Washington, D.C. – The Commercial Spaceflight Federation is pleased to announce the addition of three new Associate Members: Arizona State University, Near Space Corporation, and Qwaltec.

“The private spaceflight sector continues to expand, and it is evidence with the addition of these three members, each unique in their commitment to the industry,” said Michael Lopez-Alegria, President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. “We are excited to welcome these companies into the Commercial Spaceflight Federation and are looking forward to working with each of them to promote the commercial spaceflight sector.”

The new Associate Members to CSF are as follows:

Arizona State University has a long and proud history of research in space. Through initiatives such as the School of Earth and Space Exploration, and the Biodesign Institute, ASU conducts a wide variety of astrophysics, biological and biomedical, and planetary science studies, and instrument design projects in conjunction with NASA and a broadening spectrum of commercial partners. (www.asu.edu)

Near Space Corporation flies technology and scientific payloads to altitudes of 30-40km using stratospheric balloon platforms.  Floating for hours or days above 99.9% of the earth’s atmosphere, they provide relevant environments for cost effective testing and maturing of many space related technologies with relatively benign launch and payload recovery.  With in-house engineering, manufacturing, integration, and flight operations capabilities, NSC delivers responsive high-altitude test services to both government and commercial customers. (www.nsc.aero)

Qwaltec focuses on Systems Engineering, Mission Readiness, Technical Training, and Program Management solutions for a variety of government and commercial space programs including NASA, DoD, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and commercial customers. (www.qwaltec.com)

About the Commercial Spaceflight Federation

The mission of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) is to promote the development of commercial human spaceflight, pursue ever-higher levels of safety, and share best practices and expertise throughout the industry. The CSF’s member companies – which include commercial spaceflight developers, operators, spaceports, suppliers and service providers – are creating thousands of high-tech jobs nationwide, working to preserve American leadership in aerospace through technology innovation, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. For more information please visit www.commercialspaceflight.org or contact Executive Director Alex Saltman at[email protected] or at 202.349.1121.

by Sirisha Bandla