Space Exploration Technologies Corporation appointed Frank Sietzen, Jr. as the company's Director of Washington, D.C. Operations. Mr. Sietzen will open SpaceX's Washington offices, to be located on Capitol Hill near Congress, NASA and the Pentagon, and will serve as the company's principle representative in the nation's capital.

"Given Frank's deep understanding of both the launch vehicle industry and Washington, I am very glad that we were able to convince him to join us. We look forward to his leadership in establishing a significant presence for SpaceX in Washington," said Elon Musk, SpaceX Chairman and CEO. "The opening of this office will serve to strengthen our close working relationship with the federal government, in recognition of its role as both a significant customer and the primary regulatory authority for space."

Prior to recruitment by SpaceX, Mr. Sietzen was president of the Space Transportation Association (STA), the industry association that represents Boeing, Lockheed, SpaceX and other U.S. space launch companies on Capitol Hill. Mr. Sietzen has also been Director of Communications for the National Space Society, the first Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief for space.com, and has written for or edited publications ranging from UPI Science News to Aerospace America magazine. His coverage of the re-entry of the MIR space station won him the top space journalist award from the Royal Aeronautical Society in 2001. Other awards include excellence in magazine design for Ad Astra magazine and for coverage of the Space Shuttle program.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity that Elon has given me, and I share his vision of opening up access to space for all," Mr. Sietzen said. "I look forward to helping our company build a solid presence in Washington, and keeping political and industry leaders closely informed of our progress."

FMI: www.SpaceX.com