The Final Frontier

22 August 2016

On the last working day of their tour, the Bremen Space Delegation ventured to their final site visits in Los Angeles.

In the morning the delegation split into two groups: one to SpaceX and another to The Aerospace Corporation.

SpaceX is arguably the most awe-inspiring commercial space company that has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It became the first ever private company to return a spacecraft from low-Earth in December 2010, which it repeated again when it attached its Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station in May 2012. It has since exchanged cargo payloads and returned them safely to Earth – something that previously only governments had been able to do. It now provides regular cargo resupplies for NASA.

“Coolest company ever”

Delegation arriving at 1 Rocket Road, home of SpaceX

“#impressive #well organized #they do it!!!”

“Cool, intensive, spot on”

Meanwhile the other group visited The Aerospace Corporation in nearby El Segundo, a non-for-profit organisation that provides independent technical and scientific research, development and advisory services to national space programmes in the USA.

“I enjoyed hearing the explanation of how the Aerospace Corporation functions, what market it serves, and what are the services and products”

The group also had the opportunity to pitch their startup ideas to Aerospace experts and obtain feedback.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the XPRIZE Foundation,, a non-for-profit organisation that is encouraging technological development that could benefit humanity.

CEO of XPRIZE, Marcus Shingles welcomes the Bremen Space Delegation to XPRIZE
CEO of XPRIZE, Marcus Shingles welcomes the Bremen Space Delegation to XPRIZE

“Bold benefit for all mankind”

“Prizes and where they are useful, Spaceship One, landing on the Moon”

Delegation touring XPRIZE
Delegation touring XPRIZE

Its mission is to bring about “radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity” through incentivised completion. It motivates individuals, companies and organisations across a variety of disciplines to develop innovative ideas and technologies to solve grand challenges that restrict humanity’s progress.

“prize-driven innovation, international team, dynamic work environment”

Group photo. Courtesy: XPRIZE
Group photo. Courtesy: XPRIZE

Following an eventful week of activities the main programme of the tour came to a close with a debriefing event, which was a chance for the delegation to unwind at the Residence of the German Consul General.

Senator Martin Günthner (right) shares his final impressions of the Bremen Space Tour.
Senator Martin Günthner (right) shares his final impressions of the Bremen Space Tour.

“I enjoyed the summaries by the speakers, the relaxed atmosphere and the more relaxed talks.”

Final group selfie at Debriefing event
Final group selfie at Debriefing event

“It was great to have this evening to enjoy the company of the (former) delegation in a peaceful setting with a good quality dinner.”

Source: http://2016usaspace.bremen-invest.com/common/the-final-frontier/