Environmental Tectonics has announced the formation of the NASTAR Foundation, a non-profit organization that fosters opportunities for people of all ages to experience the excitement of aerospace exploration.

Core focus areas of the NASTAR Foundation are to:

+ Inspire, facilitate, and grow public awareness and participation in aviation and space activities

+ Enhance workforce development through life-long learning opportunities

+ Support innovative programs that improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education

+ Facilitate theoretical and applied research to meet the needs of the aerospace industry

+ Advance health and safety through the creation of medical and training standards for the commercial space industry

The NASTAR Foundation has selected the following individuals for its Board of Directors: Dan Barry, Lou Bucelli, Lydia Kokolskyj, William F. Mitchell, Sr., Edward Turzanski, and Elizabeth Walsh. The Board of Directors includes a former astronaut, university development officer, entrepreneur, corporate CEO, a national security specialist and a workforce development professional.

Together they provide expertise in K-12 education programs, entrepreneurship, university research, workforce development, space exploration and industry.

One of the first projects for the NASTAR Foundation is to develop medical and training standards for commercial space flight. NASTAR Foundation will form committee(s) as necessary to develop the standards and is encouraging participation from industry.

Gregory P. Kennedy, the Executive Director for the NASTAR Foundation states, "The creation of an independent non-profit organization opens many possibilities for future projects that include education, research and flight safety. We are particularly excited about creating innovative ways to enhance science and technology education."