Nyack, NY - The Space Frontier Foundation will host the annual NewSpace Business Plan Competition during its NewSpace 2012 Conference at the NASA Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley on July 26-28. The competition helps entrepreneurs creating startups and firms that develop problem-solving and game-changing technologies in support of the NewSpace space industry.

As many as 10 finalists will present their plans to a distinguished panel of judges, featuring venture capitalists, angel investors and business development leaders. They’ll receive professional feedback and exposure to the public, press and investor community. The winner will awarded a $100,000 Grand Prize funded by a grant from NASA Ames. This grant also funds a $10,000 Second Prize.

This Competition is seeking entries from seed, startup or early-growth firms from the following fields:

Entrepreneurial space: Those firms directly involved in launch systems hardware technology and supporting infrastructure, including data acquisition, communications, exotic fuels, space suits, flight safety, etc.

Space-related: Process engineering, power systems, bioregenerative systems, tourism, media, software and other supportive solutions.

Space-scalable (New!): Technologies primarily developed to solve problems here on Earth for commercial benefit and profit, but are also scalable to solve key long range space problems when the demand ultimately exists. Technologies that help make the settlement of the space frontier a reality. This could include biotechnology, nanotechnology, medicine, radiation mitigation, smart materials, alternative energy or next-gen IT hardware, among many other possibilities.

Regardless of niche, applicants must be able to explain why their product or service helps with the economic development of space. Entries must have at least 51% US-citizen ownership to qualify.

This competition wishes to assist and showcase new startup and expanding firms that demonstrate both the ability to make money and contribute to the commercial development of space, advancing the NewSpace movement.

Companies wishing to participate are asked to submit an “Intent to Compete” by April 20th, 2012. 3-5 page “Executive Summaries” must be submitted by May 18th, 2012, in PDF format to businessplan@spacefrontier.org. Entries must adhere to the parameters outlined in the competition rules to be considered. Finalists will be announced publicly on June 8th. Competition details and rules can be found at www.newspacebpc.com.

Companies selected to present at NewSpace 2012 will be required to arrive no later than 9AM Wednesday, July 25th for a 2-day “Boot-Camp.”  This includes presentation dry-runs, and practical guidance and mentoring from investors and business professionals. Final presentations in front of the judges will be on the morning of July 27th, with the winners announced the evening of Saturday, July 28th, at the NewSpace Gala.

NewSpace 2012 is a single-track conference focusing on entrepreneurial space activities. Sessions not only provide interesting presentations, but also to generate lively discussions among NewSpace entrepreneurs, established space industry leaders, NASA and military space experts, regulators, space policy advocates, the investment community and anyone else who wants to ensure humanity has a bright and abundant future in the space frontier.

Registration information and programming details will launch soon at newspace.spacefrontier.org.

The Foundation made great strides in 2011 and the plan for 2012 is in place.

We just need your support to make it happen.

If the Space Frontier Foundation is making a difference, it should be measurable and visible for all to see. We should be able to hang our hat on it. When our business associates, friends and family ask us, “What does that Foundation do anyway? Why are you involved with them?” we should be able to fire a list of things back and be proud. I present to you a partial list on what we’ve been up to this past year and a couple of other things we’re working on that I’m excited about:

Teachers In Space: Our goal is to have thousands of astronaut teachers sharing their spaceflight experiences and inspiring the future of the space industry workforce. The results are showing. We’ve got our 7 “Pathfinder” teachers trained and ready to go to space as soon as the spacecraft is ready. We’ve held 5 workshops for a carefully selected group of 110 teachers across the country and presented curriculum that they could take back to their classes. We also have workshops planned for 2012 in the fields of suborbital aviation & astronautics, suborbital experimental flight design and space medicine & human factors. One day soon we’ll be able to say that we’ve flown 1000 teachers into space, developed a program and curriculum that those teachers can use once they’re back in the classroom, and that curriculum has been taught to 100,000 students!

