Choice, Not Fate challenges the traditional paradigm in which space goals are equated with destinations. It suggests that spaceflight programs should target advanced capabilities that bring direct benefits to Earth and enable exploration and development of the solar system. Space activities are examined in the context of today s globalized world while paying homage to the work of noted space futurists. Historical examples and current political processes illustrate the forces that perpetuate short-term thinking and highlight the need for incentives to promote long-term thinking. The book presents a revised rationale for spaceflight directly tied to societal needs and ambitions, with a greater role for the commercial sector.
James A. Vedda is a senior policy analyst with a government contractor in the Washington, D.C. area, where he does research on civil, commercial, and national security space issues. He received his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Florida. His dissertation analyzed the evolution of post-Apollo space policy-making in the executive and legislative branches. He also has a master's degree in Science, Technology, and Public Policy from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. He has been a member of the American Astronautical Society since 1997, serving as its Vice President for Public Policy from July 2002 to November 2004, and as a member of its Board of Directors from November 2004 to November 2007.
Previously, Jim was an associate professor in the Department of Space Studies at the University of North Dakota, where he taught courses on civil, commercial, and military space policy to undergraduate and graduate students. He was one of the founding members of the department, helping to create the curriculum for the Master of Science in Space Studies degree. He was associate director of North Dakota's participation in the NASA Space Grant program, served a term as department chairman, and pioneered the department's use of multimedia teaching techniques.
Jim's published writing has appeared in book chapters and in journals such as Space Policy, Space News, Astropolitics, Space Times, Ad Astra, Space Business News, The Journal of Space Law, and Quest. He has presented conference papers for the International Astronautical Federation, the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics, the Midwest Political Science Association, the NASA History Office, and the National Air & Space Museum, and commentary for the Public Members Association of the Foreign Service, CNN, and others.
Jim and his wife Lin live in Alexandria, VA, where both play in a community band. Jim plays saxophones, clarinet, and flute, and enjoys writing reviews of jazz CDs on Amazon.com.
