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2020 Virtual Advocacy Event

For the first time ever, the NSS with the Alliance for Space Development is taking our critical advocacy to the virtual domain! Due to the evolving situation with COVID-19, along with recommendations from the CDC and the city of Washington DC, the Alliance for Space Development has decided to cancel this year’s March Storm event (which had been scheduled for March 15-19 in Washington DC) and instead move to virtual meetings for the remainder of the year.

The 2020 Virtual Advocacy Event Sign-Up link.

Virtual training will be provided for all signups. Our training will include specifics on who we are, what we are advocating for, and how to participate in these virtual meetings. We make sure that everyone can contribute to our advocacy efforts regardless of prior experience. Don’t be afraid to sign up if it’s your first time advocating!

Please direct any questions or comments to Executive Coordinator Ian Burrell at [email protected].

 

Background information

The 2020 Virtual Advocacy Event will be the premier advocacy event for pro-space enthusiasts and industry workers. Throughout the Summer and Fall, join fellow space enthusiasts from around the country to advocate for the 2020 Citizens’ Space Agenda through video calls and teleconferences. Developed by the Alliance for Space Development, our policy points were developed by our member organizations including the National Space Society, Space Frontier Foundation, Students for the Exploration and Development of Space, and many others. This year, the Alliance will advocate for three policy points:

1. Support planetary defense by fully funding NEOSM.
2. Support commercial development of Low Earth Orbit by fully funding the LEO Commercialization Program.
3. Support commercial development of the Lunar surface.
4. Start developing and demonstrating Space Solar Power.

The first of these points are a continuation of our previous efforts, which have made great strides in the past year. With NASA’s new focus on planetary defense from the public’s interest, the previously advocated NEOCAM mission has been moved to a new mission called NEOSM. This could likely be the year we see full funding of this mission and a success on our part. Similar to last year, we will also continue our campaign to make space development and settlement part of these agencies’ missions.

Continuing our efforts from previous years, we are again turning attention towards the development of Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Humans have inhabited LEO for 20 years since the creation of the International Space Station. The station does not have an infinite lifetime, and will be decommissioned sometime in the coming years. An alternative needs to be developed to continue NASA research, provide a global testbed, and develop commercial products in LEO. With several US companies developing LEO stations, we are asking for full funding for Commercial LEO Development.

This year we are beginning a new campaign on Space Solar Power (SSP). SSP refers to the collection of the sun’s energy in the space environment, then beaming that energy for collection on the Earth’s surface. After a discussion with representatives from ASD member organizations, we believe our country’s capabilities with space access, solar power, and energy transfer have reached a level where we can begin looking at an SSP program. With increasingly cheaper access to orbit and a growing need for energy across the globe, this program could pave the way to U.S. dominance in LEO. Several agencies, companies, and international competitors have begun their own research into SSP programs.

Please review a copy of the ASD 2020 Objectives (updated 7-28).