Space Foundation News


German Aerospace Delegation Visits Space Foundation World Headquarters

Written by: developer

Earlier this year during the annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the Space Foundation and the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V (DLR)), cementing an ongoing relationship between the two organizations.

The Space Foundation and DLR have common interests in promoting space activities and advancing international collaboration in space. As Germany's national research center for aerospace, DLR works to promote German research interests internationally.

DLR's goals include operating excellent research facilities, implementing top-level research projects, promoting scientists through training opportunities and furthering innovative technology transfer, to be achieved internationally through cooperation and transatlantic outreach.

The Space Foundation seeks to foster, develop and promote, among the citizens of the United States and among other people of the world, a greater understanding and awareness of the utilization of space for the benefit of civilization. Its mission is to advance space-related endeavors to inspire, enable and propel humanity.

Three DLR representatives visited Space Foundation World Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., in October to tour the Discovery Center and to continue discussions, specifically regarding technology transfer and commercialization.

Representing DLR were:

  • Dr. med Jurgen Drescher, head of the DLR Washington office
  • Dr. Gerd Gruppe, member of the executive board
  • Ass. Jur. Gernot Papperitz, assistant to the member of the executive board

About the MOU
The 2013 MOU was signed by Space Foundation CEO Elliot Pulham and DLR Chairman Executive Board, Prof. D.-Ing. Johann-Dietrich Worner. By signing the MOU, the parties established a U.S. / German Aerospace Roundtable (UGART) as an informal discussion forum on subjects including space exploration, space transportation, ISS utilization, technology transfer and innovation, educational outreach, space situational awareness, space applications, applied remote sensing and disaster management, satellite navigation and communication.

It was agreed by both parties to meet at least once per year and to host at least one UGART per year alternating between the United States and Germany.

Participants at the inaugural UGART included several American and German company executives, along with representatives of trade organizations. They exchanged views and provided operational "snapshots" of their companies. The UGART participants also interacted in networking opportunities throughout the Space Symposium.

The UGART has an "open accession policy" and welcomes expanded participation.

 

This article is part of Space Watch: November 2013 (Volume: 12, Issue: 11).


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