In keynote remarks to the 2018 Space Symposium on Thursday, April 19, AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning spoke about the dynamism of the space industry, and the excitement being generated across the full breadth and depth of the sector.
“Innovative companies – both young and old, large and small – are reinventing the art of the possible,” Fanning said. “New ways of doing things doesn’t involve a divide between established and emerging space companies … I hear all the time discussion of ‘old space’ versus ‘new space,’ but I believe that represents a false dichotomy.”
Fanning also highlighted the importance of international trade to this growing and diverse industry, particularly the need to confirm nominees to the Export-Import Bank of the United States and modernizing elements of the Missile Technology Control Regime that hinders export of commercial space systems.
“We need the U.S. Senate to vote in the four Ex-Im Board nominees that have been approved by committee and for the Administration to nominate a true leader for the Bank, someone who believes in its mission and the opportunities that exports provide,” Fanning said. Additionally, “the MTCR restricts the export of commercial space systems that could advance both science and cooperative ties between nations. We’re working with the administration to engage the international community to modernize the MTCR language and align U.S. export control policy to take full advantage of such change.”
Fanning closed his remarks with an uplifting message, noting, “We have the good fortune to represent an industry that excites and motivates young people to dream bigger, beyond the limits of our planet. The broad appeal of our industry enables us to constantly inspire generations of young Americans who will become tomorrow’s space workforce.”
To read the full text of Fanning’s keynote remarks as prepared, please visit AIA’s website at: https://www.aia-aerospace.org/news/2018-space-symposium-colorado-springs-colo/.
