NOAA Forms New Advisory Committee on Space Commerce
Seventeen Individuals to Serve on the Inaugural Advisory Committee on Excellence in Space (ACES)
NOAA’s Office of Space Commerce has announced the selection of 17 individuals to serve on the inaugural Advisory Committee on Excellence in Space (ACES). This Federal advisory committee, consisting of diverse experts representing interests across the space community, will provide independent recommendations to NOAA on commercial space-related policy, regulations, and related matters.
“This distinguished group of experts will help guide our efforts to advance U.S. leadership in the global commercial space industry.”
Richard DalBello, OSC
The following members have accepted two-year appointments to ACES. Ms. Caryn Schenewerk and Mr. David Gauthier will serve as the inaugural chair and vice chair, respectively. Both are highly respected space experts with extensive experience in government and industry.
Ms. Caryn Schenewerk, Georgetown University (Chair)
Mr. David Gauthier, GXO Inc. (Vice Chair)
Ms. Blake Bullock, Northrop Grumman
Mr. Dave Cavossa, Commercial Spaceflight Federation
Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar, Axiom Space
Dr. Brien Flewelling, ExoAnalytic Solutions
Mr. Tony Frazier, LeoLabs
Col (ret) El Gardner, Aperio Global
Mr. Alex Gilbert, Zeno Power
Mr. Kalpak Gude, Amazon Kuiper
Mr. Chris Kunstadter, Triton Space LLC
Dr. Clare Martin, Astroscale U.S.
Mr. Michael Nicolls, SpaceX
Ms. Danielle Piñeres, Planet Labs PBC
Ms. Audrey Schaffer, Slingshot Aerospace
Mr. Al Tadros, Redwire
NOAA is in the process of appointing a 17th member, Mr. Jared Hautamaki, in his personal capacity as a space law expert.
The membership slate includes a variety of space policy, engineering, technical, science, legal, and finance professionals with significant expertise in the space industry. Together, they will examine key issues affecting the growth, sustainability, and leadership of U.S. commercial space activities.
“This distinguished group of experts will help guide our efforts to advance U.S. leadership in the global commercial space industry,” said Richard DalBello, Director, Office of Space Commerce. “We are delighted to have them on board.”
The Office of Space Commerce aims to convene the first public ACES meeting in Washington, D.C., within the next two months. During their inaugural session, the members will set priorities and begin shaping strategies to address pressing issues in the commercial space sector. ACES will meet at least twice per year.
NOAA intends to appoint additional members to ACES in 2025 to establish a staggered cycle of two-year terms.
ACES is an evolution of the former Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing (ACCRES), which advised NOAA on satellite imaging regulations. Earlier this year, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo approved the expansion of the committee’s scope to address a broader range of commercial space issues.
ACES functions solely in an advisory capacity and in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. ACES does not exercise program management or regulatory development responsibilities nor make any decisions directly affecting the programs on which it provides advice.ACES functions solely in an advisory capacity and in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. ACES does not exercise program management or regulatory development responsibilities nor make any decisions directly affecting the programs on which it provides advice.