Scientists and some companies from around the globe have already begun to carry out research aboard this unique laboratory, the largest research and technology centre available to date. Businesses and entrepreneurs from the non-space sectors as well as the space industry are welcome on board. Germany Two key European ministers responsible for space, Germany s Minister for Research and Education, Ms Edelgard Bulmahn, and France s Minister of Research, Mr Roger-G rard Schwartzenberg, will open the afternoon. The first crew to have inhabited the Space Station, from November 2000 to March 2001, will also be present, for the first time in Europe, to discuss their life and work on board and lead participants through their Space Station with the help of 3D virtual reality simulation. Conference attendees will be able to meet the builders of the Space Station the companies developing the modules and other hardware and current users companies in areas ranging from hi-tech to media that are already benefiting from being on board.
Press are welcome to attend the full three-day conference at no charge.