In Today’s Deep Space Extra… NASA realigns plans to test the launch abort system for the Orion crew capsule. Strong high altitude winds prompt a delay early Wednesday in the launch of the NASA/NOAA JPSS-1 advanced weather and environmental research satellite.
Human Space Exploration
NASA speeds up testing of critical Orion astronaut-escape system
Space.com (11/14): This week, NASA stated it plans to test the crew abort system for the Orion capsule that is a cornerstone of the agency’s human deep space exploration aspirations, ahead of a crewed test flight in which Orion with astronauts is to launch for the first time atop the Space Launch System (SLS).
Colorado-born NASA astronaut stops by Air Force Academy to share lessons, inspire cadets
Fox News 21 of Colorado Springs (11/14): NASA astronaut and U.S. Air Force pilot Jack Fischer returned to Earth earlier this year following his first spaceflight, a 136 day mission to the International Space Station. On Tuesday, the Colorado native visited the United States Air Force Academy, where he urged cadets to make the sacrifices that could lead to exciting career opportunities. “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.”
Space Science
Live coverage: Delta 2 launch scrubbed by brisk upper level winds
Coalition Member in the News (United Launce Alliance)
Spaceflightnow.com (11/15): Efforts to launch the NOAA/NASA JPSS-1 advanced weather and environmental research satellite atop a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, early Wednesday, were scrubbed by strong high altitude winds. Another launch attempt is tentatively planned for Thursday at 4:47 a.m., EST, tough launch managers are assessing the long term high level wind outlook.
Swarm of nanosatellites could visit over 300 asteroids
Spaceflightinsider.com (11/14): The European Space Agency backs a small satellite initiative, in which 50 small satellites would visit up to 300 asteroids within three years.
Other News
Space Nation launches first satellite into orbit
Room.Eu (11/14): The Space Nation sent its first spacecraft to orbit this week aboard Orbital ATK’s latest cargo mission to the six person International Space Station. The Asgardia-1 satellite is among 14 CubeSats set for release by the Cygnus cargo capsule once it departs the Station in early December and maneuvers to a higher orbit. The small satellite carries a transcript of the recently founded country’s constitution, national symbols and the names of citizens.
Japanese space industrial policy in transition
Room.com (11/15): The lingering effects of a long economic slump are changing Japan’s space technology outlook, prompting a more coordinated space industrial policy.
Japan to try again with world’s smallest satellite-carrying rocket
Japan Times (11/13): The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency plans a second attempt on December 25 to launch the smallest satellite carrying launch vehicle. The latest in the SS-520 series of rockets will carry a University of Tokyo developed Earth observation satellite. A communications issue fouled the first launch attempt last January.