Conference 7.286::space

650.0. "NASA establishes Space Commerce Steering Group" by 4347::GRIFFIN (Dave Griffin) Tue Aug 21 1990 19:21

From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA

Barbara Selby
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                    August 20, 1990
(Phone:  703/271-5502)


RELEASE:  90-112

NASA ESTABLISHES SPACE COMMERCE STEERING GROUP


    NASA Administrator Richard H. Truly announced today the 
establishment of a Space Commerce Steering Group, composed of 
senior NASA officials, who will provide a high-level overview of 
commercial applications of space technology.

    The steering group will be chaired by NASA Deputy 
Administrator James R. Thompson Jr., with Assistant Deputy 
Administrator John E. O'Brien serving as Vice-Chairman.  In 
addition to the Assistant Administrator for Commercial Programs, 
members include the Associate Administrators for Space Flight; 
Space Science and Applications; Aeronautics, Exploration and 
Technology; Space Operations; and External Relations; the 
Assistant Administrator for Procurement, as well as the 
Comptroller and the General Counsel.

    NASA's Office of Commercial Programs will remain the primary 
action agent for direct assistance to industry in the development 
and growth of space enterprise and markets, and will continue to 
be responsible for the oversight and management of the Centers 
for the Commercial Development of Space.

    In making the announcement, Truly said, "This initiative will 
provide a coordinating mechanism to deal with the issues 
surrounding commercial uses of NASA's capabilities.  The steering 
group will focus on future coherent, consistent and predictable 
NASA policies related to space commerce.  Our goal is to 
stimulate the involvement and investment of U.S. industry in 
space -- non-aerospace industry and the newer entrepreneurial 
firms interested in space endeavors as well as the traditional 
aerospace industry sector." 

    The steering group will draw on expertise and support 
provided by two other groups.  The Commercial Programs Advisory 
Committee, a standing committee of the NASA Advisory Council, 
will ensure that private sector views and concerns are 
considered.

    A NASA coordinating committee, chaired by the Assistant 
Deputy Administrator, also will provide support to the steering 
group.  Membership in the coordinating team will be drawn from 
various NASA offices depending on the nature of the subject 
matter being addressed.

    Truly noted, "The structure I have put in place today will 
position NASA to cope with the many commercial issues which arise 
and to formulate strategies addressing the interests of the 
commercial sector in NASA's ongoing and future activities.  NASA, 
as it develops new technology, must ensure that this technology 
is transferred to the private sector.  The taxpayers' investment 
in NASA is an investment in the international competitiveness of 
U.S. industry."