NSS Online Report Issue #20 – December 2001
Inside this issue:
- NSS Scholarship Available for ISU Summer Session
- Holiday Shopping Through NSS
- NSS Member Discount for 2002 Space Calendar
- Give to NSS through United Way’s Combined Federal Campaign
- Focus on Philanthropy
- Kirby Ikin Stands Down as Chair of the Executive Committee
- NSS Executive Committee Meeting held in Washington
- Commission on the Future of the Aerospace Industry
- New NASA Administrator Chosen
- DC Postal Service causes NSS Mail Disruption
- Attention DC Chapter Leaders: Chapter Reports due February
- NASA Ames Supports Upcoming Ad Astra Issue
NSS SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE FOR ISU SUMMER SESSION
The National Space Society is proud to partner with the International
Space University and sponsor a student at the Summer Session Program at Cal
Poly, June 29-August 31, 2002. The scholarship covers tuition,
accommodation, and meals at the SSP. However, travel to and from the SSP is
the recipients’ responsibility.
Applications will be accepted from January 1 – March 1, 2002. A
decision will be made by late March 2002 and the scholarship recipient will
be contacted shortly thereafter.
For further details and an application form visit the NSS website
(http://www.nss.org) ‘Education’ section or contact the scholarship
coordinator at 202-543-1900, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Suite 201,
Washington, DC 20003.
For more details about the International Space University contact
International Space University,
Strasbourg Central Campus,
Bd Gonthier díAndernach,
67400 Illkirch,
France
Tel: +33 3 88 65 54 30
Fax: +33 3 88 65 54 47
info@isu.isunet.edu
HOLIDAY SHOPPING THROUGH NSS
Buy gifts through Amazon.com at NSS website (http://www.nss.org) and
earn valuable income for NSS! If you visit Amazon.com through the NSS
website, the Society will receive a percentage of your online purchase that
helps us promote our vision of people living and working in thriving
communities beyond the Earth.
NSS MEMBER DISCOUNT FOR 2002 SPACE CALENDAR
The National Space Society is one of the leading sponsors of “The
Year In Space” 2002 Desk Calendar. This popular 152-page spiral-bound weekly
calendar is now available to NSS members nationwide at discounts of 27% to
47%. Featuring images and information from the past, present and future of
space exploration and astronomical discovery, this colorful calendar is
normally sold for $14.95, but NSS members can purchase one copy for $10.95; 2
or more @ $9.95; 10 or more @ $8.95; 36 or more @ $7.95. Shipping is free on
all U.S. orders, but be sure to order early because supplies are
limited. “The Year In Space” can be purchased online at
http://www.YearInSpace.com (select “NSS” next to the Sponsor Discount field
on the order form), or by calling (800) 736-6836 anytime (mention the NSS
discount).
GIVE TO NSS THROUGH UNITED WAYíS COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN
The Combined Federal Campaign is an at-work charitable fund drive for
Federal government employees, military personnel, and postal workers. The
CFC is not a single campaign, but a collection of 370 local campaigns
operating under a common set of government regulations. The National Space
Society is able to participate since we are a recognized 501 (c)3
organization. You can donate to NSS by designating code 2413.
FOCUS ON PHILANTHROPY
A growing number of non-profit organizations are establishing
permanent endowment funds to ensure the continuation of key educational
programs and core interests. Under this approach, a substantial gift forms
the permanent principle of the endowment. The principal is invested by the
society in perpetuity, with only the annual earnings being spent as
designated by the donor. Over time these earnings will greatly exceed the
original gift, amplifying its impact and extending its benefits for future
generations.
Endowment funds are not the only ways that you can give to the
Society. Charitable Trusts and Life Income Plans offer ways in which donors
can establish a gift to the Society whilst also receiving a lifetime income.
Financial experts at Solomon Smith Barney Inc. administer the Society’s
philanthropic area and are happy to assist with your wishes.
Are you starting to assess your year end tax position? Our experts
are standing by to receive your donations of cash or stocks. They will
ensure that you receive the appropriate acknowledgments for inclusion in your
tax return. Don’t delay! Help yourself and support NSS now.
