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Today’s CSExtra offers the latest reporting and commentary on space related activities from across the globe. NASA continues to advance toward 2017 for the first unpiloted test flight of the new Space Launch System heavy lift rocket with an Orion capsule atop. NASA embraces innovation for next Mars rover mission using a Curiosity clone. New venture eyes privately funded Mars sample return mission, major new space telescope. Erupting sun raising possibility of geomagnetic storms. With cheap space access, asteroids could offer new resources for Earth. International Space Station astronauts replace smoky water heater. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, of Florida, visits NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. English singer Sarah Brightman looks to 2015 space station visit. Long running U.S weather satellite mission draws to a close.
Human Deep Space Exploration
NASA holding firm on first SLS/Orion flight for 2017, but challenges remain
Spacepolicyonline.com (6/11): Top NASA officials, in a Washington forum, say the agency is committed to an unpiloted inaugural test launch of the Space Launch System and Orion crew exploration vehicle in 2017.
Unmanned Deep Space Exploration
Innovation is key to 2020 Mars rover mission
Discovery.com (6/11): Scientists plan to develop a copy of NASA’s successful Curiosity rover for a new mission to Mars during the 2020 launch opportunity. The new rover will look for bio markers, or chemical signatures for life and store core samples from the surface for a future effort to return them to Earth.
Nonprofit organization seeks to raise a billion dollars to fund space science missions
Space News (6/12): The newly established BoldlyGo Institute plans to raise the funds for a Mars sample return mission and a new space observatory to succeed the Hubble Space Telescope. The goals will require a “billion-dollar-class” investment from philanthropic and other sources over the next decade, but one that would allow scientists to get around NASA’s current budgetary constraints, according to the institute.
Sun erupts with 3rd huge solar flare in 2 days (video)
Space.com (6/11): The sun becomes very active this week, unleashing multiple solar flares. Geo-magnetic storms on Earth are possible as a coronal mass ejection nears for a glancing blow.
Asteroids mined for fuel to generate trillion dollar market, says firm
Mining.com (6/11): Planetary Resources looks to the asteroids for resources to expand a global economy. High cost of access to space is a barrier, say experts.
Low Earth Orbit
Smoke on space station traced to water heater
Associated Press via Houston Chronicle (6/12): Astronauts aboard the International Space Station replace Russian water heater after the device released smoke on Tuesday. The station’s six crew were inconvenienced briefly but in no danger, NASA reports.
Singer Sarah Brightman plans 2015 flight to space station
Reuters (6/10): British singer Sarah Brightman looks to 2015 for a flight to the International Space Station. She will begin to train this year, according to Space Adventures, the U.S. company arranging the adventure. Sergey Brin, the Google co-founder, is eying a future trip to the space station as well.
Rubio meets with KSC officials: discusses ‘master plan’
News 13, of Central Florida (6/12): U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, of Florida, meets with NASA Kennedy Space Center management to discuss the installation’s plans for the future. Economics, job prospects are key, Rubio says.
Critical anomaly ends long-lived NOAA satellite mission
Spaceflightnow.com (6/11): A major U.S. weather satellite operated by NOAA is retired this week, after functioning well beyond its planned lifetime.
Commercial to Low Earth Orbit
Roscosmos Chief blames proton rocket crash on malfunction
Moscow Times (6/12): Russian officials eliminate sabotage as possible cause of May 16 Proton rocket loss. Further missions are on hold, as an investigation continues.
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