Conference Program

Conference Program (PDF, 3.4 MB)*

• Introduction
• Opening Ceremony
• CEO Round Table
• Closing Ceremony

Introduction to the Conference Program

The Global Enterprise theme for SpaceOps 2004 is chosen to reflect the current state of space operations given that more and more nations and organizations around the world are operating space assets. It equally captures the vision for the future where the need and emphasis will increasingly be on building commercial and self-sustaining ventures, strengthening partnerships and networking such as government to government, government to industry, and industry to industry.

The SpaceOps 2004 Conference Program addresses the conference theme by showcasing technical presentations in six parallel sessions over three days covering the following areas: Sharing the Resources, Building the Operational System, Sharing the Mission Experience, Managing the Mission, and Broadening the Scope, Narrowing the Gap. Invited speakers will address topical areas in three Technical Plenary Sessions: Mars Missions, Space Operations Challenges, and International Space Station (ISS) Operations.

Additionally, SpaceOps 2004 is proud to introduce the following 'firsts':

• Two Poster Sessions, to allow for more direct and interactive discussions of certain technical topics equally accessible to all;
• A special emphasis and focus on Exhibits to provide venues to industry and other organizations to showcase expertise, products, services and opportunities to transact business;
• A round table session of CEOs to address contemporary challenges and opportunities for operating and exploiting space assets in the global environment.

Moreover, an extensive Social Program is organized for during and after the conference for delegates and accompanying persons, that showcases what the exciting city of Montréal and surrounding areas have to offer. Based on submission of abstracts and commitments for the exhibits, more than 120 organizations from over 25 countries will be represented at SpaceOps 2004.

Opening Ceremony
Monday, May 17, 2004, 15:00 - 17:00 (Amphitheatre, Level 1)

The conference officially opens with introductory and keynote addresses. The operation of space assets, such as communications, navigation and earth observation satellites, has enabled the development of many new applications, businesses, products, and services. One of the most important established and yet innovative applications is the result of the operations of global positioning systems (GPS), which through GPS receivers provide accurate, timely and up-to-date positioning information. Some of the emerging applications with broad global appeal are also in the areas of telemedicine and telerobotic surgery. Communications satellites and space robotic technology permit the delivery of expert health care from a distance. SpaceOps 2004 is proud to welcome as part of the opening ceremony keynote speakers Dr. Mehran Anvari and Colonel Richard L. Reaser, Jr.

CEO Round Table
Space Business and Broadband
Friday, May 21, 2004, 7:30 - 10:00 (Exhibit Hall, Level 4)

Open to all conference delegates, the CEO Breakfast and Round Table will be a unique opportunity to learn how leaders of industry from around the world are interpreting the next wave of space business. The invited CEO panel represents a diversity of private sector interests in the global space industry. The CEO Round Table is hosted by Telesat President and CEO Larry Boisvert and moderated by Dr. Marc Garneau, President of the Canadian Space Agency. The 90-minute CEO Round Table will focus on broadband and how leaders of space businesses are preparing their companies for the emerging broadband, multi-media market. The format for this session will be individual discussions followed by a question and answer session between the panelists and the audience.

Closing Ceremony
Friday, May 21, 2004, 12:00 - 13:00 (Amphitheatre, Level 1)

The Organizing Committee and the Technical Program Committee are preparing a dynamic closing ceremony that will summarize the week's activities and will touch upon what to expect at SpaceOps 2006, which will be hosted by ASI, Italy's space agency. ASI is responsible for promoting, coordinating and managing national programs and bilateral and multilateral cooperation programs. It also promotes and supports Italian scientific and industrial participation in the European Space Agency (ESA) programs, in harmonization with national programs.

The Closing Ceremony will also feature reports from the Track Chairs of the Technical Program Committee. The chairpersons will reflect on the presentations made within their respective tracks and provide perspectives on the current state of space operations as well as on future opportunities within their areas of expertise.