NewSpace Conference: In July, we held the best NewSpace Conference to-date with approximately 400 attendees, including the most influential thinkers in the NewSpace industry. Our goal for the annual project is to push the industry to new heights and to let everyone know that NewSpace is here to stay, which I’d say this conference definitely accomplished. For the first time, we had the leaders of NASA Headquarters and 4 NASA Centers in attendance. Our message of a free space enterprise is being heard loud and clear, and cooperation between civil space and private space is now being talked about freely. Unfortunately, it hasn’t turned into pro-settlement legislation quite yet, so we have our work cut out for us. Together with your support, we won’t quit though until it does.

Business Plan Competition: The Foundation is leading the charge in supporting the creation of entrepreneurial space companies. Altius Space Machines, Celestial Circuits and Final Frontier Design saw this first-hand when we awarded them a 1st place prize of $25,000, 2nd place prize of $5000, and 3rd place prize of $2500 respectively to get their businesses off the ground. Though this was the most we’ve given out to date, it’s not enough and we hope to be able to give out even more in future years.

So, would you say that 2011 has been a success? Would you like to see us do more? We have the plan in place to do more. Here’s a couple of things in the pipeline that I’m excited to see:

Litmus Test: The goal here is to have a tool to compare all future space-related legislation to the Foundation’s vision for the future of space. Questions like “Does this policy use the resources of space in a smart, sustainable way?” or “Does the oversight of this policy have a reliable framework so that it’s properly executed?” will make it perfectly clear in future years why the Foundation is for or against a certain piece of legislation.

Quarterly Report: A public report we can post on the website quarterly that includes everything the Foundation is currently up to. This will keep supporters like you informed on our progress, where we need further assistance, and new projects. It may seem like a simple addition but regularly producing a comprehensive and professional report takes significant time and effort to coordinate all our project management teams. This snapshot of the Foundation’s activities will be useful in the years to come when looking back on the progress we’ve made.

Space Architecture: We’re currently strengthening our relationship with the space architecture community, which began with space architecture-related exhibits at NewSpace 2011. This is just scratching the surface of what this partnership could accomplish and we’re hoping to take this to the next level in 2012. After all, what’s the use in focusing all our energy on spaceships if these vessels have nowhere to park?

We need your help to keep moving these projects forward. Please donate today if you want your kid to be taught by an astronaut teacher, to support the creation of new entrepreneurial space businesses, or to see pro-settlement legislation. The Space Frontier Foundation can make it happen.

Tax-deductible donations can be made at spacefrontier.org/donate or by clicking the Donate Now tab above.

Discount Registration Now Open !

Registration for the Space Frontier Foundation’s NewSpace 2012 Conference is now open! Take advantage of the low early bird registration prices to learn about the commercial space industry and launch your venture for less. The conference will be held July 26-28 at the NASA Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. Register today at newspace.spacefrontier.org.

NewSpace 2011 saw unprecedented numbers of attendees and registration is opening early this year to provide alums and first-time attendees extra time to register for the experience at discount prices. The SFF is thrilled at the increasing level of interest in the commercial space industry and will continue to expand the conference in 2012 to turn this momentum into new products, new business ventures, and new missions for NewSpace.

Known for providing intimate networking sessions and revolutionary ideas, this year’s conference will get down to the business of building this industry as evidenced in the theme: New Products, New Profits, NewSpace 2012. Help tackle the latest issues in commercial space through discussion with a deep list of industry thinkers and doers. Make the smart move by bringing your business and ideas to NewSpace 2012 registering today to save $180!

More information is available at newspace.spacefrontier.org. The conference hotel location and special rates will be posted soon. RSVP on Facebook or follow the NewSpace Conference on Twitter for updates.

Partner with NewSpace 2012

The SFF is currently partnering with companies to sponsor or host exhibits at NewSpace 2012. This is a great opportunity for companies to support the development of their industry, network with potential business partners or future employees, and gain some quality publicity.

Those interested in sponsoring NewSpace 2012 should email Executive Director Will Watson at william.watson@spacefrontier.org. If interested in hosting an exhibit, contact Exhibits Director Cameron Crowell at Cameron.Crowell@spacefrontier.org. Press correspondents planning to cover the conference should contact Communications Director Marimikel Charrier at press@spacefrontier.org.

