The Future of U.S. Space Exploration and International Cooperation
Tuesday, September 18, 2012: THE HONORABLE CHARLES F. BOLDEN, JR., NASA ADMINISTRATOR, will deliver an address on The Future of US Space Exploration and International Cooperation at a Distinguished Speaker Series program hosted by the World Affairs Council – DC at the National Press Club.
MR. RICHARD HIEB, former astronaut and VICE PRESIDENT OF EXPLORATION AND MISSION SUPPORT for LOCKHEED MARTIN INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND GLOBAL SOLUTIONS- CIVIL, will deliver brief remarks and introduce Administrator Bolden.
DR. STEVEN KNAPP, PRESIDENT of THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY and WAC-DC Board Member, will honor Administrator Bolden with the Council’s International Public Service Award in recognition of his exemplary leadership in space exploration and international cooperation.
MR. BRIAN KELLY, EDITOR of U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT and WAC-DC Board Member, will moderate a question and answer session following Mr. Bolden’s remarks.
The address follows a series of major innovations and landmark accomplishments made by NASA under Administrator Bolden’s leadership, including the successful landing of the Mars Curiosity Rover. Administrator Bolden will also review NASA’s current and future space exploration challenges and mission priorities.
A lunch will precede Administrator Bolden’s address and the WAC-DC award program. It commences at 12:00PM and will conclude promptly at 2:00PM at the National Press Club (Holeman Lounge – 13th floor), 529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20045.
“A new era of space exploration has begun, one where industry is innovating systems to carry American astronauts to low Earth orbit, while NASA sets its sights on sending humans to Mars and an asteroid with the largest rocket ever built and a flexible and capable crew vehicle,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. “At the same time, our science missions continue to rewrite textbooks and awe the world with new discoveries and technological breakthroughs. Because we all inherently share a need to explore, I firmly believe that individuals and nations will continue to be drawn together by the promise of space exploration. America stands ready to lead this next era of space exploration, and welcomes the support and participation of our international partners in achieving our ambitious goals.”
Mr. Richard Hieb of Lockheed Martin commented that, “As a fellow astronaut, I am honored to participate in this event that recognizes Administrator Bolden’s leadership. Lockheed Martin is proud to have supported NASA for more than 50 years in its space exploration missions and now the World Affairs Council – Washington, DC in its global education and international affairs initiatives.”
Speaking about the Administrator, US News & World Report Editor Brian Kelly said that “Charlie Bolden is a national hero who keeps on giving by action and example. He is at the forefront of shaping a new vision of space exploration and inspiring the next generation of explorers.”
Dr. Steven Knapp noted that “Administrator Bolden has led NASA into an era of bold research that will bring multiple benefits to our planet. Under his leadership, NASA continues to inspire young people worldwide to seek education in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).”
NOTES TO EDITORS
The World Affairs Council – Washington, DC is ‘A Leading Forum for Global Education and International Affairs’ and an institution ‘Where Learning Happens’. The September 18 program is one in its continuing Distinguished Speaker Series events. The Council is dedicated to expanding awareness among the American public and the international community of geopolitical, business, environmental and civil society issues in our inter-connected world. It provides a neutral forum for remarks, discussions and debates by government, political and opinion leaders, policy-makers and senior officials; legislators, diplomats, Nobel laureates and others.
The WAC – DC Board of Directors is composed of distinguished corporate, former governmental, diplomatic and NGO representatives, educators, and civic leaders committed to implementing the Council’s global education and international affairs priorities with a DC regional and national audience of teachers, students, educators, and the American public.
