COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 2, 2007) — Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is at the forefront of the minds of commanders at all levels. This important issue will be the focus of a panel at Strategic Space and Defense 2007. Presented by the Space Foundation and Space News, Strategic Space and Defense 2007, the global security conference for space and defense professionals, will take place at the Qwest Center Omaha Convention Center and Arena in Omaha, Neb., 9 — 11 October 2007. The panel, entitled “Space Situational Awareness — The Critical Capability,” is scheduled for 1600 hours on Wednesday, 10 October.
Space and space-enabled systems have fundamentally altered the ability and manner in which the military understands and conduct operations around the globe. The consequences of a loss of space resources or capabilities would be serious and wide-ranging. SSA, the ability to monitor and predict threats in space, is essential to mission success and protection of space assets as well as troops on the ground. The SSA panel at Strategic Space and Defense 2007 will address the subject from both policy and practical perspectives. Leaders participating on this key panel include Col. Patrick F. Frakes, USA, director, space policy, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Strategic Capabilities; Mr. Frederick L. Ricker, vice president and general manager, military space, Northrop Grumman Space Technology; Col. David A. Strand, director, National Reconnaissance Operation Center; and Mr. Bruce L. Wilson, deputy director, air, space, and information operations, Air Force Space Command.
The noteworthy panel is part of a program agenda consisting of two full days of government and industry leaders addressing the most pressing issues facing the space and defense sectors today. In addition to this panel, key confirmed speakers and panelists include Mr. Gary E. Payton, acting under secretary of the U.S. Air Force; Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, USAF, assistant vice chief of staff and director, Air Force Staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force; Lt. Gen. Michael Hamel, USAF, commander, Space and Missile Systems Center; Lt. Gen. Kevin T. Campbell, USA, commander, U.S. ARSTRAT/JFCC-IMD/CC; Maj. Gen. William L. Shelton, USAF, commander, 14th Air Force and commander, JFCC-Space; AVM DC Kumaria, Indian Air Force, ACAS Operations (Space), Air Headquarters; and Mr. Kenneth S. Callicutt, director, capability and resources integration, U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM).
Conference attendees and participants include the senior leadership of USSTRATCOM, its component and supported commands, representatives of the national security industrial base, major government contractors, federal officials, and allied partners. This unique conference includes two full days of programs, luncheons, a sophisticated exhibit center, and more.
Additional highlights of Strategic Space and Defense 2007 include a spectacular Opening Ceremony and Reception, featuring legendary music icons THREE DOG NIGHT and welcoming remarks by Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman, co-sponsored by Lockheed Martin and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce; The Strategic Space and Defense luncheon, co-sponsored by Northrop Grumman; and the Thursday Luncheon, co-sponsored by Boeing. Further co-sponsors include AirLaunch LLC, a.i. Solutions, AMERICOM Government Services, ATK, Axiom Worldwide, Booz Allen Hamilton, the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), Mannheim Steamroller, Raytheon Company, and Sterling Computers Corp. — A Sun Partner Advantage Company.
More information including secure online registration, a preliminary agenda, and lists of speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors is available at www.StratSpace.org.
About the Space Foundation
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, the Space Foundation is a national nonprofit organization advancing space-related endeavors to inspire, enable, and propel humanity. The Space Foundation is a leader in space awareness activities, trade association services, research and analysis for the global space industry, and educational enterprises that bring space into the classroom. The Space Foundation has an office in Washington, D.C., and field representatives in Houston, Texas, and Cape Canaveral, Fla. The Space Foundation also conducts the premier annual gathering of the global space community, the National Space Symposium. The 24th National Space Symposium will take place April 7-10, 2008, at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. For more information, visit www.SpaceFoundation.org.
About Space News
Space News International, a division of Imaginova Corp., is the premier business-to-business media company dedicated entirely to the commercial and military space and satellite communications’ businesses. The company’s products include Space News, a weekly business-to-business newspaper; SpaceNews.com; Space News TV; Washington Aerospace Briefing; and Space News Early Bird Newsletter. For more information, visit www.space.com/spacenews.
