Read NASA’s full press release on their crew flight contract extension with the Russian Federal Space Agency here.

About the Commercial Spaceflight Federation

The mission of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) is to promote the development of commercial human spaceflight, pursue ever-higher levels of safety, and share best practices and expertise throughout the industry. The CSF’s member companies – which include commercial spaceflight developers, operators, spaceports, suppliers and service providers – are creating thousands of high-tech jobs nationwide, working to preserve American leadership in aerospace through technology innovation, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. For more information please visit www.commercialspaceflight.org or contact Executive Director Alex Saltman at saltman@commercialspaceflight.org or at 202.347.1096.

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NSRC-2013 will bring together vehicle providers, researchers and educators from academia, government and industry to engage in presentations, workshops and networking opportunities. Keynote speakers will include NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver, FAA Associate Administrator George Nield, and former Space Shuttle and ISS astronaut and Commercial Spaceflight Federation President Michael Lopez-Alegria.

Representatives from the suborbital vehicle companies will be available to discuss contracting procedures, training requirements and payload integration. In addition, NASA officials will talk about how researchers can propose suborbital flights in NASA grant applications. Sponsored by Southwest Research Institute and the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, NSRC-2013 will be held June 3–5, 2013, at the Omni Interlocken Hotel and Resort in Broomfield, Colo.

“It’s getting more and more exciting as we approach the soon-to-begin era of routine, low-cost space access that will revolutionize space research and education,” says SwRI Associate Vice President Dr. Alan Stern, NSRC-2013 program chair and organizer. “With these capabilities in place, there will be more opportunities for organizations to fly, greatly increasing the prospects of new space-based research in this community.”

“The progress the vehicle providers have made in the last year is compelling. As these companies get closer to flight, it is important for the research and education community to be ready to take advantage of the science and education capabilities that these new platforms will provide,” stated Commercial Spaceflight Federation President, Michael Lopez-Alegria. “I am very excited by what I’ve seen from this community already and I look forward to much more this year.”

The 2013 conference will promote opportunities that this new wave of reusable, commercial suborbital vehicles offer for research and education missions; facilitate questions, feedback and ideas from researchers and educators about mission applications and user requirements; and generate interest among U.S. and international researchers and educators for potential next-gen suborbital funding by entities such as NASA, U.S. Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Geological Survey, National Science Foundation and private industry.

Abstracts will be accepted until March 7, 2013. For more information about abstracts or to register for NSRC 2013, visit http://nsrc.swri.org or contact Cindy Conrad, (720) 240-0126 or cindy@boulder.swri.edu.

About the Southwest Research Institute

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), which has committed funding to fly researcher-astronauts and their payloads onboard commercial suborbital spacecraft, is an independent, nonprofit applied research and development organization. The staff of nearly 3,000 specializes in the creation and transfer of technology in engineering and the physical sciences. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres in San Antonio, Texas, with laboratories, test facilities, workshops and offices, and satellite offices in locations such as Boulder, Colo. SwRI staff also lead the CSF’s Suborbital Applications Researchers Group.

About the Commercial Spaceflight Federation

The mission of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) is to promote the development of commercial human spaceflight, pursue ever-higher levels of safety, and share best practices and expertise throughout the industry. The Commercial Spaceflight Federation’s member companies, which include commercial spaceflight developers, operators, spaceports, suppliers, and service providers, are creating thousands of high-tech jobs nationwide, working to preserve American leadership in aerospace through technology innovation, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. For more information please visit www.commercialspaceflight.org or contact Executive Director Alex Saltman at saltman@commercialspaceflight.org or at 202.349.1121.

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“Interest and activity in commercial spaceflight continue to blossom at both traditional and new space companies,” said CSF President Michael Lopez-Alegria. “It is very satisfying to see the Commercial Spaceflight Federation’s membership expand to include such a preponderance of the players in the commercial space panorama.”

Stuart Witt, Chairman of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation said, “The Commercial Spaceflight Federation board voted unanimously to approve the new members, all of which are leaders in commercial spaceflight. As the industry grows, it becomes even more important to have a strong, united voice for pro-commercial policies and programs.”

Joining as Executive Members are:

The Boeing Company: Boeing Space Exploration division, headquartered in Houston, is at the forefront of development of new spacecraft systems, as it has been since the beginning of the Space Age. For more than 50 years, Boeing has designed, developed, built, and operated human and robotic space vehicles as well as supporting hardware: from the X-15 to Gemini, Mercury, Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle, the International Space Station (ISS), Commercial Crew Development and the Space Launch System. NASA’s Commercial Crew initiative is providing a unique opportunity for Boeing to accelerate development of its Commercial Crew Transportation System (CCTS) that will provide a domestic capability for crew to access the International Space Station.

“We are proud to join the Commercial Space Federation and help support the stimulation of this exciting new market”, said John Mulholland, Vice President and Program Manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program. “We believe that our unique combination of commercial aviation and legacy human spaceflight experience will be beneficial to the community as we move forward.”

