|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2004
For More Information:
George Whitesides
Executive Director
(202) 429-1600
george@nss.org
NSS HAILS THE RESTART OF SPACE
TOURISM AND THE NEXT PRIVATE SPACE EXPLORER, DR. GREGORY
OLSEN
Announcement demonstrates public desire for spaceflight and
underscores key role commercial activity can play in supporting
national exploration goals
WASHINGTON, D.C. National Space Society Executive
Director George Whitesides issued the following statement following
the announcement on March 29th by Space Adventures that Dr. Gregory
Olsen will be the next 'private space explorer' to ride a Soyuz
spacecraft into orbit.
"NSS members welcome the continuing support of space
tourism by the Russian government and Space Adventures. As a
private space flight passenger, Dr. Olsen continues in the
tradition of technically knowledgeable entrepreneurs like Dennis
Tito and Mark Shuttleworth.
Private space explorers like Dr. Olsen are making a
significant contribution to the space program, both financially and
scientifically. They bring much needed funds to the Russian
government at a time when the US and others are constrained in
their ability to help. Dr. Olsen's bold decision also demonstrates
the strong level of interest in public space travel. "We commend
Dr. Olsen's pledge to promote spaceflight via school appearances
after his return from space. Continuing development of space
technology in all countries will bring down the cost of human
spaceflight, so that more people can experience it firsthand.
Finally, we note that Dr. Olsen is currently
planning to launch in April 2005 onboard a Soyuz rocket. We note
with excitement that the next private citizens to go to space may
well be before this, with the expected suborbital launch of X PRIZE
competitors later this year. The growing number of private space
tourism opportunities heralds the arrival of a new age of space
travel."
# # #
The National Space Society (NSS) is an independent,
international, grassroots organization dedicated to the creation of
a spacefaring civilization. NSS has more than 22,000 members and 50
chapters in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Germany,
Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Founded in 1974, NSS is widely
acknowledged as the preeminent citizen's voice on space.
|
