The Hosted Payload Alliance (HPA) will proceed with planned activities held in conjunction with next month’s National Space Symposium (NSS) in Colorado Springs, despite the reductions in funded travel for U.S. Government employees and contractors.

HPA activities at NSS are anchored by the full day program “Hosted Payloads Key Issues Workshop” on Monday, April 8, 2013, 8:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. HPA will also present a one-hour panel discussion, “Hosted Payloads: Issues & Evolution,” on Wednesday April 10 at 4 p.m.

Local representatives from Air Force Space Command will participate in the interactive full day workshop in person, whereas government representatives from Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. will participate via live two-way video connections at U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center and NASA Headquarters respectively.,

“While sequestration limits in-person presence of government representatives, it also speaks volumes to the necessity of more cost-effective solutions such as hosted payloads,” said Janet Nickloy, HPA Chair. “There was no lengthy discussion on the benefit of a VTC format. Both government and industry participants gave a unanimous and enthusiastic thumbs-up, so it’s full speed ahead. Everyone is committed to this workshop and eager to have the dialogue.”

The Workshop will facilitate open dialogue between government and industry, tackling key issues that are potential obstacles for more widespread use of hosted payloads. It is ideal for government or industry participants who have working knowledge of the subject matter and are able to materially contribute to the dialogue for advancement of the hosted payload model.

On Wednesday, the Hosted Payload Panel will feature experts discussing the growing trend toward leveraging Hosted Payloads to increase accessibility to Space.  Maj. Gen. Martin Whelan, Director of Requirements, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, will participate in addition to other influential leaders. The panel will be moderated by HPA Chair Janet Nickloy.