The Aerospace Technology Working Group (ATWG) was instituted by NASA Administrator Richard Truly in 1990 as an independent body to work future planning for the nation’s space efforts. Initially, the ATWG began identifying and seeking improvements in both existing and developing space systems through planned application of emerging technologies and the development of new ways of doing business, including the application of distributed missions and innovative operations strategic concepts.
These underlying efforts have gradually expanded to include emphasis on (1) promoting and stimulating education in the sciences, mathematics, the engineering disciplines, and other technical areas , and (2) proposing space-related endeavors that can bring simultaneous benefit to life on Earth. Starting in 2006, members began to transform the ATWG from a predominantly forum-oriented organization to one which, in addition, would provide for-fee consulting services, professional mentoring for upcoming aerospace professions, and student outreach activities. In 2008, these additional activities began coming online.
Participants in the ATWG forum meetings have included and include today experts from the various program elements of NASA, aerospace contractors, leading systems suppliers, entrepreneurial businesses, professional societies, universities and multiple other government agencies such as the DOD, FAA, and DOE.
Purpose and Goals
The purposes and goals of the ATWG are:
- To promote and develop new ideas and innovations on issues pertaining to aerospace and aeronautics,
- To leverage the diversity and depth of experience present among the multi-disciplinary ATWG members to examine critical technical and human capital issues in aerospace,
- To provide timely and specific recommendations concerning what options and programs can and ought to be pursued,
- To identify and seek improvements in both existing and developing space systems and operations though planned application of emerging technologies and the development of innovative ways of doing business,
- To conduct strands of activity that produce income for those members engaged in said activities and for keeping our organization financially functional,
- To protect intellectual property rights of ATWG and its members, while providing service and guidance,
- To provide mentoring of the upcoming aerospace professionals in ATWG’s system-of-systems and broad-view perspective analyses, thought production, and resultant actions,
- To encourage and inspire students to pursue education in the areas of science, engineering, mathematics, and related technical subjects, and
- To stimulate comradeship, inspiration, and professional development among ATWG members.
The ATWG accomplishes its objectives via a combination of national semi-annual and regional forums, technical and strategic telecons and videocons, web-based communicational methods, personal interactions, books, articles, and speeches. Members also use the ATWG.org website to share technical data, access archived presentation materials, and stay informed on ATWG strands’ activities and schedules. In all the communication work methods, the principles are of open exchanges, professional courtesy, and objective fact-based investigation and idea development. Synergistic effects often occur.
Members participate optionally in for-fee and altruistic strands of activities. Non-disclosure agreements and contracts are used when appropriate. The general recompense principle is that those who do the most work get the most money. The work composition and processes are specific to the nature of the individual strands.
The ATWG brings leaders in aerospace and aeronautics together in the continuing development of vision and leadership to support a growing, vital, and thriving human presence in space.
The ATWG provides vision and leadership for the evolving of a growing, vital, and thriving human presence in aerospace and aeronautics to stimulate industry, education, and science, and inspire significant achievements in space development and exploration.
The ATWG advocates that collaborative relationships at social and political levels need development among those working in the security, civil, commercial, and educational domains. In addition, leadership should be encouraged at the local, urban, regional, national and international levels to embrace the vast potential of space as a resource for the development of human civilization and human potential.
The ATWG’s underlying principles are to support the development of knowledge and wisdom that will nurture living systems on Earth and in outer space in a way that supports economic, social and ecological sustainability for the future.