Report from Washington, D.C.

The recently concluded Strategic Space and Defense 2008 conference included significant congressional participation. The Honorable Ben Nelson, United States Senate, of Nebraska, gave the keynote presentation at The Strategic Space and Defense Dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 7 and The Honorable Ellen Tauscher, United States House of Representatives, made featured remarks at the Congressional Luncheon on…

The Space Foundation, in partnership with multiple corporate and nonprofit sponsors and supporters, hosted Space Jam 2008: A Night with the Stars, an educational reception at each political convention. With magnificent museums serving as backdrops, Space Jam 2008 featured interactive exhibits, stargazing with local astronomers, and discussions with former astronauts.  Attendees had the opportunity to…

On July 31, the Space Foundation, with the National Defense Industrial Association, hosted the third Congressional Space Power Caucus breakfast of 2008.  The featured speaker was Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He addressed issues related to balancing quality and quantity in developing our space architecture, including deconfliction in…

On July 8, the Space Foundation hosted a Space Foundation Correspondent’s Group (SFCG) featuring Col. John Riordan, USAF, director of space operations at U.S. Air Force Headquarters. Riordan, who recently returned from a year long deployment in Southwest Asia, spoke about his experiences supporting space activities in conjunction with Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Riordan was the…

In June, the Space Foundation hosted a Space Foundation Correspondent’s Group event in Washington, D.C., with Dr. Richard Gilbrech, NASA Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems. Gilbrech outlined the status of the Constellation program and its various components including the J2-X engine, the launch abort system, and the Orion capsule. Meanwhile, Congress continues its work on…

On June 4, 2008, the Space Foundation hosted a Space Foundation Correspondent’s Group (SFCG) event. NASA Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Dr. Richard Gilbrech addressed reporters from publications including national, trade, and wire services. Gilbrech is responsible for leading the development of the new spacecraft that will return U.S. astronauts to the moon and travel to…

May is a traditionally busy month in Washington, D.C., and this was no exception. The Space Foundation’s Washington, D.C., office was busy with a variety of events and activities, including briefings for decision-makers on The Space Report 2008: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity. Other highlights include the second Congressional Space Power Caucus breakfast…

On May 6, the Space Foundation hosted an educational briefing for congressional staff in Washington, D.C., as part of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness of, knowledge about, and support for space-related issues. The briefing focused on commercial satellite communications service providers and their interaction with the Department of Defense (DoD). The speakers were…

April was a busy month for the Space Foundation’s Washington, D.C., office. The Space Report 2008: the Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity, produced by the Space Foundation’s Research and Analysis division, was released on April 8, 2008. Well received by the space industry, business community, and media, the release has generated a significant amount…

The Space Foundation will release The Space Report 2008: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity in conjunction with the 24th National Space Symposium. This year’s edition, which covers primarily 2007 data, contains information on global space budgets and revenues, workforce issues, and a yearly summary and analysis of the Space Foundation Index. The early…