Update on Space Foundation International Involvement

The Space Foundation’s engagement internationally has a deep history. With space policies calling for more global collaboration, with more actors on the space stage and with many partners looking to expand their global markets, our efforts in the international space community are increasingly critical.

This year’s 32nd Space Symposium will feature global participation throughout. From our space agency leaders panel to our “Country in Focus” sessions (pictured), panelists and speakers from all space sectors, special Latin America initiatives, international trade delegations and exhibits, the global presence is completely integrated.

But the Symposium is only one aspect of the Space Foundation’s year-round international affairs agenda. As we continue to expand our relationships around the world, here is a summary of our other important efforts.

The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS)
For more than 16 years, the Space Foundation has served as a Private Sector Advisor on the United States delegation to the Committee and the Science and Technical Sub-Committee. In this role, the Space Foundation’s representatives have participated in Working Groups, delivered technical presentations, hosted receptions for delegates and worked special activities with the Office of Outer Space Affairs. Additionally, the Space Foundation has participated on landmark bi-lateral delegations.

International Conferences and Speaking Engagements  
The Space Foundation is active throughout the world in conference and special events participation, often hosting complimentary added-value activities for our member companies.  Among these are the World Satellite Business Week, the International Astronautical Congress, Royal United Services Institute, Farnborough Air Show and the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agencies’ Forum.

U.S.-German Aerospace Roundtable (UGART)  
Established in a joint memorandum with the German Space Agency (DLR) in 2013, the UGART brings together German and American companies and organizations to promote greater understanding of requirements, capabilities and opportunities for mutual benefit. Held alternately in each nation, the UGART has produced a number of bi-lateral cooperative agreements.

China  
As a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), the Space Foundation has a long and unique position as the foremost organization working with the Chinese space community. We have hosted association, industry and governmental delegations to the United States since 2000. The Space Foundation was honored and welcomed on a landmark visit to China and its space facilities in 2008, and has led industry delegations to China in subsequent years. We have a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Society of Astronautics for collaborative efforts, and are working on initiatives with the Chinese Space Foundation to co-host a workshop on space applications.

This article is part of Space Watch: March 2016 (Volume: 15, Issue: 3).