Paragon Space Development Corporation: Paragon is the premier provider of environmental controls for extreme and hazardous environments. Paragon SDC designs, builds, tests and operates premier life support systems and leading thermal control products for astronauts, contaminated water divers, and other extreme environment explorers, as well as for unmanned space and terrestrial applications.

Joining as Associate Members are:

Firestar Technologies: Firestar Technologies is a research and development company funded through both government grants and private investment. The firm has a rich intellectual property portfolio including NOFBX^TM “green” propulsion, SonicExhaust^TM aftermarket exhaust technology, and several developments in power conversion and next generation renewable energy technologies.

Golden Spike Company: Golden Spike plans to provide complete, turn-key commercial human lunar expeditions to countries, corporations, and individuals. The company is conducting lunar architecture and systems design studies with leading aerospace companies, and will be taking flight reservations and entering into vehicle development and flight contracts in the near future.

Spaceflight Services: Spaceflight is a one-stop shop that rapidly manifests, certifies and integrates secondary payloads on a suite of established and emerging launch and space transportation vehicles. Published commercial pricing reduces project planning and budgeting risks, and having a single point of contact simplifies integration efforts by enabling customers to plan to standardized processes while retaining access to multiple launch opportunities. Spaceflight has launch contracts to fly secondary payloads on several launch vehicles.

About the Commercial Spaceflight Federation

The mission of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) is to promote the development of commercial human spaceflight, pursue ever-higher levels of safety, and share best practices and expertise throughout the industry. The Commercial Spaceflight Federation’s member companies, which include commercial spaceflight developers, operators, spaceports, suppliers, and service providers, are creating thousands of high-tech jobs nationwide, working to preserve American leadership in aerospace through technology innovation, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. For more information please visit www.commercialspaceflight.org or contact Executive Director Alex Saltman at saltman@commercialspaceflight.org or at 202.349.1121.

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Washington, D.C. – The Commercial Spaceflight Federation has elected Stuart O. Witt as the next Chairman. Witt was nominated and elected by CSF’s Executive Board of Directors, whose members span the industry. Witt succeeds Eric Anderson, who has completed his appointed term. Anderson will continue to serve as a CSF Officer and member of the Board.

Witt, one of CSF’s founders, is the CEO of the Mojave Air & Space Port, which was designated as the nation’s first inland spaceport and is the birthplace of our nation’s commercial space endeavors. Mojave is home to Scaled Composite’s SpaceShipOne, which won the $10M Ansari XPRIZE in 2004.

Witt and his team’s tireless efforts have earned him commendations from California’s former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as the California State Assembly and Senate, Kern County’s Board of Supervisors, and U.S. Congressman Kevin McCarthy.

Witt’s predecessor Eric Anderson stated, “Stuart will be invaluable to CSF as Chairman during this crucial time for the commercial spaceflight industry. As the pace of test flights increases, Stuart will provide essential leadership to the industry with his extensive career as a Naval Aviator, engineering test pilot, and business executive. He is an excellent selection as Chairman for the CSF and I have no doubt the organization will continue to effectively champion the commercial spaceflight industry under his guidance.”

CSF President Michael Lopez-Alegria said, “I am thrilled to welcome Mr. Witt as CSF’s Chairman.  The rare combination of his experience as an operational aviator and test pilot with his proven business acumen will serve the industry well. After operating the Mojave Air & Space Port for the past 10 years, Mr. Witt has written the book on how to effectively operate a commercial spaceport.  The CSF is indebted to Eric Anderson for his assiduous leadership during his tenure, and I’m comforted to know that he will continue to be a key advisor in his role as an Officer of the Board.”

“I am extremely honored to have been chosen to be the next Chairman of the CSF. As an organization of industry leaders, the Commercial Spaceflight Federation will play a crucial role in the burgeoning commercial space industry as companies begin powered flight testing, and flying passengers and payloads to space,” Witt said. “This industry has an incredible potential to create cutting-edge technology, provide safe and routine access to space from U.S. soil, and bring high-tech jobs to the American people. The CSF has made great strides recently due to the steadfast leadership of Eric Anderson, who has taken the organization to a new level. I look forward to working with the CSF President, Executive Board, and members to further the industry’s initiatives.”

The CSF’s Executive Board also elected Rob Meyerson, President and Program Manager of Blue Origin to serve as an Officer. Meyerson replaces Jeff Greason, President and co-founder of XCOR Aerospace, who has completed his term.

About the Commercial Spaceflight Federation

The mission of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) is to promote the development of commercial human spaceflight, pursue ever-higher levels of safety, and share best practices and expertise throughout the industry. The Commercial Spaceflight Federation’s member companies, which include commercial spaceflight developers, operators, spaceports, suppliers, and service providers, are creating thousands of high-tech jobs nationwide, working to preserve American leadership in aerospace through technology innovation, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. For more information please visit www.commercialspaceflight.org or contact Assistant Director Sirisha Bandla at sirisha@commercialspaceflight.org or at 202.349.1120.

