Statement Crafted At Space Summit Held In Washington, D.C. Last Week

At an event called a "Pioneering Space Summit" held in Washington, D.C. last week, a diverse group of over 100 space leaders from academia, government and industry came together, and setting aside previous debates and focusing on shared interests, they crafted a statement they hope will help shape the future of the United States' space program.

The statement reads:
“The long term goal of the human spaceflight and exploration program of the United States is to expand permanent human presence beyond low-Earth orbit and to do so in a way that will enable human settlement and a thriving space economy.
 
This will be best achieved through public – private partnerships and international collaboration.”

The organizers of the summit included The New World Institute, The Heinlein Prize Trust, SEDS USA, and The Earthight Foundation. 

The participants agreed that this statement is consistent with and builds upon the 2010 NASA Authorization Act. The group said on its website that the statement is intended to open a new conversation and journey that will advance the nation’s interests and benefit the American people.

They are now asking the public to electronically sign the declaration. "By signing this Declaration you indicate your agreement with the statement and add your voice to ours as we move forward. Take it where you will, download it, share it, use it, send it to your friends. And get involved with the groups and organizations listed on this site," The website says.

FMI: http://www.spacedeclaration.org/