In Today’s Deep Space Extra… NASA’s Peggy Whitson, the nation’s long duration astronaut, honored as a trailblazer.
Human Space Exploration
NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson honored by ‘Makers’ as trailblazing woman in space (video)
Space.com (8/23): NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson has been honored by a trail blazing group of women called “Makers.” A biochemist, Whitson has commanded the International Space Station twice in three long duration missions to the orbiting science lab. She returns to Earth in early September as the U.S. record holder for time accumulated in space over a career.
Mars fakers: Can we learn anything by pretending?
Air and Space Museum Magazine (8/23): Simulated deep space missions with volunteers located at remote locations on the Earth as well as in NASA facilities are providing the space agency and other organizations like the Mars Society with information about what to expect as human explorers travel to the moon and Mars. The notion of incorporating artificial gravity on deep space mission spacecraft is among the issues drawing attention.
ASAP still has concerns over Commercial Crew LOC risks
NASAspaceflight.com (8/23): NASA’s independent Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel holds safety concerns linked to NASA Commercial Crew Program efforts to establish contracted astronaut transportation services to the International Space Station through partnerships with Boeing and SpaceX. The concerns are focused on the orbital debris environment and capabilities to recover astronauts from the ocean in the event of aborts.
Colorful spacesuit painted by children with cancer worn by astronaut in space
Collectspace.com (8/23): A hand painted spacesuit displayed Wednesday by astronauts living and working aboard the International Space Station is raising awareness of pediatric cancer.
Elon Musk posts first photo of SpaceX’s new spacesuit
Ars Technica (8/23): SpaceX has unveiled its spacesuit for astronauts assigned to Falcon 9/Dragon missions contracted by NASA to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station. However, the garments are not suitable for spacewalks.
Space Science
To infinity and beyond: Celebrating 40 years of the Voyager mission
National Public Radio (8/23): NASA’s Voyager I and 2 spacecraft, launched 40 years ago, have contributed significantly to scientific understandings of the outer solar system and beyond through flybys of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Both spacecraft carry messages from Earth in case they encounter another intelligent civilization.
Other News
School of Mines hopes to launch first-ever space mining program
Denver Post (8/23): Based in Golden, the Colorado School of Mines plans a new graduate program in the identification and extraction of resources from the moon and other solar system bodies that can be used to support deep space exploration, including water, metals and fuels.