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“The private spaceflight sector continues to expand, and it is evidence with the addition of these three members, each unique in their commitment to the industry,” said Michael Lopez-Alegria, President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. “We are excited to welcome these companies into the Commercial Spaceflight Federation and are looking forward to working with each of them to promote the commercial spaceflight sector.”

The new Associate Members to CSF are as follows:

Arizona State University has a long and proud history of research in space. Through initiatives such as the School of Earth and Space Exploration, and the Biodesign Institute, ASU conducts a wide variety of astrophysics, biological and biomedical, and planetary science studies, and instrument design projects in conjunction with NASA and a broadening spectrum of commercial partners. (www.asu.edu)

Near Space Corporation flies technology and scientific payloads to altitudes of 30-40km using stratospheric balloon platforms.  Floating for hours or days above 99.9% of the earth’s atmosphere, they provide relevant environments for cost effective testing and maturing of many space related technologies with relatively benign launch and payload recovery.  With in-house engineering, manufacturing, integration, and flight operations capabilities, NSC delivers responsive high-altitude test services to both government and commercial customers. (www.nsc.aero)

Qwaltec focuses on Systems Engineering, Mission Readiness, Technical Training, and Program Management solutions for a variety of government and commercial space programs including NASA, DoD, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and commercial customers. (www.qwaltec.com)

About the Commercial Spaceflight Federation

The mission of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) is to promote the development of commercial human spaceflight, pursue ever-higher levels of safety, and share best practices and expertise throughout the industry. The CSF’s member companies – which include commercial spaceflight developers, operators, spaceports, suppliers and service providers – are creating thousands of high-tech jobs nationwide, working to preserve American leadership in aerospace through technology innovation, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. For more information please visit www.commercialspaceflight.org or contact Executive Director Alex Saltman at saltman@commercialspaceflight.org or at 202.349.1121.

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Lopez-Alegria stated in his opening statement “Having commanded the International Space Station, I share with this committee an understanding of its great value to America and to the world. It represents an unparalleled capability for space-based research and technology demonstration, but its full utilization potential is dependent on robust cargo and crew transportation.”

One of the other witnesses, William Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator of Human Exploration and Operations at NASA, testified to NASA’s plans for the forthcoming commercial crew seats. Gerstenmaier stated, “We would definitely increase the crew size on ISS to seven crew. We currently have six crew members . . . .  The space station was designed to operate at a full complement of crew of seven. We think that will increase the research capability on board station and allow us to do more National Lab research and be more effective in utilizing the space station.”

Commercial Spaceflight Federation Executive Director, Alex Saltman stated after the hearing, “We are thrilled to hear the comments of Mr. Gerstenmaier today confirming NASA’s intent to fully utilize the International Space Station. The addition of a seventh crew member to ISS will significantly increase the science, research and education capabilities of the station. Several witnesses at the hearing, as well as Senator Nelson, extolled the research potential of the Station to create new markets and innovative capabilities in many business sectors. The Commercial Spaceflight Federation looks forward to working closely with NASA and Congress to ensure the full utilization and extended life of ISS through future commercial crew services, and supports the highest possible funding for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program so that NASA can obtain these services in a timely manner.”

View Michael Lopez-Alegria’s full written testimony to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Science and Space here.

About the Commercial Spaceflight Federation

The mission of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) is to promote the development of commercial human spaceflight, pursue ever-higher levels of safety, and share best practices and expertise throughout the industry. The Commercial Spaceflight Federation’s member companies, which include commercial spaceflight developers, operators, spaceports, suppliers, and service providers, are creating thousands of high-tech jobs nationwide, working to preserve American leadership in aerospace through technology innovation, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. For more information please visit www.commercialspaceflight.org or contact Executive Director Alex Saltman at saltman@commercialspaceflight.org or at 202.349.1121.

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About the Commercial Spaceflight Federation

The mission of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) is to promote the development of commercial human spaceflight, pursue ever-higher levels of safety, and share best practices and expertise throughout the industry. The Commercial Spaceflight Federation’s member companies, which include commercial spaceflight developers, operators, spaceports, suppliers, and service providers, are creating thousands of high-tech jobs nationwide, working to preserve American leadership in aerospace through technology innovation, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. For more information please visit www.commercialspaceflight.org or contact Executive Director Alex Saltman at saltman@commercialspaceflight.org or at 202.349.1121.

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Members of the press interested in participating should dial in ten minutes prior to the call. Reporters should dial (213) 493-0800 and enter the participant access number, which is 1098901#.  Reporters should dial 1-800-977-8002 and enter the participant access number, which is 6853325.

Read about Zero-G’s 300^th flight and the soldiers’ experience here on the Sun Sentinel website.

The article can be found on Aviation Week’s website here.