On November 6, events dedicated to space exploration, its role in everyday life, and its influence on art were held at the "Shaping the Future" International Symposium at the National Center "Russia."
During the panel discussion "Space for Humanity: Technologies and New Horizons," experts addressed the challenges humanity faces in this domain.
"A vital step for the global community is to go beyond the current horizons of space technologies. This requires innovative approaches and solutions. The industry's priorities today include the development of a Russian orbital station, transitioning to an industrial production model for spacecraft, continuing the crewed spaceflight program, and advancing nuclear space energy projects," noted Yuri Borisov, Director General of Roscosmos, in his opening remarks.
Denis Kravchenko, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, emphasized the strategic significance of the space sector for Russia. He highlighted the importance of fostering public-private partnerships to achieve these goals:
"Investments in space stimulate technological production and create unique talent capable of tackling the most complex challenges. Set ambitious goals, and we will support their realization on both political and financial levels."
One of the key objectives for the space industry is the implementation of the Lunar Program. Lev Zeleny, academician and Scientific Director of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, highlighted the Moon's potential, particularly its rich deposits of rare earth resources. According to Zeleny, lunar exploration should become a national priority:
"We need to actively develop the Moon. It interests us due to its rare earth resources, gravitational potential—making it a possible spaceport—and cosmic climate, which simplifies the study of stars and planets."
Victor Mukungunugwa, Head of the Engineering Department at the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA), emphasized the inspirational and cautionary role of science fiction for society:
"Russia has a rich legacy of science fiction, and preserving it is crucial today. We live in a time of rapid advancements in AI, genetic engineering, space exploration, and virtual reality, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Science fiction should serve as a guide for the goals we can achieve and the pitfalls we must avoid."
Other panelists included Alexander Romanov, Deputy Director General of TsNIIMash; Yousef Khesuani, Co-founder and Managing Partner of 3D Bioprinting Solutions; Sergey Pereslegin, Scientific Director of the "Sociosoftware" project and renowned futurist; and Dmitry Shishkin, Director of the Administrative Department at Roscosmos, who served as moderator.
Another event, "Space as a Source of Inspiration," delved into the role of art in popularizing space exploration among younger generations. Experts, including science fiction writer Boris Dolingo, Dmitry Grinchenko, Director of the Russian Concert Agency, Dmitry Lunev, General Producer of Prospect Production and creator of the youth sci-fi series Teens in Space, and Hungarian space journalist Levente Sitkei, discussed how cultural initiatives like exhibitions, festivals, and artistic projects inspire people and promote interest in space tourism and exploration.
The "Shaping the Future" Symposium, held from November 4 to 6, brought together participants from 101 countries, including Russia, India, Italy, Iran, China, the UAE, Serbia, the USA, and France. The program features over 60 sessions focusing on four key themes: the future of humanity, technology, a multipolar world, and civilizations. For schedules and live broadcasts, visit future.russia.ru.
The symposium is the inaugural event of the National Center "Russia," established on July 1, 2024, by a directive from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The center aims to preserve the legacy of the "Russia" International Exhibition-Forum and showcase the nation's achievements. Federal authorities, state enterprises, corporations, and regional governments are actively involved in the center's activities.
