USA State Space Initiatives Advancing

Independent space activities of many American States continue to provide an intermediary channel and domain for space development between large, bureaucratic, relatively slow-moving Federal space programs and small, exploratory and financially challenged commercial, private enterprises. Space Florida is in a time of transition since the recent resignation of its President, Steve Kohler, and the upcoming retirement of the Space Shuttle fleet. To keep the state's space industry-dependent economy strong, Senator Bill Nelson (CR) is requesting US$14M in earmarks for a commercial launch pad, a thermal vacuum chamber and a Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program. Officials at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island VA are preparing for their 3rd launch of a Minotaur rocket, and the 2010 demonstration launch of the Taurus 2 rocket. On June 19, the New Mexico Spaceport Authority will hold an official groundbreaking ceremony to start construction on the world's first purpose-built spaceport (BL). Hawai`i passed a bill last week setting aside US$250,000 to apply for a spaceport license, while Wisconsin continues to advance the proposed Spaceport Sheboygan with plans for a suborbital launch in 2010. Individual States are supported by the Aerospace States Association, which works to improve USA global aerospace competitiveness by promoting a state-based perspective in federal aerospace policy development. (Credit: Space Florida, ASA, MARS, NMSA)

2009 ISDC and SIS-6: NewSpace Progress, Commerce and Enterprise

NewSpace industry leaders, entrepreneurs and supporters will converge, connect and plan for the 21st Century at the 28th Annual International Space Development Conference (ISDC) from May 28-31 and 6th Space Investment Summit (SIS-6) on May 27 in Orlando, FL. Hosted by the National Space Society (NSS), the ISDC is considered the largest USA civilian space conference of the year. Plenary sessions will cover commercial, government / international, science / education and outreach / advocacy interests. Notable speakers include Apollo Moonwalker Buzz Aldrin, Space-X Founder Elon Musk, Virgin Galactic President Will Whitehorn (BR) and Odyssey Moon Founder-CEO Robert Richards. The separate one-day SIS-6 will examine connections between the hospitality and the emerging space tourism industries. Dr. Paul Eckert (TR), space entrepreneur and Commercial and International Strategist for The Boeing Company, will open and close the summit with a keynote and closing remarks. SIS-6 this year plans to encourage space commerce growth and will take a temporary step back from formal business plan presentations to investors, and instead focus on synergizing commercial interests between space and non-space companies. Topics will cover financial issues, space-themed physical attractions and advancing opportunities for future next steps. Demonstrations of state-of-the-art simulation and virtual space experiences will be on hand. SIS-6 is sponsored by Boeing, Lockheed Martin, the 62 Mile Club, Ecliptic and others. (Credit: NSS, ISDC, Boeing, ILOA)