Early Bird Registration Closes July 18

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.  (July 15, 2008) – The top leaders of United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) have made early commitments to participate at Strategic Space and Defense 2008. Featuring the foremost military, defense industry, and government leaders, the conference is set to take place at the Qwest Omaha Convention Center and Arena in Omaha, Neb., 6-8 October. Presented by the Space Foundation and Space News, Strategic Space and Defense 2008 is the global security conference for space and defense professionals.  Confirmed speakers include Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, USAF, commander, United States Strategic Command; Vice Adm. Carl V. Mauney, USN, deputy commander, United States Strategic Command; Maj. Gen. Carroll F. Pollett, USA, chief of staff, United States Strategic Command; and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas S. Narofsky, USAF,  command chief master sergeant, United States Strategic Command.

The conference focuses on the full spectrum of USSTRATCOM’s broad range of strategic capabilities and operational mission areas. Speakers and panelists include the senior leadership of USSTRATCOM and its component and supported commands, representatives of the national security industrial base, major government contactors, federal officials, and allied partners.

Early featured keynote presentations and panel topics are “STRATCOM and the Global AOR,” “Integration of Land, Sea, Air, Space, and Cyberspace” from both military and industry perspectives, “View from Capitol Hill,” “Strategic Deterrence – Evolving Capability for Today’s World,” “Space Situational Awareness – The Key to the Protection of Critical Assets,” and “Frontline Views of the Chiefs.” Additional program information will be announced shortly.

The Strategic Space and Defense program will incorporate two full days of featured speeches and panel sessions, a keynote luncheon and dinner, and various networking opportunities with key decision makers at receptions, breakfasts, and an exhibit center luncheon. Additional new features and developments in 2008 include changes to the exhibit center such as a 1500 sq. ft. “conference networking area” and the relocation of the conference sessions adjacent to the exhibit center. More than 2,000 participants attended last year’s conference.

Online registration and more information are available at www.StratSpace.org. Individuals who register and pay in full by July 18 will receive the Early Bird registration rate, a more than $370 savings off standard industry registration.

About the Space Foundation

Founded in 1983 and celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Space Foundation is an international nonprofit organization advancing space-related endeavors to inspire, enable, and propel humanity. A leader in space awareness activities, major industry events, and educational enterprises that bring space into the classroom, the Space Foundation is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo.  It conducts research and analysis and government affairs activities from its Washington, D.C., office, and has field representatives in Houston, Texas, and Cape Canaveral, Fla.  The Space Foundation also conducts the National Space Symposium, the premier gathering of the global space community. The 25th National Space Symposium will take place March 30 – April 2, 2009, 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, civil, 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; and Space News Early Bird Newsletter. For more information, visit .