The Space Generation Congress (SGC), organised by The Space Generation Advisory Council, is the global conference for university students and young professionals interested in today’s key space issues. Being the only event of its kind, SGC offers the next generation of space leaders the opportunity to network and to examine together critical questions that are facing the space and international community at large.

2011 marks the tenth anniversary of the congress, which will take place between 29 September and 1 October at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa, prior to the International Astronautical Congress.

Delegates can apply until July 15 on the official SGC 2011 website, detailing their experience in the space sector, the projects in which they wish to participate, and their motivations for applying. Based on their individual interest and prior experience, the conference delegates will be selected and then assigned to one of the five groups that will debate on various pertinent space topics and issues. This year’s five working sessions will focus on:

1. Industry – The Political and Technological Challenges of Space Debris and Its Mitigation

2. Agency – Radio Frequency Spectra and Satellites: The Technological, Logistical and Political Implications of Regulation

3. Society – Integrating Space Technology into Society: Overcoming Societal, Political, Economic, and Logistical Roadblocks

4. Exploration – Robotic Exploration in Today’s Evolving Global Space Sector

5.Outreach – Space for Developing Regions: The African Case Study

Current leaders from the space sector will be invited to share their passions and perspectives, as well as contribute to the working sessions and debate with delegates on the main topics of the Congress. Confirmed speakers include the President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), a highl-level representative from the Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS), and the Chairman of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS). More exciting high-level speakers at SGC 2011 will be announced this week.Conclusions and recommendations from the five sessions will be formally collected in a report, which will be shared throughout the following year at the United Nations, at conferences, and with SGAC’s partners and supporters.

SGC is a unique opportunity for up and coming space sector leaders to contribute their voice to the space sector policy. Additionally, SGC provides the optimal forum to network with other future, international space leaders as well as to develop the necessary leadership and team collaborator skills to rise to the top. Register today and become part of the Space Generation!

For more information and updates, please visit the Space Generation Congress 2011 website or follow us on Twitter @SGAC or #SGC2011.