Space security expert speaks in series

by Dave Smith
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

1/19/2016 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Distinguished space security expert and author Dr. James Clay Moltz will launch the National Security Space Institute's speaker series with his presentation "Asia's Rise in Space and Implications for the United States," Jan. 29 from 10-11:30 in the Air Force Space Command auditorium, 667 Ent Avenue, on Peterson Air Force Base.

Moltz has a strong background and history in the space security arena. Two of his books were on the 2015 NSSI Space Professionals Reading List and he is contributor to another entry on the list. He currently holds a joint appointment as professor in the Department of National Security Affairs and in the Space Systems Academic Group at the Naval Post Graduate School. He is the NSA Department's associate chairman for research and director of the Project on Advanced Systems and Concepts for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction.

While on the Air War College faculty Col. Richard Van Hook, NSSI commandant, read Moltz' book "Asia's Space Race." He wrote a review of the book at the request of Air University's Air Force Research Institute, who published it in their Strategic Studies Quarterly.

"I was impressed and immediately incorporated the book into space instructional periods at the Air War College. Needless to say, I'm excited to meet Dr. Moltz and hear from him first-hand," Van Hook said.

"He has a reputation for being a very engaging speaker and (is) very personable," said Jim Moschgat, NSSI deputy commandant. "We wanted to get off to a good start."

The session with Moltz is taking place at just the right time, Moschgat said. With the focus shifting toward the Pacific region and the amount of attention on space in Asia, the presentation is timely.

"We see it as a further opportunity to serve the space community," Moschgat said. It shows the NSSI as more than just a place to come and learn, but as a resource of life-long learning for space professionals.

The series is an extension of the Institute's reading list. As a way to further its mission of encouraging life-long learning for professional development, the staff developed the idea to invite the authors of the books on the list to speak at Peterson AFB. Having the authors speak in person allows a unique opportunity for space professionals to gather more information than they could obtained from reading alone.

"While the Space Professional Reading List is now seven-years running, this is the first time we've invited authors to speak," Van Hook said. "To read a book on the reading list is great, but to actually engage with the author regarding their topic, as well as works in progress, is far better. We consider it a great opportunity to have a leading space author engage with our faculty, students and space professionals throughout Colorado."

The session with Moltz includes a question and answer time after the presentation and an informal book signing if time allows. Books will not be sold at the event, but are available from various booksellers and online. He will also hold an internal NSSI session in the afternoon.

Moltz is not technically the first speaker in the series. Dr. Eligar Sadeh author and space policy expert presented a session to NSSI staff Oct. 15. He addressed NSSI Space 300 students and later conducted a development session for faculty and staff from the NSSI, the Reserve National Security Space Institute, and the Advance Space Operations School. Moltz' session will be the first in the series open to people outside of the NSSI.

The 2016 reading list was just released and the NSSI wants to bring all six authors to Peterson. Many of them have very crowded schedules, so some other people with pertinent expertise could possibly fill in the series lineup if listed authors are not available.

For more information call 556-3458