Space Education Symposium
November 12, 2022

This full-day conference-style event will change your perspective!

 

Hosted by the Human Space Program, the symposium focuses on helping more people experience the Overview Effect, benefit from it here on Earth, and become engaged in preparing for humanity’s rapidly approaching multi-planet future.

Astronaut Panel and Concurrent Sessions

This second iteration of the symposium features a morning panel with astronauts, four concurrent sessions in multiple strands (including education and consciousness), and a closing capstone session. The Education strand is for teachers, school leaders, and others interested in preparing today’s students for the growing space economy - and for humanity’s rapidly approaching multi-planet future. The Consciousness & Psychology strand is meant for academics, clinicians, and anyone with an interest in wellness, self development, and the mental health of humans in space - and on Earth. Other strands include Culture & Design, Ethics & Law, and more.

The schedule is arranged so that participants can attend sessions in any strand, jumping from virtual room to virtual room as their interests dictate. This creates many opportunities for synergy as ideas cross-pollinate between disciplines.

 

Continuing Education for Teachers

Educators gain the knowledge, resources, and confidence necessary to engage students in space science, including materials and lessons aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). In addition, the consciousness strand explores ways astronomy and a cosmic perspective can impact student learning and wellbeing. This summit also addresses the question of what education might look like off-world… on the Moon, on Mars, and in Deep Space Habitats.

 

Enriching Experiences for Enthusiasts

Space enthusiasts join leading experts in the fields of consciouness and space philosophy to explore how multi-sensory technologies can enhance wellbeing in space - and on Earth. Sessions address the psychology of space travel and habitation, with a focus on how we can support people in not only surviving but thriving on lengthy missions to Mars. Participants will explore questions such as: What are the key psychological challenges of living in space or on other planets? What is space therapy, how will it be delivered off-world, and why is it relevant to people on Earth? What will be the role of Virtual Reality or Artificial Intelligence? How might space tourism and migration affect our collective identity and the type of a civilisation we become?

 

Powerful Connections for Professionals

This symposium brings together space industry professionals, academic researchers from many disciplines, and influential space philosophers from around the world. The interactive event is an opportunity to network, to connect with educators involved with workforce development, and to tap into brilliant minds to help solve important problems… with an eye for unforseen consequences and long-term benefits.

 

Inspiring Speakers

The full schedule of speakers and sessions has been released! Click on the title of any session to read more details including a description and the presenter’s bio.

 
 

  • All attendees begin the day participating in an interactive astronaut panel, featuring the perspective of people who have been to space - and how they believe we can best prepare young people for humanity’s rapidly approaching multi-planet future.

  • All sessions are led by an expert in the field… and include a moderator, welcome activities, interactive elements, and opportunities for reflection.

  • All attendees come back together at the end of the day for a reflective capstone session, which includes support for their personalized action plan.

 

What problem do you want to solve?

All participants are encouraged to come to the symposium with a problem in mind. Everyone has access to the presenters, attendees, and additional design resources for the day, with time dedicated for ideation and collaboration.

Consider the symposium a diverse think tank for your project, whether you work for a traditional aerospace company, conduct research in academia, or have an idea for a new space startup. Space philosophers, creatives, and enthusiasts are particularly valuable to this process.

Everyone leaves with an action plan, and a community for accountability. Your learning at the symposium is applied in the real world.

Earth is in space, a tiny, fragile, ball of life, “hanging in the void,” shielded and nourished by a paper-thin atmosphere.

— Frank White, Space Philosopher

This symposium is dedicated to the Overview Effect & hosted by the Human Space Program.

The Overview Effect is a shift in worldview reported by people during spaceflight. It refers to the experience of seeing firsthand the reality that the Earth is in space, a tiny, fragile ball of life, “hanging in the void,” shielded and nourished by a paper-thin atmosphere. The experience often transforms a space traveler’s perspective on the planet and on humanity’s place in the universe. Some common aspects of it are a feeling of awe, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.

The Human Space Program is dedicated to creating space exploration as a central project for humanity - one that will result in ethical, inclusive, and sustainable expansion into the solar ecosystem.

Register today to be a part of this historic world-wide movement!

 

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions. One of our team will reply shortly. This is also a great way to make sure you are on our list when we announce that registration is open for the next event.