SpaceUnited, a Nonprofit Space Agency, Launches First Fundraiser

CENTENNIAL, CO, October 21, 2012

SpaceUnited is a local organization with a world-spanning mission: to inspire and unite people through nonprofit space exploration.

"You don't have to be a literal rocket scientist to participate in space exploration," said SpaceUnited founder Troy Dunn. "Well, it's probably a good idea if you're designing rockets, but we wanted to create a way where everybody who is interested in space can get involved."

Dunn and a team of experts have started a nonprofit space exploration organization, one of the first of its kind. With donations and support from the general public, SpaceUnited has long-range plans for the future: to develop, operate, and promote their own fleet of spacecraft.

"The government has taken a step back from the forefront of space exploration, and private companies, such as SpaceX, have stepped up. While that brings some excitement, space is really for everyone. SpaceUnited was created to help represent the general public. We want to make sure you have a seat at the table, and have a say in what the next mission is. Most people are interested in space, there just isn't -- well, wasn't -- a way for them to get involved."

Created on July 4th of this year, SpaceUnited is holding their first official fundraiser on October 25th in conjunction with Metro State's Aviation and Aerospace Department.

"SpaceUnited has a passion for space exploration and space commerce," said Jeffrey Forrest, Ph.D and Chair of the Aviation and Aerospace Science Department. "The Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science at MSU Denver shares in those values by educating and preparing today's youth for space related careers and entrepreneurial opportunities. As a key stakeholder to our Department, SpaceUnited is dedicated and very proactive in creating opportunity for our students and attracting resources to help support aerospace educational programming."

The event is open to the general public, and will feature a silent auction consisting of thousands of dollars worth of items donated from across Colorado. There will also be on-going demonstrations of space exploration software and tours of the aerospace department. The event is casual and attendees are encouraged to come and go as they please.

Money raised will go towards SpaceUnited's first project: High Altitude Weather Balloon Satellites. Students from the "Intro to Space" class are creating five satellites which will be attached to the balloon. Donations go towards the purchasing of critical on-board sensors, and any additional funds raised will go towards SpaceUnited's on-going operational costs.

Tickets are available for $10 online at SpaceUnited.org. The event is on Thursday, October 25, 2012, inside the Metropolitan State University of Denver, Aviation and Aerospace Science Department, which is located at 1250 7th Street - Seventh Street Classroom. Door open at 6 p.m. and the event continues until 9 p.m.

For more information about SpaceUnited, visit http://SpaceUnited.org, or call (720) 808-0711.