Space Foundation Announces Theme for 24th National Space Symposium

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 8, 2007) — The Space Foundation announced today the theme for the 24^th National Space Symposium – “Our Expanding Universe…50 Years of Space Exploration.“ The symposium is the premier U.S. space policy and program forum on all sectors of space — civil, commercial, and national security. The 24th National Space Symposium will take place April 7-10, 2008, at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“The accomplishments the space industry has made in only 50 years are truly remarkable,” said Space Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Elliot Pulham. “Since the launch of the world’s first artificial satellite – Sputnik – in 1957, space exploration has opened doors to new technology, discovery, and opportunity.  And looking forward, new and emerging technologies and venues promise even more significant achievements and discovery. We look forward to celebrating the legacy and exploring the future of the space industry at the next symposium.”

The theme for the 24^th National Space Symposium reflects continued advancement while acknowledging how far the space industry has come. The speakers, exhibits, and program agenda of the symposium will reflect the theme by looking forward at the advancements in space technology and honoring the many accomplishments in the first 50 years of space exploration. 

The symposium attracts attendees from across the United States and internationally. Participants include senior executive leadership from NASA, NOAA, and other civil space and government agencies; the commercial space and satellite broadcasting industry; the Department of Defense and military space commands; space entrepreneurs; universities and academia; and senior representatives from the global space industry. More than 7,000 registrants, guests, speakers, exhibitors, media, teachers, and students attended the 23rd National Space Symposium. The numbers in all categories of participants are expected to grow for the 24^th National Space Symposium. 

The program agenda will feature leaders from across the space industry. These individuals who represent both the history and future of this $220 billion industry will highlight the accomplishments and look forward to the opportunities and issues facing the space industry today.  In addition to an outstanding program, the 24^th National Space Symposium will feature a spectacular Exhibit Center with more than 45,000 square feet of exhibit space.

About the Space Foundation
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, the Space Foundation is a national nonprofit organization advancing space-related endeavors to inspire, enable, and propel humanity. The Space Foundation is a leader in space awareness activities, trade association services, research and analysis for the global space industry and educational enterprises that bring space into the classroom. The Space Foundation has an office in Washington, D.C., and field representatives in Houston, Texas, and Cape Canaveral, Fla. Along with partnering organizations, the Space Foundation also conducts Strategic Space and Defense 2008, 6-8 October in Omaha, Neb. For more information, visit www.SpaceFoundation.org.