National Space Council

Users' Advisory Group

February 23, 2023, Public Meeting

MEETING MINUTES

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Gen. Lester L. Lyles, USAF (Ret.), Chair

____________________________________________________________________________________

Mr. James J. Miller, Executive Secretary
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023

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Executive Summary

The National Space Council (NSpC) Users’ Advisory Group (UAG) held a public meeting on February 23, 2023, at 

the JW Marriott in Washington, DC. This was the first UAG meeting under the Biden-Harris Administration. The 

meeting included the following presentations:

• Dr. Buzz Aldrin, Apollo 11 Astronaut, “Essential American Space Enterprise (Virtual Address).”

• Gen. David D. Thompson, Vice Chief of Space Operations, U.S Space Force (USSF), “Military Space 

Priorities.” 

• Col Pamela Melroy (USAF, ret.), Deputy Administrator, NASA, “Civil Space Priorities.”

• Dr. Richard DalBello, Director, Office of Space Commerce, NOAA, “Commercial Space Priorities.”

• Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, Former Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA, “Space 

Science Priorities.”

These presentations were followed by updates from the UAG’s six subcommittees. The UAG is chaired by Gen.

Lester L. Lyles (USAF, ret.). and Mr. James J. Miller is the Executive Secretary. 
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Table of Contents

Executive Summary.......................................................................................................................................................2

Call of Order .................................................................................................................................................................4

Welcome & Opening Remarks .....................................................................................................................................5

Meeting Objectives & Member Introductions ..............................................................................................................6

Space Enterprise Expert Presentations .........................................................................................................................8

The Essential American Space Enterprise (Virtual Address) .................................................................................8

Military Space Priorities ........................................................................................................................................9

Civil Space Priorities ...........................................................................................................................................10

Commercial Space Priorities ...............................................................................................................................14

Space Science Priorities ......................................................................................................................................16

Subcommittee Updates................................................................................................................................................18

National Security .................................................................................................................................................18

Exploration and Discovery ..................................................................................................................................19

Economic Development and Industrial Base .......................................................................................................22

Climate and Societal Benefits ..............................................................................................................................24

Data and Emerging Technology ..........................................................................................................................26

STEM Education, Diversity & Inclusion and Outreach ......................................................................................29

Next Steps and Closing Remarks ................................................................................................................................31

Appendix A: Agenda ..................................................................................................................................................32

Appendix B: Membership ...........................................................................................................................................33

Appendix C: Pre-Registration & Sign-In List ............................................................................................................35

Appendix D: Acronyms and Definitions ....................................................................................................................39
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023 

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Meeting Notes

Call of Order, Announcements

James J. Miller, Executive Secretary / Primary Designated Federal Officer, UAG 

Mr. James Joseph Miller, Executive Secretary, National Space Council Users' Advisory Group, called public meeting 

of the UAG to order at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. 

Good morning, everyone. This is our “Call-to-Order” of the National Space Council (NSpC) Users’ Advisory Group

(UAG). Because the UAG controls space, we have provided for a very warm February day to thank you for coming 

out today! This advisory committee is comprised of experts from outside of the Federal government, to serve the 

National Space Council, which is chaired by the Vice President (VP). And so today, we are gathered to learn, to 

exchange information, and to further develop Recommendations, that contribute towards meeting NSpC goals of 

strengthening our nation. In this forum, this is done from the perspective of Users, or our constituents. The UAG is 

a committee established under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, or FACA. And as such, all our deliberations are 

open to the public. All UAG members were selected by the Vice President and appointed by the National Aeronautics 

and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator. They are each volunteering their valuable time and expertise, and 

for that we are very grateful. They are serving based on their individual expertise such as Special Government 

Employees (SGEs), or to represent specific sectors of the American space industry, as Representatives. We remind 

everyone that if a potential conflict-of-interest arises during our deliberations today, especially for SGEs, that you 

recuse yourself from that discussion for the record, and do not engage in that matter. The UAG is intended to be 

balanced, and comprehensive. Such citizen-based committees have supported our nation since its founding, and the 

contributions made by citizen members have served our nation very well ever since. A key goal of the UAG, is to 

utilize space -- to help everyone on Earth. This cannot be overstated. However, one perfect example of a space sector 

that most may take for granted now is the Global Positioning System, or GPS. You have it in your car, and you may 

have it beside you now, in your phone or wristwatch. But don’t forget -- GPS signals are a national space asset that 

has become an invaluable worldwide utility. Because now it does way more than telling us where we are. It is a dual 

use capability that now supports weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and disaster mitigation, among many 

other things that protect and produce for us all. But we have taken it for granted! Just like the Apollo program, the 

GPS program operated by General Thompson’s Space Force, will celebrate it’s 50-year anniversary before the end of 

the year. Nothing is more symbolic of a single system so capable of helping all of humankind, and which sets the 

stage for continued growth of applications for decades to come, and it does come under the purview of the NSpC, as 

overseen by Space Policy Directive 7 (SPD-7). On behalf of the GPS user community then, the Chair of the National 

Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Advisory Board, Admiral Thad Allen (USCG, ret.), offers to join with 

Gen Lyles and the UAG to celebrate such a magnificent American achievement. And let me please start this process 

by thanking UAG members Lockheed Martin and Boeing for their commitment and success in actually building the 

GPS satellites we now all use. Finally, for additional public input based on the deliberations of today or previous 

meetings, the UAG website does allow for additional ideas and feedback to be provided, as seen in the handbook you 

picked up coming in this morning. Also, in compliance with FACA, our deliberations will become part of the public 

record, with formal meeting minutes posted within 90 days of our meeting. So, in closing, please remember that we 

are broadcasting online right now, so when members comment please remember to turn on your microphone, speak 

clearly, and turn it off when you are finished. Thank you very much. It is now my honor to turn the meeting over to 

UAG Chair General Lester Lyles, and to our White House Sponsor, Mr. Chirag Parikh.

***
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023 

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Welcome and Opening Remarks 

Mr. Chirag Parikh, Deputy Assistant to the President & Executive Secretary of the NSpC 

Mr. Parikh noted that the Council is not just for those who use and operate space systems, it’s also for the public. We 

need to continue to articulate the value of space to our society. What would happen if we didn’t have a particular 

element of space? The Council is very important to receive perspectives because the impact of one circle often effects 

another circle.

Nothing is more visible than the commercial crew program. VP Harris has awarded the Medal of Honor to two former 

NASA astronauts for their contribution in designing the Crew Dragon Capsule and piloting it in 2020 to the

International Space Station (ISS). How does space enable leadership, opportunity, innovation, and strength in our 

Nation? How do we use space to be able to inspire the next generation for our Science, Technology, Engineering and 

Mathematics (STEM) workforce, and our skilled labor workforce?

We are building large-scale, long-term projects that bolster our credibility with our international partners around the 

world. There is a world-wide interest in space. Space is often one of the topics that is discussed when President Biden 

and VP Harris meet with leaders around the world.

Space underpins our national security. We currently have the largest national security space budget in history. Threats 

are waiting for us, so we are looking for recommendations of current and future practices.

Thus, as we move forward, we need to identify other programs that we can bring space into (i.e., STEM programs at 

the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture programs, State and local governments, etc.). 

***
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023 

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Meeting Objectives & Member Introductions

Gen. Lester Lyles (USAF ret.), Chair, UAG 

(Briefing slides: https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/uag_introduction_2023-02-23.pdf) 

Gen. Lyles started by setting the stage for the remainder of the meeting. This meeting will be divided into two sections:

First, the Group will hear from the leaders in the space enterprise regarding focus areas for the UAG and the NSpC. 