Agenda Hosts a Wide Range of Topics from New Market Development to Settling Down in Space

Silicon Valley, CA - The agenda for the NewSpace 2011 Conference is now online. Take part in some of the most important discussions in commercial space, on topics like achieving low cost, reliable space access, capitalizing on suborbital space, and mining the potential of NEOs. Hosted by the Space Frontier Foundation, NewSpace 2011 strives to be a crucial meeting place for the development of commercial space and this year’s agenda is full of panels that will expand the envelope of NewSpace and challenge attendees to think big. Spark ideas now by viewing the complete agenda and bring those plans to NewSpace 2011 by registering today. The conference will be held at the NASA Ames Research Center on July 28-31.

An example of one of the exceptional panels that will open up new lines of communication between commercial and governmental space is the NASA Center Directors Commercial Partnership Roundtable. Moderated by Rebecca Keiser, Associate Deputy Administrator for Policy Integration at NASA, this roundtable will continue the discussion of increased partnership between NASA and the NewSpace industry. Attendees will have a chance to dialogue directly with NASA center leadership, including Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana Director, Langley Research Center Deputy Director Steve Jurczyk, Marshall Space Flight Center Director Robert Lightfoot, and Ames Research Center Director Simon ‘Pete’ Worden.

There truly will be something for all attendees. Suborbital scientists, students, and those looking for profit building opportunities in LEO will be given a lot to discuss on July 28th during the Big Thing of Today day. Thursday’s events will open with a keynote address from NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver. July 29th will focus on the Big Thing of Tomorrow. Entrepreneurs and business leader should check out the Business Plan Competition and “Pursuit of International Space Markets” keynote. Finally, July 30th will host the Future is the Really Big Thing panels for the far-thinkers with such topics as “Space Settlement – Hotels to Homesteads: What Technology will Bring us From LEO to Permanent Settlements” and “New Technologies and New Directions.” To celebrate those that are making all of this possible, the star-studded NewSpace Awards Gala will wrap up the conference.

Discount registration for NewSpace 2011 is available for at a limited time. Visit newspace.spacefrontier.org/registration to register, where you can also find information about the group rate at the DoubleTree Hotel in nearby San Jose. For more conference information, visit newspace.spacefrontier.org and RSVP on Facebook today. Follow the NewSpace Conference on Twitter for updates.

Interested in Sponsoring NewSpace 2011?

The SFF is currently partnering with companies looking to sponsor or host exhibits at NewSpace 2011. This is a great opportunity for companies to support the development of their industry, network with potential business partners or future employees, and gain some great publicity. Companies that would like to host an exhibit can contact Exhibits Director Cameron Crowell at cameron.crowell@spacefrontier.org. Those interested in sponsoring the conference should email Executive Director Will Watson at william.watson@spacefrontier.org. Press correspondents interested in covering the conference should contact Press Manager Marimikel Charrier at press@spacefrontier.org.

ISDC 11 will be held May 18-22 in Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville, AL - The 2011 International Space Development Conference will be held May 18-22 at the Von Braun Center and Embassy Suites Hotel in Huntsville, Alabama. With the theme “From the Ground Up,” ISDC 2011 encourages attendees to look at a space-faring civilization as an achievable goal and to discuss the technical, economic, and political steps involved in making it a reality. The Space Frontier Foundation (SFF) whole-heartedly agrees with this approach and encourages all its members to take part. ISDC is hosted by the National Space Society (NSS) and registration is available online.

In conjunction with ISDC, the Space Investment Summit 9 will take place on May 18^th to discuss the business of NewSpace with leading investors and entrepreneurs. Topics range from creating a startup and approaching investors to industrial growth and governmental partnership. This event is critical for anyone looking to invest in commercial space whether as a financier or a CEO. SIS-9 is co-hosted by the Space Investment Summit Coalition and the National Space Society. Register separately to take part in this event.

ISDC hosts one of the most influential groups of speakers in the space industry, including Bigelow Aerospace Founder Robert Bigelow, Director of the NASA Ames Research Center Simon ‘Pete’ Worden, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, SFF Co-Founder Rick Tumlinson, and many more. Not only will there be powerful presentations on forwarding the space frontier, but there will also be a number of unique events such as a Space Career Fair, the NASA/NSS Space Settlement Contest, and a Space Solar Power Symposium. This looks to be one of the most interesting space conferences of the year held during one of the most exciting times in the history of space exploration.

