National Space Studies Center hosts space research forum Published May 8, 2009 By Air University National Space Studies Center MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Air University's National Space Studies Center hosted its second annual space education workshop and research forum at Maxwell on April 28-29. On April 28, the authors of top space research papers from Air University schools presented their findings to the Space Research Forum. These authors were focused on a wide range of topics ranging from nanotechnology to nuclear policy. In a related follow-on event on April 29, the NSSC hosted educators from Joint Professional Military Education institutions from across the Department of Defense during a Space Educator's Workshop. Col. Sean McClung, the NSSC director, said these events are important in the education of future Air Force and DoD leaders. "The Research Forum helps mature the military's understanding of the critical enabling contributions of space in assuring both the nation's security and the global economy." Colonel McClung said the center promotes research on space-related topics by Air War College and Air Command and Staff College students during the course of their studies to aid in the development of future leaders who can think critically about space issues. The research products are then shared with leaders and decision-makers potentially having a long-term influence on the formulation of future space policies and capabilities. He added, "These two research and education events further the academic exchange necessary in developing a maturity of thought regarding the contributions of space to emerging issues and items of shared interest that directly affect the national and economic security of the United States." During the Space Research Forum, nine students from AWC and ACSC presented an overview of the research they conducted during the school year, focusing on their findings and recommendations. This allowed instructors and researchers from Air University, the National Security Space Institute and other military service schools the opportunity to provide feedback on their research. Colonel McClung noted, "It is our hope that by giving the students the opportunity to present their results, more members of the military space community will benefit from their hard work." The second day was devoted to developing materials to help Joint Professional Military Education institutions to prepare to teach the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Special Area of Emphasis on space titled "Space as a Contested Environment." SAEs are areas approved by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as warranting additional emphasis in professional military education. Colonel McClung reminded attendees at the Workshop that "there are less than a dozen SAE's the Chairman authorizes each year. In conjunction with the Joint Staff, the National Security Space Institute in Colorado Springs, and the rest of the military education community, we are pleased that the Chairman has recognized that space is a contested environment and that he has given prominence to the topic. His approval highlights the increased importance he places on educating future leaders on space capabilities, limitations, and vulnerabilities." The workshop was part of a developmental process to help military schools effectively teach the new SAE to their students. The NSSI's curriculum will be available for all service schools by July of this year. In addition to these NSSC activities, an Air Force Symposium on "Space As A Contested Environment" conducted by the Air Force Research Institute is scheduled for November to promote additional understanding of the changing nature of the space environment and its implications to the military community.