Global Connectivity: The new space race to be discussed at Space Forum 2016

technologies are reaching beyond the Moon. The "Global Connectivity" conference organized during Space Forum 2016 will highlight the new impact players, tackle the question of space democratization and go through truly sustainable initiatives. International and local experts will share their experiences and gather at the ECCL in Luxembourg on May 10.

Roya Ayazi, Secretary General, NEREUS (Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies) will open the conference with a speech entitled "Bring space to the people". Representing the network at EU-level, Roya’s core responsibilities comprise advocacy and political interest representation towards the European institutions and the European Space Agency, international networking and collaborations as well as the overall coordination of the network activities.

A global sensing revolution is on the way: in the next few decades, sensors will be everywhere and will help us understand the changing world as never before. Planet Labs want to be a part of this revolution. The American startup operates the largest constellation of earth imaging satellites in history and its goal is to image our entire planet every day in order to show its changes. As all the collected data can help us monitor deforestation or combat climate change, the co-founder of Planet Labs, Robbie Schlinger will be in Luxembourg to give a presentation on “New Global Sensors”.

With his presentation "Satellite - Key Catalyst of Connectivity", Philippe Glaesener, Senior Vice President, Business Development EMEA, SES, will highlight the initiatives of the Luxembourg based global satellite services provider.

"From comets to start ups" will be the title of the presentation given by Frank M. Salzgeber, Head of ESA (European Space Agency) Technology Transfer Program Office. Mr. Salzgeberg holds a degree in Graduated Industrial Engineering, and is genuinely passionate about the importance of human space flight and the European space program, saying "a society that stops exploring, stops progressing".

Also with the participation of Jean- Yves Le Gall (President of the CNES - Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales), Christian Patouraux (CEO of Kacific), Jay Gibson, (President, CEO Xcor Space Expeditions), Frank M. Salzgeber, (Head of ESA - European Space Agency) and Chad Anderson (Managing Director of Space Angels Network).