Tag: Dan Dumbacher

AIAA Statement on New U.S. Position on Destructive Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite Missile Testing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 19, 2022 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Executive Director Dan Dumbacher made the following statement:

“We applaud the administration’s commitment to not conduct direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) missile tests and call for other spacefaring nations to follow this new international norm for responsible behavior in space. This comes following the Russian Federation’s reckless and irreversible ASAT test last fall, which created more than 1,500 pieces of debris that threatens national security and commercial assets and those aboard the International Space Station. Such a declaration will help preserve the security and sustainability of space going forward. The United States is leading by example, and we hope other nations will make the same commitment to work together and conduct space activities in a responsible, peaceful, and sustainable manner.

AIAA continues to call on the U.S. Congress to address the worsening orbital debris problem, as well as establish a domestic civil space traffic management function before a catastrophic event takes place. We believe this would provide stability and certainty so that the commercial sector can continue to innovate and experiment with new ventures that create a robust space economy.”

Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, AIAA, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA Statement on the Axiom Mission 1 (AX-1) Launch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 8, 2022 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Executive Director Dan Dumbacher made the following statement:

“On behalf of the 30,000 professional and student members of AIAA, we congratulate the entire Axiom Mission 1 (AX-1) team on their successful launch today. Axiom, NASA, and SpaceX have introduced a new model for commercial space exploration, expanding access to low Earth orbit that in turn increases the scientific research opportunities on the International Space Station (ISS). We applaud this first private mission to the ISS, showing how NASA and private industry are working together to extend the human neighborhood into low Earth orbit in meaningful ways.

In addition to expanding commercial research opportunities in the ISS orbiting laboratory, the AX-1 mission adds more names to the growing list of astronauts due to commercial space activity. From entrepreneurs to philanthropists, we are seeing a new breed of explorer emerge in low Earth orbit. We are encouraged to see the space economy growing, as these innovators work to improve life on Earth and accelerate our off-world future. We look forward to following their progress.

We recognize the countless aerospace industry professionals involved in making today’s launch a success. We salute Axiom, NASA, and SpaceX, and their entire team, for helping shape the future of aerospace.”

Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA Statement on Blue Origin’s Successful NS-20 Mission

March 31, 2022 – Reston, Va. –The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Executive Director Dan Dumbacher made the following statement:

“On behalf of the 30,000 professional and student members of AIAA, we congratulate the Blue Origin team on its successful NS-20 mission. This mission continues building on Blue Origin’s vision to see millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. Through this mission, we are seeing Blue Origin’s progress opening up access to space travel for more even people from all walks of life.

We are especially thrilled to follow George Nield’s journey as part of the NS-20 astronaut crew. Dr. Nield is a member of the AIAA Board of Trustees, a lifetime member of the Institute, and an AIAA Fellow. We can’t wait to hear about his experience!

Astronaut training, day two. Credit: Blue Origin–© — Astronaut training, day two. | Credit: Blue Origin–©

We recognize the dedicated aerospace industry professionals involved in making today’s mission a success. We salute our corporate member, Blue Origin, and their entire team, for helping shape the future of aerospace.

AIAA is honored to be one of Blue Origin’s Club for the Future partner organizations to help develop and inspire the next generation of space professionals.”

Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About ASCEND Powered by AIAA, ASCEND promotes the collaborative, interdisciplinary, outcomes-driven community of professionals, students, and enthusiasts around the world who are accelerating humanity’s progress toward our off-world future! For more information, visit ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About AIAA The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Video

New Shepard Mission NS-20 Webcast Replay (Blue Origin via YouTube)

AIAA Statement on Successful Rollout of the Integrated Space Launch System and Orion Spacecraft

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 18, 2022 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) issued the following statement from AIAA Executive Director Dan Dumbacher:

“Congratulations to NASA and the Space Launch System (SLS), Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems teams on the successful rollout from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B. Witnessing this engineering marvel move from concept to production, and now to operation, is an inspirational moment for us today and for future generations. It is quite an achievement!

We are excited to see our nation’s space program prepare to take the next steps to the surface of the moon. The powerful SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft, along with the essential ground systems, are the foundation of the Artemis program that will establish a sustainable presence on the moon in preparation for human exploration beyond Earth’s orbit. They provide a fundamental new capability enabling us to retain and grow U.S. leadership in space. We eagerly anticipate the program’s progress through tests and launch in the coming months.

We recognize the countless professionals across the aerospace industry involved from the beginning of this program, including those AIAA professional and corporate members, who have helped design, build, and test these new systems. We salute and applaud NASA and all those involved in this effort for making important contributions to shaping the future of aerospace.”

Media contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804.397.5270

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, andInstagram.

