Florida Today Hosts Public Forum On Future Of Space Exploration

This just in from Florida Today:

FLORIDA TODAY TO CO-HOST EXPERT PANEL DISCUSSION ON FUTURE OF SPACE PROGRAM & IMPACT TO BREVARD

BREVARD COUNTY -- FLORIDA TODAY, along with partners Brevard Community College and the Council of Technical Societies, will host a special forum Tuesday March 9th at BCC's Bernard Simpkins Fine Arts Center, to discuss the recently announced NASA budget and plans for future space exploration. The event is open to the public and will begin at 7pm.

The featured expert panel includes: Marsh Heard, Space Advisor, EDC of Florida’s Space Coast; Dan Raymond, Business Manager, Local 2088, IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers); Winston Scott, Former Astronaut and Dean, School of Aeronautics, FIT; Dr. Dave Weldon, Former Congressman and member, House Appropriations Committee, practicing physician with MIMA.

Moderated by Matt Reed, FLORIDA TODAY senior editor and Watchdog columnist, the panel will answer written questions submitted by audience members. The discussion will include topics such as:

++The impact the program will have on the Space Coast and Florida.

++How policies embraced by this budget will impact our future as a spacefaring nation and our reputation as a leader in space
Security implications of budget.

++Use of robotics vs. human space-flight as a result of this budget.

Addressing the importance of this event, Bob Stover, executive editor of FLORIDA TODAY, said, "No issue is more important to our community right now. We are proud to help lead the community conversation because such a public airing of the issues will help us find the best way through this tough period."

The public is encouraged to attend. The forum will also be streamed live on floridatoday.com and will be taped and aired several times on WBCC-TV.