ESA sets dates for space events
The European space agency (ESA) has announced a number of events that it plans to organise to keep space, science and research in the public eye during 2002. Starting in January with a meeting between the press and ESA Director general, Antonio Rodotà, ESA plans exhibitions, lectures and representation at international events. ESA astronaut Reinhold Ewald will be speaking at the lecture 'Space calling' to be held in Edinburgh on 22 January. There will also be an ESA astronaut at a career and education fair in Dublin between 1 and 4 February, entitled 'Opportunities 2002'. Exhibitions on space and science will be taking place in Noordwijk, the Netherlands and Vienna, Austria, in January and February respectively. ESA will be cooperating with the EU in the 'Netdays Europe' events taking place in November, which aims to encourage interest from children and young people. A number of launches are planned for 2002, although dates for these are provisional as they are dependent on weather conditions and the readiness of the craft. In addition, the opening of a number of new ESA facilities, such as its Deep space ground station in Australia, are planned during the year.