Vice President Kamala Harris met with the National Space Council Friday, Aug. 12, at the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland, California, home to the official visitor center for NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. Harris discussed upcoming priorities for national activities in space, including strengthening public-private partnerships and the benefits of space exploration for all.
In her speech, the vice president – who also serves as the chair of the National Space Council – discussed the continued importance of partnerships for future endeavors and innovation in space, including NASA’s Artemis missions at the Moon. Aerospace companies at the event had the opportunity to share their work with the vice president at a series of booths.
NASA Ames Center Director Eugene Tu, Ames Earth Science Division Chief Florian Schwandner, Governor of California Gavin Newsom, Mayor of Oakland Libby Schaff, as well as representatives from nine aerospace companies were in attendance.
Harris also highlighted the importance of space technologies to combat the climate crisis and STEM education to cultivate a creative and diverse workforce capable of meeting the challenges of tomorrow.
“It’s been an honor to be a part of this event in the vice president’s hometown, especially here alongside Ames’ visitor center at Chabot,” said Tu. “Ames is often a focal point of collaborations with private industry, and today has been a wonderful moment to see so many of NASA’s partners come together to discuss an enriching and shared vision for space.”
Main image: Vice President Kamala Harris talks with representatives from aerospace companies from across the space industry in front of a replica of the James Webb Space Telescope’s mirror at Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland, California. Accompanying her are Governor Gavin Newsom, FAA Acting Administrator Billy Nolen, and Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, from left to right. Chabot hosted a meeting of the National Space Council, bringing together representatives from NASA, nine aerospace companies, and guests. Chabot is home to the NASA Experience, a hands-on exhibit and the official visitor center for NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.
Credits: NASA / Dominic Hart