State's space industry promoted in D.C.

http://www.avpress.com/n/31/0331_s3.hts ^ | March 31, 2006 | ALLISON GATLIN

[BenLurkin]

WASHINGTON - For two days this week representatives of the California Space Authority took their message to the halls of Congress, informing members of California's congressional delegation of the importance of the state's space industry and how they may act to preserve and promote it.

With more than 50 delegates representing interests from across the state, this year's California Space Week was the largest in the eight years the group has presented it, said Executive Director Andrea Seastrand.

"This year we have just seen a blossoming," she said.

The large gathering caused a few logistical hiccups, but it also demonstrated the importance of the space industry within the state across a broad spectrum of interests.

Beyond the more familiar exploration and defense uses, the space industry affects daily life in ways many don't realize, from precision farming techniques to the GPS receiver in cars or telephones.

Among those in attendance were representatives of aerospace companies of all sizes, from small parts suppliers to the aerospace giants such as The Boeing Co. and everything in between.

"We try to give a voice and visibility to space enterprise in California," Seastrand said. "If there's one issue they can come together on, it's space enterprise."

Joining the group in its Washington activities were members of the Antelope Valley Board of Trade on their own annual lobbying trek to the nation's Capitol.

With many of the authority's issues pertaining to the aerospace industry of the Valley, the fit was natural.

A common theme running through much of the discussions was the importance of improving math and science education in order to ensure viable replacements for the industry's aging work force.

Maintaining a robust industry is importantfor the national security and preserving the nation's technological preeminence; also to provide goals for the next generation.

[detsaoT]

If California conquers space as well as it has conquered building bridges, we ought to be back on the moon by 2907... and it'll only cost 14 trillion dollars, to boot! ;)