Of these speakers are General David “DT” Thompson, the Vice Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force; 

Colonel Pamela Melroy, retired astronaut and Deputy Administrator for NASA; Dr. Rich DalBello, the Director of 

the Office of Space Commerce; and lastly, Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, the former Associate Director for the Science 

Mission Directorate at NASA.

After the lunch break, each of the six Subcommittee Chairs will present on their respective focus areas, as well as their 

potential challenges and opportunities. This is an opportunity for all the UAG Members to engage in conversation, 

not just the Subcommittee Chairs. After this, the UAG will conclude, and the Members will depart for “another 

event.”

Gen. Lyles presented an overview of the UAGt, including its scope, organization, and focus areas (Slides 1-4)

Slides 1-2 

Slides 3-4 

Gen. Lyles noted that the prior UAG had a subcommittee surrounding international involvement. There is no longer 

a subcommittee regarding that area is because international cooperation cuts across the jurisdiction of every 

subcommittee. Gen. Lyles asked each subcommittee to look at the international implications within each focus area.
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Slides 5

Gen. Lyles asked each UAG Member to introduce themself. (Note: Prof. Harold Lee Martin and Ms. Gwynne 

Shotwell participated in this meeting virtually).

In-person participants in order of introduction:

• Dr. Lance Bush, President and CEO of Challenger Center

• Mr. Theodore “Ted” Colbert, President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space, and Security

• The Hon. Charlie Colden, Former NASA Administrator

• Mr. Jim Taiclet, CEO and Chairman of Lockheed Martin

• Dr. Kate Marvel, Senior Climate Scientist at Project Drawdown

• Dr. Robert “Bob” Smith, CEO of Blue Origin

• Mr. Dave Kaufman, President of Ball Aerospace

• Mr. Rajeev Badyal, Head of Project Kuiper at Amazon

• Astronaut Sian Proctor, Astronaut and Geoscientist representing Maricopa Community District

• Mrs. Katrina Harden Williams, Mathematics Educator and Founder of the Aims Middle School Space Club

• Mr. Robbie Schingler, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Planet

• Ms. Melanie “Mel” Stricklan, Co-Founder and CEO of Slingshot Aerospace

• Ms. Karina Drees, President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation

• Dr. Jeremy Williams, Member of the Bayer Crop Sciences Team and Head of Digital Farming Solutions

• Maj. Gen. Theodore “Ted” Mercer, CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Commercial Spaceflight 

Authority

• Dr. Marla Perez-Davis, Former Director of the NASA Glenn Research Center

• Mr. Ron Lopez, President and Managing Director of Astroscale U.S.

• Dr. Patrick Lin, Professor of Philosophy and Technology Ethics at Cal Poly, San Louis Obispo, CA.

• Ms. Nancy Colleton, President of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies

• Dr. Daniel Hastings, Head of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT

• Ms. Bridget Chatman, Chair of Women in Aerospace

• Dr. Daniel “Dan” Jablonsky, President and CEO of Maxar Technologies

• Ms. Kathy Warden, Chair and President of Northrop Grumman

• The Hon. Eric Fanning, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association

• Ms. Dawne Hickton, Chair and CEO of Cumberland Additive

• Mr. Salvatore “Tory” Bruno, CEO of United Launch Alliance

• Dr. Mandy Vaughn, Founder and CEO of GXO, Inc.

Gen. Lyles noted that Mr. Buzz Aldrin could not attend the meeting today but would be addressing the UAG virtually.

***
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023 

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Space Enterprise Expert Presentations

The Essential American Space Enterprise (Virtual Address)

Dr. Buzz Aldrin, Apollo 11 Astronaut

(Link to virtual address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohy98ykAqhg) 

Dr. Aldrin noted it was his extraordinary privilege to have played a key part in one of the epic dramas of our age: 

America’s race to the Moon and back. President Biden, and Vice President Harris (also the chair of the National 

Space Council) have now joined a distinguished train of visionary leaders. As President Kennedy said at Rice 

University, “We choose to go to the Moon. We choose to the Moon in this decade, and do the other things, not because 

they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energy 

and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one that we are unwilling to postpone, and one 

which we intend to win, and others too.” We planted the American flag on the Moon. We did soy not to lay an 

imperial claim to the Moon. As idealistic Americans, we came in peace for all mankind. Now let us salute the 

memories of those who so heroically sacrificed their lives for the achievement of an impossible dream. On behalf of 

all the early space pioneers let us now tip our helmets to our heroic and worthy successors: President Biden and Vice 

President Harris; the NASA Administrator, U.S. senator, and fellow astronaut Bill Nelson; Deputy Administrator Pam 

Melroy; and Associate Administrator Robert Cabana. We also recognize the work of General Lester Lyles and James 

J. Miller, Executive Secretary of the UAG. Let me also salute the achievements of human exploration of space by 

private enterprise with the support of the U.S. government, especially those who aspire to send people past the Karman 

line1

, and especially we salute the young men and women astronauts, scientists, and technicians now picking up the 

torch of deep space exploration. The return to the Moon via the inspiring Artemis project laying the groundwork for 

the colonization of the Moon, a giant leap towards Mars and if the imagination, intrepidness, and courage of the 

American people for space continues apace onto the exoplanets of our stars. Thank you and God bless America, Earth, 

our galaxy, universe, and the celestial metaverse it is our mutual high privilege to explore. 

 

***

1 Ed. Note: The Kármán line is a proposed conventional boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space set by 

the international record-keeping body FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) at an altitude of 100 kilometres 

above mean sea level.
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023 

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Military Space Priorities 

Gen David D. Thompson, Vice Chief of Space Operations, USSF

(There were no slides for this presentation) 

Gen Lyles introduced Gen David Thompson, Vice Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, who would 

provide an update on military space priorities.

Gen Thompson said he would brief on some of the priorities and initiatives in the USSF. He thanked J.J. Miller for 

the shoutout regarding a celebration for the 50th anniversary of GPS. In 1973 the foundation and fundamentals of the 

GPS program were established, and then we embarked on that journey. In 1995 GPS reached full operational 

capability, and since then its performance has increased. Today GPS provides PNT services that are three times more 

accurate and precise than the original requirement for GPS, both for military and civil users. In fact, now we’re even 

talking about potentially using GPS for navigation in Lunar Space. 

The USSF’s job is to protect U.S. interests in space and everything that entails. Today that primarily means ensuring 

our armed forces, and our partners and allies, have the services and capabilities they need from space to operate 

globally and in all phases of conflict. In this presentation we are also going to talk about how military space insects 

with civil space and the commercial sector. It was nice to see that one of the focus areas in the UAG National Security 

subcommittee is that of using commercial space to support national security space. This will also be the focus of this 

briefing. There are three areas in this. First is how we use commercial space today, which is an expansion of how 

we’ve been doing this traditionally. Second is the way we are seeing what is truly an explosion of commercial services, 

and how we can try to leverage these capabilities as quickly as possible. Third is what we see as potential opportunities 

for the future and how we might use them. 

