Washington Updates

On May 23, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Major General Charles Bolden, USMC (retired), as NASA administrator and Lori Garver as Deputy NASA administrator. In making the nomination, Obama said, “These talented individuals will help put NASA on course to boldly push the boundaries of science, aeronautics and exploration in the 21st…

The Space Foundation hosted a reception and briefing in Washington, D.C., April 30, for congressional staffers, U.S. and international space agency officials, and industry representatives celebrating the release of The Space Report 2009: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity. Marty Hauser, Space Foundation vice president, Washington operations, research & analysis, briefed the attendees on…

On March 12, the Space Foundation hosted a meeting of the Space Foundation Correspondents Group (SFCG) featuring famed Astrophysicist, Author, and Director of the Hayden Planetarium Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ph. D., who spoke about the need for a grand vision for space that will inspire and attract the most talented minds to science and engineering.…

On Feb. 26, the Space Foundation hosted a briefing about international space programs and U.S. cooperative efforts in space. As part of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about and support for space-related endeavors, the briefing featured presentations from a panel of experts: Al Condes, Office of External Relations, National Aeronautics and Space Administration…

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…