Call for Papers:
Space Architecture at IAC 2012

63rd International Astronautical Congress (IAC)
2012 October 1-5
Mostra d’Oltremare
Naples, Italy

Important Dates:

Session D3.2:

Systems and Infrastructures to Implement Future Building Blocks in Space Exploration and Development

The emergence of novel systems and infrastructures will be needed to enable ambitious scenarios for sustainable future space exploration and utilization.  New, reusable space infrastructures must emerge in various areas including the following: (1) infrastructures that enable affordable and reliable access to space for both exploration systems and logistics; (2) infrastructures for affordable and reliable transportation in space, including access to/from lunar and planetary surfaces for crews, robotic and supporting systems and logistics; (3) infrastructures that allow sustained, affordable and highly effective operations on the Moon, Mars and other destinations; and, (4) supporting in space infrastructures that provide key services (such as communications, navigation, etc.).  Papers are solicited in these and related areas.

Session D3.4:

Space Technology and System Management Practices and Tools

The effective management of space technology and systems development is critical to future success in space exploration, development and discovery.  This session is the next in an ongoing series at the International Astronautical Congress that provides a unique international forum to further the development of a family of “best practices and tools” in this important field. Specific areas of potential interest include: (1) Technology Management Methodologies and Best Practices; (2) R&D Management Software Tools and Databases; and, (3) Systems Analysis Methods and Tools.  The full range of R&D activities are appropriate for discussion, ranging from technology development long-term planning, through technology R&D programmes, to system development projects, with special emphasis on the transition of new technologies from one stage to the next.  Particular topics could include: Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and Technology Readiness Assessments, Technology R&D Risk Assessments and Management, Advanced Concepts Modeling Approaches and Tools, etc.  Either more theoretical discussions, or examples of applications of R&D management techniques and/or tools to specific R&D programmes and projects are of interest for the session.

Session D4.1:

Novel Concepts and Technologies

In order to realize future, sustainable programmes of space exploration and utilisation, a focused suite of transformational new systems concepts and supporting technologies must be advanced during the coming decade.  The technical objectives to be pursued should be drawn from a broad, forward looking view of the technologies and systems needed, but must be sufficiently well focused to allow tangible progression and dramatic improvements over current capabilities to be realized in the foreseeable future.  This session will address cross cutting considerations in which a number of discipline research topics and/or technologies may be successfully synthesized to enable a transformational new systems concept to be achieved.  Papers are solicited in these and related areas.

Session E5.3:

Habitation Beyond Low Earth Orbit

This session will be part of the 23rd Symposium on space activity and society in section E5.  It welcomes papers on all aspects of the challenges of emplacing, sustaining, and growing accommodations for human habitation at diverse inner solar system destinations: high Earth orbits, Lagrange points, planetary orbits, the Moon’s surface, Near Earth Objects, the moons of Mars, Mars’ surface, and free space.  These places share characteristics of the need for basic protection from radiation, vacuum, and thermal conditions in space, but vary widely in their remoteness, proximity to natural bodies and resources, and socio-psychological impact.  Their needs for architectural solutions, including pressurized volume, shielding, life support techniques, food production, transportation access, and social accommodation will stretch concepts and technologies for space architecture.

Session E5.4:

Space as an Artistic Medium

Since the late 70s and early 80s a small group of artists has been exploring the potential of outer space as a medium for art.  The application of space technology, materials, and data, coupled with an artistic vision, has created an art that is highly innovative and far removed from mainstream dictums.  Examples of this new artistic genre center on Interstellar Message Composition, Music, Dance in Weightlessness, Vacuum Deposition, Artificial Auroras, Orbital Debris, Water Management, War and Peace, Earth-Imaging, GPS, and the Internet.  This session will address the work of contemporary artists who have developed new ways to appropriate space as an artistic medium.  Current and future applications of this aesthetic paradigm for space will be examined.

Abstract:

Your abstract must be submitted on-line through the International Astronautical Federation web site at http://www.iafastro.org/index.html?title=IAC2012.  If this is your first visit to the IAF website, please register using the online registration form.  All fields are mandatory.

Format:

• Abstracts must be written in English.
• Abstract length should not exceed 400 words.

Content:

• Tables or drawings are not allowed in the abstract.
• Formulas can be included using the toolbox provided on the abstract submission web page.
• Abstracts should specify: purpose, methodology, results and conclusions.
• Abstracts should indicate that substantive technical and / or programmatic content is included.

Co-authors:

• All your co-authors should be added at the time you submit your abstract using the tool provided online.  You should register all of them online indicating their name, affiliation, full postal address, phone and email address.

Formatting:

Details on how to prepare and submit your final paper as well as your presentation material will be available on http://www.iafastro.org/ by mid-April.

Presentation:

Authors of accepted papers are expected to register for the congress, attend the session, and present their work in person.

More Information: