Aerospace leaders to discuss how space technology stimulates national and global economy

Aerospace industry leaders will meet on July 27 to discuss how the development of space technology has stimulated the national and global economy, and how space technology can drive future economic growth.

The half-day event, "Space: Stimulating Economic Growth Today and Tomorrow," will feature panelists from an array of private space technology companies, analyzing the past, present, and future effects of space technology development on the national and world economy. Organized by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the discussion is free and open to the public, and takes place on Monday, July 27, at 1:00 p.m., in the U.S. Senate's Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Hearing Room, Room 235, Russell Senate Office Building, 1st & C Sts. NE, Washington, D.C.

After welcoming remarks by AIAA executive director Bob Dickman, attendees will hear from two panels, both moderated by David Logsdon, executive director of the Space Enterprise Council at Tech America. The first panel features: Edward Morris, executive director of strategic business development, ITT Space Systems; John Porter, CEO of Astrogenix; and Pierre Chao, managing partner, Renaissance Strategic Advisors. The afternoon's second panel features: Molly Macauley, senior fellow and director, academic programs, Resources for the Future; and Patrick Liu, an AIAA market analyst.

Douglas Comstock, Director of NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program, will provide the program's closing remarks.

AIAA President David Thompson stated, "Over the past few decades, commercial applications of satellites and other space technologies have become pervasive in the everyday lives of people around the world. From satellite TV broadcasting and automotive GPS navigation, to business data networking and space-based weather monitoring and Earth imaging, space systems have propelled economic growth and stimulated technological innovation in many consumer and industrial markets. Gatherings such as this provide us with the opportunity to reflect on the past influence of space technology on the world's economy, while also allowing us to examine what the future may hold in terms of new applications and expanded markets."

Source: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics