Colorado Springs, Colo. (December 9, 2004) Space Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Elliot G. Pulham applauded Congress for approving the Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act (H.R. 5382) that provides a regulatory framework for the emerging suborbital launch industry, including space tourism.

“The Space Foundation applauds Congress for laying the groundwork for a steady and predictable regulatory environment for this exciting new industry. The regulatory framework of the Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act will ensure public safety while also recognizing the entrepreneurial nature of the companies involved.

“Many people contributed to the bipartisan passage of H.R. 5382, but Senators John McCain, Ernest Hollings, Harry Reid, James Inhofe, Sam Brownback, and Dianne Feinstein, as well as Representatives Sherwood Boehlert and Dana Rohrabacher deserve special recognition for their leadership efforts.

“This bill ensures that an exciting new sector is provided the opportunity to grow into what could become a multi-billion dollar industry. The Space Foundation looks forward to continuing its work with the suborbital industry and space tourism organizations to foster an industry that can demonstrate the ‘can do’ spirit of America while strengthening our economy.”

About the Space Foundation

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, the Space Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that vigorously advances civil, commercial, and national security space endeavors and educational excellence. The Space Foundation has offices in Washington, D.C., and Cape Canaveral, Fla. The Space Foundation annually conducts, along with its partnering organizations, the National Space Symposium, scheduled April 4-7, 2005, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs; and Strategic Space 2005, scheduled Oct. 4-6, 2005, in Omaha, Neb. For more information, visit www.spacefoundation.org.