Space Studies Attends Canadian Space Society Summit

Dr. Jim Casler, Dr. Vadim Rygalov, and 11 Space Studies graduate students traveled to Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 14-15 to participate in the Annual Canadian Space Society Summit. Dr. Rygalov chaired the Planetary Exploration session. He also presented “Long-Term Stability of Closed Ecological Systems for Life Support in Space” which covered long-term stability analysis for planetary surface habitation systems in the Space Life Sciences session. Space Studies graduate student Nanette Valentour presented the presented “Development of Plant Modules as Life Support Means for Planetary Surface Operations in Space” by Dr. Vadim Rygalov, Brittany Zimmerman (SPST), Dr. Pablo de León, and Raymond Wheeler. The presentation covered the updates on the Plant Module design and development for ILMH complex simulating planetary surface base functioning. The summit proved to be a good opportunity for SPST grad students to network with the others in the space industry and learn how Canada’s space program operates. SPST students actively promoted the Department to Summit participants. SPST students reported receiving many positive comments and compliments about UND and its students. Some contacts expressed interest in visiting Space Studies.