About Us
The San Diego Space Society (“SD Space”) 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 regularly at the Serra Mesa library, and SD Space members participate in many other local space events. Details of each meeting will be posted to the calendar. The general public is welcome to attend any meeting or event listed on this site.
SD Space is headquartered at the Space Travelers Emporium, a storefront and workshop in the South Park neighborhood.
If you have any questions about the San Diego Space Society, please email our general address: info@sdspace.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.
Scott Olson, Treasurer
Scott, 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.
Kelley Clark, Secretary
Originally trained in the Air Force in the mid-80′s as a Navigation and Communications Systems Specialist, Kelley has held certifications in Broadcast Television Engineering, fiber optics maintenance, and as a Broadcast Networks Technologist. He has served in many technical capacities over the years on government contracts for NASA and the DoD as a technician, engineer, and operator, including managerial, supervisory and administrational positions in various technical fields. Kelley is an aviator and airplane lover, and began flying at the age of 16 as a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol; he is an avid space enthusiast, and teaches annual solar system and universe classes in a local private school, also advocating human presence in earth orbit and the importance of human emergence in the solar system. Kelley and his wife Lydia live in the Scripps Mesa area of San Diego with their four children.
Board of Directors
Dave Dressler
Dave has worked in education since 1989, and is currently Technology Manager for the San Diego County Regional Occupational Program (ROP). Interested in manned space exploration, inspired by space programs and great works of science fiction, Dave organizes and participates in outreach activities such as conferences, science fairs and speaker sessions. He serves as co-chair of the Maritime STEM Fest. Dave is always looking for ways to bring space science to the community and inspire the next generation of space explorers.
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.
Jess Sanders, Emporium Manager
Jess enjoys learning about all areas of science. Presently, he is focused on exploring concepts in quantum physics and cosmology. An avid reader of science fiction, Jess believes in the inspirational value of writers dreaming up possible futures for humanity, especially those that involve space exploration. He hopes to share his passion for science fantasy and fact with the public as a volunteer with Space Travelers Emporium.
Rick Nichols, Emporium Marketing Manager
Rick came to San Diego through the U.S. Navy, and made his home here working in sales and marketing in both the wireless communications and recreational boating industries. His lifelong enthusiasm for space exploration (Rick grew up fifteen minutes away from the childhood home of Neil Armstrong) and SCUBA diving has led to a keen interest in neutral buoyancy for both training and recreational purposes.
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).
Chris Radcliff, Director, SpaceUp Foundation
Chris is a programmer, writer, space advocate, and citizen scientist. He co-founded the San Diego Space Society and created SpaceUp, the first unconference for the space community. He lives in San Diego, CA with his lovely wife Karen (also an SD Space member) and their son.
Marimikel Charrier, COO, SpaceUp Foundation
Files
SD Space Chapter Certificate issued by the National Space Society (1.3MB PDF)
SD Space Chapter Bylaws – March 2008 (54kB PDF)
