Washington Updates

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…