It is my pleasure to present to you the second issue of ROOM, the space magazine. During the past months, our young publication has come a long way both creatively and literally. ROOM began its travels around the globe by participating in the International Airshow that was held 14-20 July in Farnborough (Great Britain). Several thousand Airshow attendees got a chance to see the magazine, among them those from leading world aerospace corporations, SMEs, airlines and space agencies from various countries and continents.
These projects reflect the fact that the universe, once so giant and frightening, so vast and mysterious, is becoming closer and closer to us
After that we went to Brussels, where we presented ROOM to the Agoria Industrial Association and to the representatives of the European parliament. Then, from 29 September to 3 October we participated in the 65th International Astronautical Congress in Toronto – the key annual International Astronautics Federation conference, which gathers leaders of the space industry and astronauts from different parts of the world under one roof. The ROOM booth hosted a lively discussion between delegates from different countries. Finally in October, we participated in an Asia-US Workshop for the leading world market high-tech companies in Japan.
During this time, we’ve made a lot of new friends, but even more importantly, our first editorial board has been formed. The board is open to newcomers, and we encourage your offers of participation.
Human activity in space has been quite intense during this time. Of course, I’m talking about the ISRO launch of Mangalyaan into Martian orbit (which will aid in further development of interplanetary missions), and Rosetta – the first time in human history ESA mission to Churyumov-Gerasimenko comet. These events will likely take their place in history as epic feats of humanity.
This issue explores the topic of Mars in great detail. We have covered the preliminary information sent by Rosetta, but will expand upon this in future issues, as new data is received. However, even now we can say that obvious successes of these national and international projects reflect the fact that the universe, once so giant and frightening, so vast and mysterious, is becoming closer and closer to us.
We are beginning to see ourselves as one whole, living in this large and yet, at the same time, small home. And only together, through the efforts of all of humanity, will we be able to sustain cleanliness, peace and harmony of our one common ROOM.
What we need today is mutual trust in the field of international space cooperation. We will come back to this topic in the future issues of ROOM. With warmest regards, and wishing you a pleasant read.
