Nield Talks about Private Industry in Space

Federal Aviation Administration Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation George C. Nield, Ph.D., spoke Tuesday morning at the 29th National Space Symposium.

Noting that private industry will be a key player in space transportation because of budget cuts, advances in technology, government policy support and the involvement of wealthy individuals, Nield said, "It does not take a government and millions of dollars to build a spaceship."

But, he said, "industry needs to find a sweet spot between government needs and required capabilities."

Nield laid out three main areas where he says industry should focus in the near future:

• Government-sponsored programs
• Space tourism
• Exploration

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To see a video of his remarks, click here.

See photos here.