The European Space Agency: Its Scientific Programs & Plans

Registration is required for this free, virtual event: https://bit.ly/ESA-Talk

The European Space Agency (ESA) was established in 1975 as an international organization. It consists of 22 Member States, has multiple sites across Europe, and works closely with other space agencies throughout the world. By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, it is able to undertake programs and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. The ESA’s space flight program includes human spaceflight; the launch and operation of unmanned exploration missions to other planets and the Moon; Earth observation, science and telecommunication; designing launch vehicles; and maintaining a major spaceport, the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana. Dr. Hasinger will discuss highlights of recent ESA science missions, the implementation of the remaining Cosmic Vision missions, as well as the first steps toward the Voyage 2050 Program.

Since 2018, Dr. Guenther Hasinger has served as the ESA’s Director of Science and the Head of the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) in Spain. In 1984, he received his PhD in astronomy for research done at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics where he was later (2001) appointed as the Director of its High Energy Group. After a four month sabbatical at the Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawaii, in 2008 he became the Scientific Director of the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, a position he relinquished to assume his current role. Dr. Hasinger has received numerous awards, including the International Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Award for his outstanding contributions to space science. He has authored numerous scientific papers, as well as the book, Astronomy’s Limitless Journey: A Guide to Understanding the Universe. In 2011 he won the Wilhelm Foerster Prize for public dissemination of science.

Hamptons Observatory extends its appreciation to Dr. Hasinger for generously taking the time to share his expertise and to the East Hampton Library for its kind collaboration on this program.

Hamptons Observatory (HO), a 501(c)(3) NYS nonprofit that relies on public support, has served the community since 2005. Its mission: to foster interest in science, particularly astronomy, through educational programs. Lectures, star parties, portable planetarium shows and other events are offered often in collaboration with other nonprofit organizations. HO has established the first astronomical observatory on the South Fork (in East Hampton), complete with Long Island’s largest research-grade telescope; these facilities will soon be accessible over the internet to students, teachers, researchers and the general public. Hamptons Observatory offers all of its programs free-of-charge so that everyone can learn about and enjoy the universe around them. For further information, please go to our website www.HamptonsObservatory.org. To be placed on our list for event notices, email HamptonsObservatory@gmail.com Donations to support our programs are always appreciated; thanks!