LUXEMBOURG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Luxembourg Government today announced that Simon “Pete”’ Worden (Brig. Gen., USAF, Ret., PhD), Chairman of the Breakthrough Prize Foundation, joins the government's Advisory Board of the recently announcedspaceresources.lu initiative. The initiative defines a framework for the exploration and commercial utilization of resources from Near Earth Objects (NEOs), such as asteroids.
Prior to joining the Breakthrough Prize Foundation, Dr. Worden was Director of NASA’s Ames Research Center until his retirement on March 31, 2015. He has held several positions in the United States Air Force and was research professor of Astronomy, Optical Sciences and Planetary Sciences at the University of Arizona. He is a recognized expert on space and science issues, both civil and military, and has been a leader in building partnerships between governments and the private sector.
Simon P. Worden, Chairman of the Breakthrough Prize Foundation said: “I am pleased and honored to support this initiative. As humanity explores the solar system and beyond, space resources will become increasingly important, and eventually essential. Luxembourg’s vision in moving this endeavor forward is an important step.”
Dr. Worden joins Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA) from 2003 to 2015, who already serves as a high-level advisor to guide the Luxembourg government in positioning the country as a European hub in the exploration and use of space resources.
Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy, Étienne Schneider, stated: “I am delighted to welcome Pete Worden whose valuable experience and expertise further strengthen the Advisory Board. His contribution and advice will have an important and positive impact on future activities in the frame of the spaceresources.lu initiative.”
Released by the Luxembourg Ministry of the Economy