Washington Updates

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…