A further step in international collaboration for space education
In 2005, the International Space Education Board (ISEB) was established, spiriting in a new era of global collaboration in space education. The founding members of ISEB - representing the education offices of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – were joined in 2007 by a fifth member, the Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES).
During its annual meeting at the 59th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), held in Glasgow in 2008, the Board agreed to amend its charter to allow for organisations other than space agencies that are involved in space-related educational pursuits to join the ISEB as Associate Members.
One of the main objectives that served as a catalyst for the creation of the ISEB is the opportunity to share best practices and unite efforts to foster interest in space, science and technology among the student community worldwide. Since ISEB’s inception, a number of multinational initiatives have been developed, including:
- GENSO, a network of ground stations for student satellites, which is currently being led by ESA, dramatically expanding the coverage in communication between operators and student satellites;
- Student programming at international space conferences, COSPAR and IAC in particular, offering students the opportunity to meet with high level representatives from space agencies and space industry and network with their peers from around the world who together represent the next space generation;
- Special opportunities for ISEB-partner students to attend the NASA Academy internship programme, a prestigious 10 week internship at selected NASA Centres;
- Delta Researcher Schools, a NASA/ESA programme in select Dutch primary schools, providing educators and students opportunities to participate in unique space learning opportunities, such as professional development at NASA Centres and discussions with astronauts and cosmonauts on-board the International Space Station.