Our prosperity and economic security are as vital as national defense. It is also clear that we can use commercial 

space capabilities directly in support of the nation’s security. Over the last 60 years the U.S. government has invested 

in space capabilities for national security and civil purposes. These commercial capabilities have primarily grown in 

communication capabilities, closely followed by remote sensing. In the past few years there has also been an explosion 

in other services being offered, and this has driven a change in our perspective on how we can use commercial space 

to support national security space. Use of commercial services can make our own missions more resilient against an 

advisory that may aim to do us harm. Commercial services can provide surge capacity and give us access to new and 

innovative technologies, and our ability to update those technologies. Finally, commercial space provides 

diversification and helps us in other areas. We have now adapted our approach to develop space systems that provide 

a wide range of capabilities to support specific mission sets. The USSF is currently looking at how they can partner 

with other agencies, both military and civil, as well as the commercial sector, on how we can best execute our mission 

sets. 

The USSF uses commercial services for satellite communications, space domain awareness (by means of data 

purchases to help us look for threats), and space launch services. For years the Air Force was the primary provider of 

launches and partnered with NASA for the development of space launch services for the most important and sensitive 

national security payloads. We have also introduced other companies and rocket types to both use those services and 

to stimulate their development. The USSF is looking to expand upon space data relay. The Armed Forces has an 

increasing need to rely on low-orbit mesh satellites. USSF also operates its own satellite command and control 

network, and there is also a tremendous capacity for this in the commercial sector both in ground stations and satellites 

that the DoD could use to improve its resilience, and perhaps even give us access in areas that we currently don’t 

cover. Finally, the USSF is looking to expand rapid, reliable, and reasonably cost-efficient launches. Finally, another 

area is that of in-space servicing of satellites, which we’ve made clear will be met by the commercial market. Further 

in the future, the USSF is looking at advanced technologies such as nuclear propulsion as well as space debris 

migration. We are also working to marry venture capital and innovators, such as looking for ways to clean up the 

space environment from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO). 

Gen. Lyles thanked Gen. Thompson and stated that he looks forward to working with USSF and the Pentagon. The 

UAG can use its National Security subcommittee to further engage on this topic. Another key area of interest to the 

UAG is that of education, where he noted that the DoD has a brand-new university partnership program.
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***

Civil Space Priorities 

Colonel Pam Melroy (USAF, Ret.), NASA Deputy Administrator

(Briefing slides: https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/nasa_deputy_administrator_pam_melroy-

_uag_presentation_.pdf) 

Colonel Pam Melroy thanked Gen. Lyles and Mr. James J. Miller for inviting her to speak on behalf of NASA 

Administrator Bill Nelson and Associate Administrator Bob Cabana. Col. Melroy also thanked all of the UAG 

Members for their dedication and commitment to “something that is so important to our country.”

*Col. Melroy played a brief video.

Col. Melroy stated that her presentation today would be focused on the critical role that civil space plays in innovation 

in the areas of commercial activity, climate research, and our “Moon to Mars” strategy (Slide 1). Mr. Parikh previously 

discussed a Venn diagram between civil, commercial, and national security space. NASA has its own Venn diagram 

illustrating the benefits of civil space to humanity (Slide 2). 

First, science is front and center for NASA. Investigations that can only be done in the space environment include 

understanding the human body during microgravity exposure, exploring our solar system, and viewing Earth and its 

changing climate from space. Science is the seed corn for our future capabilities.

Second, our national posture brings tremendous science and technical capability to our country that can be leveraged 

in other ways. An example of this is software engineering, which had to be created in order to achieve Apollo. There 

are many examples of the technologies we develop to go to space spinning off into other areas. Additionally, with the 

growth of our commercial space industry, this is having enormous economic impacts for our country.

Third, just as science is the seed corn for our future capabilities, our students are the seed corn for our country, as well. 

Inspiring our students to study STEM is critical for “future generations to dare mighty things.”

Slides 1-2 

Over two decades ago, NASA partnered with international entities to develop the ISS (Slides 3-4). This was an 

investment whose payoff is advancing technology, improving life on Earth, and ensuring our peaceful path further 

into the solar system. We have more than 22 years of continued human occupancy in orbit. We learned from the 

Space Shuttle Program that there is so much to learn about microgravity science, but this was not enough. The ISS 

provided a platform to do science 24/7 for 365 days a year. The ISS was also the first major civil space program in 

human space fight, that was, by design, an international partnership where we could share data and achieve more 

together than we would have been able to alone.

Much of the science that is performed on the ISS is going to help guide our exploration of the solar system. The 

Station has also been opened for research that enables commercial and marketing opportunities to expand its utilization 

and impact. Since making these opportunities available, there has been a growing demand from traditional and novel 
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023

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industries, which demonstrated the benefits of the ISS to catalyze and expand space exploration markets in the LEO 

economy.

Operating the ISS through 2030 is absolutely critical. The ISS will not only prepare us for future exploration, but it

will also continue to support a growing LEO economy. The ISS is a demonstration of what happens when the 

government invests in something “that seemed impossible more than two decades ago.”

The ISS has had a transformation impact that nobody could have imagined thirty years ago when it was initially being 

formulated as a program. As NASA approached the retirement of the Space Shuttle, there was a need to continue to 

supply the ISS. The Commercial Cargo Program ignited a revolution in commercial space by: (1) Incentivizing lowcost access to space by promising and paying for a regular and sustained manifest of launches, and (2) Creating a 

lower cost destination for small satellites to launch from the ISS. The combination of these two things had spurred 

innovation and made our commercial space industry the envy of the world.

NASA’s partnership with American private industry is changing the arch of space flight history by opening access to 

more people, science, commercial opportunities. Now, we will enable a seamless transition of capabilities in LEO to 

one or more commercially owned and operated destinations in the late 2020s. Four companies are now studying and 

developing their own commercial space stations and nodes on the ISS to provide access to private and government 

customers. All of this expands access to space for industry, academia, students, and scientists worldwide.

The lack of a regulatory agency in this sector is a barrier to the future of LEO space stations. NASA is not a regulator.

Although NASA provides technical assistance, it cannot be responsible for all activities that take place on a 

commercial space station.

Slides 3-4

Climate change is the most pressing issue of our day (Slide 5). NASA is not just an air and space agency; it is also a 

climate agency. Satellites and instruments onboard the ISS collect information from the Poles, the deep seas, and the 

highest reaches of our atmosphere. NASA’s Earth Science Fleet measures the height of oceans, clouds and 

precipitation, soil moisture, carbon dioxide, methane, and many more things. These observations drive our 

understanding of Earth as a system, and scientists worldwide have access to NASA data to tackle some of the biggest 

questions as to how our planet is changing.

NASA’s expertise in space and scientific exploration contributed to the essential services provided to the American 

people by other federal agencies, such as weather forecasting and natural resource management. Earth Science enables 

policy makers and government stakeholders to make more informed decisions on critical issues that occur around the 

world. Administrator Nelson recently announced NASA’s Earth Information Center to leverage data and modeling 

capabilities to work with other government and community partners most effected by climate change. This center 

will give the world access to our plate by providing resources and data that can be used immediately by everyday 

people and decision-makers.

NASA’s next generation of remote sensing is the Earth System Observatory. This is a suite of missions designed to 

accelerate our ability to guide efforts related to climate change, disaster mitigation, managing wildland fires, and 

proving real-time agricultural processes. Each satellite mission will be designed to complement each other, working 

in tandem to create a 3D, holistic view of earth from bedrock to atmosphere.
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NASA’s Aeronautics Mission Directorate has worked to help the aviation industry achieve the International Civil 

Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) long-term goal of net zero carbon dioxide emissions from aviation by 2050. Aviation 

is one of the hardest industries to decarbonize, and NASA’s aeronautics portfolio is equipped to make a deep impact 

in this area.

