Space of Service to Humanity : Preserving Earth and Improving Life

G. Haskell, Symposium Convenor & Vice President for Academic Services and Outreach, International Space University By taking'Space of Service to Humanity'as the theme for the inaugural event in its series of annual symposia, the International Space University (ISU) is asserting that this application of space technology requires special attention at this time. Future symposia will examine the issues of the day from different perspectives. In keeping with the fundamental principles of ISU, the symposium took a global perspective, as distinct from national or regional perspectives, and treated both technical and non-technical topics. Oral and poster presentations were delivered in the scientific, engineering, economic, legal, political and philosophical domains. All oral papers were delivered in plenary session to encourage cross­ fertilization between specialities, and posters were readily available for viewing throughout the three-day event. As an international and interdisciplinary forum for the sharing of experience and for discussion and debate, the symposium proved to be a stimulating and worthwhile event for the 135 participants from 25 countries and 5 international organizations with backgrounds in industry, government and academia.