COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO -- Top leaders from industry, government, NASA and the military are gathering here this week, taking part in the 18th National Space Symposium, a seminal event that takes the pulse of U.S. and international activities in space.
Sponsored by The Space Foundation, based in Colorado Springs, this yearly symposium comes at a time of profound change in the charting of America's space agenda for the 21st century. A top priority is the on-going war on terrorism and to what extent can space-based technologies assist in curbing this global problem.
Furthermore, both economic forces here and abroad are challenging America's industrial strength and wherewithal in the aerospace arena.
NASA itself is undergoing dramatic change.
Now under new leadership, NASA must address charges of mismanagement and out-of-control cost issues surrounding the U.S.-led mega-project, the International Space Station. Meanwhile, calls are on the rise for an expansive space program, one that returns humans back to the Moon and onward on to the distant dunes of Mars.
The Space Foundation symposium serves as nexus for experts to tackle these issues and other "hot button" topics of the day.
Homeland defense
"World events have clearly driven an intense interest in strategic issues this year," said Space Foundation president and chief executive officer, Elliot G. Pulham.
"Economic and industrial issues like export controls and reducing the cost of access to space are still very important. But the huge role played by space systems and technologies in the war on terrorism and in potential solutions for homeland defense will drive a lot of the discussion this year," Pulham told SPACE.com.
"At the same time, you have a new NASA Administrator on the brink of articulating a new vision and direction for the space agency," Pulham said.
"All of this is happening at a rare moment when a Presidential Commission -- the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry -- is shaping major, long-range, strategic space and aerospace policy recommendations," Pulham said.
Unique moment
"So it is a unique moment in space history and interest in the 18th National Space Symposium is high," Pulham said. "Corporate participation is at record-breaking levels, and total expected attendance of about 3,800 will rival 2000 and 2001 -- our best years ever."
Adding to this year's presentations, a 26,000 square foot exhibit center features the latest in space solutions and technology from more than 80 exhibitors.
The symposium includes panels of experts, focused on a variety of topics, such as: Space vs. Terrorism; Financing Space Ventures in a Down Market; The State of Health of the Space Industry; and Ensuring a Robust Science Program for the International Space Station.
In a special tribute, America's military astronauts will be saluted. One of the largest-ever gatherings of past, present and future military astronauts is slated during the symposium.
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