August 24, 2006 – Reston, VA – The American Astronautical Society (AAS) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement to collaborate in the development and planning for international activities and programs of each organization.

“Both AAS and AIAA share a commitment to strengthen the global space program. It makes sense to combine our unique capabilities through cooperation with international space organizations, and bring comprehensive, value-added perspectives and programs to the space community. We look forward to a growing, productive relationship with AAS,” stated Vincent Boles, AIAA vice president, international.

The agreement includes co-sponsorship of certain events, representation on each other’s international committees and promotion of activities and events in the organizations’ respective magazines, AAS’ Space Times and AIAA’s Aerospace America.

“The AAS and AIAA have cooperated for many years in organizing first class technical meetings. I’m delighted that we will now work closely together to promote and expand international dialogue and collaborative activities on current and future space endeavors. We are already actively engaged on our first initiative that will address human and robotic space exploration activities worldwide,” said Lyn Wigbels, AAS vice president, international.

The first activity by AAS and AIAA under this new agreement is a series of events to highlight global space exploration objectives, plans and industrial capabilities, and develop a single integrated database of space exploration activities worldwide.

Organized in conjunction with George Mason University, “Contributions to Space Exploration: Global Objectives, Plans and Capabilities” will be launched with a public seminar November 1-2, 2006, at the George Mason University, Arlington Campus, Virginia. It will highlight the important role of international cooperation and feature presentations by numerous space agencies.

The series also will include a meeting of a synthesis group to develop a summary document of national exploration plans, an invitation-only workshop to be held in early 2007 to review the summary and discuss next steps, and a written report on the summary and workshop findings.

Headquartered in suburban Washington, DC, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) serves over 35,000 members in 65 regional sections and 79 countries. AIAA membership is drawn from all levels of industry, academia, private research organizations, and government and focuses on emerging technologies in aviation, space and defense. For more information visit www.aiaa.org

Formed in 1954, the American Astronautical Society (AAS) is America’s network of space professionals, technical and non-technical, dedicated to advancing all space activities. During the coming years, the Society will continue its commitment to strengthening the nation’s space programs and expanding cooperation with international space organizations. For more information visit www.astronautical.org

MEDIA CONTACTS:

SHARON GRACE (AIAA)
sharong@aiaa.org

JIM KIRKPATRICK (AAS)
jkirkpatrick@astronautical.org

Sharon Grace
Corporate Communications
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 500
Reston, VA 20191
703/264-7532
www.aiaa.org