FSRI Partners With Space Generation to Develop Space Leaders

CAPE CANAVERAL SPACEPORT –- The Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) has partnered with the Florida Space Research Institute (FSRI) to provide planning and management leadership for the annual Space Generation Congress to be held September 28-30, 2006, in conjunction with the International Astronautical Congress in Valencia, Spain.  The conference is the premier international event for young space professionals, drawing over 100 delegates from around the world every year.

“There is a youth movement in the space industry that is bringing an unmistakable new energy to space exploration programs in the U.S. and around the world,” said Sam Durrance, a former astronaut and executive director of FSRI.  “The Space Generation Advisory Council represents the young professionals and student-led space organizations that are increasingly involved in new space initiatives.  We want to engage Florida students in these organizations, tap into their passion for space exploration, and allow them to participate first-hand in making the 2006 Space Generation Congress a success.”

“We are excited to have FSRI partner with us to develop the next generation of space leaders and connect them into a worldwide network of Space Generation delegates,” said Chris Boshuizen, SGAC’s director of educational projects.  “The experiences and contacts the students will gain from this experience will give them a major advantage going into the workforce.”

FSRI’s Tim Bailey will be responsible for working with SGAC to plan and implement the Space Generation Congress, including organizing the schedule, facilitating speakers, and overseeing volunteer staff for the event.  Registration for delegates and more information will be available at www.ExplorersWanted.com.  To volunteer as staff or as a project mentor, please contact Tim Bailey at tbailey@fsri.org or 321-452-2653, extension 208.

The Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) is an international non-profit organization which represents the views of youth on space issues to the United Nations and other bodies. SGAC organizes many activities and programs, including the annual Space Generation Congress.  More information online at www.SpaceGeneration.org.

FSRI was established by Governor Bush and the Florida Legislature to expand and diversify the state’s role in space research, and to support statewide space-related workforce development and education. 

Contact:

FSRI – Edward Ellegood, 321-452-2653, ext. 204