A major symposium titled “Sustainable Space, Sustainable Earth: From Ideas to Action,” will be held at Framingham State University on Friday, Dec. 6^th, and feature an interdisciplinary group of scholars from Harvard University, MIT, Boston College, the U.S. Naval War College, Framingham State University and more.

The symposium is the concluding event for the 18-month Moon Landing in Context series organized by FSU’s Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the Moon Landing.

“Whether you are concerned about Earth’s sustainability or you are galvanized by the prospective technological and economic advancements from space exploration, you should care about space sustainability,” says Dr. Irene Porro, director of the Moon Landing in Context project. “We define space sustainability as the secure, sustainable, and peaceful use of space for the benefit of planet earth and all its people. During this symposium, some of the top experts in their fields will consider how we can maximize the effectiveness of using space for addressing global challenges.”

The keynote speaker is Dr. Danielle Wood, from MIT’s Media Lab and the Space Enabled Research Group. She will give a presentation titled “The Role of Space Technology to Support Sustainable Development.”

Other presentations include a talk by Dr. Alissa Haddaji from Harvard University on “How to Protect the Earth from an Asteroid Impact, an Introduction to Planetary Defense,” and a talk from Dr. David Burbach from the U.S. Navy War College on seeking a sustainable space politics. 

“At the end of the Moon Landing in Context’s 18-month exploration of the historical, social, cultural, political, and policy contexts of the Apollo era, this one-day symposium brings together a multidisciplinary group of renowned scholars to illustrate the urgency to focus on space sustainability,” says Dr. Porro.

The symposium will run from 8:30 to 4 p.m. and include breakfast and lunch. Registration is required and there is a $25 fee for those who are not members of the FSU community. Registration is open at: https://space_sustainability.eventbrite.com.

Full List of Speakers:

Keynote Presentation: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

The Role of Space Technology to Support Sustainable Development
Dr. Danielle Wood
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab and the Space Enabled Research Group
Biography and Abstract

Presentations: 9:15AM - 12:20PM

Impossible Journey: Apollo 11 to the Moon
Dr. Matthew Hersch
History of Science, Harvard University
Biography and Abstract

"For ALL Mankind..." Seeking a Sustainable Space Politics
Dr. David T. Burbach
Space Policy, U.S. Naval War College
Biography and Abstract

UN COPUOS and Space Sustainability
Dr. David Kendall
Space Policy, Past Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
Biography and Abstract

How to Protect the Earth from an Asteroid Impact, an Introduction to Planetary Defense
Dr. Alissa J. Haddaji
Space Law and Policy, Harvard University
Biography and Abstract

Panel Discussion: 2:00PM - 3:15PM

Sustainable Space, Sustainable Earth: A Bioethical Agenda
Dr. Andrea Vicini
Bioethics, Boston College
Biography and Abstract

The Power of Photography to Bear Witness to Our Planet
Cleary Vaughan-Lee
Global Education, Global Oneness Project
Biography and Abstract

Imagining Our Way to a Sustainable Future
Dr. Vandana Singh
Physics and Science Fiction, Framingham State University
Biography and Abstract

Panel Discussion Facilitated by Suzanne Wright
Framingham State University Alumna
Biography