2016-10-18 At the beginning of October, the XXIX Planetary Congress took place in Vienna. The congress is organized by the Association of Space Explorers, an international organization which consists of more than 400 former astronauts and cosmonauts from 37 countries.
In October 1991, Franz Viehböck was the first and only Austrian ever to go to space. Exactly 25 years later Franz Viehböck hosted the annual Planetary Congress together with the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF). More than 100 astronauts participated.
On the so-called Community Day, which took place within the frame of the Planetary Congress, the former astronauts and cosmonauts traveled across Austria and gave lectures in schools, educational facilities and universities.
Thus, MCI had the honor of welcoming two impressive personalities to a thrilling panel discussion: Both Helen Patricia Sharman, a British astronaut who visited the MIR space station, and Dr. Chiaki Mukai, the first Japanese woman to visit space, who accomplished not only one, but two flights on the space shuttle, provided insight into their experiences as astronauts.
The audience was highly interested; after an exciting lecture the ladies could hardly answer the many questions from the audience.
The panel discussion was hosted by MCI Head of Department & Studies Andreas Mehrle and finished with an informal get-together as well as personal conversations with the astronauts.
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