Forum will explore future directions in U.S space exploration

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Nov 12, 2013, 10:11 ET

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by Arizona State University:

What: Forum on Space Exploration
When: 9 a.m., November 15, 2013 (refreshments at 8:30 a.m.)
Where: Holeman Lounge, 13^th Floor, National Press Club, 529 14^th Street NW, Washington, DC
Topic: Space Exploration – how and why?

Not too long ago, the U.S. space program was the jewel of U.S. science and technology efforts. Highly visible, it had a "can do" mentality, performed extraordinary technical and scientific feats under intense deadlines and was a source of national pride. Today, the space program is at a major crossroads. We no longer send astronauts to the moon, the Space Shuttle program has been retired, and many of the most ambitious planetary space exploration efforts have been cutback or curtailed due to budget concerns and uncertainty.

What do we see as we look ahead for the space program? Where does space exploration fit as a national priority? Should NASA continue in its lead role of U.S. space efforts? Should the private sector take over? Should space be commercialized? How can universities work with commercial companies to advance space exploration?

A panel of leading experts will meet to discuss these topics and explore other options available in space exploration at this critical time for the U.S. and the world.

Panelists include:
Lori Garver, former Deputy Administrator, NASA
Alex Saltman, Executive Director, Commercial Space Flight Federation
Steve Isakowitz, President, Virgin Galactic
Debra Facktor Lepore, Vice President and General Manager, Strategic Operations, Ball Aerospace
Laurie Leshin, Dean, School of Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Ariel Anbar, Professor, School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University