Space Foundation Plays Role in Agencies Summit

The Space Foundation was right in the middle of a historic gathering of international space agencies Nov. 17 in Washington, D.C. 

The International Academy of Astronautics Heads of Space Agencies Summit was an unprecedented gathering of more than 300 world leaders, academicians and space experts, including the heads of 30 space agencies from around the world - from Argentina to Viet Nam.

The program included remarks by two former national presidents (India by video and the Ukraine in person), the U.S. deputy secretary of state and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and presentation of four studies on the key areas concern to the agencies:

• Human spaceflight
• Planetary robotic exploration
• Disaster management
• Climate Change 

All heads of agencies signed the IAA Summit Declaration,  which highlights the need to foster closer international cooperation across the four topic areas to strengthen the effectiveness and support of global space activities.

The Space Foundation sponsored the Summit luncheon and hosted two tables at the gala dinner. Space Foundation Board and staff members in attendance included:

• Director Emeritus John Higginbotham
• Director Emeritus Gen. Thomas Moorman, Jr., USAF (Retired)
• Director Emeritus The Honorable Robert Walker
• Board Member The Honorable Barbara Barrett
• Board Treasurer Lon Levin
• Space Foundation Chief Executive Officer Elliot Pulham
• Space Foundation Senior Vice President - Strategic & International Affairs Steve Eisenhart
• Space Foundation Vice President - Washington Operations Brendan Curry
• Space Foundation Special Advisor - International Affairs Bill Parker

Guests included the agency head and a parliamentarian from Romania, the head of Nigeria's Space Research Agency and senior space agency representatives from the United Kingdom and China.

Pictured: Heads of space agencies ranging from Argentina to Viet Nam fill the stage at the International Academy of Astronautics Heads of Space Agencies Summit Nov. 17 in Washington, D.C.