N° 19–1999: Planet Earth as we have never seen it before
31 May 1999
On Monday, 7 June 1999, the European Space Agency (ESA) will launch its completely new Earth observation programme, the "Living Planet". At an official ceremony at the Institute of Materials in London, the newly elected chairman of ESA's Ministerial Council, UK science Minister Lord Sainsbury, will announce the first project to be carried out as part of the programme.
The Living Planet Programme is the most comprehensive Earth observation programme ever to be launched. It received the go-ahead at ESA's Ministerial Council meeting in Brussels on 12 May. Compared with present expenditure, the Programme will cut Earth observation costs by more than 25, as it calls upon private funding of research and development to complement public investment.
Most Living Planet projects will greatly deepen scientific knowledge of how the Earth works. Over the forthcoming years, each Living Planet project will contribute to continuous, accurate environmental monitoring of our planet, of its climate and of global change.
Schedule of the event :
11h30 Start of ceremony - Welcome by Antonio Rodota`, ESA's Director General
11h40 Official announcement of the launch of the "Living Planet" Programme by Lord Sainsbury, ESA's Chairman of Council at Ministerial Level.
11h55 Announcement of selected winner of the first project of the "Living Planet" Programme
12h00 Presentation of the "Living Planet" Programme by Dr. Roger-Maurice Bonnet, ESA's Director of Science
12h15 Afterword by Claudio Mastracci, ESA's Director of Applications
12h20 Q&A session
12h30 End of ceremony
Light refreshments in the Library
If you would like to attend the event at the Institute of Materials, 1 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1, please complete the enclosed form and fax it to:
ESA Public Relations, Fax: +33(0)1.53.69.7690.