The New Space Generation

ARLINGTON, Va - Students, engineers, entrepreneurs, government officials, astronauts and space enthusiasts gathered at the National Space Society's annual International Space Development Conference (ISDC) to review, plan, and predict the future of our relations with the universe. One of these individuals was ex-congressman Robert Walker (R - Penn) who told enthusiasts "Fulfilling human destiny in space will be both difficult and dangerous." While all the conference attendees desire to continue space exploration whether it be through President Bush's Aldridge Commission or the cutting-edge technology of the private sector, the average age of a typical aerospace engineer is already 53 years. Clearly, a new, young, diversely focused and able-minded workforce is needed to bring these dreams to fruition. The Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) represent the most passionate and resolute of this fresh workforce.

SEDS members will be the future of the space industry. Our members maintain a strong alumni network, assist in the development of high-profile space technology and are expanding our contacts across the world. We believe that there is enough room in space for everyone who desires to become a part of this magnificent aspiration and discover the new frontier of the twenty-first century.

The ISDC provided a springboard to the action students will take to fulfill this principal space vision. SEDS members were able to attend the inspirational opening presentation by President of Scaled Composites and SpaceShipOne Designer Burt Rutan, a luncheon with Elon Musk, the Founder and President of Space Exploration Technologies, a private conference with X-PRIZE Founder Dr. Peter Diamandis and even a Star Wars viewing with Astronaut Buzz Aldrin. While attending special conferences ranging from Law and Policy to Lunar Science to Planetary Defense, SEDS members learned the broad scope of issues affecting the modern industry.

Members of SEDS-USA also held their own General Body Meeting to discuss the events of the past year, develop new goals and plan the future of the organization. The 25 members in attendance represented the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University, George Washington University, University of Washington, University of Hawaii, University of North Carolina and Purdue University. Meeting SEDS members from other chapters occurs only a few times each year. However, the result of these meetings is like a supernova of student excitement! As an organization, SEDS hopes to hold further student gatherings at events throughout the year not only to meet our own members, but also to mix with the space community as a whole. SEDS encourages everyone to attend our National Conference held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign this November. (www.space2005.org).

The National Space Society has been very influential in motivating more students to become involved in space exploration. By connecting NSS members and the student body of SEDS, we are strengthening a bridge across the generations of space pioneers. The strength of this bridge will be key to the success of our future endeavors in space. By providing both a national and international network, students today will be on the forefront of taking Earth to the outer limits of the universe. The NSS has been a great influence on SEDS over the past year, culminating in our presence at the ISDC. We thank the National Space Society for this opportunity and look forward to continuing our close collaboration over the coming years.

Elizabeth Bozek is a sophomore aerospace engineering student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her favorite space-related activity was watching and volunteering at the first official launch of SpaceShipOne for the Ansari X-PRIZE last September.