FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2006

NSS Lauds Choice of Worden for Ames Directorship

Society announces that General Worden will deliver closing address at upcoming International Space Development Conference

WASHINGTON, DC.  The National Space Society lauds the choice of General Simon "Pete" Worden as the new Director of the NASA Ames Research Center.

Among many accomplishments in a notable career, General Worden has served with distinction on NSS's Board of Governors and Policy Committee, continuing his lifetime of personal leadership towards the creation of a spacefaring civilization.

"Ames is a crucial center for NASA's future explorations and organizational transformation, and Worden is well suited to provide leadership in both areas," said George Whitesides, NSS Executive Director.

• An experienced manager of innovative space programs, Worden oversaw efforts to develop the successful Clementine moon probe. This experience will be crucial in Ames' new mission to lead NASA's robotic lunar exploration program.
• A longtime advocate of public-private partnerships for space transportation and exploration, Worden has the right heritage to lead the NASA center located in America's technology economy heart, Silicon Valley.
• With a PhD in observational astronomy, Worden will add a voice supporting science and astronomy to the senior leadership of NASA.
• Finally, having overseen the construction of the revolutionary DC-X launch vehicle, and with strong relationships within the entrepreneurial space world, General Worden is positioned to help NASA transform itself with innovative low-cost project structures, including the use of prizes.

General Worden will give the closing luncheon talk at NSS's upcoming International Space Development Conference, May 4-7 in Los Angeles

The society congratulates General Worden on his new position and looks forward to the leadership he will bring to NASA Ames.

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About the National Space Society

The National Space Society (NSS) is an independent, grassroots organization dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring civilization.  Founded in 1974, NSS is widely acknowledged as the preeminent citizen's voice on space.  NSS counts thousands of members and over 50 chapters in the United States and around the world. The society also publishes Ad Astra magazine, an award-winning periodical chronicling the most important developments in space. For more information about NSS, how to join or donate, or the annual International Development Conference, visit:   http://www.nss.org/

George T. Whitesides
Executive Director
email: george@nss.org
phone: (202) 429-1600