About Us
The San Diego Space Society, a chapter of the National Space Society, was founded in 2008 with the purpose of raising awareness and educating the general public to the benefits of human exploration of space and San Diego’s role in space development, as well as to the idea of creating a spacefaring civilization within our lifetimes
General meetings are held monthly on the second Sunday of the month at the Serra Mesa library, usually from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. The general public is welcome to attend any meeting or event listed on this site. Details of each meeting will be posted to the calendar page as well as the San Diego Space Society mailing list.
If you have any questions about the San Diego Space Society, please email our general address: info@sandiegospace.org.
Officers
Jesse Clark, president
Jesse is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and works as a computer systems administrator. He has previously worked for NASA at the Johnson Space Center, Mission Control and for Honeywell on commercial aircraft avionics for programs such as the Boeing 777 and the Bombardier Global Express. He is an avid space enthusiast and space exploration advocate, is a member of The Mars Society – San Diego and the National Space Society and led the charge to form the San Diego chapter of the NSS. He is a pilot, amateur stargazer, eco-advocate and enjoys science fiction films and the great California outdoors. Jesse lives in the University Heights area of San Diego.
Sandy Eulitt, treasurer
Sandy is an astronomer, STEM education consultant, software engineer, and database administrator. A member of Women in Aerospace, the Society of Women Engineers, and Society of Physics Students, she has volunteered for Julian Starfest and Project ASTRO as well as attending and speaking at the AIAA and American Astronomical Society conferences. Sandy hopes to help the SD Space Society expand into a role of providing STEM-related activities and education services to the local and regional community, in order to inspire and educate current and future generations to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math-based careers, especially aerospace engineering and space sciences.
Chris Radcliff, secretary
Chris is the proprietor of Global Spin, a group passionate about science, technology, philosophy, film, and futurism. He is a programmer, technical writer, novelist, blogger, and member of The Mars Society and the National Space Society. He lives in Hillcrest with his lovely wife Karen (also an SD Space member) and his six-year-old son Ben. Chris is the lead organizer for SpaceUp, the first unconference for the space community, held in San Diego during the spring.
Board of Directors
Scott Olson, raised in San Diego, is an Airworthiness Engineer at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Technical Management, he is currently finishing his thesis for a Masters in Space Studies and Aeronautics. He also holds a degree in history and has worked for the San Diego Historical Society. Scott has loved aircraft and spacecraft all his life; the desire for both human spaceflight and robotic exploration has always excited his imagination.
Adrian Clausell has been a resident of San Diego since January 17, 1994 the same date as the Northridge earthquake. He moved to San Diego from Dallas, Texas where he grew-up and obtained a B.S degree in Biology in 1987 from the University of Texas at Dallas and in 1993 received a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology form the U.T. Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. After moving to San Diego, he worked on the molecular regulation of HIV at the Salk Institute, La Jolla. Beyond spaceflight and all technical areas associated with it, his interests are also in the areas of exo-biology, space communications, electronics and last but not least aviation. In November of 2007, he successfully completed training in the Light Sport category of aircraft and received his Sport pilot license.
Dave Dressler is the Technology Manager for Regional Occupational Program (ROP) at the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE). Dave takes care of information systems in support of ROP classes running in San Diego County High Schools. He has been a member of National Space Society since 1980, was present for the maiden launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger, volunteered in support of the International Space Development Conference 2006 in LA and led the ISDC tour to the Mojave Space Port. He enjoys traveling (in space?), scuba diving (inner space), zip lining, progressive rock music and bicycling. Dave lives in Oceanside with his wife Jody, daughter Aurora and son Aidan.
Jeff Berkwits grew up during the Apollo era, and that early fascination with space travel has fueled his lifelong interest in both science fact and fiction. As a freelance writer he has written about sci-fi literature, music, and film for dozens of Internet and print periodicals including Science Fiction Weekly, Locus Online, SCI FI, Cinescape, and Filmfax, among others. He has twice been nominated for a Hugo Award, and also served as editor-in-chief of Amazing Stories magazine. He presently works as a marketing and public relations consultant.
Supporting Roles
Gerry Williams, Outreach Specialist
Gerry is a filmmaker with 16 feature films to his credit (as Director of Photography) and he produces corporate/industrial films and commercials. He has a BS degree in physics (nuclear engineering) with a minor in astronomy. Gerry is also a human spaceflight advocate and is a founding member of The Mars Society – San Diego (TMS-SD). He publishes the MarsMovieGuide.com and hosts both the Mars Society’s monthly Mars Movie Night and the monthly San Diego Sci-Fi Double Features film group.
Brent Bernasconi, His Most Holy Awesomeness of Education
Brent is the Education Coordinator at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. In addition to teaching San Diego students about the history of flight and space exploration, he leads numerous museum events, such as the Paper Airplane Festival, and oversees the museum’s annual competitions. Brent grew up in the digital age (his first computer was a Commodore 64) and brings a wealth of internet and online social networking experience. He is currently pursuing a Masters in History at the University of San Diego.
Karen Radcliff, Research Librarian
Karen teaches her son and other children about their part in the wide universe. She is an avid science-fiction fan, a knitter and weaver, and an ardent bibliophile. She earned a BA in English from Scripps College and a Masters in Anthropology from UC San Diego. Karen lives in the Hillcrest area with her husband Chris and their young son (both SD Space members).
Files
SD Space Chapter Certificate issued by the National Space Society (1.3MB PDF)
SD Space Chapter Bylaws – March 2008 (54kB PDF)
