High Altitude and Near Space Conference, Oct. 19-21, 2009

With the cornerstones of innovation, ingenuity, creativity and passion, the Near Space Conference is committed to becoming America’s leading venue for the discussion, promotion and advancement of Near Space technology, policy and development.

Come join us at one of Denver’s premier lodging destinations – The Inverness Hotel and Conference Center. Come a few days early or stay a few days after and enjoy all that the Inverness has to offer: golf on the Inverness’ 18-hole championship course, spa treatments at The Spa at The Inverness, dining in five unique restaurants, tennis on three lighted courts, swimming in outdoor and indoor pools, soaking in the indoor hot tub, exercising at the comprehensive fitness center, which features cardiovascular equipment, strength training machines and free weights, walking and jogging on a nearby trail, steaming in men's and women's saunas and enjoying luxuriously appointed men's and women's locker rooms.


Honorary Chair:

Lieutenant Governor Barbara O’Brien, Colorado
Co-Chair, Colorado Space Coalition
Topics: Colorado Welcome; Space and Near Space Opportunities in Colorado

Keynote Speaker List

Major General Larry Stutzriem
Director, Plans, Policy and Strategy, NORAD/USNORTHCOM
Topic: Importance of High Altitude and Near Space Capability to Homeland Defense and Disaster Response

Major General Michael C. Kostelnik
USAF (Ret.), Assistant Commissioner, Office of CBP Air & Marine, US Customs and Border Protection
Topic: Homeland Security and the Importance of High Altitude and Near Space Capabilities

Brigadier General Kurt S. Story
Deputy Commander for Operations USASMDC/ARSTRAT
Topic: Strategic Importance of High Altitude and Near Space Operations

Mr. Fred Mondragon
Chairman of the New Mexico Spaceport Authority, (NMSA)
Topic: New Mexico Spaceport America and the Future of Commercial Space Flight

Douglas A. Comstock
Director of the Innovative Partnerships Program, NASA
Topic: NASA High Altitude Near Space Activities

Captain David MacKay
Virgin Galactic Test Pilot for WhiteKnightTwo
Topic: Status of WhiteKnightTwo & The Future of Commercial Space and High Altitude Applications

High Altitude & Near Space Application Opportunities

Near Space Operations: Application to Defense and Homeland Security border monitoring, high altitude reconnaissance, imaging, mapping, radar, intelligence gathering, Voice and Data Communications cellular communication to remote areas, temporary or permanent military communications hubs, Agriculture mapping, crop studies, Atmospheric Research placement of research payloads, radar, Disaster Response emergency communications, surveillance, search and rescue and Humanitarian Efforts emergency communications, search and rescue...

Near Space Technology Opportunities: Advanced Materials (Nano, Carbon Fibers), Power, Energy Storage, Propulsion, Platforms for Imaging Sensors, Networks and Other Applications