World Space Week 2024
Theme: Space and Climate Change
Upcoming Webinar
Mars Sample Return: To Mars .... and Back
Abstract:
In this talk, Dr. Lindsay Hays, Senior Scientist for Mars Exploration at NASA, will discuss the exciting prospects of the Mars Sample Return mission, a pivotal moment in humanity's journey to Mars and back. Drawing on her expertise in astrobiology, organic geochemistry, and evolutionary transitions, Dr. Hays will explore how the mission aims to uncover clues about Mars' habitability and its potential to host life. She will also highlight the scientific and technological challenges, as well as the broader implications for future human exploration of the Red Planet.
About Speaker:
Dr. Lindsay Hays is the Senior Scientist for Mars Exploration in the Planetary Science Division of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.
Her research background in Astrobiology is in organic geochemistry and major evolutionary transition points in Earth’s history; since coming to NASA, Dr. Hays served as the Program Scientist for Astrobiology, supported research funding programs, and worked on missions to Mars and Venus, and future human exploration.
COSMICWEB Vol 8
World Space Week 2024 - Special Edition
Cosmic Web: Gravity’s Echo - Volume VIII
Gravitational Waves (GW): Explore black hole mergers, neutron star collisions, and the groundbreaking discoveries by LIGO and the Einstein Telescope (ET).
Technology Behind GW Detection: Uncover the instruments and methods used to detect and analyze GW signals.
Expert Insights: An exclusive interview with Ashwathi Nair, PhD. fellow at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav) shares her journey into the field of gravitational wave research, her contributions to this groundbreaking science, and the pivotal role OzGrav plays in the global effort to detect and understand these cosmic ripples. We also explore the technology behind gravitational wave detectors, recent breakthroughs in the field, and the broader implications of this research beyond astrophysics. Join us as we uncover the mysteries of the cosmos and the incredible science behind detecting ripples in spacetime.
Dive into the universe’s hidden waves!
Past Webinar
JUICE: Mission Challenges and
Recent Milestones
Abstract:
This presentation will provide an overview of JUICE’s long journey, even before lifting off from Earth. From the early study phase starting in 2003 to the challenges of the development phase, all the way to the breathtaking launch in 2023. The talk will also provide an insight into the challenges of the commissioning phase, which included the nerve wrecking RIME antenna deployment. It will conclude with a description of the long road to Jupiter, where JUICE will arrive in 2031, including the recent, successful Lunar Earth Gravity Assist and only then the science mission will start
About Speaker
Alessandro Atzei is a Space systems and rocket propulsion engineer, working for the European Space Agency since 2003: Study manager for Jupiter feasibility studies until 2007, spacecraft systems engineer for the Gaia observatory until 2014, payload systems engineer for the JUpiter ICy moon Explorer and currently Payload Manager for the ESA EnVision mission to Venus.
For JUICE he was part of the ESA JUICE Project Team in ESTEC and was responsible for the procurement of the RIME, 3GM, J-MAG and PEP instruments.
Challenging Fear: The Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission to Phobos & Deimos
Abstract:
Led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission is scheduled for launch in 2026. The spacecraft will be the first to visit the two moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos (named after the Greek gods of fear and panic) and collect a sample from Phobos to return to Earth. Join us on this international adventure to see these uncharted worlds and gather clues that might uncover how life begins on a planet.
About Speaker:
Elizabeth Tasker is an astrophysicist and science communicator at the JAXA Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS). Her current research looks at the diversity of planets, and leveraging virtual spaces to share and communicate science. She is the international outreach lead for JAXA's upcoming Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, and a member of the outreach team for the Hayabusa2 asteroid exploration mission. Tasker writes the ISAS blog, “Cosmos” covering stories from the control room floor. Her popular science book, “The Planet Factory” was published by Bloomsbury in 2017.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Space-Time Variability of Greenhouse gases for the Indian Perspective
Abstract:
This webinar will address the space-time variability of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O, focusing on India’s unique climate dynamics. Dr. Mahesh Pathakoti will discuss how remote sensing techniques and ground-based measurements are used to track GHG emissions and assess their impacts on regional and global climate. Drawing on interdisciplinary research, the talk will explore the connections between GHG emissions, land use, and climate change, highlighting India’s critical role in both contributing to and mitigating global climate change.
The session will also underline the importance of long-term observational networks and data analytics for effective climate monitoring and policy development.
About Speaker:
Dr. Mahesh Pathakoti, Scientist-SF at ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), specializes in monitoring greenhouse gases (GHGs) using advanced remote sensing techniques. With a Ph.D. in Spatial Informatics from IIIT Hyderabad, his research focuses on the spatio-temporal patterns of CO₂ emissions and their links to land use and climate in India.
A leader in ISRO’s GHG monitoring projects, Dr. Pathakoti has led key collaborations, including ISRO-NASA missions, and contributed to government climate assessments. He has over 40 peer-reviewed publications and is a reviewer for several international journals. His work on establishing India's CO₂ observational network has been critical in advancing climate change research.