Space Policy

KEY PEOPLE

George W.S. Abbey, Baker Botts Senior Fellow in Space Policy

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

By virtue of a longstanding tradition of collaborative projects with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), extensive space research, and continuing interest by the Rice University faculty, students and administration, the Baker Institute Space Policy Program is distinctively positioned to influence the emerging national and international debate on the future of manned and unmanned space exploration, commercial space efforts, and international cooperation in space.

More than 45 years ago, in a speech delivered at Rice University, President John F. Kennedy called for a great national effort to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade, declaring, “The exploration of space will go ahead, whether we join in it or not, and it is one of the great adventures of all time, and no nation which expects to be the leader of other nations can expect to stay behind in the race for space.” Today, America’s pre-eminent role in space is being challenged both internationally and domestically. Space policy has become a prominent and contentious public policy issue. The future of America’s space program is at a critical point in time; decisions are being made that will affect not only our national security but also our ability to successfully compete with other countries in the commercial use of space.

Led by Baker Botts Senior Fellow in Space Policy George Abbey, former director of the Johnson Space Center and recipient of the Medal of Freedom, the Baker Institute brings together experts from academia, government, industry and nongovernmental agencies and sponsors research, workshops, seminars and lectures covering a wide range of space-related topics from which public policy recommendations are generated.

The Baker Institute and the Baylor College of Medicine are currently preparing to host the third annual International Space Medicine Summit, which hosts the leading physicians and space biomedical scientists from the space-faring nations for high-level discussions of the biomedical challenges astronauts and cosmonauts experience in long-duration space flight.

From legendary icons such as John Young, Joe Engle, Sally Ride and Vladimir Titov to modern-day heroes like Peggy Whitson, Leroy Chiao and Don Pettit, the Space Policy Program proudly continues to promote a relevant agenda to enhance the understanding of the principal issues facing policymakers and to shape the national space debate.

Congratulations to "Sputnik: A Fifty Year Legacy" for being an Official Honoree in the 2008 Webby Awards!

PUBLICATIONS
2010: International Space Medicine Summit III Executive Summary
Feb 16 2010

George W.S. Abbey
2009: United States Space Policy: Challenges and Opportunities Gone Astray
Jul 28 2009

George W.S. Abbey, Neal Lane; Congressional Briefing for United States Space Policy: Challenges and Opportunities Gone Astray
Jun 30 2009

George W.S. Abbey, Neal Lane; Maximizing NASA's Potential in Flight and on the Ground: Recommendations for the Next Administration
Jan 20 2009

George W.S. Abbey, Neal Lane, John Muratore
2007: Nuclear Nonproliferation: Policy Implications
Nov 02 2007

George W.S. Abbey, Neal Lane
2006: On the Role of Commercial Projects in U.S.-R.F. Proliferation Cooperation
Apr 30 2006

Rose Gottemoeller
2005: United States Space Policy: Challenges and Opportunities
Aug 31 2005

George W.S. Abbey, Neal Lane
2002: Baker Institute Policy Report 20: Space: A Critical Issues Workshop Reflections on the Past and Concerns for the Future
Nov 30 2002

EVENTS

Document Actions

Space Policy