Every September, MEDB hosts the AMOS Conference, the premier Space Surveillance gathering in the world, which attracted 540 attendees in 2015, including 65 international participants from nine countries. This important MEDB program is one reason why staff represent MEDB at the Space Foundation’s Space Symposium, the most significant annual global space industry conference, held annually in Colorado Springs.
MEDB participates at the Space Symposium in partnership with the Hawaii Office of Aerospace Development (OAD), leading the state’s presence at a Conference booth as “Aerospace in Hawaii.” The state’s participation is made possible through funding by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. In addition to assisting the state’s aerospace industry, MEDB’s presence plays an important role in maintaining and expanding its network with AMOS Conference stakeholders, partners, and keynote presenters attending the Space Symposium.
For those to whom OAD may not be a familiar agency, it provides a focal point within State government to promote the growth and diversification of Hawai‘i’s aerospace industry. By expanding and diversifying aerospace-related industries in Hawai‘i, including but not limited to applied optics, astronomy and astrophysics, aviation, space-based applications of dual-use technology, environmental monitoring and remote sensing, satellite communications, and commercial space launch.
With the jaw-dropping launch and ocean landing by SpaceX during the Symposium, it’s no surprise that private space travel was a hot topic this year—a theme that was woven into the keynote address, featured speaker sessions, and the Hall of Fame dinner. It underscored how Hawaii could become a major hub for this attainable and realistic niche and presents an opportunity for Hawaii to establish itself as a state that welcomes launches. The Hawaii booth was approached by a handful of small to medium sized companies looking to manufacture parts, to launch, and to help build a space tourism base in Hawaii. Exciting times, to be sure!
Among the stellar lineup of presenters at Space Symposium this year were Dr. Buzz Aldrin, former NASA astronaut; Jeff Bezos, Founder and CEO of Amazon; Oklahoma Congressman “Jim” Bridenstine; ADM Cecil Haney, USN, Commander of US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), Gen. John Hyten, USAF, Commander, Air Force Space Command, and The Honorable Deborah Lee James, Secretary of the Air Force.
