Travelling exhibition - European Space Expo in Zagreb

How does space technology help improve traffic, preserve the environment, monitor climate change, and raise the quality of life? You can find answers to all of these questions between June 12th and June 21st at a free interactive exhibition - European Space Expo - taking place at Zagreb’s main square.

Between June 12^th and June 21^st, Zagreb’s main square of Ban Josip Jelačić will be the venue for a free interactive exhibition - European Space Expo. The travelling exhibition has thus far been visited by more than 700,000 people in many European cities, and now it can be seen in the Croatian capital.

The goal of the exhibition is to inform citizens about the advantages and the usage of the main European satellite navigation system and Earth observation programmes, Galileo and Copernicus, respectively, as well as inform the public about the impact of these programmes on the everyday lives of Europeans. Although it sometimes seems like space exploration is mere luxury, in fact it opens the door to services of vital importance for modern living; it creates jobs, it has a huge economic benefit, and it allows Europe to enjoy greater independence. Nowadays, the eleven biggest satellite operators in Europe use 153 communication satellites; they employ six thousand people and boast annual revenue of six billion Euros, with a ripple effect on more than 30,000 employees of other agencies and institutions.

With the help of interactive visual materials, exhibition visitors will have the opportunity to discover where satellite technology is applied. They will learn how such technologies help optimize transport, preserve the environment, increase agricultural and fishing efficiency, monitor climate changes, as well as manage emergency situations in case of natural disasters, etc. Specialist presentations will provide information on how space technology can improve the quality of life. That is why this exhibition is an ideal place for organized school trips, for which schools can apply online at http://spaceexpo.spacetecpartners.eu/Zagreb. Additional info can be requested from Martina Matijević via email at martina@i-gis-hr.

The organizer of the exhibition is the European Commission, while the local Zagreb facilitator is the Institute for GIS (iGIS).

More information about the exhibition is available online at http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/space/expo/index en.htm.