MEDIA
ADVISORY - March
18, 2004 Advancing Our Nation's Human Exploration Goals Many in the nation
have a renewed enthusiasm for human exploration of the moon and Mars.
Many in the aerospace industry also share in the anticipation and excitement
of impending discoveries; while, simultaneously understanding the challenges
of progress. "Challenges including financial impediments
must be faced when taking on such noble initiatives," said U.S. Representative
Nick Lampson (D-TX) who recently paid a visit to SPACEHAB, a Houston-based
commercial aerospace company, to discuss the national space vision and
the obstacles that must be overcome. Lampson, a Ranking Member of the House Science Committee, stated, "It is vital to the space program that businesses in the aerospace community make strides toward supporting the exploration policy by developing new, cost-effective methods for achieving the vision. SPACEHAB and similar companies are integral for expediting the completion of the International Space Station, successfully retiring the space shuttle, and ultimately, implementing solutions for reaching the moon and Mars." Lampson applauded SPACEHAB's focus on identifying innovative solutions which support the national space vision. SPACEHAB's involvement in supporting a new vision of exploration extends beyond its own walls. President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael E. Kearney, has been asked to provide testimony to the President's Commission on Implementation of the U.S. Space Exploration Policy (Moon, Mars, and Beyond) in Atlanta, March 24 and 25, 2004. Chaired by Edward C. "Pete" Aldridge, the commission is charged with building consensus and providing recommendations to the White House through the collaboration of industry, military, and education experts from across the nation. Kearney will discuss the problematic issues of providing high value commercial products and services while managing the limitations of cost-based government contracts. Additionally, Kearney will address the importance of implementing commercial solutions for supporting human exploration to ensure value-based capabilities with less dependence on Government funding. "The new U.S. space exploration policy sets a bold course for NASA," observed Kearney. "A course that will clearly benefit from new commercial services. But in order for the policy to move forward, NASA must leave behind the more routine capabilities, such as logistics services in support of the International Space Station, that can be effectively managed by industry." The Commission on Moon, Mars, and Beyond will be delivering its implementation recommendations to the President in June 2004. SPACEHAB, Incorporated (www.spacehab.com) is a leading provider of commercial and government space services with three primary business units. The Flight Services business unit develops, owns, and operates habitat and laboratory modules and cargo carriers aboard NASA's Space Shuttles for Space Station resupply and research purposes. SPACEHAB's Astrotech subsidiary provides payload processing support services for both commercial and government customers at company-owned facilities in Florida and California. The Company's Government Services business unit supports NASA's Johnson Space Center providing configuration management, product engineering, and support services for both the Space Station and Space Shuttle programs. Additionally, through The Space Store, Space Media provides space merchandise to the public and space enthusiasts worldwide (www.thespacestore.com). Photo Caption : Representative Nick Lampson (center) meets with SPACEHAB Sr. Vice President, Dan Bland, and President Michael Kearney to discuss the national space vision. FOR MORE INFORMATION : . |
