G. Haskell, Symposium Convenor & Vice President for Academic Services
and Outreach, International Space University By taking "Space of Service
to Humanity" as the theme for the inaugural event in its series of
annual symposia, the International Space University (ISU) is asserting
that this application of space technology requires special attention at
this time. Future symposia will examine the issues of the day from
different perspectives. In keeping with the fundamental principles of
ISU, the symposium took a global perspective, as distinct from national
or regional perspectives, and treated both technical and non-technical
topics. Oral and poster presentations were delivered in the scientific,
engineering, economic, legal, political and philosophical domains. All
oral papers were delivered in plenary session to encourage cross-
fertilization between specialities, and posters were readily available
for viewing throughout the three-day event. As an international and
interdisciplinary forum for the sharing of experience and for discussion
and debate, the symposium proved to be a stimulating and worthwhile
event for the 135 participants from 25 countries and 5 international
organizations with backgrounds in industry, government and academia.