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Monday’s CSExtra offers the latest reporting and commentary on space related activities from around the world, including a roundup of weekend activities. Off Key Largo, Fla., three astronauts and a space scientist are gathered for 13-day space analog mission aboard the Aquarius undersea habitat. In New Mexico, Spaceport America and guests will gather Monday to dedicate the Terminal Hangar Facility, a base for future commercial space transportation activities. In Washington, the federal government moves to expand competition for the launching of military and civilian payloads. NASA could face reductions in its Earth sciences programs to help balance the national budget. A look at space related activities scheduled for the week ahead.
1. From the Houston Chronicle, Oct. 14: Monday marks the start of a 13-day NASA undersea analog mission to an asteroid for three astronauts and Mars scientist Steve Squyres — if top side weather permits. The activities will take place in the NOAA Aquarius lab 60 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean off Key Largo, Fla. Asteroid exploration, a focus of future NASA human spaceflight, faces many challenges, among them the absence of gravity. The undersea team will examine techniques for moving around in the buoyant Atlantic waters and carrying out scientific research in a hazardous environment.
http://bit.ly/nJfQEq
2. From the Coalition for Space Exploration: In New Mexico, Spaceport America hosts dedication ceremonies on Monday for the terminal facilities that will host future launch and landing activities of Virgin Galactic, the emerging commercial space transportation company. The Spaceport America Terminal Hangar Facility will serve as the hub for the WhiteKnightTwo/SpaceShipTwo launch system.
A. From the Las Cruces Sun-News of New Mexico: New Mexico state officials welcome a recent announcement that NASA will purchase suborbital research flights from Virgin Galactic, which could help to secure the financial success of Spaceport America.
B. From Florida Today, Oct. 16: Columnist John Kelly notes signs of solid NASA support for an emerging U. S. commercial space transportation industry with a recent announcement from Virgin Galactic. Under an agreement with NASA, Virgin Galactic will receive up to $4.5 million for up to three suborbital research missions launched over the next two years.
http://bit.ly/pMR4fY
3. From Space News, Oct. 14: NASA joins with the National Reconnaissance Office and the U. S. Air Force to establish a common standard for the use of re-usable launch vehicles. The standard is intended to widen the circle of companies eligible to launch high value government payloads. The standard includes a performance record.
A. From the Washington Post, Oct. 16: SpaceX lobbies to obtain more of the U. S. government’s satellite launch business, claiming the competition will lead to lower prices.
B. From the Denver Post, Oct. 16. Nearing the joint venture’s fifth anniversary, Colorado-based United Launch Alliance seeks to raise the company’s profile. Comprised of Boeing and Lockheed Martin, ULA is launching at a record pace. SpaceX, however, has announced it plans to mount a challenge.
http://bit.ly/ohtwWe
4. From Spacepolicyonline.com, Oct. 14: Republican led House Science, Space and Technology Committee makes recommendations to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction that would trim $177 million from NASA’s Earth sciences program.
http://bit.ly/olyusH
5. From Spacepolicyonline.com, Oct. 16: A look at space-related activities planned for the week ahead.
http://bit.ly/rcAaFj
6. From Space.com, Oct. 14: The Orionids, an annual meteor shower whose origins are the comet Halley, will be on display this week. The display is expected to peak on Oct. 22. Significant activity should pickup Monday night.
http://bit.ly/qmKqL0
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