Heads of National Space Agencies Press Conference: IAC2018 Bremen, Germany

This is my recording of the Heads of Space Agency press conference, 1st October – the first day of IAC2018. This video was not initially intended to be published. But here it is unedited – some may find it of interest.

In Attendance:Left to right

• Dmitry Loskutov in place of Dmitry Rogozin – (Roscosmos)
• Hiroshi Yamakawa – (JAXA)
  
• Johann-Dietrich Woerner – (ESA)
• Maggie Aderin-Pocock (Moderator – BBC)
• Jim Bridenstine – (NASA)
• K. Sivan – (ISRO)
• Sylvain Laporte – Canadian Space Agency (not present)
• Zhang Kejian, China National Space Administration (not present)

Some notes

Head of Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin – prevented by sanctions against Russia to travel to Germany. Replaced by Dmitry Loskutov.

Bridenstein:

• Experiments on ISS from 103 countries
• Gateway – Open architecture, a fraction of the size of the ISS is not in LEO so has no radiation protection from the Van Allen Belts
• Reduced electromagnetic radiation from Earth. May allow new experiments in astrophysics
• Multiple trips to the lunar surface from the Gateway and hence potential for new science experiments on the surface.
• Question: Is NASA subsidising SpaceX?  Did not deny it outright at the outset.
• NASA’s goal is to establish a capability, reduce costs, and enhance innovation. Ultimately, more customers for SpaceX, not just NASA, and more service providers – not just SpaceX.
• My question is: when will the US law prohibiting US/China collaboration in space end? 
• Answer: The law expires and is renewed every year. (Left it open ended really). 
• Question: Is China’s space programme too close to the Chinese military? Answer: This is a concern for US government, and NASA will do what its government permits it to do 

Sivan

• India has no plans for human missions to the Moon.
• Regarding India cooperating with China on human spaceflight training, he left it open-ended. I think he was aware of the deal that the Modi administration was making with Russia (announced a few days later), but could not say anything at this press conference.

Woerner:

• ESA Astronauts are learning Chinese. Will fly with China in the future but no date yet.