Washington Updates

On Jan. 13, the Space Foundation hosted a Space Foundation Correspondents Group featuring former NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, Ph.D. During the breakfast, Griffin addressed a variety of issues, including the national security value of U.S. international cooperation in civil space and the importance of investing in the superiority of the U.S. civil space program. He…

2009 will be critical for U.S. space policy. Later this year, we expect crucial decisions on funding for possible additional Shuttle flights, addressing the gap in human spaceflight capabilities, and awarding the newly amended Transformational Communications Satellite (TSAT) contract. The Congress and the new administration continue to craft a second economic stimulus package, due for release…

On Sept. 24, the Space Foundation, with the National Defense Industrial Association, hosted the last Congressional Space Power Caucus breakfast of 2008.  The featured speaker was NASA administrator, Dr. Michael Griffin.  He spoke about where he sees the Chinese space efforts headed, as well as the current and near-term state of the U.S. space program,…

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…