On 28 September from 9:00 to 11:00, the representatives of the Latvian space sector are going to deliver presentations during the "Prospects for Latvian space science and technology to fulfill UN Space Agenda 2030" session, which is organised as part of the Science Summit of the United Nations General Assembly.
The theme of the United Nations (UN) Space Agenda 2030 is “Space Drives Sustainable Development”, which positively impacts all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It was approved by UN General Assembly (UNGA) on 25 October 2021. Latvia has not yet developed a unified strategy to address issues and goals stated in Space Agenda 2030. This session will seek to articulate a strategic vision to achieve that.
Latvia has three observatories of significance to European space sciences: Baldone Astrophysical Observatory, Ventspils Radio Astronomy Centre, and the Geodynamics Observatory in Rīga that is a member of the International Satellite Laser Ranging Network. The other two observatories function in multiple research networks suited to their research facilities. The initiation of the Space Photonics ERA Chair creates the opportunity the develop a European centre of excellence in space sciences that draws upon all of Latvia’s space science capabilities to address challenges such as space debris, threats of space weather extremes including coronal mass ejections from the Sun and asteroid impact. Additionally, the strengthening of space research capacity in Latvia will strengthen the prospects for cooperation not only with European institutions, but also with emerging space research centres in Africa building on relationships that already exist.
Session speakers will present the vision of the development of space sciences in Latvia to 2030 and beyond and how this can fulfill UN Space Agenda 2030 ambitions as well as help to achieve UN climate goals starting with carbon neutrality by 2050.
The objective of the SSUNGA77 is “to develop and launch initiatives that demonstrate global science mechanisms and activities supporting the attainment of the SDGs.” The Latvia space science and technology session will present the existing space research and innovation capacity in Latvia to address UN Sustainable Development and climate change goals and recommend policies and investments required for Latvia to more fully fulfill the promise of its space science vision.
Aleksejs Klokovs, Director and CEO, Latvian space centre VIRAC and VIRATEC Ltd.
Angelina Bekasova, Space and Innovation Policy Senior Expert, Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia and Director for International Relations and Industry Development at the Latvian Space Industry Association.
Kaspars Karolis, Senior Expert Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Latvia Ministry of Education and Science
Roberts Kancāns, Mechanical Engineer II, Honeybee Robotics
Pauls Irbins, Head, Space Education Centre
Arnols Ubelis, Scientific Secretary, FOTONIKA-LV research platform of the University of Latvia
Kalvis Salmiņš, Director, University of Latvia Institute of Astronomy
Ilgmars Eglitis, Director of Baldone Observatory, University of Latvia Baldone Observatory
Aigars Atvars, Lead Researcher, University of Latvia
Bernard Foing, President of Space Renaissance InternationalBernard Foing, CEO of EuroMoonMars Earth Space Innovation, is currently serving as President of Space Renaissance International
Vidvuds Beldavs, Chairman, Riga Photonics Centre
Source and more information: https://ssunga77.sched.com/event/15tkd/ref-28234-prospects-for-latvian-space-science-and-technology-to-fulfill-un-space-agenda-2030?iframe=no
