U.S. Chamber Highlights Critical Role of NASA in Developing Technology

Calls Business and NASA Partnership Good for Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Space Enterprise Council today highlighted the critical role of NASA's Constellation exploration program to our economic and national security during an industry summit with NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD).

"This initiative will not only maintain NASA's legacy in developing technologies, but also help develop the technical innovation necessary to keep the U.S. competitive globally," said Space Enterprise Council Executive Director David Logsdon.

Over the past four years, the Space Enterprise Council has been working with NASA on various initiatives that bring the business and space community together in order to ensure the global competitiveness of a key component of our high-tech workforce.

"We look forward to engaging with industry on the nation's return to the Moon and we appreciate the Space Enterprise Council hosting us," said Rick Gilbrech, ESMD associate administrator. Gilbrech also noted that NASA plans to return humans to the Moon by 2020.

Participants from ESMD included Doug Cooke, deputy associate administrator for the directorate, Geoff Yoder, director, Directorate Integration Office; and Jeff Hanley, manager of NASA's Constellation Program.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

www.uschamber.com

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