 |
International Space Science Education Program |
I’d like to share some excerpts from recent articles that have appeared in Space News International: SEPTEMBER 24, 2007- In prior times, agencies have successfully executed the mandate for the nation’s practical education of scientists and engineers by offering frequent, low-cost access to space. This was an avenue that provided the scientific, government and commercial space sectors a steady supply of experienced and highly talented personnel for the labor force. This supply pipeline has all but dried up. Why is access to space so crucial? Education and experience are complementary aspects in developing technical expertise, whether it be for scientists or engineers. The space enterprise is not readily replicated in laboratories on the Earth’s surface. Hence, developing experience requires apprenticeships through which students design, fabricate, test and fly their experiments in space. It is high time someone step up to the plate and restore the academic opportunities to educate the next-generation space work force. APRIL 21, 2008- The United States cannot retain global technological superiority, when U.S. students’ math and science rankings are among the lowest of developed nations. There were so many programs in the `60s, `70s and `80s, but now there are not so many, so there aren’t as many opportunities to learn from mistakes. We need to create more excitement and provide daunting challenges. AUGUST 11, 2008- Space industry officials agree that the next generation of engineers and scientists need hands-on opportunities to build and test small satellites. The challenge is getting those student-built satellites launched. We want, and the country needs, to work toward enabling students to launch, test, explore, validate and invigorate a new generation of engineers and scientists. We have to find a way. Americans in Orbit-50 Years Inc.(AIO-50), received its’ non-profit status under the category of education. Our goal is to have a dedicated “education launch” at least every two years. The Space Science Module (SSM) will be able to carry over 10,000 lbs. into orbit. The Friendship 7 commemorative mission will be the first manned spaceflight commemoration and the largest launch of student space science experiments in history. The International Space Science Education Program (ISSEP) is structured to enable a large number of students throughout the U.S., and eventually the world, to directly participate in actual space science experiments. Discussions are currently underway with the University of Alabama at Huntsville, to possibly be the “Anchor University” for the program. All universities who are interested in participating in the 2012 launch, should contact us immediately. Technology Corporations, as well as individuals, who make tax-deductible donations to the program, will insure the steady supply of experienced personnel so desperately needed for future space exploration. We are also contacting education foundations for on going funding. With your help, “America’s Launch” will inspire future generations of space explorers. America’s Launch will not only honor our first astronauts but also those thousands of Americans that were responsible for the great success of our early space programs. -CRAIG- |
|
|
Advisory Board – New Member |
Bill Larson is now a member of the Advisory Board. Bill was one of the founders of our organization and was responsible for the initial formation of the Advisory Board. He also wrote and narrated the AIO-50 video presentation. He will now help move the program forward as the Director of media relations. As a career correspondent, Bill covered the Space Program all the way back to the Gemini missions. Thank you so much for your excellent work and continued support! -CRAIG- |
|
|
Advisory Board – New Member |
I’m happy to announce Lorraine Ruiz is now a member of the Advisory Board. Ms. Ruiz is the Operations Manager of the Ames Exploration Encounter. Her addition is a tremendous asset in view of her past educational accomplishments and her present NASA position. Welcome to the team! -CRAIG- |
|
|
SPACECRAFT CONSTRUCTION Posted April 16, 2008 Final decisions have been made on the spacecraft construction. The two (2) seat manned vehicle and the space science module (SSM) will be built by a U.S. aerospace company. The RFP is scheduled be sent out in Nov. of this year. -CRAIG- |
|
ASTRONAUT SELECTION ANNOUNCED Posted March 20, 2008 Two (2) astronauts have now been selected as the primary crew for the mission: Dr. Howard Chipman (Commander) and Veronique Koken (Second-in Command). The astronauts plan to present the project at the next NSS Conference in Washington D.C. on May 29-June 1. Welcome to the team! -CRAIG- |
|
ASTRONAUT APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED Posted January 10, 2008 We are now accepting applications for Astronaut on the Friendship 7 re-creation mission. I made the announcement at a local meeting of the National Space Society (HAL 5) in Huntsville, AL. on January 9, 2008. Applicants must meet the following requirements
Application process:
Two (2) astronauts will be selected and trained. Good Luck, -CRAIG- |
|
Mercury Spacecraft Construction Posted November 6, 2007 We have decided on a new plan for the construction of the Mercury capsule. A consortium of universities across the country will work together to build the capsule. This will greatly enhance the educational aspect of the project. Currently, access to space for universities is extremely limited. The adaptor section aft of the capsule will be able to take up to 16,000 lb. of small satellites or other space science experiments. -CRAIG- |
|
Advisory Board-New Member Posted August 6, 2007 Konrad K. Dannenberg is now a member of the Advisory Board.
Welcome aboard! -CRAIG- |
|
Advisory Board-New Member Posted June 13, 2007 Hugh W. Harris, is now a member of the Advisory Board. Mr. Harris was the former Director of Public Affairs at Kennedy Space Center. Welcome aboard! -CRAIG- |
|
Advisory Board-New Member Posted June 12, 2007
As you can see, Mr. Coleman brings a great deal of valuable experience to us. Welcome Aboard! -CRAIG- |
|
Advisory Board-New Member Mr. Larry R. Capps is now a member of the Advisory Board. Mr. Capps is the Chief Executive Officer of the U. S. Space and Rocket Center. -CRAIG- |
|
Advisory Board-New Member Posted May 18,2007 We are pleased to announce Mr. Charles Arthur "Chuck" Biggs,Sr. is now a member of the Advisory Board. Mr. Biggs brings 30 years of experience as a former NASA professional to the board. He also has a great deal of experience in Space Education. He was formerly Vice President and Secretary of the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation,Inc.(1986-1992) His technical knowledge and Public Affairs experience will be a tremendous asset. -CRAIG- |
|
MAY 5th 2007 PRESS RELEASE--DELAYED Posted April 9,2007 The press release/news conference scheduled for May 5,2007 has been delayed until later this year. I hope to have additional updates soon. -CRAIG- |
|
Advisory Board Posted January 31, 2007 We are currently in the process of forming an Advisory Board. Members of this board are chosen for their knowledge, experience, and ability. I am delighted to announce that Mr. T.J. O'Malley is the first member of the Advisory Board. Mr. O'Malley was the launch director of the original Friendship-7 mission! We hope to announce other members in the near future. -CRAIG- |
|
Press release/news conference Posted January 23, 2007 A press release/news conference will be held in Cape Canaveral, FL on May 5, 2007. The time and exact location of this event will be posted at a later date. |
|
23 March 2006 Received 501(c)(3) organization non-profit status. |
|
13 October 2005 Americans In Orbit-50 Years, Inc. was incorporated in Huntsville, Alabama. |
