Apply Now for the ASCEND Space Traffic Management Diverse Dozen
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2021 – Reston, Va. – How much do you love humanity? Enough to save the planet?! Thought leaders and activists are invited to join this year’s ASCEND Space Traffic Management Diverse Dozen or D12, which is the brainchild of astrodynamicist Moriba Jah, associate professor of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at the University of Texas. Apply here before 15 July, 2000 hrs ET, USA.
The inaugural cohort of the Space Traffic Management Diverse Dozen was introduced at 2020 ASCEND. Influential thinkers and emerging leaders from around the globe were featured in a series of rapid-fire lightning talks that highlighted the most important issues surrounding safety, security, and sustainability in the context of space traffic. Powered by AIAA, ASCEND was launched in 2020 to Accelerate Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery. View the 2020 ASCEND Diverse Dozen session recording and learn more about the group here.
“The mission of D12 is centered on the belief that we’re more similar than we are different, and action is best when born from compassion,” said Jah. “We want to attract people whose intellectual and emotional commitment to keeping the off-world environment free of debris knows no bounds.”
The 2021 D12 class will advance understanding of evidence-based strategies and methods to make space traffic management more transparent and predictable, and to hold decision makers accountable for the impact of their activities in space. D12 finalists will each author an opinion essay and deliver a thought-leadership presentation of their vision for space traffic management during the in-person component of 2021 ASCEND, taking place 15–17 November at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. They’ll also participate in the review and selection of the succeeding cohort next summer.
2021 ASCEND is a hybrid event launching online 8–10 November and continuing live from Las Vegas and online everywhere 15–17 November. In addition, on 15 November, ASCEND will also host an in-person East Coast Satellite Event in Washington, DC, featuring special programming and a live viewing of Las Vegas sessions.
Apply here to the 2021 Diverse Dozen. Deadline for entries is 15 July, 2000 hrs ET USA.
Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, RebeccaG@AIAA.org, 804-397-5270 cell
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