Get inspired by the conference details at www.ISDC2011.org and help build this industry by registering online today. For more information about the National Space Society, visit www.nss.org.

Keep the momentum going at the NewSpace 2011 Conference!

The SFF’s annual conference is a breeding ground for great commercial space ideas and partnerships. The theme of NewSpace 2011 is “The Next Big Thing” and will include three days of discussions on the potential and challenges of the commercial space industry. It won’t be all business though! The NewSpace Awards Gala will celebrate the huge strides this industry has already taken and recognize its stars. Check out the growing list of VIP speakers online now.

Get excited about the next big thing at the NewSpace 2011 Conference website and register today for early-bird deals! NS11 will be held in Silicon Valley, CA at the NASA Ames Research Center on July 28-31.

Discount Pricing Available for a Limited Time

Silicon Valley, CA - Registration is now open for the NewSpace 2011 Conference hosted by the Space Frontier Foundation (SFF) in Silicon Valley, CA on July 28-30, 2011. Even in the fast pace world of commercial space, the NewSpace Conference is a cutting edge and eye-opening collection of discussions and events focused on opening the high frontier. Whether you are interested in finding a place in this growing industry, networking for your startup, or discovering what new developments the post-shuttle era will bring, the NewSpace 2011 Conference is the place to be. Visit the conference registration page to reserve your spot now.

NewSpace 2011 will kick off with a look at the current reality of the commercial space industry and panels will consider the growing need for government and commercial partnerships. After dialogues with both suborbital and orbital space vehicle companies, open roundtable discussions will allow registrants to influence the future of commercial crew programs, government and commercial co-op science platforms, and other potentialities.

Day two will give established and startup companies a chance to strengthen the NewSpace industry and their own business plans. Events will include a business plan competition and war stories from the entrepreneurial frontier. Finally, breakout sessions with rapidly rotating topics will crowdsource the imaginations of the entire conference to openly debate and solve the issues facing the space industry today.

Saturday’s panels will look to the future, from the close at hand opportunities such as orbital hotels and robotic explorers to the far-reaching goals of Mars settlements and advanced propulsion. This thought-provoking day will end with recognition of those that are igniting the commercial space movement at the star-studded NewSpace Awards Gala .

Discount registration for NewSpace 2011 is available for at a limited time. Visit newspace2011.spacefrontier.org/registration to register, where you can also find information about the group rate at the DoubleTree Hotel in nearby San Jose. For more conference information, visit newspace2011.spacefrontier.org and RSVP on Facebook today. Follow the NewSpace Conference on Twitter for updates.

Interested in Sponsoring NewSpace 2011?

The SFF is currently partnering with companies looking to sponsor or host exhibits at NewSpace 2011. This is a great opportunity for companies to support the development of their industry, network with potential business partners or future employees, and gain some great publicity. Companies that would like to host an exhibit can contact Exhibits Director Darrell Cain at darrell.cain@spacefrontier.org. Those interested in sponsoring the conference should email Executive Director Will Watson at william.watson@spacefrontier.org. Press correspondents interested in covering the conference should contact Press Manager Marimikel Charrier at press@spacefrontier.org.

Sponsors were Integral to the Conference Success

The Space Frontier Foundation (SFF) would like to thank the sponsors of the NewSpace 2010 Conference, particularly our premier sponsors: NASA, Boeing, and SpaceIsle.com, and our featured media sponsors Space News and SPACE.com. The conference was a great success in no small part due to the support of our sponsors who provided materials, volunteer support, finances, and promotion. Sponsorship is critical to furthering the work of the Space Frontier Foundation and their contributions are greatly appreciated.

The sponsors that generously supported the NewSpace 2010 conference include the following.

Premier Sponsors:

Boeing is the world’s leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined.
NASA enables exploration through selected development, innovative technologies, and interdisciplinary scientific discovery.
SpaceIsle.com is an international finance firm dedicated to space.

Conference Sponsors:

Dynetics
Ecliptic
Masten Space Systems
SpaceWorks Commercial
XCOR Aerospace
Space Age Publishing Company & International Lunar Observatory Association

Space News is the foremost publication for commercial space, military space, and satellite communication businesses.
SPACE.com is the world’s No. 1 source for news of astronomy, skywatching, space exploration, commercial spaceflight, and related technologies.