Slides 5-6

The focus of the Administration is to craft a “Moon to Mars’ strategy (Slides 6-8). The goal of this strategy is to 

“create a blueprint for sustained human presence and exploration throughout our solar system.”

1. Science is front and center in what we are going with Artemis.

2. Transportation and habitation are unique areas of expertise for NASA that they will continue to leverage with 

the SLS Rocket and Orion Spacecraft.

3. If we are going to have a sustained presence in space, we need to have the infrastructure that enables humans 

to stay for longer periods of time.

4. NASA had to adjust operations for longer-term missions to the ISS, and operations will have to be 

revolutionized again as we look to Mars.

The lessons learned from the Moon will help us get to Mars and beyond. We must think about space exploration 

generationally. Human missions to the Moon, and Mars after that, will be taking place over the next 20 years. 

Similarly, our flagship science missions, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, encompass many years from 

development, to flight, to results.

As Administrator Nelson has said, we are at the golden age of space exploration. The element of commercial space 

and its ability impact society can be compared to the golden age of aviation, where the government made significant 

investments in “higher, faster, further,” that had a profound effect on commercial capabilities and their ability to build 

commercial fleets that we now know and rely on.

Slides 7-8
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Col. Melroy thanked the UAG for inviting her to speak, and Gen. Lyles gave the members an opportunity to ask 

questions.

Dr. Lance Bush appreciated that Pam discussed the relationship between commercial space and science, and that 

they will need to have a conversation in further detail at a later time.

Col. Melroy emphasized the role that previous Administrations have made in promoting the commercial industry. 

Civil space is bipartisan, and it is something that we must invest in similarly to defense and foreign policy.

Gen. Lyles mentioned that the Hon. Charlie Bolden is a founder of civil space.

Dr. Dan Hastings asked Col. Melroy, “the UAG will have role in reviewing the architectures, so how do you see 

that actually happening?”

Col. Melroy stated that there were benefits to having subcommittee meetings first when she chaired the Data and 

Emerging Technology Subcommittee. Communications is critical to our Moon to Mars strategy, and the UAG 

needs to consult with the industry, international partners, etc. Additionally, she has asked the Explorations System 

Directorate to provide White Papers regarding key trades and decisions. We need to ensure that we appropriately 

balancing National Security, Science, and Inspiration.

Gen. Lyles emphasized the need have an all-encompassing discussion in order to create the new lunar and Mars 

structure. He then thanked Col. Melroy for her presentation.

***
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023 

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Commercial Space Priorities 

Dr. Richard DalBello, Director, Office of Space Commerce, NOAA

(There were no slides to this briefing) 

Dr. Richard DalBello thanked Gen. Lyles and stated that it is a pleasure to be at this UAG meeting.

The Office of Space Commerce, within the Department of Commerce (DOC), has three fundamental responsibilities: 

(1) Serve as an advocate for space policies, regulation, and support for the industry, (2) Act as a regulator, and (3) 

Implement space tracking systems to take responsibility from the Department of Defense. The Office of Space 

Commerce is currently creating a stand-alone Space Situational Awareness (SSA) system.

The Department of Commerce is tracking nearly 2,000 raising nearly $250 Billion in equity. In 2019 alone, there was 

nearly 350,000 private sector jobs associated with commercial space, contributing over $120 Billion to the national 

Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This activity has contributed to the tripling of spacecraft in orbit, which creates great 

opportunities and challenges.

The U.S. commercial space industry is widely admired. Fundamentally, the United States has stable laws that are 

backed up by predictable courts, nurtured a culture of entrepreneurship in technology, and most importantly, an 

education system that can produce a deep reservoir of talented engineers, scientists, and businesspeople. Additionally, 

the United States as had over 40 years of bipartisan support for the concept of commercial space.

Dr. DalBello highlighted five challenges facing the commercial space industry:

1. There are some fundamental things that the U.S. does not do very well. Today. SSA is pretty good, but it is 

not uniformly excellent. This means that the government is sending out several signals to the industry that 

get ignored. We need to be able to speak about SSA with the same confidence as we do Air Traffic Control, 

for example. Additionally, there are currently no great ideas to solve the issue of space debris. This does 

not mean that we should stop trying to solve the issue.

2. China is a major player in the space industry, and they are not participating in global information sharing on 

SSA. Our current way of communicating with China (email, for example) is very insufficient, so we need to 

be able to work with them to find a path forward. Also, the Europeans are creating a separate SSA system, 

and we may see several other countries follow suit. This means that operators will be able to choose who 

they get their information from. From the perspective of the Department of Commerce, this is “slightly 

terrifying” due to the technical and political challenges this will create. Although it is the right of every 

nation to create its own SSA system, we need to work together to find a way to communicate with one 

another.

3. Our current SSA system is providing several services to the commercial sector. When implementing a new 

SSA system, the Department of Commerce must ensure that they are not disrupting the marketplace created 

by the current system. They recently released an RFI on basic services that the new system could provide, 

as well as services that it may not provide. The Office of Space Commerce is also running pilots, including 

one in “geo” where the commercial sector has amazing capabilities.

4. There are several new activities happening in the space industry, including manufacturing in space, 

commercial LEO destinations, and mining on the moon, that our regulatory regime is not set up to handle. 

Our near-term problem is figuring out who will be responsible for managing these new technologies as they 

come along. To solve the long-term issue, the United States must reimagine regulation. Generations from 

now, will we be able to regulate better than we are today?

5. The United States need to improve on the “concept of operator responsibility.” Our government is slowly 

implementing new rules regarding safety, debris mitigation, best manufacturing practices, etc. Although the 

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established important new rules regarding debris 

mitigation, for example, our we have not established a whole-of-government approach to handling new 

issues. Additionally, operators need to because more responsible with how they are using current, possibly 
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outdated, technologies. For example, launching a CubeSat without guidance or a way to effectively 

communicate may not be in best practice.

Dr. DalBello stated that he looks forward to working with the UAG on any/all of these topics.

Hon. Charlie Bolden noted that the United States “has the greatest democracy in the world that is... running space 

right now. We have opened it up to commercial entities that have brought [Dr. Dalbello] his ‘five nightmares.’

How much more ‘democratic’ can we make space? I think it is a useless term that confuses people and causes us 

not to work together.”

Dr. DalBello stated that he is not democratizing anything. All of our domestic regulatory and technology 

development issues have an international dimension. Space is an international business. The government has 

and will continue to play the most fundamental role in leadership.

Dr. Lance Bush stated that he was relieved to hear Dr. Dalbello discuss the need for a regulatory body, and the 

Exploration and Discovery Subcommittee is ready to work with him on this issue.

Dr. DalBello said that “regulation” is a very loaded word in Washington, DC. We need to keep in mind that any 

solution regarding this issue is going to involve the United States Congress. When we think of regulation, we 

must think “light touch.” If we do not need regulation, then we should not be regulating because we do not want

to discourage the industry due to overregulation.

Mrs. Katrina Harden Williams stated that the middle schoolers she teaches use the phrase “space junk” when 

referring to space debris. Additionally, she has questions that she would like to pass along to Dr. Dalbello 

regarding this issue, as well as possible solutions.

Gen. Lyles thanked Dr. DalBello for his presentation.

***
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023 

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Space Science Priorities 

Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, Former Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA

Briefing slides: https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/thomas_zurbuchen_uag_presentation.pdf 

Gen Lyles introduced Dr. Zurbuchen, former Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA.

