Press Release

40th Space Congress Panelists to Examine Latest Discoveries in Space, Science, and Technology

By SpaceRef Editor
April 16, 2003
Filed under ,

Paper Presentations Will Look at Life in Space, Mars Research, Medical Advances, and Space Policy

At the 40th
Space Congress that kicks off Monday, April 28, 2003, and runs through
May 2, at the Radisson Resort in Cape Canaveral, Florida, a
distinguished list of speakers and panelists will address attendees
with breakthrough discoveries in space science and technology. Science
Highlight Dr. Riccardo Giacconi, Nobel Laureate in Astronomy and
Research Professor with Johns Hopkins University, will open the
congress with a discussion on NASA’s great observatories including
Hubble, Chandra and SIRTF. Noted scientists, researchers, and military
dignitaries will provide panel discussions and present papers on the
current state of NASA’s science programs as well as plans for the
future.

Panel and Paper sessions at the 40th Space Congress will emphasize
this year’s theme “Linking the Past to the Future: A Celebration of
Space” and will focus on the scientific achievements of the space
program that have led to the upcoming mission to Mars, telescope
advances, life in space, and the utilization of the International
Space Station. Dr. Shannon Lucid, NASA Chief Scientist, will present a
high level summary of the current state of NASA space science
programs. Dave Lavery of the NASA Mars Exploration Office will share
insight on the Mars Exploration program.

While this year’s Space Congress celebrates the rich history of
the early space program, it will also look into the expectations for
the future. This will include James Mantovani’s paper on Martian soil
research on the panel entitled “Learning about Life in Space.” The
results of microgravity research being done on the International Space
Station will be showcased in Dennis Morrison’s review of new cancer
therapies and improved drug delivery. Innovative ideas in Spaceport
and Range Technology will examine new strategies to provide greater
launch and landing opportunities. Milos Krmeli will travel from
Slovenia to discuss the International Space University and its
influence in broadening international space program cooperation. Other
topics include new space vehicles, support facility advancements,
space-based communications, and much more.

Kevin Hoshstrasser, general chairman of the 40th Space Congress,
says this year’s Congress is more important than ever. “This year’s
program provides a complete examination of the many benefits of space
exploration. During Space Congress, we are able to bring space,
military and educational leaders together to discuss the initiatives
that make manned space flight benefit all mankind.”

The 40th Space Congress marks several milestones in 2003,
recognizing the Kennedy Space Center 40th anniversary, as well as the
100th anniversary of flight. The event will also host exhibits, a
student science fair and awards, a black-tie GALA and evening with the
Astronauts.

40th Space Congress Speakers

Keynote Speaker – Sean O’Keefe, NASA Administrator – Keynote

Science Highlight – Dr. Riccardo Giacconi, 2002 Nobel Laureate in Astronomy and Research Professor at Johns Hopkins University

Gala Guest: Dennis Tito, CEO of Wilshire Associates, 1st Space Tourist

Panel Session – Space Science Overview

Dr. Shannon Lucid, NASA Chief Scientist

Panel Members:

  • Dr. Mary Cleave, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Earth Science
  • Dr. Howard Ross, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Biological & Physical Research
  • Mr. Chris Scolese, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Space Science
  • Orlando Figueroa, NASA Mars Exploration Program

Panel Session – The Impact of Space Observatories on Astronomy

  • Dr. Riccardo Giacconi – 2002 Nobel Laureate in Astronomy and Research Professor at Johns Hopkins University

Panel Members:

  • Dr. Steve Beckwith, Director, Space Telescope Science Institute
  • Dr. Holland Ford, Principal Investigator Professor, Johns Hopkins University
  • Dr. Mario Livio, Head of Science Division, Space Telescope Science Institute
  • Dr. Harvey Tananbaum, Director, Chandra X-ray Science Center, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
  • Dr. B. Thomas Soifer, Director, SIRTF Science Center, California Institute of Technology

Panel Session – Access to Space: L.E.O. & Beyond

Panel Members:

  • John Rogacki, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator, Space Transportation
  • Paul Piscopo, Special Assistant, DDR7E for National Aerospace Initiative
  • Adrain Laffitte, Director, Atlas Program (Lockheed Martin)
  • Mike Mott, Vice President, Boeing NASA Systems
  • Gary Martin, NASA Space Architect

Panel Session – JoAnn Morgan, Director, External Relations & Business
Development, NASA, KSC

Panel Members:

  • John Young, Associate Director, Johnson Space Center
  • Gunther Wendt, Pad Leader (retired) Rockwell International
  • James T. Rose, Former Assistant Administrator for Commercial Programs
  • Doug Cooke, Space Architecture Technical Manager
  • Gregg Maryniak, Executive Director, X-Prize

Luncheon Speakers: Dave Lavery, Mars Exploration Program; and
Brigadier General William L. Shelton, Director, Air and Space
Operations, Headquarters, Air Force Space Command.

Evening with the Astronauts: Roy D. Bridges, Jr., Center Director
Kennedy Space Center

To register, visit http://www.spacecongress.org or call 321-452-3068.

About Space Congress

The Canaveral Council of Technical Societies (CCTS) created Space
Congress in 1962 to provide a forum for space professionals to meet
and share their knowledge of technical areas and issues facing the
space program. The event is organized in cooperation with NASA, the
Department of Defense, industry and academia. CCTS uses Space Congress
proceeds to present annual achievement and technical awards, conduct
an annual Career Night, and to sponsor or support many local
educational programs in the Space Coast area. For information, visit
http://www.spacecongress.org or call 321-452-3068.

SpaceRef staff editor.