. This panel will discuss how satellite data is being leveraged today in Aotearoa to address these issues.
These sessions are brought to you by:
SpaceBase Limited
Space Generation Advisory Council - New Zealand
New Zealand Student Space Association
Speakers
Ilze is an atmospheric scientist who specializes in atmospheric transport. Ilze’s research activities and interests include fire weather, atmospheric coherent structures, and the development and testing of a real-time wildfire decision support and smoke forecasting system for New Zealand.
Kate is working on a PhD in fire engineering at the Univ of Canterbury, researching plant flammability in the rural-urban interface. She has a background in plant biology and ecological restoration, and work experience as a wildland firefighter in Canada and NZ, and a rural fire researcher at Scion.
Nicholas manages a space sector-focused consultancy called Rotoiti. He also runs Filling Space. Nicholas is completing his doctoral studies in international business at the University of Auckland. Before moving to New Zealand, he worked as a business intelligence consultant in Washington, DC.
A Geographer and Geospatialist by trade, with a passion for emerging technology, innovative solutions and location data. Kurt has an BSc Hons (Geography) from UC and was the 2016 NZSEA Young Professional of the Year. Kurt established award-winning geospatial consultancy ‘Orbica’ in Feb 2017.
Wolfgang is an associate professor for glaciology and remote sensing at Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury. His research focus is on mass balance of the Antarctic ice sheet and sea ice. He spent 15 seasons in Antarctica for satellite validation measurements of the Antarctic cryosphere.
Emeline is the co-founder and CEO of SpaceBase, an International Space University alumni and NZ Ambassador, Edmund Hillary Fellow, author of the book "Realizing Tomorrow, the Path to Private Spaceflight", and is a member of the Associate Editorial Board for the journal New Space.
Eric Dahlstrom, SpaceBase co-founder, is an astronomer and space engineer who worked for NASA and the commercial space industry for 35 years. He helped design the International Space Station, studied Shuttle risks, managed commercial lunar spacecraft, and teaches at International Space University.
Yen-Kai Chen is a space biologist researching the effects of microgravity on particular bacteria at Te Pūnaha Ātea/The Space Institute. He is a volunteer scientist at NASA Genelab, and committee member at the Space Medicine and Life Sciences project group at Space Generation Advisory Council.
James is a French and British marine scientist, filmmaker and consultant.For nearly a decade, he has worked globally in ocean science and policy communications, high seas governance, microplastics pollution, climate change impacts , deep reef research, ocean risk & marine protected area management.
Liz Eden is the Business and Investment Attraction Manager working to secure high value jobs and investment into Christchurch. Aerospace and Future Transport is a key focus for the region and Liz works with local businesses to identify the barriers to success and advocates with central government to improve the operating environment.
Jon is an Investment Manager at WNT Ventures. He is a corporate strategist, consultant, corporate executive, and founder focusing on growing companies across sectors. Jon has a passion for innovation and start-ups with global potential, as well as social ventures and purpose-driven projects.