AIAA Condemns Russian Invasion of Ukraine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 28, 2022 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) issued the following statement from AIAA Executive Director Dan Dumbacher:

“As the world’s largest professional society for aerospace engineers, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) condemns the Russian military’s recent invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign nation. AIAA is an international organization of nearly 30,000 members. The Institute represents members from both Ukraine and Russia, who make significant contributions to the aerospace profession. We are gravely concerned for the health and safety of our members, as well as for their livelihoods. We recognize the economic sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies on Russia will have an impact on organizations and companies in the aerospace industry and its supply chain. We sincerely hope these measures will influence the Russian government to change its course.

Technology and science have been advanced for decades through human collaboration and achievement by the international scientific research community. We believe international cooperation is a hallmark of our profession and our industry. Unfortunately, Russia’s consequential actions could destabilize commercial and government activity on the ground and in low Earth orbit.

AIAA is concerned about interruptions to commercial air travel and cargo transport due to the growing airspace restrictions being implemented by governments around the world. We fear these measures will cause significant negative impacts to the global aviation industry as it continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

We also are concerned about how the strong and long-lasting partnership on the International Space Station (ISS) between the United States and Russia and other international partners could be hindered. It is imperative to ensure the ongoing safe operations of the ISS by its current international crew of four American astronauts, one German astronaut, and two Russian cosmonauts.

On behalf of the nearly 30,000 members of AIAA, we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and all who are affected by this conflict. AIAA calls for an immediate and just end to the conflict and for the restoration of peace.”

Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

AIAA Statement on FY22 National Defense Authorization Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 27, 2021 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Executive Director Dan Dumbacher made the following statement on the passage of the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act:

“AIAA applauds the passage of this important legislation, which includes roughly $740 billion in discretionary funds for the Department of Defense. It authorizes $146.9 billion for procurement programs and $117.7 billion for research, development, test, and evaluation programs. The legislation addresses many of the nation’s national security needs, especially in space, aeronautics, missile defense, and cybersecurity operations, as well as helps maintain our technological edge in an era of increased competition.

Since 1961, Congress has worked in a bipartisan fashion to address the needs of our warfighters and our national security industrial base. Both Congress and the administration have made it a priority to focus on national security space, including hypersonic technologies, and modernize our defenses and maintain our preeminence over our adversaries. The aerospace and defense industry is critical to our economic and national security and continues to be an essential part of our nation’s ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Institute, through our events, technical resources, and membership remains committed to working with defense leadership to continue shaping the future of aerospace.”

Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

AIAA Statement on Biden Administration’s First National Space Council Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 2, 2021 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Executive Director Dan Dumbacher made the following statement on the Biden Administration’s inaugural meeting of the National Space Council:

“As the world’s largest aerospace technical society representing 30,000 aerospace professionals, AIAA appreciates the Biden Administration’s commitment to maintaining a White House-level focus on space policy through the National Space Council. Yesterday’s meeting brought together senior administration officials, including five new members, which was a welcome sight. Vice President Harris discussed the Administration’s space policy framework and council members offered insights into their agencies efforts to promote rules and norms governing space, address the climate crisis, and build our STEM workforce. The global ASCEND community affirmed these important topics during its annual gathering last month in Las Vegas.

AIAA strongly supports the Administration’s whole of government approach to tackle the priorities addressed today. The United States must lead in gathering the international community to establish best practices, standards, and norms of behavior for both governmental and commercial space activities. Domestically, Congress must codify Space Policy Directive-3 and provide the necessary resources to the Office of Space Commerce in the Department of Commerce to tackle the important issue of space traffic management. It is essential that we harness the space sector’s capabilities to continue to help solve the climate crisis, fuel our nation’s economic prosperity and global competitiveness, and build the diverse 21st-century education system and workforce. We look forward to working with the vice president, the National Space Council members, and the Users’ Advisory Group to meet these challenges and achieve our common goals.”

Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About ASCEND
Powered by AIAA, ASCEND promotes the collaborative, interdisciplinary, outcomes-driven community of professionals, students, and enthusiasts around the world who are accelerating humanity’s progress toward our off-world future! For more information, visit ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on Twitter, Facebook,LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA and ASCEND Statement on Russian Federation ASAT Test

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 16, 2021 – Reston, Va., and Las Vegas – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the ASCEND global community dedicated to building humanity’s off-world future issued the following statement:

“We learned of the Russian Federation ASAT Test in the midst of the 2021 ASCEND event, where many of the world’s foremost experts on the sustainable uses of space were gathered,” said Rob Meyerson, ASCEND Executive Producer and former President of Blue Origin. “Government and commercial activity in low Earth orbit continues to grow exponentially. Dangerous actions like this test introduce risks to achieving our off-world future. The ASCEND community encourages the global aerospace community to strive for the safe and sustainable uses of space to benefit humanity and improve life on Earth.” ASCEND is powered by AIAA.

“This reckless act only reinforces the urgency of addressing the growing orbital debris problem, as well as the need to develop a national space traffic management (STM) system. While a few initial steps have been taken, critical elements remain unresolved, which hinders the ability of U.S. industry to anticipate what will be required for the responsible use of space. The Institute has gathered a group of major stakeholders representing various interests to help address this critical STM issue. This includes ongoing outreach to decision makers in Washington, DC. Congressional action is urgently needed to provide stability and certainty so that the commercial sector can continue to innovate and experiment with new ventures that create a robust space economy,” said AIAA Executive Director Dan Dumbacher.

Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected],804-397-5270 cell

About ASCEND
Powered by AIAA, ASCEND promotes the collaborative, interdisciplinary, outcomes-driven community of professionals, students, and enthusiasts around the world who are accelerating humanity’s progress toward our off-world future! For more information, visit ascend.events,or follow ASCEND on Twitter, Facebook,LinkedIn,and Instagram.

2021 ASCEND Focuses on Expanding Private Spaceflight

KTNV-TV Las Vegas reports that 2021 ASCEND is focusing on making space flight available to all. Emcee Kari Byron “hosted a panel on citizen astronauts and believes they are pioneers in what’s possible in space.” AIAA Executive Director Dan Dumbacher said, “Where we are today with space is similar to where the commercial airline industry was back in the 1930s. Back in the 1930s, we were barnstorming and doing all kinds of different things, and now we have the safest air travel system in the world.” Morgan Stanley expects “the global space industry to grow to more than $1 trillion in revenue in 30 years.”
Full Story (KTNV-TV)

ASCEND Announces Commercial Space Policy Event, 15 November

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 14, 2021 – Reston, Va. – ASCEND, the interdisciplinary community focused on building humanity’s off-world future faster, today announced the detailed agenda for its East Coast Satellite Event on 15 November in Washington, DC, as part of the 2021 ASCEND centerpiece event. Powered by AIAA, ASCEND was launched in 2020 to Accelerate Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery.

For those living within commutable distance of Washington, DC, this limited-space, one-day, face-to-face event will feature discussions with national leaders on-site, networking during and after, and a live feed from the ASCEND Las Vegas stage. The AIAA National Capital Section will host a happy hour networking event at the conclusion of the day.

Registration is open now and includes full online access for 8–10 and 15–17 November. Journalists interested in covering the DC-based event in person should contact [email protected] for credentialing.

2021 ASCEND East Coast Satellite Event
15 November, 1030–1600 hrs ET
Lunch is included
Ronald Reagan Building – Rotunda Room, Washington, DC

Opening Ceremony (Livestreamed)

Kari Byron, Producer and Television Personality

Building Worlds That Do Not Yet Exist (Livestreamed)
Have you ever wondered if we, as the greater collective, are thinking big enough for space? Discover the futures that don’t yet exist, how incredible creators and visionaries bring their ideas into reality, and the value that such efforts can bring to drive progress. Because if we can’t dream it, we can’t get there. Let’s explore together how to imagine untapped opportunities and turn those dreams into tangible images of the future as a catalyst for accelerating growth and delivering greater value for the space enterprise!

Moderator: Ariel Ekblaw, Director, MIT Space Exploration Initiative, MIT Media Lab

Public-Private Partnerships: When One Shoe Doesn’t Fit All (Livestreamed)
Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) have been in use in the United States almost since the nation was founded and in aviation and space for decades – driving industry forward, introducing innovation, and reducing costs. At the same time, they are not a panacea and sometimes fail, leaving the government to step in to clean up the mess. NASA’s recent efforts to utilize PPPs for human spaceflight systems are modeled on success with the Commercial Crew and Cargo Program that benefitted from an existing launch market with well-established customer demand. Is this the appropriate model for PPPs under conditions of uncertain demand, in LEO or deep space? Are PPPs still a meaningful construct in those circumstances, or are the rules, incentives, and risk management approach governing the relationship more important? This session will go beyond the “PPP soundbite” to explore different models across various types of markets and incentives.

Mary Lynne Dittmar, Executive Vice President, Axiom Space (Moderator)
Dan Dumbacher, Executive Director, AIAA
Henry Hertzfeld, Research Professor of Space Policy and International Affairs, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University

Policy for Growing Commercial Space Opportunities (Live, in person after lunch)

Opening remarks will be given by Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), Chairman, House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee.

The panel discussion that follows will sharpen our focus on how policy can be used to accelerate, enhance, and shape commercial space opportunities while balancing the array of technical, financial, legal, and programmatic factors. Topics for the dynamic discussion include: When is it appropriate for government to use commercial services? What are the benefits and risks of firm-fixed-price procurements and Other Transactional Authorities? How can government and industry work together to accelerate “hard tech” development for space? How can regulations encourage the growth of purely private space ventures while still protecting public safety and other national interests?

Tim Dominick, Chair, AIAA Public Policy (Moderator)
Mike Gold, Executive Vice President for Civil Space and External Affairs, Redwire Space
Tom Hammond, Senior Policy Advisor, House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee (Minority Staff)
Ezinne Uzo-Okoro, Assistant Director for Space Policy, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)

Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About ASCEND
Powered by AIAA, ASCEND promotes the collaborative, interdisciplinary, outcomes-driven community of professionals, students, and enthusiasts around the world who are accelerating humanity’s progress toward our off-world future! For more information, visit ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.