Horack named co-chair of international space flight committee

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In Hong Kong on June 29, Professor John M. Horack (third from right) and his fellow co-chairs announced the establishment of the IAF Select Committee on Satellite Commercial Applications and the opening of the committee’s Asian Pacific Office.
In Hong Kong on June 29, Professor John M. Horack (third from right) and his fellow co-chairs announced the establishment of the IAF Select Committee on Satellite Commercial Applications and the opening of the committee’s Asian Pacific Office.


On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong was reunited with China. Last month, on the 20th anniversary of the territory’s return, the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the Chinese Society of Astronautics (CSA) announced the establishment of the IAF Select Committee on Satellite Commercial Applications. This innovative team, with representation from more than 66 countries, will work to promote the exchange and cooperation between space flight agencies, universities, companies and professionals from across the globe in commercial satellite applications. 

John M. Horack
John M. Horack
As a renowned leader in aerospace engineering, Professor John M. Horack, Neil A. Armstrong Chair of Aerospace Policy, was named the co-chair of this newly established committee. Horack, who also serves as a special advisor to the IAF's president, shared how this commission of professionals will have a direct impact on global space collaboration.

“Ever since humans saw the first ‘Blue Marble’ picture of Earth hanging in the blackness of space, our world has gotten continually smaller, and the usefulness of space to address key global challenges has grown,” said Horack.

“Today, our use of satellite remote sensing is key not only for things like research, disaster recovery, resource management, weather prediction and other public goods, but it is also a growing commercial enterprise. This committee will help promote and foster the growth of commercial satellite applications world-wide through sharing of best practices, helping transition research outcomes to products and leveraging successful solutions from one part of the globe to other parts.”

The committee has an impressive aim: To partner with international scholars, experts and entrepreneurs in order to research the major issues facing satellite commercial applications. In turn, their work will push the envelope on standardizing the development of those critical applications for the commercial marketplace. 

Horack and the esteemed members of the IAF Select Committee on Satellite Commercial Applications will work together to support the IAF’s mission of advancing knowledge about space and fostering the development of space assets by facilitating global cooperation. With more than 300 members, the IAF is the world’s leading space advocacy organization.

In addition to sharing news about the establishment of the committee, Horack and the IAF also announced the launch of the committee’s Asian Pacific Office in Hong Kong. The team’s headquarters offer a central location for the IAF and CSA to promote the integration of academics, application and commercialization, all under one roof.

“The role for Ohio State, where our university motto is ‘Knowledge for Citizenship,’ is significant," said Horack.

“Ohio State’s engagement will enable Buckeyes to become leaders in helping existing and emerging economies around the globe develop useful, innovative and affordable space-based solutions for their citizens, addressing their most pressing regional, national and global challenges, through the power and efficiency of the commercial market.”  
 

 
Category: Faculty