Air & Space
Today I went to the Air and Space Museum at Dulles airport in Washington DC. The formal name is Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and it’s the second location for the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum. I’ve been wanting to go since they got the Shuttle Discovery after it was retired.
Going to the museum reminded me of what I love about space. I live in Silicon Valley and work in the space industry, so space is my everyday. Being reminded of the history - starting with Chinese fireworks and the Wright brothers to the V2, the Saturn V, and the space shuttle is moving. Looking at how far we have come in such a short space of time fills me with confidence in our future.
Tomorrow the 70th International Astronautical Congress is beginning in Washington DC. Professionals from all areas of the Space Industry are meeting to discuss the future, the technology, the science and the regulations that will impact the direction of the space industry going forward. Space agencies like NASA, ESA, JAXA, and Roscosmos will be balanced by industry leaders like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. Academics will present research. Lawyers debate law and regulation.
And it’s open to everyone.
If you are in the DC area come to IAC. The exhibition hall is open to the public on 25 October.