Cork space programme promises to be out of this world

The Irish space industry took a giant leap forward yesterday as Cork welcomed delegates to the International Space Studies Program, where 320 international professionals, academics and astronauts will spend the next nine weeks in the city.

Hosted by Cork Institute of Technology, the programme, run annually by the International Space University, is the biggest space event to ever take place in Ireland or the UK. Launched last night at Cork City Hall, the opening ceremony was followed by a performance of ‘The Sunset is Blue on Mars’ by renowned Irish singer Jack Lukeman (Jack L), and a showcase of modern Irish dancing by Prodijig.

Speakers included John Halligan, minister of state for training, skills and innovation; Christian Sallaberger, chairman of the board of the International Space University; Prof Walter Peeters, president of the space university; Brendan Murphy, president of CIT; Omar Hatamleh, Space Studies Program director; and Niall Smith, chair of the local organising committee.