OREANDA-NEWS. On 7 and 8 September, coordinators of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) space science and robotic explorations Professor and Dr Fabio Favata will visit the University of Tartu, Tartu City Council and Ministry of Education and Research to discuss the future of new European space missions.

Having top names like these come to Tartu is a great work victory according to Director of Tartu Observatory Anu Reinart: “I am extremely pleased about Professor and dr Favata’s visit because this way we can have the most direct impact on European space science missions—we are heard, our scientists and engineers can have direct communication and answers to their questions,” added Reinart, who is the organiser of the visit together with the ESA Estonian Space Agency.

UT Rector Volli Kalm adds: “Space has inspired the youth throughout history and as a result, UT students have made Estonia a space country. But this is an achievement which does not last on its own. This is why we are also supporting the establishment of the ESA business incubator in Estonia to find applications to space technologies on the ground.”

The meeting opens a week of space related meetings, information days and public seminars which take place in Tartu and Tallinn.

On the same day the space agency information day takes place at Tartu Observatory in Travere to introduce the strategic objectives of the ESA’s science missions, the opportunities for Estonian scientists and entrepreneurs to participate and, what is more, how to help develop new missions from idea to realisation.

On 10 September a unique public debate is held at Travere where all participants can have a say in the future plans of space missions and contribute to the European space policy. There has never been such a discussion which takes place simultaneously in all 22 ESA member states and where more than 2,000 ordinary citizens discuss space topics. Participation does not require special knowledge about space. 100 people from each country can participate, there will be two discussions in Estonia: at Tartu Observatory in Travere and Tallinn University of Technology.