Dr. Zurbuchen opened his presentation (Slide 1) by noting that NASA recently celebrated the two-year anniversary 

of the Perseverance Mars Rover, which has achieved three key goals: (1) Successfully deposited a set of Mars samples 

to be picked up and brought back to Earth; (2) Proven a number of technologies for future use, including generating 

oxygen from atmospheric carbon dioxide; and (3) Through the Ingenuity helicopter, proven that future exploration of 

Mars can be supported by flying drones providing reconnaissance capabilities. Dr. Zurbuchen also spoke about the 

latest images from the James Webb Telescope and other missions, and how these missions help us learn about nature 

and the universe. Also, missions such as the Mars Perseverance Rover and the DART mission (first mission to alter 

the orbit of an asteroid) have garnered the largest real-time public viewership ever. NASA’s priorities for the Science 

Mission Directorate (Slide 2) are: (1) Climate science; (2) Science as a critical element driving Artemis; and (3) 

Maintaining U.S. leadership in innovation. In summary, science is at the core of NASA’s Moon to Mars strategy. 

Slides 1-2 

NASA is a pivotal leader in civil space and the understanding of our own planet, how it affects us, and building 

systems that have a huge impact on us. The ability to understand our planet has saved many lives by getting people 

out of the way of storms and warning them of other natural hazards. Slide 3 depicts the NASA-ISRO2 Synthetic 

Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite. At the time of this briefing, the payload was ready to be shipped to India. There 

are three principal “firsts” in this mission: (1) It is the first large-scale space partnership with India; (2) It is a mission 

that from the work-go has the user community directly involved and will save lives. The product that will go out from 

this mission will change lives, whether mapping ice, debris, landslides, etc.; and (3) It will have the largest data that 

to-date has come from a single mission. This is a good example of bringing “big data” from space. All this data will 

be open and freely available to users along with the code that generated it. 

Slides 3-4 

2 Indian Space Research Organisation
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Slide 4 (previous page) summarizes the principles of the Earth System Observatory, which includes NISAR and future 

missions. Slide 5 shows why this is important. On the left it shows two instances of a reservoir and on the right it 

shows the cumulative change of water on the surface and below the surface. This was measured with advanced 

telescopes and gravity measurements. This information would, for example, be useful to a water manager. It shows 

how even though this year we’ve had strong rains that have replenished the water on the surface, it remains to be seen 

if it is enough to alter the downwards trend in groundwater. This is just one of many examples. Slide 6 highlights the 

urgency of commercial imagery. In this case, it shows the outflow into the Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Ian. The 

debris and organics released has implications for property owners, fisheries, and otherwise. Commercial imagery is 

having a huge impact not only for analyzing short term impacts but also long-term climate change trends. In summary, 

these images are very useful not just for science, but also in the applications domain.

Slides 5-6

In building this system we have encountered a number of challenges, such as getting sufficient support from the U.S. 

Congress. This has given me anxiety, in particular after the paper that came out in 2020 describing climate tipping 

points (Slide 7), which could have massive impacts and are not reversible on a short timescale. The presence of such 

tipping points used to be somewhat controversial, but I no longer think that’s the case. Addressing this, in my view, 

requires large scale effort so data can be taken and made useful. As Jean Krantz said, “leadership is fragile.” Slide 8 

depicts the key ingredients to Leadership. Bipartisan support is needed in U.S. Congress, and we need to focus on 

entire stakeholder communities, not just within NASA but also commercial/international partners as well as the 

science and application communities. Each new mission should have at least one new technology, as innovation and 

iteration must always go together. 

Slides 7-8

Gen. Lyles noted that this is a great segue into the next segment since we are running short on time, and he thanked 

Dr. Zurbuchen for the presentation.

***
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023 

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Subcommittee Updates

The subcommittee briefing slides may be accessed at the following link: 

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/uag_subcommittee_chair_presentations.pdf

Gen Lyles noted that the afternoon schedule has changed due to an event this afternoon (UAG member visit to meet 

with Vice President (Chair, National Space Council) at the White House), so the UAG will need to constrain its 

discussions. If needed, a follow-on UAG virtual meeting will be scheduled to complete the discussion. The following 

briefings will provide the subcommittee chairs with an opportunity to present their focus areas and for the UAG to 

provide comments. Also, the order of presentations will be modified, with the National Security Subcommittee 

presenting first. 

***

National Security Subcommittee Report

Gen Lester Lyles, USAF ret., Subcommittee Chair

The National Security Subcommittee will conduct a meeting at the Pentagon with General Chance Saltzman, Chief of 

Space Operations, and General Thompson. During this meeting will be at the Sensitive Compartmented Information 

(SCI) security clearance level, where the subcommittee will specifically look for inputs from the Space Warfare 

Center.

Gen. Lyles is will also aim to have Mr. Christopher Scolese, the Director of the National Reconnaissance Office 

(NRO), at this meeting. If Mr. Scolese is not available to go to the Pentagon for this meeting, the subcommittee will 

schedule a meeting at the NRO for a later date.

After these meetings, Gen. Lyles will schedule a meeting specifically focused on top priorities and issues for the 

subcommittee.

Gen. Lyles asked the UAG members to provide any questions they may have for Gen. Saltzman prior to the meeting.

***
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023 

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Exploration and Discovery Subcommittee Report 

Dr. Lance Bush, Subcommittee Chair

Dr. Bush noted that the Exploration and Discovery Subcommittee has players to some of the largest members in the 

industry and thanked Dr. Ben Ashman (NASA) for supporting the subcommittee as DFO (Slides 1-2). Everyone in 

the subcommittee is very engaged in exploration and discovery and have career-long interest in these priorities.

Slides 1-2 

The subcommittee crafted three overarching perspectives: (1) National economic and social impacts should drive our 

pursuits in exploration and discovery for both the immediate and future timeframe; (2) Engage the broadest set of 

citizens to maximize value and impact of E&D ventures; and (3) Embrace collaboration with other subcommittees. 

To support these overarching perspectives, the subcommittee identified three priority areas: Artemis Program, 

commercial LEO, and science (Slide 3). The first area of interest is the Artemis Program (Slide 4), where Dr. Bush 

recognized the work that was done by the previous UAG, which looked at the architecture during a very pivotal time. 

That work was critical in providing confidence moving forward. Given the importance of this project, the 

subcommittee wants to commit itself to an annual review of the Artemis Program and surrounding architectures. The 

subcommittee also wants to look deeper into future milestones and ensure that the scientific objectives are recognized. 

General Lyles noted that, in reviewing the Lunar and Lunar-to-Mars architecture, Dr. Bush should talk to Ms. 

Kathy Lueders (Associate Administrator for Space Operations) and Mr. James Free (Associate Administrator for 

Exploration Systems Development). They are the leaders of two key elements in that program: operations and 

exploration, which used to be in a single Mission Directorate but have now been split into two. He also 

recommended that the subcommittee talk to previous NASA Administrators, which should be instructive from a 

history perspective.

Slides 3-4 

The second area of interest is the commercial LEO (Slide 5) and commercial Cislunar. This is important to every 

subcommittee member. Commerce in LEO has existed for quite some time (communications, remote sensing, etc.), 

but it is now increasing exponentially. In fact, we’re almost at the point of exceeding the capacity of the launch 

industry. We need regulations that will help industry, including but not limited to intellectual property protection. 
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023

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Regulations can help commerce happens, but we need the right kind of regulations. We know we need to work with 

the government. 

Hon. Charlie Bolden noted that he’s not sure we are exceeding the capacity of the launch industry. There are 

small companies sitting around the table wanting to meet the demand, but it is a very difficult path to get into the 

system. His fear is that we make people think it’s easy, and then we grow many launch providers and there is not 

enough business to sustain all these companies. We also need to get more LEO destinations [for commercial 

human spaceflight]. 

