Galaxy Forum China 2024: space unity & exploration

Experts at the Galaxy Forum China 2024 emphasized the importance of international cooperation in space exploration, youth education and female engagement, highlighting themes such as international human moon landings, studying the moon and astronomy from the moon and overviewing the solar system in the 21st century.

The forum was held in Wenchang, Hainan province, which has a major domestic aerospace launch center, from Dec 8 to 12. The Galaxy Forum is the International Lunar Observatory Association's global education and outreach program, which started in 2008 in the United States. In the 16 years since, 116 Galaxy Forums have been held in 30 locations worldwide, with 550 presentations. China has hosted the forum 10 times.

Former NASA astronaut Don Thomas captured the transformative impact of space exploration, saying: "If you could look out the window from space, your life would be changed. You see how fragile the Earth is. How thin the atmosphere is protecting us."

Stressing the unity of humanity, Thomas remarked, "We're all earthlings, and we all have to coexist. We're neighbors, we're partners, and we live on this planet together."

Steve Durst, one of the forum's organizers and director of the International Lunar Observatory Association, reflected on the historical cooperation between the United States and the former Soviet Union during the Cold War, highlighting the ongoing potential for collaboration in space endeavors.

Durst expressed optimism about the potential for exploring the solar system in the second quarter of the century and emphasized that collaboration between governments, universities and private enterprises is key to this endeavor.

He projected a future where the US, China and India would play pivotal roles in space exploration, noting their successful moon landings.

Wang Jun of the Hainan Association for Science and Technology underscored the broader impact of lunar exploration beyond scientific discovery, emphasizing its role in inspiring passion for science and technology among youth and fostering global perspectives through education.

Lynette Tan, CEO and founder of Singapore's Space Faculty, drew attention to the increasing participation of women in space-related programs. "Our Space Data Series for youths now sees female youth making up over 50 percent of its participants, reflecting a growing interest and engagement among young women in space-related fields," she said.

Tan also emphasized the unique leadership qualities women bring to the space industry, including their ability to foster inclusive environments and drive innovation through teamwork and empathy.

According to her, the pivotal role of women ensures that "future space missions not only advance humanity's scientific frontiers but also reflect its values of inclusivity and shared responsibility".