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Today’s CSExtra offers the latest reporting and commentary on space related activities from across the globe. Optimism for timely passage of U.S. 2015 civil space budgets wanes. NASA’s Space Launch System to feature Aerojet Rocketdyne propulsion. NASA barge to get makeover for Space Launch System work. While U.S. policy makers debate future of U.S. human spaceflight, NASA readies Orion crew capsule for unpiloted test flight. Orlando hosts space conference for new breed of enthusiasts. Purpose, engagement and plot for Mars exploration. NASA’s Kennedy Space Center to rename Operations and Checkout building for Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong. New USGS-composed maps of Mars show southern latitudes shaped by water. Exploration advocates turn to crowd sourcing for financial backing. Time to contact ET, or just watch and listen? Space volunteers plan new interactions with three decade-old NASA solar observatory. Orbital Sciences readies International Space Station cargo mission for Friday lift off. Congressional enthusiasm for U.S. version of Russia’s RD-180 rocket engine wanes.
NASA’s 2015 Budget
Editorial | Another Continuing Resolution Looms for NASA
Space News (7/7): Less than month ago, it appeared the U.S. Congress was on its way to passing a 2015 budget for the nation’s civil space agencies, including NASA, prior to the Oct. 1 start of the 2015 fiscal year. However, that momentum stalled in the U.S. Senate over partisan procedural differences. “July might therefore be the best window of opportunity for getting a budget passed. But if history is any indication, that’s a questionable prospect at best…,” according to the editorial.
Human Deep Space Exploration
Aerojet Rocketdyne to Produce Engines for NASA
Los Angeles Business Journal (7/7): Aerojet Rocketdyne will produce rocket engines for NASA’s Space Launch System core stage. Last week, NASA awarded Boeing a $2.8 billion contract to assemble the first stage of the heavy lift rocket that will start U.S. explorers on future missions of deep space exploration. The first unpiloted test flight is planned for 2017. Aerojet Rocketdyne is also developing second stage propulsion for the SLS.
Pegasus Barge to begin renovations for SLS core shipping
NASA Spaceflight.com (7/7): NASA plans to refurbish the Pegasus barge that once transported space shuttle external fuel tanks from New Orleans to Cape Canaveral, Fla. Once refurbished and enlarged, Pegasus will follow the same course with the core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System heavy lift rocket.
Policy Debate Aside, NASA Preparing for Orion Capsule Test Flight
Space News (7/7): Preparations for Exploration Flight Test-1, the first unpiloted spaceflight test of NASA’s new Orion crew vehicle are in full swing along Florida’s Space Coast, even as policy makers absorb the findings of a National Research Council report on the future of U.S. human space exploration. The four to five hour EFT-1 is targeted for a Dec. 4 lift off.
The 2nd SPACE Conference examines human exploration and habitation in space
The Space Review (7/7): The Isle of Man provided an inspirational setting to begin the Space Preparatory Academy for Cosmic Explorers, whose nucleus is Texas A&M University, for a global debate on the future of human space exploration. The principles gathered in Orlando last month to renew the discussion over the next steps, writes essayist Anthony Young.
No, No, No, It’s All About Mars
Forbes (7/7): Contributing blogger offers enthusiastic but critical look at U.S. Mars program focus. Give us purpose, engagement and plot, writes Jonathan Salem Baskin.
NASA renaming historic Florida facility for first moon walker Neil Armstrong
Collectspace.com (7/7): NASA will rename the Operations & Checkout building at the Kennedy Space Center for the late Apollo 11 commander in ceremonies July 21. July 20 will mark the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing that provided Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin with the opportunity to become the first humans to step on the surface of another planetary body.
Unmanned Deep Space Exploration
Water Shaped Mars’ Highlands, New Red Planet Map Shows
Space.com (7/7): New map compiled by the U.S. Geological Survey from data gathered by NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Odyssey and Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft reveals influence of past water on the red planet’s southern highlands.
Scaling up alternative space funding sources
The Space Review (7/7): Those committed to the human exploration of space turn to a third source of funding behind the U.S. federal government and the private sector. TSR editor Jeff Foust examines the many facets of crowd sourcing.
Should Humanity Try to Contact Intelligent Aliens?
Space.com (7/7): A flurry of alien planet discoveries has sparked a renewed debate over whether the Earth should engage in Active SETI, or initiate contact with possible intelligent life. Some experts believe the messaging could pose a threat to the Earth’s future. Others debate how and what to transmit.
Volunteers Will Try to Redirect Old NASA Spacecraft July 8
Space News (7/7): A small team of volunteer space veterans will attempt Wednesday to issue commands that maneuver NASA’s three decade old International Earth/Sun Explorer (ISEE)-3 observatory into the Earth system and eventually to the L-1 Earth/Sun Lagrange point for new solar studies.
Low Earth Orbit
Commercial resupply mission readied for launch this week
Spaceflightnow.com (7/7): Orbital Sciences prepares for the launch of its second resupply mission to the International Space Station under a $1.9 billion NASA contract. Liftoff from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Virginia’s Eastern shore is set for Friday at 1:40 p.m., EDT. Orbital’s Antares rocket is powered by two Aerojet Rocketdyne-refurbished Russian rocket engines.
Commercial to Orbit
Enthusiasm wanes for quick start to new engine program
Spaceflightnow.com (7/7): Just weeks ago, the U.S. Congress responded as Russia threatened to stop exports of the RD-180 rocket engine used to power the Atlas V for national security and science missions. However, spending bills to invest in replacements have not passed, and Russian exports of the RD-180 continue. The dispute emerged as Russia interfered with Ukraine.
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