ANCHORAGE (December 7, 2016):  The Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies held the tenth annual Space Forum at the United State Air Force Academy on December 6, 2016.  The Space Forum facilitated discussions by Federal, State, and commercial companies to advance U.S. space capabilities.  A special focus of this year’s forum centered on public-private partnerships, private spaceflight, and state government and industry partnerships. 

Alaska Aerospace was invited to participate on the Spaceports panel to highlight the capabilities offered to both government and commercial customers at the Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska (PSCA).  “This forum provided AAC a great audience to highlight the unique launch opportunities available at PSCA and the current initiatives being pursued by AAC to provide launch schedule assurance at affordable prices.” stated Craig Campbell, AAC President and CEO.  “Our participation, as the only non-federal vertical launch complex on the panel, was confirmation that the current transition to a lower cost commercial launch site has attracted the attention of the government and has increased our potential for expanded operations in future years.” Campbell concluded.

Also participating in the forum was Dr. Ron Sega, a member of the AAC Board of Directors.   Dr. Sega is a graduate of the Air Force Academy, a retired Air Force Reserve Major General, Space Shuttle astronaut, and former Undersecretary of the Air Force.

Alaska Aerospace Corporation (AAC) is a state owned corporation which operates the PSCA.  AAC is headquartered in Anchorage, with launch services provided by PSCA on Kodiak Island.  AAC also has an office in Huntsville, Alabama.  In 2016 AAC completed the reconstruction of damaged facilities at PSCA and signed a multi-year launch services contract with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).