Calling all exhibitors! The International Space Development Conference (ISDC) 2013 exhibitor sign-up form is now open. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2013. Go to:
isdc.nss.org/2013/exhibits.shtml
The 32nd International Space Development Conference, the annual conference of the National Space Society, will be held at the La Jolla Hyatt Regency, San Diego, California, May 23-28, 2013.
More info: isdc.nss.org/2013
NSS is proud to announce that nearly 700 backers from over 20 nations have considerably exceeded our funding milestone of $35,000 in our first-ever Kickstarter campaign — the campaign reached $57,571!
The campaign is to fund the creation of a professional video, “Our Future in Space,” showing an inspiring and informative look at the near-future of space development, and to bring this vision to a new generation in the US and throughout the world. Specifically because we reached our stretch goals, we will tell our story to the Congress, and Governors of every state, along with the President and his Cabinet. We could not have achieved this success without your help!
NSS is especially grateful to the following for their generous support of our Kickstarter campaign:
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Rachel Austin |
Ronnie Lajoie |
Robert Heinlein, the famous science fiction author, said “Once you reach orbit, you’re halfway to anywhere in the solar system.” Well, our campaign has now made it into orbit - but we don’t want to stay there - we are reaching for the stars.
With additional backing we would create gorgeous trailers for our video that would facilitate better marketing. We would provide DVDs of our videos to everyone in Congress and to the Governors of all 50 states. We would make supplemental videos: Moon 101, Space Spinoffs, Dangers of Space Debris, and Mining the Moon - to name a few. We would distribute DVDs to hundreds of schools across the United States.
The campaign can be accessed at our Kickstarter web page. It not only provides an opportunity to help fund and support the film’s development, but also to use the completed video to help promote the Society’s mission.
“We’re very excited to be undertaking this video project,” noted Paul E. Damphousse, NSS Executive Director. “It’s a chance to create media that accurately and compellingly conveys why the space industry is so important for the U.S. and the world.”
NSS has gathered a stellar team of creative experts to bring the video to life, including Oscar-nominated producer Jeffrey Marvin. Members of the team have worked with some of the biggest stars in film and TV in both the U.S. and Europe, and have a history of space-themed movie creation.
At a time when so many are uncertain about our space future, “Our Future in Space” will show how the work of NASA and private industry can lead to a more prosperous future for the United States and the world. Drawing from decades of research and the latest film-making technology, the final product will present a compelling and motivating glimpse of what should be.
Here are the steps you can take to support this campaign:
1. Become a “Backer” — visit the Kickstarter web page to pledge your support;
2. Spread the Word through Social Media — share your support across all of your social media accounts;
3. Email Everyone on Your Contact List — ask everyone you know to participate; and
4. Engage Your NSS Chapter and/or Other Organizations — there’s strength in numbers — bring in group support.
Note that this shorter URL can also be used to access the NSS Kickstarter web page:
We have the potential to reach thousands of new people through this campaign and the successful production and distribution of this film. We know we can count on you to help and we thank you for your support in making “Our Future in Space” a reality!
by James Dean, copyright Florida Today, January 18 (reproduced with permission)
Brevard space organization resets focus, changes name
The space program is changing, and with it one of the area’s leading advocacy organizations.
This week, the Space Coast chapter of the National Space Society unveiled a new name that it says better reflects its mission and goal to grow a broader and more active membership.
The chapter’s new identity: Florida Space Development Council.
“We found that to be a more descriptive title,” said chapter president Laura Seward. “We wanted something a little more inclusive.”
The chapter — not to be confused with the National Space Club Florida Committee — aims to act as a grassroots advocacy group welcoming anyone with a general interest in space.
“We don’t only support NASA,” said Seward, a 29-year-old Rockledge resident and Florida Tech graduate who is pursuing a doctorate in planetary science at the University of Central Florida. “We want to encourage the organizations out there, private and public, that will develop space and human interactions in space.”
Every other month the chapter hosts “Space Locals,” an informal lecture or roundtable discussion featuring local experts. The events are free, and annual membership is $5.
Started in 2006, the chapter in 2009 hosted the national society’s annual International Space Development Conference in Orlando, but nearly dissolved after that.
It has rebounded to about 40 paying members.
