Keynote Speakers (sorted by order of their presentation )

Meyya Meyyappan, Center for Nanotechnology, NASA
An Overview of Recent Developments in Nanotechnology

Abstract:
This talk provides an overview of recent developments, opportunities and challenges in various areas of nanotechnology. Topics to be covered includes carbon nanotubes for electronics, structural and sensor applications; nanostructured materials, molecular electronics; and bio-nano fusion.

Nobel Laureate Richard Smalley, Rice University, USA
Fullerenes, Space, and the World's Energy Challenge

Abstract:
With his trademark flourish of science lecture laced with references to poetry and philosophy, he explained that he aims to prove that nanotech can help save the world

Henry Helvajian , Aerospace Corporation, USA
The fabrication and missions of the Aerospace COSA (Co-orbiting Satelite Assistant)

Abstract
A high pressure cold gas propulsion system has been developed that can maneuver a 100gm class nano/picosatellite for conducting on orbit inspections of a "mother" ship spacecraft. The propulsion system (50 x 50 x 8mm3) consists of bonded wafers of photostructurable glass/ceramic material that has been micromachined using a non-ablative UV laser direct-write processing technique. The novel material processing technique is activated via a laser excitation of photosensitive dopant species. The fabrication technique uses a merged processing approach; where serial and slow operations (direct-write) are used to pattern the material with three-dimensional control while batch operations (chemical etching) are used for actually removing the exposed material. No masks are required. The fuel tank, miniature supersonic thruster nozzles, sensor cavities, a gas/fluid separator and all gas delivery channels have been processed via the laser technique. This complete fluid delivery distribution system fabricated out of glass/ceramic material and comprising of 7 processed/fused wafers, is mated with electronics (i.e. microcontroller, MEMS gyro, transmitter/receiver) and miniature valves. The presentation will include aspects of the laser volumetric patterning technique, a discussion of the prototype Co-Orbiting Satellite Assistant (COSA) and the advantages of using such materials in space applications.

Gaëtan Menozzi, MINATEC, France
The New Center of Competences for Micro and Nano Technologies in Grenoble

Abstract:
The aim of this center is to bring engineering schools, research laboratories, and industry together under one roof to build a front-rank platform. It will specialize in micro and nanotechnology gradually unfolding from 2001 to 2005 at the CEA site in Grenoble

The project was initiated by CEA and Grenoble's National Polytechnic Institute (NPI). Its most striking feature is its scale. Over the next five years, the centre, comprising 50,000 sq. ft. of laboratory and office space will accommodate a total of 3,000 people. It will occupy an eight hectare site just to the south of the CEA research center. The overall investment will amount to about 150 M Euros.

William Tang, DARPA, USA
MNT for aerospace and defense Programs at DARPA

Abstract:
Since the terrorist attacks on September 11 last year, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is aggressively pursuing advanced technology and new strategic responses to protect national and global security. New initiatives are formed and consolidated, with defense in the space domain being one of the key strategic arenas. Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) continues to be one of the three core enabling technologies within the Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) of DARPA. Together with Photonics and Electronics, MEMS forms the foundation for a broad variety of advanced research projects sponsored by MTO as well as the other offices within DARPA. Under the current overarching initiatives to respond to terrorist attacks, research projects are underway to apply MEMS in specific military platforms in all four domains of engagement: air, land, sea, and space. In particular, space applications present a wealth of opportunities and challenges to the MEMS community. The use of MEMS to implement ultra-miniaturized spacecraft subsystems can potentially address the requirement for shock survivability, radiation tolerance, low-power consumption, and mass and volume constraints. Research issues related to these requirements must be addressed to successfully apply MEMS for space-based platforms.

Nobel Laureate John C. Polanyi, University of Toronto, Canada
Science, Technology and Humanity

Abstract:
Nobel Laureate Dr. Polanyi's pioneering and world recognized
research on the molecular mechanics of chemical reaction is well known to most in the scientific and engineering community. This is some of the "core enabling science", crucial to advances in the field of nanotechnology. Dr. Polanyi will talk about the links between science and technology, using his own past and recent experience to illustrate. He will then warn against over-reliance on technology to solve humanity's major problems.


Rick Snyder, Ardesta, USA
Commercializing Small Tech

Abstract:
The presentation covered:·understanding Small Tech, definition, key issues, commercializing its market segments
·Issues, markets, and developing a successful business

Hany Moustapha, Pratt & Whitney, Canada
CRIAQ and Canadian Aerospace Collaboration in MEMS

Abstract:
Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) have been identified as an emerging technologies needed for aerospace applications by many organizations such as NATO Applied Vehicle Technology, NASA, AIAC (Aerospace Industries Association of Canada) and more recently by the new CRIAQ (Consortium Research Innovation Aerospace Quebec).

The presentation is an overview of the recent trends and challenges facing the Canadian aerospace industries with special emphasis on the potential applications of MEMS technologies to aircraft systems and gas turbine engines. Advanced prognostics, health monitoring and micro-flow control will be addressed.

As part of the CRIAQ six major research areas, MEMS has been identified as a critical emerging technology with two projects, out of a total of fourteen approved projects, addressing in-situ health monitoring of aircraft and engine.

Minoo Dastoor, NASA, HQ, USA
Convergence of Bio and Nano Technologies: NASA Perspective

Laurent Marchand, European Space Agency,
Overview of MNT Programs at the European Space Agency

Last update - Dec. 24, 2002