Spring-Summer 2002 Space Chapter report for Checkpoints (some material repeated from last report, since it was not published):
Our updated web site (usafaspace.tripod.com) provides an excellent overview of Chapter activities. Webmaster Tina Visco has added chat room feature to promote better communication among Chapter members and others interested in promoting USAFA space-related activities.
New Chapter contacts with the Commandant's organization are leading to innovative approaches to train and educate cadets about the operational and doctrinal side of Air Force space activities. One of our near-term priorities is to strengthen our support to the Commandant and his programs, including an initiative to develop a facility in the cadet area for cadet training in space operations and information operations with a simulated Air Ops Center, space simulators, etc.
We are also beginning planning for new initiatives to support cadet space-related activities, such as the cadet chapter of the National Space Society.
The Space Chapter is also supporting initiatives to create opportunities in Colorado Springs for better public understanding of the Air Force's space activities and the Academy's contributions to the nation's space capabilities. We are continuing to work with the National Space Science and Technology Institute to help create a Space Journey Exploration Center in the Springs that could be a major new attraction in the region. Also still under investigation are ways to use the exhibit space at the Academy Visitors Center to highlight cadet and graduate space-related activities.
As the nation and the Air Force come to better understand the value of space power, the Chapter continues to strengthen our relationship with USAFA. Air Force leadership, including Secretary Roche, has made it clear that USAF performance in space will be a key indicator of how well the Air Force as a whole fulfills its responsibilities in the 21st century. Included in the Secretary's focus areas is the recognition that the Air Force must have the right people with the right skills to strengthen the contribution of space to the national defense. In addition to building a space-savvy officer corps, there is indication that the AF will accelerate efforts to develop a space cadre. In discussions with Academy leadership, it is clear that they understand this message, and that USAFA will play a critical role in meeting these needs.
For example, the Secretary has made it clear that the Academy's technical curriculum is a vital part of cadet education. The Space Chapter continues to work with the Dean's academic departments to review and provide suggestions for strengthening space-oriented curricula. Although the Chapter's primary focus on the technical side has been with the Astronautics Department, we've also been impressed with space-oriented courses and other experiences in areas of space biology and space physics, taught by those departments.
We continue to add members to the Space Chapter. For more info contact Stan Rosen '69 at 310-364-5746 (srosen6@aol.com).