July 18, 2009

A New Era for NASA

Where Commercial Space will Play an
Important Role...

Daniel J. Rasky, PhD

Senior Scientist
NASA Ames Research Center
Daniel.J.Rasky@nasa.gov
650-604-1098
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Statement of Charles Bolden,

New NASA Administrator:
"If we choose to lead, we must...
1. build on our investment in the International Space
Station,
2. accelerate development of our next generation
launch systems to enable expansion of human
exploration,
3. enhance NASA's capability to study Earth's
environment,
4. lead space science to new achievements,
5. continue cutting-edge aeronautics research,
6. support the innovation of American entrepreneurs,
7. and inspire a rising generation of boys and girls to
seek careers in science, technology, engineering and
math."
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Ames’ Support of Commercial

Space
• Hosted Five National Workshops on New Uses of Space,
including our first meeting entitled “An Entrepreneurial Paradigm
for the ISS” in June 2005
• Our last meeting entitled the “ISS National Laboratory
Workshop”, in October, 2007
(see http://www.alliancespace.net/)
• Provided critical program creation support and guidance for
NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS)
program
• Supporting new commercial space initiative planning at NASA
HQ
• Support and participation in numerous commercial and emerging
space forums: Space Investment Summits, ISDC, Space Access,
AIAA Space 2006-9, FAA AST, NewSpace
• Worked closely with a number emerging space companies:
SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, Ecliptic Enterprises, XCOR, Bigelow
Aerospace, Blue Origin
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Entrepreneurial Space Partners

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SpaceX Manufactured Heat Shield Material Passes High

Temperature Tests Simulating Reentry Heating Conditions of
Dragon Spacecraft

A sample of PICA-X heat shield material subjected to temperatures of up to 2000 degrees Celsius (3600
degrees Fahrenheit), at the Arc Jet Complex at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California. The
NASA-originated PICA material holds the record for high-speed reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. The
SpaceX-developed and manufactured PICA-X variants meet or exceed the performance of the original
material, and will protect the Dragon spacecraft on its return to Earth. The first flight is scheduled for 2009.
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A New Era for Commercial

Space
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Entrepreneurial Space Paradigm

Government, DOD Space Laboratories

Biotechnology Entertainment
Microgravity Materials Tourism, Other

Venture Capital Launch Services

Government Orbital Platforms
Private Small to Large Satellites
Capsule Return Systems

Fostering development of Space Customers and Emerging Space Industries will

attract Space Investment and lead us to the tipping point for commercial space
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ISS Workshop Background

• Starting in 2005, we’ve been working to hard to support and advocate the
commercial and emerging space industry by hosting a series of national workshops
(see http://www.alliancespace.net/).

• Our last meeting, entitled the “ISS National Laboratory Workshop”, in October,
2007:
– Chaired by Nobel Laureate Baruch Blumberg
– MC’ed by Matthew Gardner, President of BayBio representing 700 Bay Area Biotech Firms
– MC’ed by Russell Hancock, CEO Joint Ventures, Silicon Valley Network
– Sponsored by Google, Adobe, BayBio and others
– Taped opening remarks for the conference from the Honorable Kay Baley Hutchinson, US
Senator, Texas
– Key Note Address by NASA AA Bill Gerstenmaier
– Key Note Address by Craig Venter, Founder, Craig Venter Institute

• The overall aim of these workshops was to bring together key individuals
representing users, suppliers, investors and government personnel engaged in the
emerging commercial space industry.

• We have found this to be very productive and informative venue for exchange of
important ideas and information.