Message from the Symposium Chair

First, I would like to extend a warm welcome to this “Aerospace Symposium for Everyone”, which is part of the 34th ASEI National Convention. Although I would like the convention to be in person, the COVID pandemic has curtailed this event to be virtual. This symposium is indeed one of a kind gathering of aerospace scientists, engineers and technologists as well as prominent leaders from NASA, industry, and academia who are pushing the limits of the universe literally. I also want to emphasize that this symposium is “for Everyone”; in other words, for general public. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or an aerospace engineer to understand what the speakers are going to talk about today.

Historically, the development of space programs has been slow and progress incremental. But in the last 18 months we have witnessed unprecedented advancements by leaps and bounds from several aerospace companies reaching new frontiers. Never in the history of aerospace programs have we witnessed multiple companies developing concurrently, self-funded terrestrial and extraterrestrial orbit flights with different goals, attaining stellar success. With the recent events, space access and tourism has captured and peaked the imagination of the common man. Soon, flying air taxis for urban air mobility and high-speed air travel, including supersonic and possibly hypersonic commercial travel, can enhance our living standards. Several ASEI members are eminent aerospace engineers who are directly involved in the recent advancements. ASEI has assembled a panel of leading experts in the field to host a virtual "Aerospace Symposium for Everyone" and discuss the following topics.

• High Speed Air Travel

• Space Tourism & Access

• Living on the Moon

• Flying Air Taxis

Although these topics may appear futuristic, they are poised to become real in not too distant a future and positively impact the quality of our lives.To preside this event, ASEI is pleased to have Dr. Michael D. Griffin the former Administrator of NASA as the keynote speaker who will impart his thoughts and wisdom on all space related topics.

Before we get started, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to all the moderators, speakers, and the audience for participating in this event. Many of them are also watching this event from India, Korea, and other parts of the world. Lastly but not the least, I would also like to thank all the symposium committee members, without whom this event would have not been possible.