Andrea Seastrand, Executive Director of the California Space Authority (CSA), was the guest for this Space Show program. Ms. Seastrand explained to us the role of the and we discussed many of its programs and the upcoming conference Dec. 1 and 2 in Los Angeles. The 2006 Transforming Space conference and SpotBeam Awards Dinner will be an important event to attend with a power packed program as well as those in attendance. Ms. Seastrand also hinted surprises for us given the conference is in Los Angeles and Star Trek is 40 years old this year. Ms. Seastrand stressed the role of CSA in education and workforce programs. We talked about the WIRED Initiative which you can read about their website, www.californiaspaceauthority.org. Our discussion also highlighted the Space Education and Workforce Institute, CSA and the entrepreneurial space community as well as the traditional aerospace industry, the importance of understanding risk and making sure that we somehow control the risk perception with our elected officials and policy makers. It was clear from talking with Ms. Seastrand that CSA understands the vital role of being in front of policy makers and elected officials on a daily basis because of the challenges involved in obtaining the proper regulatory and policy environment to facilitate space development and commerce. We also talked about space visitor centers in California and how the CSA website details these centers making space tourism in California easy. We talked about the launch industry, space tourism and the role of CSA in helping to make sure space tourists are informed about the risks involved and the issues surrounding space tourism. This was a very comprehensive program and while it focused on California, Andrea also made it clear that it was important to join with other states in work on the Hill because space needs us all working together with a strong voice. It should be easy to extrapolate to your own state some of what we talked about and the type of programming mentioned to fit another state and another state's space agency. Visit www.californiaspaceauthority.org for more information. You can send your comments or questions to Ms. Seastrand or Mr. Chris Taranto who heads up the Media department. You can find their email addresses on the website under the Staff section but I am copying them here for your convenience. andrea.seastrand@californiaspaceauthority.org; Chris.Taranto@californiaspaceauthority.org.
Guest
The Space Show