Mr. Tory Bruno noted that 2022 was a huge change for the global launch market. Two things happened. First, 

the launch capacity fell dramatically because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the withdrawal of all Russian 

and Russian-related assets, while at the same time commercial mega constellations came onto the scene 

purchasing significant blocks of capacity. Second, many micro launcher companies have come into play, but 

there may not be a place in the market for more than one or two of those launchers. We are seeing this play out 

in the marketplace. This affects how the government purchases launchers to protect their own access to the launch 

manifest. 

Gen Lyles asked Mr. Bruno if there is also concern regarding launch availability, as launch windows have been 

constrained significantly compared to what it used to be just two years ago. 

Mr. Bruno responded yes. The development of small satellites has made it possible to have internet in the sky, 

which has provided monumental benefits to the country and the world. But this has created a traffic management 

problem in LEO. Many of these mega constellations live in thin shells, and other users cannot cohabitate within 

them. We also have to pass through these shells to go to higher orbits. This has complicated the conjunction 

analyses that need to be performed [to prevent collisions]. We are going to need better infrastructure to track the 

position of objects so that can maintain the number of launch opportunities.

Mr. Ted Mercer noted that, in terms of the launch capacity issue, there are two launch ports in the U.S. that are 

nowhere near capacity: Kodiak (Alaska) and Mars on Wallops Island (Virginia). In his view, the issue is to figure 

out how to use the launch capacity that we do have. 

Mr. Bob Smith said that bring up the issue of regulations. This is not really a NASA problem, but it does put a 

spotlight on the regulatory role, that previously did not exist, of other U.S. Government agencies and what they 

can do to get these things into motion.

Dr. Bush continued with his presentation and noted that there is great enthusiasm for the progress made within the 

science program and the work that needs to be done in the near and far future (Slide 6). We are at a time of 

unprecedented discovery, where are searching for habitable exoplanets and those discoveries will in turn inform us

about our own planet, and the immense resources out in the cosmos (in terms of energy and precious minerals) cannot 

be underestimated. These implications are not just important to science, but also to our economy and national security.

Slides 5-6
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Gen Lyles noted that, on this topic, Dr. Bush needs to get in touch with as broad of an element as possible, 

including the National Academy of Engineering and the Space Studies Board3

, which is very concerned that the 

emphasis in human exploration and Artemis could end up overcoming the interest in science. 

Mr. Bruno added that while we want to put people on Mars, we also need to preserve the ability to be able to 

discover life on other planets.

To close, the subcommittee is excited about the positive impact of exploration and discovery and is dedicated to help 

moving it forward (Slide 7). To this end, the subcommittee is establishing a cadence of monthly meetings, identifying 

subject matter experts as well as agencies we’d like to talk to. 

Slides 7

***

3 https://www.nationalacademies.org/ssb/space-studies-board 
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023 

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Economic Development and Industrial Base

The Hon. Eric Fanning Subcommittee Chair

Mr. Fanning noted the subcommittee met on Feb. 21 to discuss its initial focus areas (Slides 1-2). The subcommittee 

is still in its additive phase, pulling together the areas it might look at. 

First, the subcommittee recognizes that the Vice President wants to focus on the use case across the government, 

industry, and communities in the U.S to make sure as many people as possible are benefiting from space, in particular 

those that haven’t yet had that opportunity. Also, we want to make sure we are taking advantage of all aspects of the 

government. 

Second, the subcommittee is also going to look at government-industry partnership models, and the lessons learned 

from some of these partnerships and look for opportunities to improve this approach. 

Third, we will look at international trade, and where the U.S. is benefiting and where there may be gaps for further 

growth. 

Fourth, we’ll look at small business and new business, including new entrants to this market, and make sure we are as 

inclusive as possible. This will include looking at whole of government support mechanisms, how we can ensure 

regulatory certainty (and not just for small businesses), and how we can improve the entre and accessibility of new 

business. 

Fifth, we’ll look at is the space supply chain, where we want to tie-in as much as possible current Administration 

efforts (Infrastructure Bill, CHIPS, IRA, etc.). We also want to look at critical supplies and materials, and not just 

because of what happened with COVID-19 but also the current geopolitical situation and make sure we get ahead of 

where there may be any problems. Joint supply chain and “agnostic” suppliers is also important so that we are not 

artificially constraining ourselves as to what we define as the space supply chain, and to include companies that 

typically would not be considered as “space companies” but are nonetheless part of the broader ecosystem. We’ll also 

look at infrastructure, including spaceports, to make sure we are investing in what we need. 

Finally, well look at space sustainability, including maintaining global leadership in creating the policies and norms

(standards, etc.). Another factor is the workforce, where there is a linkage between the work of the STEM 

subcommittee and industry. 

Slides 1-2 

Mr. Mercer commented that we also need to look how space is already benefiting all users, not just industry, and 

what its regional impact is in the community. For example, we need to know the impact that GPS brings into 

everyday life, not just its capabilities. We also need to give thought to how we can get what we used to consider 

critical supply chain back into the U.S. Lastly, we need to look at laws and regulatory policy/guidance that may

have reached a point where they are now impeding impede what we are trying to do. We need to understand why 

they were put in place and address them if need be.
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Dr. Kate Marvel noted the briefer mentioned space sustainability and asked how we may think about Earth 

sustainability given all these things are happening in an economy that is, hopefully, transitioning towards decarbonization.

Mr. Fanning said he would add that to their list.

Mr. Bruno suggested that the subcommittee consider something that was started in the previous UAG, but was 

not finished, which is how we might enable or accelerate the Cislunar economy, and use of the resources that 

exist on the Moon. 

Mr. Robert Schingler commented on the good work that the State of New Mexico and DIU has done on the space 

industrial base over the last three years, including the annual workshop they are doing. There’s a good body of 

work there that the subcommittee could use. Also, under government-industry partnership models, we should 

include our procurement approach. The requirements process, and how we purchase, ends up creating the 

behavior in the market. The government has tremendous market power in setting up the quantity, quality, cost, 

innovation, speed, and adaptability of the product and services that we rely on. 

Mr. Fanning concluded by saying that if UAG members have additional thoughts, please send him an e-mail. 

***
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023 

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Climate and Societal Benefits 

Dr. Kate Marvel, Subcommittee Chair

Dr. Kate Marvel started by thanking Ms. Misty Finical, the subcommittee’s DFO.

This is a new subcommittee with the purpose of advancing space in service of the Earth (Slide 1). The more we 

explore the universe, the more we have an appreciation for where we live. Additionally, being able to look at the 

Earth from above, lets us know that the Earth is changing.

The subcommittee has identified four interrelated goals that they hope to pursue:

First, the subcommittee aims to get more specific about advancing human well-being on a changing planet. Dr. Marvel 

used climate-smart agriculture, and early detection and monitoring of natural disasters as examples of this (Slide 2).

Slides 1-2 

Second, the subcommittee hopes to improve the exploratory-to-operational pipeline. Dr. Marvel noted that the word 

“pipeline” may not be a good metaphor because, ideally, the dialog should be circular (Slide 3).

Third, this subcommittee will work with the Data and Emerging Technologies Subcommittee to make sure that Earth 

data is usable and accessible (Slide 4).

Slides 3-4 

Fourth, the subcommittee will address and improve coordination and cooperation within the government, between the 

government and the private sector, with partner space agencies, and with non-spacefaring nations (Slide 5).
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023

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Slides 5-6

Dr. Marvel asked the UAG for feedback on these goals.