Spacevidcast.com
InSpace Media
Space Newsfeed

For more information about the NewSpace 2010 sponsors, please visit our sponsor site.

The SFF has already begun preparing for NewSpace 2011 and are seeking sponsors to get involved. The NewSpace Conference is the only event dedicated to bringing the leaders and the next generation of the commercial space industry together to create a sustainable future for NewSpace. Our sponsors are integral to achieving this goal. To become a sponsor of the conference or the SFF itself, please contact SFF Executive Director Will Watson.

Throughout the NewSpace 2009  Conference, the Space Frontier Foundation will be hosting a NewSpace Silent Auction & Raffle. Items for auction fall into two classifications: Gold and Blue.

Gold items are unique and available only to our community and are in the silent auction format. “Bid registers” will be located near the item and bids can be taken throughout the conference (minimum bids will be shown). Winners will be announced at the end of the weekend except for “Meals with…” which will be announced Sunday night.

Blue items are interesting, intriguing, and available to our community in a form not commonly found. Blue items will be auctioned off, a few each day, in a raffle. Tickets are $1 a piece.

Gold items:

• Tickets to next year’s NewSpace 2009 conference, including all meals and the Gala event. Valued at $500, this package ensures your participation in one of the most important development of our time: the opening of outer space to the common man.
• $1500 gift certificate to Aurora Aerospace. This young start-up from Tampa Bay, Florida, offers an opportunity to experience high altitude flight training, space craft simulation, or “zero g” flight in their military and civilian air craft.
• Consultation on business development with Jeff Krukin. Mr. Krukin, in addition to being a past Executive Director of the Space Frontier Foundation, is a consultant guiding engineers through the perils of business development and marketing.
• Consultation on angel and investor relations with Guillermo Söhnlein. Mr. Söhnlein is the Managing Director of the Space Angels Network, the premier source of aerospace dealflow for investors and of early-stage capital for aerospace-related ventures. He is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Space Entrepreneurs. Each organization represents an important part of the entrepreneurial aerospace community.
• Lunch with Bob Werb. Mr. Werb is one of the founders of the Space Frontier Foundation and its current Treasurer.. He is a visionary for the future of outer space development and an experienced businessman.
• Lunch with Gary Hudson. As the founder of Rotary Rocket and a co-founder of t/Space, Mr. Hudson has contributed significantly to the foundations upon which many leading companies in the space industry were built. His experience and drive have shown the way forward for many of the exciting efforts of our time.

Blue Items:

• 2suit Patch – This is the mission patch from the test flight of the 2suit, Vanna Bonta’s great invention to allow couples to be intimate in zero gravity. This titillating – and vital – step could be a big step in creating enduring colonies in space.
• NewSpace Nation: America’s Emerging Entrepreneurial Space Industry, autographed by the author, Jeff Krukin. This wonderful primer on the current state of the NewSpace industry is written by a leader in the field of business development and former Executive Director of the Space Frontier Foundation,.
• Apollo Lunar Sake Cups – These sake cups are made from simulated lunar regolith in honor of the 40^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. Donated by Misuzu Onuki and made by ceramic artist Yuriko Sato, these items are a great way to remember the world-changing events of 1969.
• Autographed profile of Vanna Bonta in Investor’s Digest – This interview, signed by its subject, profiles Ms. Bonta and her efforts to visualize the details of a life off-planet.
• Gala Centerpiece – Our Gala this year has wonderful custom-made acrylic centerpieces made by volunteers for the event. One of these will be auctioned off and on display at the auction booth so bidders can get a taste before the banquet of these lovely, one-of-a-kind pieces.
• Regolith Simulant Necklace – This necklace is made from simulated lunar regolith in honor of the 40^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. Donated by Misuzu Onuki and made by ceramic artist Yuriko Sato, this beautiful piece of jewelry is both decorative and declarative: I see the future coming.

The schedule of Blue item giveaways will be released soon.

Check back regularly on the NewSpace Silent Auction & Raffle Home Page!  We have new items being added all the time.