For the past 21 years, representatives from Citizens for Space Exploration have traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress or their staff to discuss the benefits of space exploration. From June 5-7, 2012, 78 travelers from 24 states sought congressional support for national and commercial programs ensuring American leadership in space exploration. Over the course of two days, the travelers made 355 office visits.

CSE is nation's largest pro-NASA grassroots effort
The CSE trip has grown to be the nation's largest, pro-NASA, pro-space exploration grassroots annual trip to Washington in terms of the most congressional offices contacted. CSE is comprised of a diverse group of small and large business representatives, college students and teachers, and county/municipal officials and employees. This year 25 students and educators from colleges and universities across America gathered with the group in Washington to lend their valuable support. They were sponsored by the Aerospace Advisory Committee of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, Barrios Technology, Jacobs, the Florida Institute of Technology, and the Greater Cleveland Partnership.

Clear mission needed for NASA
"NASA must have a clear mission and multi-year funding to accomplish that mission," stated Bob Mitchell, BAHEP president. He continued, "Other countries such as China and India are increasing their space exploration funding. This country - Congress - must provide adequate investment in space exploration in order to ensure national security and America's preeminence in space. Investing in NASA is vital to the nation's economy and leadership. Congress and this nation cannot afford to do otherwise."

Teamwork a key to CSE's success
Much of CSE's continued success is due to the team effort of the CSE Steering Committee and many others who play important supportive roles. BAHEP is home to the CSE-Texas Committee, chaired by Joe Mayer, senior manager, Business Development & External Relations for Lockheed Martin. He related, "Human space exploration stimulates new, high-tech industries, creating highly-skilled, well-paying jobs across the nation. Space exploration encourages science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, while improving our quality of life."

Braun heads Command Center
David Braun, BAHEP aerospace marketing manager, was instrumental in handling the logistics for the trip, which took months to organize. In Washington, he took responsibility for the Command Center that was established at the Westin City Center hotel to ensure that everything went according to plan. Braun said, "In this time of transition for NASA, we all feel it's so important that Congress realizes just how vital NASA is to this country. The annual trip is a huge effort, and I am grateful to all of those within the CSE group and to our sponsors who have helped to make it so successful."

CSE endorses multiple programs
During meetings with congressional representatives, the Citizens for Space Exploration travelers endorsed several programs including 1) the utilization of the International Space Station as a national lab through at least 2020, 2) development of the Space Launch System as a way to continue human space exploration, 3) develop the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle for deep space missions, and 4) support commercial space systems for cargo and crew to the International Space Station to reduce U.S. dependence on Russia. The student travelers and educators added to that message by stressing how important space exploration is in the promotion of STEM education and technical careers.

Congressional Reception held
Each year a Congressional Reception is held in the Rayburn House Office Building to recognize and thank those members of Congress who have been instrumental in supporting NASA and human space exploration. Attending this year's reception were: Sen. John Cornyn; Texas Reps. Gene Green, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Pete Olson; as well as Rep. Bill Posey from Florida and Rep. Steven Palazzo from Mississippi.

The 22nd annual CSE trip to Washington is currently scheduled to take place May 21-24, 2013.

For more information on the work of the CSE, contact Braun at 832-536-3255 or send an email to david@bayareahouston.com

2013 DC Trip Invitation

2012 Trip Point Paper (Word Document)
2012 Trip Recap (PowerPoint Presentation)
2012 Trip Photo Slideshow

2011 March Trip Executive Summary (Word Document)
2011 March Trip Recap (PowerPoint Presentation)
2011 May Trip Point Paper (Word Document)
2011 May Trip Executive Summary (Word Document)
2011 May Trip Recap (PowerPoint Presentation)
2011 May Trip Photo Slideshow
2011 D.C. Trip - YouTube Video

2010 March Trip Point Paper (Word Document)
2010 March Trip Recap (PowerPoint Presentation)
2010 May Trip Point Paper (Word Document)
2010 May Trip Executive Summary (Word Document)
2010 May Trip Recap (PowerPoint Presentation)
2010 May Washington DC Trip Slideshow

2009 Trip Report (Word Document)
2009 Washington DC Trip Slideshow

2008 Trip Report
2008 Presentation
2008 Summary Assessment Report
2008 Washington DC Trip Slideshow