Mr. Tory Bruno mentioned that they should be looking at international treaties and agreements because the United 

States is not the only industrialized nation in the world. Every day, GPS saves almost a half billion gallons of 

fossil fuel and feeds approximately 800,000 people. Space is already playing a tremendous role in helping us 

adapt to a changing world.

Hon. Charlie Bolden stated this is a nonpartisan Advisory Committee. We need to be mindful that Earth science 

is a “hot-button area” on Capitol Hill. The UAG should not only advise the Administration but become an 

instrument to advise Congress because we can do things that NASA cannot. It is also important to understand 

that the planet is not in trouble, we are. The planet will be here for billions more years, we will not be if we 

cannot get something done. We need to advise both the Administration and Congress.

Gen. Lyles commented agreed with this comment.

Dr. Marla Davis-Perez stated that there are benefits with working with the Department of Transportation on 

technologies that effect climate change, such as electric systems.

Gen. Lyles commented at there is an issue behind data analytics. He said that there is an abundance of data 

collected on F-22s and F-35, and only about 20% of the data have been analyzed. Relating back to climate change, 

we have several Earth-sensing and climate satellites that are gathering data. The question is, how much of this 

data are we actually analyzing? There may be answers in the 70-80% of data that we have not looked at.

Gen. Lyles thanked Dr. Marvel.

***
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023 

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Data and Emerging Technology

Dr. Dan Hastings, Subcommittee Chair

The subcommittee has identified five areas of focus:

The first area of focus is to broaden space-based remote sensing and analytics to meet today’s global challenges. 

There is an abundance of information coming down from space. The subcommittee aims to address is the accessibility 

and transparency of the data to meet the needs of the groups that currently use and will use the information in the 

future (Slide 2).

Slides 1-2 

Second, the subcommittee will address issues surrounding space traffic management and space situational awareness. 

The subcommittee will focus on data sharing methods to address issues such as debris. We need a way to bring the 

data together to ensure secure, interoperable, upgradable architecture while considering what the commercial sector 

is currently doing Slide 3).

Third, the subcommittee will look at space-based communication computing for real-time connection, and a connected 

planet. Among the UAG, there are members that are in the business of developing a satellite-based, worldwide internet 

capability. The subcommittee hopes to look at terrestrial broadband capability with this emerging infrastructure, as 

well as look into the work of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and FCC (Slide 4).

Slides 3-4 

Fourth, the subcommittee will address Nuclear Thermal and Nuclear Electric Technologies. NASA and Defense 

Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) aim to launch a nuclear thermal system by 2027. Developing nuclear 

technologies is essential to enable us to move quickly around the solar system (we cannot use solar power alone). The 

subcommittee will look at in-space nuclear normalization, which is how the public thinks about the safety of nuclear 

technology. Additionally, once these capabilities are developed, how will the economics and infrastructure of space 

missions? The United States needs to sustainably fund these efforts over several years (Slide 5).
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The final focus area is revolutionary capabilities enabled by In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 

(ISAM). OSTP has released a policy statement that addresses the need to develop these capabilities. The 

subcommittee will be evaluating the R&D and technologies necessary to push ISAM (Slides 6-7).

Slides 5-6

Slides 7-8

The goal of the subcommittee is to eventually narrow these topics down to a smaller set and produce short White 

Papers (Slide 8).

Gen. Lyles stated that the UAG should evaluate the need to connect the space community with the manufacturers 

and engineers of the emerging/new technologies. For example, the National Academy of Technology does not 

have engineers equipped to handle some of the emerging technologies because they are not currently listed at the 

Academy. We need a way to understand these new technologies and their capabilities.

Dr. Sian Proctor asked how we can leverage the climate issue associated with the data being collected, instead of 

just computing more data. How can we push industry to think about this?

Dr. Patrick Lin stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially machine learning, requires an enormous amount 

of energy. We need to keep in mind that some of the plans that we have in the space industry may come at a cost 

to life on Earth, and therefore be counterproductive to some of the goals we have in space.

Dr. Proctor said that we can be thoughtful with taking on the challenges regarding data crunching and storage 

with assets that we’re building.

Mr. Robbie Schingler agreed with Dr. Lin and stated that the UAG should be considering the unintended 

consequences of these grand programs.

Dr. Marvel asked, “what counts as space data?” A satellite sending data about the Earth is worthless without a 

model to interpret the data. For example, NOAA puts its weather data through models to create forecasts. This 

compounds the data problem that Gen. Lyles mentioned. We are not just talking about observational data; we are 

talking about model data that we are using to interpret the observational data.
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Mr. Bruno commented, “nuclear thermal is a game changer.”

Ms. Melanie Stricklan emphasized that space and Earth sustainability are diverging in at a pace we have never 

seen before due to the vulnerabilities that the exponential growth of the launch industry is creating, congestion of 

spectrum, and the aggressive geopolitical behavior that is adding to the debris problem. These issues out 

everything that we’ve discussed today at risk. Space sustainability enhances earth sustainability.

***
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023 

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STEM Education, Diversity & Inclusion and Outreach 

Ms. Mandy Vaughn, Subcommittee Chair

Ms. Vaughn stated that the underlying element between commercial, civil, and national security space is people. 

Without the satellites, launch vehicles, and ground stations, we do not have access to data and the algorithms that we 

can operate and leverage to create anything that we have talked about here today. From every angle, we can see that 

we have looming talent shortage in various critical technology sectors surrounding space. This shortage extends from 

college graduates to manufacturing and skilled technical workforce. An estimated 2 million jobs in the aerospace 

sector could remain unfilled by 2030.

China graduated six times more engineers than the United States annually, and approximately one-third of China 

graduates are in engineering fields.

Between 13 and 22 percent of the engineering workforce is comprised of women. We also see a district trend in K12 education system where students fall out of the funnel that would have led them to a STEM or space-related career.

The subcommittee has identified key elements that will help the UAG identify, sustain, and grow the next generation 

of the space community:

First, acknowledge and promote that the space industry is more than STEM (Slide 2). We must be looking beyond 

the usual places of colleges and universities to community colleges, trade schools, workforce development programs, 

etc. 

Second, support the “Inspire, Prepare, and Deploy” strategy. We must take success stories and engage at state and 

local levels to share and implement success stories where there are alike circumstances. How can we help the next 

program succeed like another one has?

Third, build linkages with the Department of Education on the “You Belong in STEM: initiative (Slide 4). We must 

find the intersections of STEM and space. How can we make this a whole of government and a whole of education 

exercise?

Fourth, address DoD workforce issues and how we are engaging, nationally, with the defense industrial base. We 

must increase the reach of programs such as the US Space Force’s university partnership program. How do we get 

national security space issues into more classrooms?

Slides 1-2 

Ms. Vaughn opened up the floor for discussion. 

Mrs. Katrina Harden Williams commented that the STEM education effort needs to start at the toddler age so that 

students are invested in STEM by the time they hit middle and high school.
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Ms. Dawne Hickton asked where the teachers are that are supposed to be teaching STEM. It is critical to have 

teachers that can teach STEM courses with expertise. Inspiring students may not matter if we do not have teachers 

who can teach the material.

Ms. Vaughn stated that this has been a repeated discussion topic at the local and federal levels.

Gen. Lyles commented that the Wolf Trap Pre-K STEM Arts Program is “first class,” and the Department of 

Education gave them a grant to expand nationally. Particularly, Raytheon Technologies has Wolf Trap teach the 

teachers, so teachers are ready to start the initiation with students at a young age. This is an example so the UAG 

can consider answering these questions.

