Space Shuttle Gets Symposium Attention

As NASA prepares for the final Space Shuttle mission, the Space Foundation is dedicating two events at the upcoming 27th National Space Symposium to honoring this extraordinary program. The Industry Salutes the Space Shuttle luncheon and the Space Shuttle Commanders' Forum will both be presented on April 12, the 30th anniversary of the launch of the first Space Shuttle: Columbia's STS-1 mission.

Industry Salutes the Space Shuttle 
The Industry Salutes the Space Shuttle luncheon, hosted by the Space Foundation and co-sponsor United Space Alliance (USA), will focus on thanking and recognizing the organizations and people who have contributed to the STS program. It will feature a video tribute that captures the Shuttle program at its finest moments and will culminate in the presentation of an award to NASA  in honor of the thousands of men and women who have dedicated their lives to the success of the program. 

The Industry Salutes the Space Shuttle luncheon is open to all Symposium attendees and requires separate registration. It is expected to sell out early.
 
Space Shuttle Commanders' Forum
Part of the 27th National Space Symposium general session agenda, the Space Shuttle Commanders' Forum will feature five former Shuttle commanders:

• Jim Banke, host, "Space Talk with Jim Banke"
• Col. Robert D. Cabana, USMC (Retired), former commander, Space Shuttles Columbia and Endeavour, and current director of John F. Kennedy Space Center
• Col. Eileen Collins, USAF (Retired), former commander, Space Shuttles Columbia and Discovery, and recipient of the Space Foundation's 2007 Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award 
• Col. Fred Gregory, USAF (Retired), former commander, Space Shuttles Atlantis and Discovery, former NASA deputy administrator, and managing director -- aerospace and defense strategy for Lohfeld Consulting Group
• Col. Brewster H. Shaw, Jr., USAF (Retired), former commander, Space Shuttles Columbia and Atlantis, current vice president and general manager, Space Exploration, for Integrated Defense Systems at The Boeing Company, and a current member of the Space Foundation Board of Directors
• Vice Adm. Richard H. Truly, USN (Retired), former commander, Space Shuttle Challenger, former NASA administrator and a life director of the Space Foundation

The panelists will discuss their experiences traveling in space and give their perspectives on the current space environment.
 
Register Now
For more details on the 27th National Space Symposium, see related article in this issue of Space Watch. Industry attendees who register before Jan. 14, 2011, can save up to $500 with the Super Early Bird rate. To register and to get more information, including agenda, speakers and exhibitors, click here.