Committee to Present Results to Obama Administration
June 4, 2009, Alexandria, VA – Leroy Chiao, PhD, a member of the Board of Directors of Challenger Center for Space Science Education, and a former NASA astronaut, has been named by the White House as a member of the independent blue-ribbon panel established with the goal of ensuring that the nation is on a vigorous and sustainable path to achieving its boldest aspirations in space.
The Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans committee will address the following objectives: 1) expediting a new U.S. capability to support utilization of the International Space Station; 2) supporting missions to the Moon and other destinations beyond low-Earth orbit; 3) stimulating commercial space flight capability; and 4) fitting within the current budget profile for NASA exploration activities. The committee will present its results to the Obama administration later this year.
“Challenger Center endorses this review and celebrates its potential to clarify and reinvigorate our nation’s human space flight program, said Dan Barstow, Challenger Center President. “Our nation’s global leadership in human space flight has not only led to technological innovation and scientific discovery, but has also inspired our nation’s youth to dream big dreams of exploration and discovery. Challenger Learning Centers have taken millions of students on simulated space missions, helping to keep this spirit of exploration alive.”
“I am looking forward to working with my distinguished colleagues to help chart a course for the future of the U.S. human space flight program,” said Chiao. “It’s a future that participants in Challenger Learning Center missions envision each day.”
Chiao has spent more than 229 days in space, flew on three space shuttle flights, and was the commander of Expedition 10, where he lived on board the International Space Station from October 2004 to April, 2005. In addition to being an active consultant and entrepreneur, he serves as the User Panel Chairman of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute. He is also the Executive Vice President for Mission Operations and a Director of Excalibur Almaz, a private manned spaceflight company.
Challenger Center for Space Science Education is a non-profit organization founded in 1986 by the families of the astronauts tragically lost in the Challenger 51-L mission. Using space exploration as a theme, Challenger Center creates positive experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, foster a long-term interest in science, math, and technology, and inspires them to pursue studies and careers in these areas. For more information on our diverse programs, including our network of Challenger Learning Centers, please visit www.challenger.org or call 703-683-9740.
