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Today’s CSExtra offers the latest reporting and commentary on space related activities from across the globe. NASA’s Space Launch System heavy lift rocket, Orion crew capsule ready key flight tests, but need program stability. Two space vets optimistic about human deep space exploration. NASA’s Asteroid Redirect Mission receives space community endorsement. Astronomers search for source of rare gamma ray burst. Some tout Pluto for planet status. Moon: wet and dry. NASA ripples with innovation. European Union considers contract changes. U.S., European and Russian astronauts lift off Wednesday for the International Space Station. Japan ponders space solar power.
Human Deep Space Exploration
NASA’s new mega-rocket, Orion capsule on track for future test flights
Space.com (5/27): NASA and its contractor teams prepare for a new era of human space exploration with the Space Launch System heavy lift rocket and Orion crew capsule, whose potential destinations include the moon, nearby asteroids and Mars. Though the first crewed mission is anticipated in 2021, key unpiloted flight tests begin later this year.
Making progress, and seeking stability, with SLS and Orion
The Space Review (5/27): At the just concluded National Space Symposium, NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion contractor teams urge stability from policymakers for their programs to develop new human deep space exploration capabilities. On several key fronts, development teams are ahead of schedule with milestones for a key 2017 uncrewed flight test.
Future of space exploration could see humans on Mars, alien planets
Space.com (5/27): Two space vets look optimistically at the future of human space exploration during the “The Future is Here Festival” in Washington, D.C. earlier this month. “Exploration and the curiosity that motivate it are fundamentally human,” Adam Steltzner, who served as lead engineer for NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover, said during the gathering.
The Planetary Society supports NASA’s asteroid initiative
The Planetary Society (5/27): The pro exploration organization weighs the objectives of NASA’s Asteroid Redirect Mission, then offers strong support. Additional cost information is needed, the Planetary Society adds in its endorsement.
Unmanned Deep Space Exploration
Possible gamma ray burst detected in Andromeda, would be closest ever observed
Universe Today (5/28): Astronomers rush to investigate bright flash detected in neighboring Andromeda Galaxy by NASA’s Swift Gamma Ray Burst telescope.
Rare cosmic blast sends astronomers racing to telescopes.
Nature News (5/28): News of the blast detected by NASA’s Swift satellite rippled across the astronomical community. Within minutes the Swift data servers had crashed, leaving the official news mirrored, Nature reports. The burst may have originated when two ultra-dense neutron stars collided.
Pluto bids to get back planetary status
Scientific American (5/27): Scientists are finding more about Pluto, possibly enough to restore the distant world’s status to “planet.” In 2006, astronomers demoted Pluto to “dwarf planet.”
Science (5/27): New studies find wide range for water in lunar soil and rock.
Review: Innovation the NASA way
The Space Review (5/27): Despite its age, NASA excels as a fertile source of innovation, notes author Rod Pyle in his new work, Innovation the NASA Way. The space agency is able to harness what Pyle considers to be three key elements of any such organization: bold plans, daring execution of those plans, and support for a passionate workforce, notes TSR editor Jeff Foust in his appraisal of the book.
European Union delays decision on ESA changes
Space News (5/26): European Union considers changes that would alter the formula for awarding European Space Agency contracts. The 20 nation agency currently awards work based on member state contributions.
Low Earth Orbit
Astronaut taxi prepared for liftoff Wednesday
Spaceflightnow.com (5/27): A Russian Soyuz crew transport is scheduled to lift off Wednesday at 3:57 p.m., EDT, for the International Space Station with NASA’s Reid Wiseman, European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst and cosmonaut Maxim Suraev. Suraev is in line to assume command of the six person station in September.
Air and Space Museum (5/27): Cosmonaut Max Suraev returns to the International Space Station late Wednesday as he launches with NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman and European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst. If his first space station stay is any indication, Suraev promises to light up the social media with wit and photography.
Space museum ready for new Titusville location
Florida Today (5/27): U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum finds plenty to offer public in new Central Florida location.
Commercial to Low Earth Orbit
Space-based power stations on the horizon
Japan Times (5/27): The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency looks to solar power to meet future power needs. Japan interested in lowering its dependence of nuclear power.
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