Space industry leaders talk future at ISPCS

Leaders from all over the region gathered to discuss the future of the space industry and the possibility of humans in space at the 10th annual International Symposium for Personal and Commercial Spaceflight.

Wednesday’s events focused on the transition to commerical space and the big question, how a human presence will be established in space. 30 speakers discussed how to engage local communities and utilize resources right here at home
.
Perhaps the biggest draw to the local community in New Mexico, is the financial investment.

The CEO of Virgin Galactic, George Whitesides, says they’ve invested 6 million dollars, and their team is still in its early stages.

Pat Hynes, the Director for the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium and John Mulholland, the Vice President and Program Manager of Commercial Programs for The Boeing Company, says development of this kind-in what’s considered a ‘new’ industry-takes time. They emphasize the attraction to this area is tremendous and things are just getting started.

“It’s not just Dona Ana County, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico. We’re going to be doing more regional collaboration,” Hynes said.

“It’s the right time, there’s been a lot of focus in commercialization of space, with everything with the space shuttle and the international space station has been able to do, has really set the groundwork that’s enabling the commercial space industry to take off,” Mulholland said.

Mulholland added New Mexico is ideal place for growth.

The symposium continues Thursday.