Challenges of Space in Laval
19 October 2005
Space has come to Laval! From 7 to 31 October, the northern French town is hosting an event called Les Enjeux de l’espace (The Challenges of Space). For 3 weeks, CNES will be highlighting its activities in an exhibition called On Earth, in Space. The event kicked off with 2 exceptional seminars on Mars and Titan, and there will be many more attractions to come.
On Earth, in Space
Galileo, Spot, Jason, the communications-enabled village, Argos and GMES are just some of the things featured in the On Earth, in Space exhibition at the Laval science museum since 8 October.
Challenges of space in Laval, from 8 to 31 October 2005
The event got underway on the evening of 7 October with 2 seminars on the theme Latest news from the Universe.
Astrophysicist Francis Rocard, who leads CNES’s Mars exploration programme, reported on recent results from Mars missions, while geophysicist Professor Christophe Sotin gave a talk about efforts to study Saturn’s moon Titan.
A gallery of Spot’Art pictures from the Spot satellites was also on display. Observing Earth from their vantage point in space, these satellites not only acquire imagery of great value for a range of applications, but also show Earth in a new light.
Activities for all
Construction of microrockets ; credits CNES/L.Cerpolet
There will be plenty to do for youngsters, with satellite model workshops and construction and launching of water rockets, microckets and sounding balloons to introduce them to space technologies.
Older visitors will be able to try out a GPS rallye as an original way to find their way around the city, while learning about satellite navigation at the same time.
Laval’s libraries will also be proposing a rich selection of documents for youngsters.
The National Science Week
Jacques Arnould, CNES’s Ethics, Society and Culture Officer, gave a talk about satellites:
Unveiling our secrets and Earth’s secrets - cops or guardian angels?
Les Enjeux de l’espace fulfils CNES’s outreach mission, underlining its commitment to promote space among the public and young people in particular.
Programme
Enjeux de l’espace in Laval, 7 to 31 October
On Earth, in Space exhibition: 8 to 31 October, Laval Science Museum, place de Hercé
Spot’Art exhibition: 8 to 31 October, Musée école de la Perrine
On Earth, in Space exhibition: 8 to 31 October, Laval Science Museum, place de Hercé
Spot’Art exhibition: 8 to 31 October, Musée école de la Perrine
Practical information
ENTRANCE FREE to the exhibition, seminars and other attractions for the full 3 weeks.
Centre de culture scientifique, technique et industrielle de Laval
Musée des Sciences
Place de Hercé
53 000 Laval
+33 (0)2 43 49 47 81
+33 (0)2 43 49 47 87 (fax)
sciences@agglo-laval.fr
Open every day (except national holidays) from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Centre de culture scientifique, technique et industrielle de Laval
Musée des Sciences
Place de Hercé
53 000 Laval
+33 (0)2 43 49 47 81
+33 (0)2 43 49 47 87 (fax)
sciences@agglo-laval.fr
Open every day (except national holidays) from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