Seward said changes in space policy and in Brevard County in recent years contributed to a desire to rebrand and reinvigorate the chapter, one of two in the state.
“I love the fact that Kennedy Space Center is diversifying and I love the fact that the area is diversifying, which is why I’m really optimistic,” she said.
In an online article about Deep Space Industries, the newly announced asteroid mining company, Fox News quoted NSS Executive Committee Chair Mark Hopkins as follows:
“They have the potential to make an enormous amount of money,” Mark Hopkins, a founding member of the Space Development Steering Committee and the Chair of the Exec. Committee of the National Space Society, told FoxNews.com.
“It’s a risky venture. But if they don’t make it some other company is likely to do it in the future,” Hopkins said. “[Space mining] has the potential of restoring the American dream in the minds of Americans and the rest of the world.”
Hopkins is a former Rand Corporation economist.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the untimely death of our Blog Editor, Dr. David Fischer. NSS Director Veronica Ann Zabala-Aliberto has written the following in Dave Fischer’s memory:
The Renaissance Man
By Veronica Ann Zabala-Aliberto
The true definition of a “Renaissance Man” is that of an individual whose expertise spans a number of significant disciplines. For Dr. David Fischer of the National Space Society, this was indeed the case. He exemplified the meaning that of a “Gentleman and a Scholar.” On January 19, 2013, after holding an NSS Phoenix Chapter meeting, David taught his Tai Chi class and was on his way home. Only six blocks away from home, David was in a fatal car crash.
David was the principal blogger for the National Space Society as well as the acting Chapter President for the Phoenix Chapter of NSS. He was also their prized Webmaster. With over 1,000 website hits weekly, the Phoenix Chapter had a global presence promoting human space exploration and settlement. He was Senior Business Analyst for the Industry Relations group at Money Management International, a non-profit consumer debt management company. He was in the Consumer Credit Counseling world since 1996. Prior to that he was MIS Director for Alphagraphics. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry at The Ohio State University in 1974.
David had a serious passion for human space exploration and settlement and often gave talks within the Phoenix region. It is said that his special interests were his 3-year old granddaughter, science fiction, and travel with his wife Marty.
Here are a few statements from the Phoenix Chapter members of the National Space Society:
“Dave Fischer was instrumental in solidifying the NSS chapter in Phoenix in recent years. He secured a free, well-equipped meeting place for the chapter and did a wonderful job in establishing a great local blog and getting the word out on our local meetings and events. He and his wife Marti hosted several holiday parties for the club and his graciousness, organizational skills, and friendship will be missed.” – Michael Mackowski, Phoenix Chapter Member
“I have attended many conferences with David. He had such a passion for space exploration and science. I will miss our talks during these times. It gives me great pleasure to know that he is traveling thru the universe with Neil and Sally.” – Phoenix Chapter Member Stacy Sklar
“The first time I remember meeting Dave was at one of our NSS Phoenix Chapter meetings over at the ASU library. I don’t recall the topics we discussed but I do remember that when Dave spoke of Space exploration or rocketry you got the sense from his deep knowledge that he’d actually been to Space or helped to build rockets. Dave in a few words was, a very intelligent, loving, and passionate man! He will be dearly missed. While I don’t know where he is I do know it’s a place I’d like to end up. Godspeed Dave!” – Phoenix Chapter Treasurer Patrick Lonchar
“David Fischer was dynamic space activist, generous with his time and very informed about space development and exploration. He attended one of our meetings in Tucson about a year and a half ago and gave a terrific presentation on the status of both privately and publicly funded space developement. After the presentation he fielded numerous questions, and we were all impressed with his graciousness and high level of knowledge. He will be dearly missed.” – Al Anzaldua. Chapter President, Tucson L5 Space Society
“A friend of many, Dr. Dave will be missed by those inside the pro-space community and by others in Phoenix not just because of his good works but because of his warmth as a human being.” – Phoenix Chapter Member Greg Rucker
“I will miss you Dave. I know I still owe the Chapter a lecture so I will do that in your honor. You have done so much for the Chapter and for me. Are you somewhere between Mars and Jupiter? Only the Universe knows. God Speed, for your journey has just only begun.” – NSS At-Large Director / Phoenix Chapter Member Veronica Ann Zabala-Aliberto
A clip of David accepting the National Space Society Excellence in Public Outreach award for the Phoenix Chapter of NSS can be found at the 9 minute mark of the 2011 Awards Ceremony video. Special appreciation goes out to Alvin Remmers from moonandback.com, who filmed the NSS Awards Ceremony.
