Rocket Launches, Fighter Jet Ride Highlight Auction Items At Satellite 2004

Trips to see a pair of rocket launches and a chance to ride in a fighter jet are among the donated services and products that will be available for bid Wednesday during the Washington Space Business Roundtable‘s second annual silent auction/luncheon.

Thirty-three auction items, valued at more than $28,000, have been donated by 25 organizations. A tempting opportunity is Arianespace‘s offer of a trip for two people, valued at $8,000, to attend an upcoming Ariane 5 launch in French Guiana. Not to be outdone, SES Americom is donating a $1,600, VIP experience for two to see the launch of its AMC-11 satellite in May aboard an Atlas 2AS booster from Cape Canaveral, Fla. Lockheed Martin is providing two rides aboard a fighter jet, with each valued at $1,500.

The goal is to raise more than the $7,000 collected from bidders last year to fund scholarships for Washington area youth who excel in math or science and hope to pursue a career in the space/satellite industry. The event, held in conjunction with the Satellite 2004 conference, will take place Wednesday between 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. at the new Washington Convention Center. A keynote luncheon address will be given Francois Auque, CEO, of EADS Space.