Dr. Proctor commented that re-careering into the space and STEM sector is overlooked. How can we encourage 

this?

Dr. Lin mentioned that Hollywood has the power to influence the world. There is opportunity of new 

methodology due to the influence of the entertainment sector.

Dr. Marvel asked how we can persuade student to realize that they do not have to choose between art and space. 

Currently, “there is a perception that if you are an artist, you can’t touch STEM.”

Dr. Proctor agreed with Dr. Marvel, saying that she is a geoscientist that won her seat to space as an artist and a 

poet. We need to widen the message that you can be a scientist, an artist, and contribute to human space flight. 

We need to champion the examples that we have of this occurring.

Ms. Bridget Chatman asked, regarding military transitioning, “should we uncouple... STEM [into] ‘workforce 

development’ or ‘future workforce’ as another bullet under our charter?”

Ms. Vaughn thanked the UAG for feedback. We are trying to create a unified message regarding policy and 

public outreach.

Dr. Proctor added that it’s “about people finding their place in space.”

***
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023 

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Next Steps and Closing Remarks

Gen Lester L. Lyles (USAF, Ret.) Chair, UAG

As far as next steps, within the next week the Executive Subcommittee will meet to discuss all of the Subcommittee 

plans moving forward. This discussion will include any potential changes or modifications to their intended focus 

areas. 

Mr. Chirag Parikh thanked the UAG and stated that this is an investment in the nation and our future.

Gen. Lyles thanked all of the members and adjourned the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. 

***
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023

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Appendix A: Agenda
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023

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Appendix B: Membership

General Lester L. Lyles, USAF Ret.

Users' Advisory Group Chair 

Mr. Rajeev Badyal, 

Head of Project Kuiper at Amazon

The Hon. Charlie Bolden, 

Former NASA Administrator

Dr. Lance Bush, 

President and CEO of Challenger Center

Mr. Salvatore “Tory” Bruno, 

CEO of United Launch Alliance

Ms. Bridget Chatman, 

Chair of Women in Aerospace

Mr. Theodore “Ted” Colbert,

President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space, and Security

Ms. Nancy Colleton, 

President of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies

Ms. Karina Drees, 

President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation

The Hon. Eric Fanning, 

President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association

Dr. Daniel Hastings, 

Head of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT

Ms. Dawne Hickton, 

Chair and CEO of Cumberland Additive

Dr. Daniel “Dan” Jablonsky, 

President and CEO of Maxar Technologies

Dr. Patrick Lin, 

Professor of Philosophy and Technology Ethics at Cal Poly, San Louis Obispo

Mr. Dave Kaufman, 

President of Ball Aerospace

Mr. Ron Lopez, 

President and Managing Director of Astroscale U.S.

Prof. Harold Lee Martin

Chancellor, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A&T)

Dr. Kate Marvel, 

Senior Climate Scientist at Project Drawdown
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Maj. Gen. (USAF, ret.) Theodore “Ted” Mercer, 

CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Commercial Spaceflight Authority

Dr. Marla Perez-Davis, 

Former Director of the NASA Glenn Research Center

Astronaut Sian Proctor, 

Astronaut and Geoscientist representing Maricopa Community District

Mr. Robbie Schingler, 

Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Planet

Ms. Gwynne Shotwell

President and COO, SpaceX

Dr. Robert “Bob” Smith, 

CEO of Blue Origin

Ms. Melanie “Mel” Stricklan, 

Co-Founder and CEO of Slingshot Aerospace

Mr. Jim Taiclet, 

CEO and Chairman of Lockheed Martin

Dr. Mandy Vaughn, 

Founder and CEO of GXO, Inc.

Ms. Kathy Warden, 

Chair and President of Northrop Grumman

Mrs. Katrina Harden Williams, 

Mathematics Educator and Founder of the Aims Middle School Space Club

Dr. Jeremy Williams, 

Member of the Bayer Crop Sciences Team and Head of Digital Farming Solutions
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Appendix C: Pre-Registration & Sign-In List

Pre-Registration:

Last Name First Name Organization/Affiliation

Wang Julie NASA

Manning Catherine NASA

Deihl Jessica NASA

Benko Ralph Senior Counselor, Buzz Aldrin Enterprises

Summers Annette Women in Aerospace

Nickerson Torrie Women in Aerospace

Munroe Sonnie The GA Team

George Jemin NSF

Damphousse Hope Ball Aerospace

Browne Hannah Federal Aviation Administration

Dupree Jaelyn Partners in Air & Space

Kimbrell Aubert Airbus

Weilbach Peter Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)

Marge Michael Advisory Board for the Implementation of the Human Research Program for 

Civilians in Spaceflight and Space Habitation

Gram Original Original Co.

Beckman Arthur Boeing

Doten Alexandra Astro Alexandra LLC

Volkwein Shelley L3Harris Technologies

Wagner Brian Maxar Technologies

Gore Whitney Maxar

Parry Paul Maxar

Zucker Herbert HR-ZTECH, LLC/Member

Pape Oliver German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Mealling Michael Starbridge Venture Capital

Alexander Kenneth Federal Aviation Administration 

Roberson Alex Smithsonian Institution

Hourihan Matt Federation of American Scientists

French Michael Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)

McNitt Matthew National Security Space Association

Peura Angela NASA SCaN

Maubert Nicolas CNES-French Embassy

Mamou Samuel Embassy of France in the US - CNES

Cannizzaro Chris IDA Science and Technology Policy Institute

narita shinichiro Embassy of Japan

Malone Ivy Partners in Air and Space, Inc. 

Ceperley Daniel LeoLabs

Silcox Brett Astroscale U.S. 

Schwenke Taylor Partners in Air and Space inc

Uzo-Okoro Ezinne White House OSTP

Schwenke Taylor Partners in Air and Space

Prasad Narasimha NASA Langley Research Center

Pociask Catherine FAA

Guenther Meredith Commercial Spaceflight Federation

Prasad Narasimha NASA Langley Research Center

Hannaj Browne GWU - Student

Kronmiller Kate Jacobs

Park Justin Intergalactic Education

Trauberman Jeffrey Virgin Orbit National Systems

Atkins Tiffany Alphastarcorporation 
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Sign in List:
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Appendix D: Acronyms and Definitions

3D Three Dimensional

AI Artificial Intelligence

CEO Chief Executive Officer

COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019 

DARPA Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

DART Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) NASA Mission

DFO Designated Federal Officer

DOC Department of Commerce

DoD Department of Defense

FACA Federal Advisory Committee Act

FAI Fédération Aéronautique Internationale

FCC Federal Communications Commission

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GEO Geosynchronous Orbit

GPS Global Positioning System

GSFC NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization’

ISAM In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing

ISRO Indian Space Research Organisation

ISS International Space Station

ITU International Telecommunication Union

LEO Low Earth Orbit

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NISAR NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NRO National Reconnaissance Office

NSpC National Space Council

PNT Positioning, Navigation, and Timing

R&D Research and Development

RFI Radiofrequency Interference

SCI Sensitive Compartmentalized Information

SGE Special Government Employee

SLS Space Launch System

SPD Space Policy Directive

SSA Space Situational Awareness
National Space Council Users' Advisory Group February 23, 2023

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STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

U.S. United States

UAG Users’ Advisory Group

USAF U.S. Air Force

USCG U.S. Coast Guard

USG U.S. Government

USSF U.S. Space Force

VP Vice President