The National Space Society (NSS) has just launched a campaign on the popular Kickstarter internet platform for the creation of a cutting-edge film about the ways in which all of humanity benefits from the expansion of space exploration and development. This ground-breaking education initiative, entitled “Our Future in Space” is designed to bring NSS’s vision of human beings living and working in space to a broader audience.
The campaign can be accessed at our Kickstarter web page. It not only provides an opportunity to help fund and support the film’s development, but also to use the completed video to help promote the Society’s mission.
“We’re very excited to be undertaking this video project,” noted Paul E. Damphousse, NSS Executive Director. “It’s a chance to create media that accurately and compellingly conveys why the space industry is so important for the U.S. and the world.”
NSS has gathered a stellar team of creative experts to bring the video to life, including Oscar-nominated producer Jeffrey Marvin. Members of the team have worked with some of the biggest stars in film and TV in both the U.S. and Europe, and have a history of space-themed movie creation.
At a time when so many are uncertain about our space future, “Our Future in Space” will show how the work of NASA and private industry can lead to a more prosperous future for the United States and the world. Drawing from decades of research and the latest film-making technology, the final product will present a compelling and motivating glimpse of what should be.
Here are the steps you can take to support this campaign:
1. Become a “Backer” — visit the Kickstarter web page to pledge your support;
2. Spread the Word through Social Media — share your support across all of your social media accounts;
3. Email Everyone on Your Contact List — ask everyone you know to participate; and
4. Engage Your NSS Chapter and/or Other Organizations — there’s strength in numbers — bring in group support.
Note that this shorter URL can also be used to access the NSS Kickstarter web page:
We have the potential to reach thousands of new people through this campaign and the successful production and distribution of this film. We know we can count on you to help and we thank you for your support in making “Our Future in Space” a reality!
The Florida Space Coast Chapter of the National Space Society (NSS) has changed its name to the Florida Space Development Council (FSDC) to better reflect the group’s focus on assisting the development of a robust space-related economy in the state. FSDC will remain an active chapter of NSS, working with other Florida chapters to support the NSS mission to promote social, economic, technological, and political change in order to expand civilization beyond Earth.
“Florida is a major ’space state’ and deserves an active and influential NSS chapter to provide grassroots advocacy,” said NSS Executive Director Paul E. Damphousse. “The Florida Space Development Council can provide support to reinforce the already-substantial efforts of Space Florida and other organizations in the state.”
The newly renamed chapter will continue to sponsor bi-monthly membership meetings, featuring ‘Space Locals’ discussions with featured aerospace professionals and project managers. FSDC members will also develop and provide advocacy for a slate of policy priorities intended to promote the growth of space-related business, academic, and government programs at the state and federal level.
“With an annual membership rate of only five dollars, we want to broaden participation in FSDC beyond our existing NSS chapter members,” said FSDC President Laura Seward. “FSDC will offer new networking opportunities and provide a grassroots voice to more Floridians on space-related policies and programs.”
As part of the chapter’s re-branding effort, FSDC has also unveiled a new website that features a statewide calendar of space-related events and a library of documents relevant to the state’s development of space policy and programs.
Paul Damphousse, Executive Director of the National Space Society, was interviewed on The Space Show on January 6, 2013. The program is archived here — click on “Listen to the Show” or download it for later listening.
Lt. Col. Damphouse will also give a presentation for the Florida Space Institute Distinguished Lecture Series on February 12. More information.
From Sunday, February 24 through Tuesday, February 26, 2013, the National Space Society and the Space Exploration Alliance will be holding the annual grassroots visit to Congress known as the “Legislative Blitz”.
With unprecedented budgetary pressures facing the legislative and executive branches of government, the debate continues about the future direction and funding of our nation’s space programs. More than ever before, it is absolutely critical that the voices of the space advocacy community be heard in this debate.
Come join space advocates from around the country to let Congress know that there is strong constituent support for an ambitious and sustainable path forward. Please REGISTER HERE for the Legislative Blitz. For more information, please contact Rick Zucker at Rick.Zucker@nss.org or 508-651-9936.