Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President of India, on “The Future of Space Exploration”

VIDEO: Pardee Center Conference

April 12, 2007

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President of India from 2002-2007 and one of India’s most distinguished scientists addressed the participants on the conference on the “Future of Space Exploration”, co-organized by the Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future and the Center for Space Physics, at Boston University. In this wide-ranging address, from India over video-conference, Dr. Kalam laid out the various challenges that lie before space scientists and stressed that the greatest of all challenges is to use science to the benefit of humankind, particularly to the benefit of the poorest communities and people around the world. He outlines various areas and applications in which space science and exploration can help contribute to greater human development.

Marking the 50th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik in 1957 and the 40th anniversary of the Outer Space Treaty, this Pardee Center conference brought together leading space scientists, visionaries, and entrepreneurs from around the world to imagine the next half-century of space exploration. The conference resulted in a vision statement by the participants outlining five key areas of concern for the next 50 years.

Full text of presentation (PDF).

About the Speaker

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is one of India’s most celebrated scientists and was President of the Republic of India from 2002 to 2007. An aeronautical engineer by training, Dr. Kalam played a critical part in developing India’s nuclear weapons program as well as establishing and leading India’s space program. He was the Chief Executive of the Indian Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme which led teh way for India’s missile development and was Chief Scientific Advisor to the Indian Defense Minister at the time of India’s nuclear tests. He was also a leader in the development of India’s Satellite Launch Vehicle development.