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Projects: Space AdvocacyWorkshop: "Examining the Vision: Balancing Science and Exploration"February 12 and 13, 2008
As we look toward next year, we see that it is time for another independent look at space policy. In less than one year, a new U.S. President will be taking office, bringing with him or her new priorities, new perspectives, and new budget constraints. Thus, the Planetary Society has joined with the Stanford University Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics to convene a two-day workshop of experts -- leaders in various fields of space exploration. The invitation-only workshop, "Examining the Vision: Balancing Science and Exploration" is limited to 50 participants to permit intensive discussion about a wide range of policy options. The invited participants have a broad diversity of backgrounds and interests. They include current or former astronauts, public-interest advocates, aerospace-industry executives, and scientists. The meeting is being held privately to ensure a frank, open, and productive dialogue. The participants all come with their own opinions and the workshop will convene with no pre-ordained perspective or opinion about what the next administration should do. Over the course of the two-day workshop, the participants will examine robotic and human space exploration; the need for continuing and enhancing Earth science observations; the relative utility of humans and robots; launch vehicles and the status of access to space; the emerging entrepreneurial space industry; and progress or impediments to human exploration of Mars, asteroids, and the Moon. They will also discuss current plans for a NASA lunar base as well as alternate ideas for human space flight destinations; international planning for lunar and Mars exploration; and the current status of international cooperation. The workshop will be composed of several 90-minute panels where more than half the time will be allotted for discussion rather than presentation. The Planetary Society -- as an independent, non-governmental voice of advocacy and public interest in space exploration -- holds a unique role in helping to shape future space policy. In that role, The Planetary Society has organized numerous workshops and studies of space policy. Our past subjects include "A Space Station Worth the Cost" in the 1980s; an examination of the Mars Exploration Program after the loss of Mars Observer in the 1990s; "Space Transportation" in the early 2000s, and its follow-on "Extending Human Presence into the Solar System," led by Mike Griffin and Owen Garriott. Planetary Society Board member Wesley T. Huntress, Jr. and Society Executive Director Louis Friedman represent the Society on the workshop's organizing committee. Scott Hubbard, former Director of NASA Ames Research Center and former head of the Mars program at NASA is co-chairing the workshop with ex-Astronaut Kathryn Thornton. Hubbard is a member of The Planetary Society's Board of Directors and Professor in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford. Thornton is Professor of Technology, Culture, and Communication, and Assistant Dean at the University of Virginia. At the conclusion of the workshop, the organizers will release a statement summarizing any main conclusions of the group, as well as a list of participants (individually, with their permission). Thank you for your interest in the future of space exploration, Did you like this article? Send
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