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Today’s CSExtra offers the latest reporting and commentary on space related activities from across the globe. NASA’s Langley Research Center embraces key role in unpiloted September Orion test flight. Some in Congress ready for second swing at new NASA authorization, commercial space launch legislation. Canada announces space policy update; some question commitment to funding. 3-D printing finding deep space role. Australian astronomers claim oldest star discovery. Mercury mission cameras prolific. International Space Station full or promise for Earth. NASA’s Jerry Ross, Shannon Lucid headed to U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Sochi hosted Winter Games open with nod to space exploration. Winter skies bring clearest ski views. U.S. Air Forces takes steps to preserve John Glenn’s Mercury launch site. NASA’s Kennedy Space Center preps Vehicle Assembly Building for commercial use. Florida to host public forums on commercial launch complex, environmental issues. NASA, private sector collaborate on noninvasive bone and muscle growth strategies. A look at space related activities scheduled for the week ahead.
Human Deep Space Exploration
Orion: Next-gen crew capsule set to launch in September
Hampton Roads Daily Press, of Virginia (2/10): The unpiloted test flight will take a human spacecraft deeper into space than any since NASA’s Apollo moon missions of the late 1960s, early 1970s. NASA is developing Orion to take humans on future missions of deep space exploration.
Déjà vu: Congress wants to do NASA reauthorization, commercial launch update this year
Spacepolitics.com (2/7): Key lawmakers plan to revive efforts to pass NASA authorization and commercial space launch legislation in 2014. Efforts last year to reach those same goals failed to materialize. “I think a bipartisan bill is within the realm of reality,” said one influential lawmaker. With a budget agreement that came together in late 2013 and early 2014 the political environment may be more favorable.
Canadian policy outlines broad national goals for space program
Global News, of Canada (2/7): Canada’s Industry minister outlines a new Canadian space policy on Friday. The policy will emphasize security and prosperity and includes a $17 million contribution to the James Webb Space Telescope. The finer detail emphasizes partnerships with other nations on major projects, spurring innovation and youthful inspiration.
Canada releases new space policy framework
Spacepolicyonline.com (2/7): After a nod to U.S. concerns over the growing congestion in Earth orbit, Canada’s new space policy emphasizes national security in space, private sector growth, international partnerships, focus on key technologies and youthful inspiration.
Canada’s space ambitions need a budget boost: Editorial
Toronto Star (2/10): The new Canadian space policy objectives receive praise from the publication along with a concern, “…any plan is of limited use if it isn’t properly funded. So it’s vital that the Canadian Space Agency receive healthy support in the federal budget Tuesday. Only then will this space strategy achieve a meaningful lift-off.
How NASA is launching 3D printing into space
Space.com (2/7): NASA finding roles for 3-D printing in future human space exploration.
Unmanned Deep Space Exploration
Australian astronomers find oldest star identified to date
Wall Street Journal (2/10): Star observed in early January formed 13.6 billion years ago, or just a few hundred million years after the big bang. Astronomers established age by noting an absence of iron content, suggesting the star is second generation. Surprisingly close, SMSS J031300.36-670839.3 is but 6,000 light years away and located in the Milky Way.
MESSENGER surpasses 200,000 orbital images of Mercury
Applied Physics Laboratory (2/6): NASA’s Messenger mission to Mercury, launched in 2004, surpasses the 200,000 image milestone. Circling the small planet at gradually lower altitudes, the spacecraft is expected to produce ever higher resolution images of the torrid surface.
Low Earth Orbit
Aging ISS is a space lab of ‘unlimited’ opportunity
The Japan Times via AFP (2/8): U.S. led International Space Station provides promise of big benefits to Earth, say experts.
Lucid and Ross selected for U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
Spaceflightnow.com (2/7): NASA astronauts Jerry Ross and Shannon Lucid have been elected to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Ross became the first human to launch into space seven times between 1980 and 2012. Lucid, who joined NASA’s astronaut corps in 1978, held the record for time accumulated in space for females, 223 days, until 2007. Induction ceremonies are planned for May 3.
Sochi Winter Olympics launch with space-flown torch, cosmonaut flag-bearers
Collectspace.com (2/7): Opening ceremonies for Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia feature strong space themes.
Winter stargazing: Sky watching tips and tricks for cold northern nights
Space.com (2/7): Cold nights can mean best sky conditions for star gazing — if you are dressed for the low temperatures.
3-D imaging to help preserve crumbling rocket facilities
The Orlando Sentinel (2/8): The U.S. Air Force is kicking off an effort to refurbish Launch Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the site of Mercury astronaut John Glenn’s 1962 launch in which he became the first American to orbit the Earth. A 3-D laser scan is the next step.
Commercial to Low Earth Orbit
NASA officials seek commercial interest for surplus facilities
Florida Today (2/10): At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, management preps the Vehicle Assembly Building, once filled with space shuttle hardware, for use by commercial space companies. “The taxpayers invested in the building, it’s available, so we’re trying to make it available for a commercial company to take advantage of,” said Tom Engler, deputy director of KSC’s Center Planning and Development office.
Environment, space collide at proposed Shiloh launch site
Florida Today (2/9): Upcoming forums focused on Central Florida debate over environment vs new commercial launch complex.
NASA technology to help develop noninvasive medical treatments
NASA (2/7): NASA, Houston company share technologies to develop patented technologies for the regeneration of muscles and bones.
Major Space Related Activities for the Week
Major space related activities for the week of February 10-14, 2014
Spacepolicyonline.com (2/9): A collection of Congressional hearings are scheduled for the week ahead.
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