For more information on planned giving options that make sense for
your estate, please contact the National Space Society at 202-543-1900, 600
Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 201, Washington, DC 20003.
KIRBY IKIN STANDS DOWN AS CHAIR OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Effective November 2001, Kirby Ikin stood down as the Chair of the
Executive Committee of NSS. Christopher M. Pancratz replaced him as Acting
Chair. We are grateful to Kirby for his leadership over the past four years
and in particular the broader international perspective he brought to the
Society from his home in Australia.
NSS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN WASHINGTON
The Executive Committee of the National Space Society convened in
Washington, DC in early December. The top priority on the agenda was
approval of the 2002 budget, policy priorities in light of the appointment of
a new NASA administrator, and strategic planning for the coming year.
COMMISSION ON THE FUTURE OF THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY
The Congressionally mandated Commission on the Future of the
Aerospace Industry held its first meeting Nov. 27th in Washington, DC.
Commissioner Buzz Aldrin gained major support from his fellow members for the
creation of what he termed “high volume human space transportation
capability” as a national goal. Aldrin also spoke strongly for the next
generation of expendable launchers containing a reusable element, such as a
reusable booster. By the end of the day, chairman Robert Walker indicated
that among the commission’s recommendations in the field of space policy,
helping to establish a reusable launch vehicle that could carry space
tourists, government astronauts, or military personnel should be high on the
committee’s list. An interim report is to go to the White House in early
spring with a final report in autumn 2002. The commission is to chart short-
term policy goals to strengthen the U.S. aerospace industry as well as paint
a portrait of what a healthy industry would look like in aviation and space
by century’s end. NSS Washington office will be working with the commission
as it studies avenues of development for commercial and civil space.
NEW NASA ADMINISTRATOR CHOSEN
The White House has chosen Sean O’Keefe, a seasoned public management
expert to run America’s space agency. Formally deputy director of the Office
of Management and Budget, O’Keefe is not known as a space enthusiast but he
is reputed to be a tough and pragmatic manager with experience at large
government agencies. His previous posts included secretary of the Navy,
comptroller and chief financial officer for the Pentagon, and staff director
of the U.S. Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Visit
http://www.nss.org to read O’Keefe’s full biography.
DC POSTAL SERVICE CAUSES NSS MAIL DISRUPTION
You may have heard from your local news reports that the Brentwood
Post Office in Washington, DC is one of the postal facilities affected by
recent attacks. The Brentwood Post Office is also the facility that services
the National Space Society and sorts our incoming mail. Since the closure of
Brentwood, the US Postal Service has implemented new procedures and the most
recent mail is now being delivered without any interruptions. However we are
aware that some membership renewals may still be at the Brentwood Postal
facility. If you have sent in your renewal but believe that NSS has not
received it, please contact us as soon as possible. Our e-mail addresses are
NSSADASTRA@AOL.COM or NSSMEMBERS@AOL.COM.
ATTENTION CHAPTER LEADERS: CHAPTER REPORTS DUE FEBRUARY 15th
Chapter Annual Reports have been mailed to all current NSS chapters.
These reports are to be completed and returned to NSS headquarters by Friday,
February 15, 2002. For your convenience, the report as well as a sample
report are available on the web at
www.nss.org/community/chapterresources.html. Chapter Annual Reports are
vital to the Society maintaining its nonprofit status. Your prompt response
is appreciated.
Feel free to contact Sherry Wilson @ nssmembers@aol.org or 202-543-1900 if
you have any questions.
NASA AMES SUPPORTS UPCOMING AD ASTRA ISSUE
Staff scientists at NASA Ames Research Center are among the
contributors to the January 2002 Ad Astra special issue on Astrobiology.
NASA’s April 2002 Astrobiology Conference will feature the magazine, which
will be distributed to all attendees, expected to exceed 1,000 in number.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TODAY?
Every NSS member can support the NSS Mission every day:
- 1. Share the Vision with everyone you meet.
- 2. Be a voter and communicate with your legislators.
- 3. If you invest, consider space-related companies.
- 4. Invite others to join NSS.
- 2. Be a voter and communicate with your legislators.
