26th National Space Symposium to Feature NASA Administrator

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 9, 2009) — The Space Foundation’s 26th National Space Symposium, which runs April 12-15 at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo., will feature NASA Administrator Maj. Gen. Charles Bolden, Jr., USMC (Retired).

The head of the U.S. space program, who began his duties last July, will speak about the future of NASA as he steers his organization through perhaps the most critical juncture his organization has faced in its 51-year history.

“Much of what we focus on at the National Space Symposium is what’s next in space – and what’s next for NASA is a huge component of that,” said Space Foundation Chief Executive Officer Elliot Pulham. “The perspective Charlie Bolden brings enriches our agenda immeasurably.”

About Bolden
Bolden’s 34-year Marine Corps career included 14 years with NASA’s Astronaut Office, as an astronaut and in a number of technical assignments, including overseeing safety efforts for the return to flight after the 1986 Challenger accident; serving as lead astronaut for vehicle test and checkout at the Kennedy Space Center; and serving as assistant deputy administrator at NASA Headquarters. Between 1986 and 1994, Bolden flew four Space Shuttle missions, commanding two. His flights included deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope and the first joint U.S.-Russian shuttle mission.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Bolden flew more than 100 combat missions in North and South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia while stationed in Thailand from 1972-1973. During his career, he served as deputy commandant at the U.S. Naval Academy; deputy commanding general of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in the Pacific; and commanding general of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Forward in support of Operation Desert Thunder in Kuwait. He was promoted to major general in 1998 and named deputy commander of U.S. Forces in Japan. He served as commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, Calif., before retiring from the Marine Corps in 2003.

Prior to becoming NASA Administrator, Bolden was chief executive officer of JACKandPANTHER LLC, a leadership, military, and aerospace consulting firm.

Bolden holds a masters degree in systems management from the University of Southern California and is a graduate of the Naval Test Pilot School. His many military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in May 2006.

About the 26th National Space Symposium
The 26th National Space Symposium highlights accomplishments and addresses opportunities and issues facing the global space community today, looking at all aspects of space, including civil, commercial, national security, ‘new space’, international and its many related components. It includes presentations, panels, forums, and workshops, plus a number of special dinners and luncheons, and presentation of several prestigious space-related awards.

The National Space Symposium’s top allure to attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers – of which there were nearly 8,000 in 2009 – is as a venue for networking and conducting meaningful business. In addition to the mainstream program, the 26th edition will include a new program covering cyberspace and greatly expanded programs for young, up-and-coming “new generation” space professionals.

In addition to Bolden, confirmed speakers include:

• Dr. William F. Ballhaus, Jr., vice chairman, Space Foundation Board of Directors, and former president and chief executive officer, The Aerospace Corporation
• Steve Bochinger, director of institutional affairs, Euroconsult, and managing director, Euroconsult North America
• Gen. Bruce Carlson, USAF (Retired), director, the National Reconnaissance Office
• Ariane Cornell, executive director, Space Generation Advisory Council
• Lt. Gen. Larry D. James, USAF, commander, Joint Functional Component Command – Space, United States Strategic Command, and  
• Gen. C. Robert Kehler, USAF, commander, Air Force Space Command, and commander, 14th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic), Air Force Space Command 
• Gen. Thomas Moorman, USAF (Retired)  , chairman, Space Foundation Board of Directors, and former commander, Air Force Space Command
• Leonard Nimoy, actor, film director, poet, musician, and photographer
• Maj. Gen. Richard E. Webber, USAF, commander, 24th Air Force
• Three decades of National Reconnaissance Office leadership
   

Major sponsors of the 26th National Space Symposium include:

• AMERICOM Government Services (AGS) – the Exhibit Center
• Northrop Grumman – the Opening Ceremony
• The Boeing Company – the Corporate Partnership Dinner
• Lockheed Martin – Space Technology Hall of Fame® Dinner

Other Symposium co-sponsors to date are ATK, Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., Cisco Systems, Inc., General Dynamics, GMV,  International Space University, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Raytheon, SAIC, and United Space Alliance.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available; interested companies should contact [email protected]. To be put on the waiting list for exhibit space, contact [email protected].

Online registration and more information, including agenda, speakers, and exhibitors, are available at www.NationalSpaceSymposium.org.

About the Space Foundation
The Space Foundation is an international, nonprofit organization and the foremost advocate for all sectors of the space industry – civil, commercial, military and intelligence. Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is a leader in space awareness activities, educational programs that bring space into the classroom, and major industry events, all in support of its mission “to advance space-related endeavors to inspire, enable, and propel humanity.” An expert in all aspects of the global space industry, the Space Foundation publishes The Space Report: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity and provides three indices that track daily performance of the space industry. Through its Space Certification and Space Technology Hall of Fame®  programs, the Space Foundation recognizes space-based technologies and innovations that have been adapted to improve life on Earth. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, the Space Foundation conducts research and analysis and government affairs activities from its Washington, D.C., office and has field representatives in Houston, Texas, and Cape Canaveral, Fla. For more information, visit www.SpaceFoundation.org. Follow us on Twitter: SpaceFoundation and read about the latest space news and Space Foundation activities in Space Watch.

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