In March 2011 the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Space, Propulsion and Energy Sciences will hold its 3rd forum at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. The Space, Propulsion & Energy Sciences International Forum upholds the momentum and positive collaborative environment established by the former Space Technologies and Applications International Forum (STAIF), last held in 2008. 

SPESIF provides a platform for the interchange of ideas among technologists, academicians, industrialists, and program managers on technical and programmatic issues related to the Space, Propulsion and Energy Sciences. Among its organizers, conference and session chairs, and attendees, are high-level representatives from industry, government agencies, and institutes of higher learning. 

Both papers and presentations are welcome. Approved papers for SPESIF are reviewed by the technical staff, Chairs and Co-Chairs and other Committee Members needed for a proper peer review and are published by the American Institute of Physics  (AIP) in an AIP Conference Proceedings. 

The forum addresses a wide range of topics across symposiums, conferences and meetings as follows:

SYMPOSIUM ON NEW FRONTIERS IN THE SPACE PROPULSION SCIENCES

This symposium pertains to the advancement of the space propulsion sciences from current technologies to emerging concepts and theories covering the contemporary propulsion sciences, technologies and techniques for short-term objectives supporting near-term space initiatives for Earth, in-orbit, Moon and Mars-based propulsion and power systems; enhancement of the feasibility of future space propulsion systems; new frontiers in the space propulsion sciences comprising ideas, concepts, experiments, theories and models; and approaches that could lead to new directions in space travel, exploration, astrophysics and particle physics with applications to propulsion, power or communication; or to help combine these areas of science with the space propulsion sciences toward new frontiers in science.

SYMPOSIUM ON ASTROSOCIOLOGY

This symposium focuses on topics common to the space community, though from a social-scientific perspective. That is, a strong consideration of how each topic relates to society, culture, and the individual - the traditional purview of the social and behavioral sciences, humanities, and the arts (hereafter referred to as the "social sciences" for brevity) -- defines astrosociology. A major theme of the symposium focuses on how traditional knowledge and findings of the social sciences, which normally focus on terrestrial matters, actually possess important applications for space exploration and related issues. Moreover, the direct application of social science research and theory-building in contemporary and future timeframes receive attention as vital components in the understanding of humanity's efforts in space environments in terms of exploration, settlement, work, and recreation. Examination of the impact of space exploration on terrestrial societies and cultures receives attention in addition to that of humans in space.

SYMPOSIUM ON HIGH-FREQUENCY GRAVITATIONAL WAVES: 

This Symposium provides a forum for discussions pertaining to the means of detecting and generating HFGWs and their practical application. Papers on HFGWs may encompass the high-frequency (100 kHz to 100 MHz), very high frequency (100 MHz to 100 GHz), and ultra high frequency (greater than 100 GHz) bands all referred to as HFGWs and should concentrate on the means for evolving this technology. Specific interests also include (but are not limited to) the description of HFGWs in conventional space-time, applications to astrophysics, communication, nuclear effects, surveillance and remote movement of massive objects. Concepts may be either theoretical or based upon actual experiments or fabricated devices and should include rigorous, logical, scientific support and plausible assumptions and/or data to validate the fundamental aspects of the presented papers.

CONFERENCE ON FUTURE ENERGY

This conference deals with experiments, theories, and approaches that will help man achieve both a short-term and long-term solutions to fueless energy for electricity generation and travel, as well as drugless energy medicine. Short-term objectives support the near-term environmental initiative for humankind to live on the earth without burning fossil fuels and off the earth, to the Moon and Mars. Long-term objectives will lay down the scientific foundation necessary for future generations to extend mankind's ability to survive in other parts of our solar system. These long-term objectives are more pronounced and designed to stretch the intellectual capabilities and imagination of mankind in advanced technical disciplines. This will broaden our understanding and usage of the space environment for communications, power generation/storage, and propulsion.

MEETING ON FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN SPACE 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

This meeting seeks to promote the dream of space exploration by providing a venue for basic research and current technology developments currently underway in various areas of space science and technology that could prove beneficial in the near future. In any integrated space vehicle, there are a large number of independent and interdependent systems that are needed to accomplish mission success. In some cases, there are engineers and scientists that work with fine focus to produce prototypes of high fidelity subsystems (such as navigation or propulsion) that are relevant for next generation spacecraft; while in other cases, teams of engineers and scientists work diligently and carefully to incorporate the latest cutting-edge subsystems into an integrated spacecraft tailor built to accomplish a specific other-worldly task. In all cases, it is critical that engineers and scientists alike be keenly aware of the trade space of available hardware and technology at their disposal so as to allow them to focus their efforts on the real technical innovation challenges. 

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Abstracts and papers should be concise, clear, and original according to the supporting information; theoretical analysis, references provided, and presentations, which should be logical and based upon sound scientific principles. If a departure from the conventional science is claimed, it is the author's responsibility to persuade and clarify this point in a balanced but scientifically convincing manner supported by adequate and acceptable evidence as well as identify experiments for testing their claims. 

Submit abstracts to abstracts@ias-spes.org