CLASSES AZUR ASTRO ESPACE: THE ACTIVITIES THEIR IMPACT

摘要

Created in 1994 in the wake of the closure of the Space Camp of Patrick Baudry in Cannes, Classes Azur Astro Espace (AAE) provide a world's unique combination of space and astronomy courses, as given by active and retired professionals of two of the best corresponding facilities extant: Alcatel Space in Cannes and Observatoire de la Cote d'Azur (OCA) in Nice, Grasse and Caussols. In addition to 30 astronomical modules, fifteen space modules, of 30 to 60 minutes each, have been created, giving simple and clear explanations on launchers and satellites, their development and applications, together with an historical background. Basic experiments are included, such as an unique small catapult to explain gravity, or more classical water rockets. All these modules will be briefly described: history of astronautics, history of astronomy, why go into space and why satellites, the problems to be solved in space, gravity and launch means, description of a satellite, telecommunications satellites, observation satellites, space probes, manned spaceflight, unfolding of a project, Alcatel satellites presentation, building a satellite, the artificial satellites, guidance & navigation. It also will be shown how mock-ups of Moon and Mars bases are built thanks to team work. The rationale for selecting these modules and activities will be explained. An analysis of the effectiveness of AAE, its impact on international people from age 5 to 70, also will be presented. The reasons for this success will be detailed, with thousands of participants from all over the world having spent from 1 to 12 days in the Cannes to Perinaldo area. This is notably due to the support of many official bodies, companies and associations.