Washington (January 30, 2004) Four leading space organizations – the National Space Society (NSS), Satellite Industry Association (SIA), Space Foundation, and Washington Space Business Roundtable (WSBR) – today announced the creation of the National Space and Satellite Alliance (NSSA).

NSSA members will coordinate their Washington operations, programs, and activities to provide more cohesive and unified advocacy of space policy issues in Washington and to more effectively serve their members’ interests. The stated mission of the NSSA is “to marshal the resources of the space and satellite advocacy community to most effectively advance the exploration and development of space, and the utilization of space and satellite systems and technologies.”

In addition to pursuing cooperative efforts in public awareness and education, the 2004 Alliance policy agenda will include:

  • Building Congressional and public support for the new White House space exploration plan
  • Working with Congress and the Administration to implement export control laws that protect our country’s national security without unnecessarily burdening industry
  • Educating policymakers and the public about the important role that satellite systems play in protecting our homeland security

“With so many critical public policy issues facing the space industry, this is an opportunity for the space community to work together like never before,” said Brian Chase, vice president of Washington Operations for the Space Foundation, who was elected as the first chairman of the Alliance.

“The National Space Society has been the voice of the space public for 30 years,” said Greg Allison, chairman of the NSS Executive Committee. “Now that we have a new national vision for space exploration, there is an urgent need for members of the space community to coordinate their efforts to educate the public about the enormous benefits that the implementation of this policy will bring to the United States and its partners in space.”

SIA President Richard Dalbello said “The U.S. aerospace industry is one of the jewels of the American economy, driving innovation, creating good jobs, and contributing to the nation’s national and homeland security. One of the principal goals of the Space Alliance will be to advance policies that will strengthen the space and satellite industries and to recognize the important role that they play in our daily lives.”

“The Alliance is a remarkable combination of industry, grassroots, and professional organizations,” said Space Foundation President & CEO Elliot Pulham. “This diversity gives us a stronger voice in the public policy process and a better understanding of ways our individual strengths can complement one another.”

WSBR Board Chairman Mark Quinn, senior vice president of Willis Inspace, applauded the formation of the NSSA. “The Alliance bolsters our flagship speaker program, which features high level industry and government leaders at our monthly luncheons,” said Quinn. “Furthermore, it will broaden the scope of WSBR’s educational initiatives in space-related programs,” he added.

The Alliance will be headquartered at 1620 I Street NW in downtown Washington and will soon have an online presence at www.spacealliance.org.