Aviation talks at faculty of Engineering: a RAeS & UoA / UAC(Academic) Shared Series
Please note that in addition to the Monthly Branch Events, there is a further monthly series of Aviation Seminars. These Seminars occur monthly on Mondays (although the next one is on Wednesday 26 March) at the University of Auckland at midday, dates TBA via members email, or via the Branch web page at www.raes.nz
Wednesday 26th March at 12pm in the Engineering Faculty lecture theatre 401-401:
Eric Dahlstrom: The International Space Station and Future Destinations in Space
The International Space Station (ISS) has been continuously occupied for more than 20 years. It is nearing the end of its life, and new space stations are currently being designed and built. Several space stations are being designed to replace the ISS function as a research lab, while others are proposed to operate as space hotels. With lower launch costs, we may be on the verge of routine passenger flight to these new space destinations, as well as exploration of the Moon and Mars.
This talk will provide an overview of the design and operation of ISS and the implications for these new commercial space destinations. The discussion will examine what a future of routine public spaceflight can learn from the current aeronautical and commercial aviation industry, as the public transportation industry extends into space.
Speaker Details:
Eric Dahlstrom, CTO SpaceBase
Eric Dahlstrom is a space engineer, astronomer, and consultant from the US who has worked on spacecraft design and space science for more than 40 years, both for NASA and the commercial space industry. He studied physics, astronomy, and space systems engineering and is currently a member of the faculty of the International Space University, having taught in ten countries.
Mr. Dahlstrom worked for Lockheed Martin as a contractor on the design of the International Space Station for eight years at NASA Langley, where he analysed design issues involving all engineering systems, configuration options, user accommodations, flight attitude, communication systems, power systems, orbital debris, and orbital analysis, as well as performing preliminary design of the interface with Russian systems. He co-authored NASA’s “Lessons Learned from Challenger” report and the risk of Shuttle accidents. Mr. Dahlstrom has supported a dozen entrepreneurial space companies, served as project manager for commercial lunar spacecraft and payloads, and managed team projects at Singularity University and the International Space University.
Eric Dahlstrom is a co-founder of SpaceBase, a social enterprise focused on democratising space for everyone by co-creating space ecosystems in emerging countries, starting with New Zealand. In 2017, he joined the inaugural cohort of the Edmund Hillary Fellowship program in New Zealand.
RAeS Australian Division International Eminent Speaker Program.
If you happen to be in Australia late March there is an International Eminent Speaker Program that is jointly held by the RAeS Australian Division and Engineers Australia. Of note the Sydney Branch lecture will be live streamed (Thursday 27 March 2025 from 2000 NZDST), and RAeS members can register, for free, via the link with details as follows:
https://www.raes.org.au/eventdetails/28978/international-eminent-speaker-program-2025
or directly via:
https://web.cvent.com/event/20443238-e3ce-40f8-aff3-ab72f9412689/summary
(Please note that when undergoing the registration process via the Engineers Australia portal, RAeS members can select the RAeS member option, and you will not be required to pay for registration).
Sydney to host 2026 Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS2026)
The Royal Aeronautical Society Australian Division is the hosting Society for the ICAS congress in Sydney in 2026. The 35th Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS 2026) will be held on 13-18 September 2026 at the International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Sydney, Australia.
The Congress is a biennial event that brings together the world’s aeronautics experts and the international scientific aerospace community to discuss, understand and compare worldwide scientific and technological advances.
The Congress provides the ideal opportunity to move aeronautical research and technology progressively forward, particularly regarding the environment and sustainable development. Up-to-date scientific achievements in aeronautics and priority projects to design new-generation aircraft and engines, constitute essential topics of the Congress and reflect the aspirations of the aeronautical community.
Further information on ICAS2026 can be obtained from: https://icas2026.com/