Programme confirmed for pioneering AgroSpace workshop

Online, May 11, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The programme for a pioneering AgroSpace workshop for scientists, technologists, politicians and environmentalists, May 20-21 2010, Sperlonga, Italy has been released. International specialists will present on Controlled Environment Agriculture to develop the new science of AgroSpace which combines agronomy and Space. A key objective is advancement of the subject to develop terrestrial and outer space food production solutions.

It is the fourth time that the biennial event has been hosted by advanced space technology organisation Aero Sekur and Federlazio, the SME industrial association for the Lazio region of Italy. The two day workshop is designed to establish food production solutions to feed populations on Earth that are challenged by diminishing resources and to support the new generation of explorers that require sustenance and the psychological benefits of growing food in Space.

Welcome speeches on the first day will include an address from Silvio Rossignoli, President of the 'Aerospazio & Difesa' sector, Federlazio, Aero Sekur President and creator of the AgroSpace concept. Main addresses will be given by Dr. Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of Human Spaceflight - ESA; Dr. Raymond Wheeler, senior scientist and lead for Advanced Life Support, Kennedy Space Centre - NASA; Prof. Mariano Bizzarri, member of the Scientific Committee, La Sapienza University, Rome - ASI and Dr. Guiseppe Blasi, General Director of Competitivity and Rural Development - MiPAAF.

Subjects covered on the first day of the workshop will include current advanced greenhouse technologies emphasising the link from Earth to Space, including hydroponic systems for vegetable production. Day two presentations will include Bioregenerative Life Support systems for Space, plant biology, plant biotechnical strategies and remote sensing applications for controlled agriculture. Round table discussions will conclude each day's proceedings.

Footnote: AgroSpace is the science and technology of agriculture in Space which encompasses controlled plant environments, hydroponic crop production, remote monitoring/control, plant genetics & physiology, and resource management.
Visit: www.agrospaceconference.com