Space Foundation Press Releases


Space Foundation Takes `Next Giant Step` at 18th National Space Symposium

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 18, 2002) — A new special event, the largest assembly of exhibitors ever and a program highly focused on customer requirements mark plans for the 18th National Space Symposium announced today by the Space Foundation. The symposium is scheduled for April 8-11 at the world-renowned Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. “Opening the Space Frontier — The Next Giant Step” is the theme for the only conference in the space industry which fully integrates the civil, national security and commercial space sectors. The symposium’s theme is synonymous with the name of the official artwork for the event, created by Robert McCall, which depicts astronauts from several eras and programs proudly displaying the American flag. Nearly 400 space companies are expected to participate in the symposium, including more than 100 exhibitors and corporate event sponsors. The Symposium program has been carefully tailored based on customer input and requirements according to Foundation officials, and is designed to meet the needs of NASA, military and commercial customers. “Space vs. Terrorism” will be prominently addressed in a series of three panels, addressing “The Role of Satellites in Homeland Defense,” “Space Technology Requirements for Warfighting and Homeland Defense” and “Lessons Learned and Challenges Identified from Operation Enduring Freedom.” A featured session of the symposium will look at the subject of “The Future and Space.” Noted futurist Dr. Alvin Toffler and the Toffler Associates are organizing the panel, which will take a multi-disciplined approach to the role space will play in our lives. Two prominent commissions are part of the symposium program, “The Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry” and “The ‘Rumsfeld Commission’ on Space: A Year Later – Progress or Procrastination.” Private equity financing, the “Wall Street” view of space, and Space Station science issues will also be addressed in panels and special focus sessions. The full preliminary program is available on-line at the symposium website: www.spacesymposium.org. In addition to three full days of keynote speeches and panels, the symposium agenda encompasses an opening ceremony on April 8th featuring the recipients of the Space Foundation’s Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach and Space Achievement Awards. The opening ceremony is sponsored by Lockheed Martin Corporation. A special new event, “A Salute to America’s Military Astronauts” will honor the men and women of the Armed Services who have flown in space. General Ed Eberhart, commander in chief, U.S. Space Command and NORAD, and commander, Air Force Space Command, will be the featured speaker. Tuesday’s Corporate Partnership Dinner will acknowledge Space Foundation corporate members. The symposium concludes with “The Space Technology Hall of Fame Dinner,” which also features the first annual presentation of the Space Foundation’s General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award. This year’s Hall of Fame dinner is sponsored by Spectrum Astro. The Space Foundation is a national non-profit organization advancing space awareness and education. In addition to the National Space Symposium, the Foundation conducts the International Space Symposium, scheduled to take place in Toulouse, France, September 10-13, 2002. Secure on-line registration may be found at www.spacesymposium.org or by calling the Space Foundation at (US) 719-576-8000 or toll free in the US and Canada at 1-800-691-4000.


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