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Today’s CSExtra offers the latest reporting and commentary on space related activities from across the globe. NASA and contractor ATK ready a key component of the Space Launch System heavy lift rocket for a March ground test. NASA’s proposed spending plan for 2016 includes a boost for the agency’s planetary science budget, a robotic mission to Jupiter’s ice-covered moon Europa. NASA’s proposed budget could bring operations of the Opportunity rover on Mars to a close—the rover marked its 11th year on Mars last month. The FAA examines a legal avenue to provide the U.S. private sector with rights to lunar terrain. The European Space Agency’s Venus Express mission came to an end last month, after longer than expected operations. The FAA’s commercial space office seeks a 2016 budget increase to keep up with rising U.S. launch activity.
Human Deep Space Exploration
NASA /ATK Prep Five-segment SLS Booster for March 11 Test Fire
Spaceflight Insider (2/3): NASA and contractor ATK plan a ground test firing of the largest spacecraft solid rocket motor ever developed. Scheduled for March 11 in Utah, the test represents another milestone in the development of the Space Launch System heavy lift rocket. The SLS and Orion crew exploration capsule are intended to start astronauts on future deep space missions.
Unmanned Deep Space Exploration
Next Year, NASA Could Get an Extra $500 million and a mission to Europa
Popular Science (2/3): NASA’s proposed 2016 budget, if approved by Congress, could start a robotic mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa. The mission in the 2020s would explore a destination that experts consider a possible environment for extraterrestrial life.
NASA Has Its Sights Set on Europa
Slate.com (2/3): President Obama’s proposed 2016 spending plan for NASA includes money to develop a robotic mission to Europa, the ice and ocean covered moon of Jupiter. The proposed Europa Clipper would explore a deep space destination where conditions under the ice may be suitable for life. The spending plan also features support for a follow on to the Kepler space telescope. The successor, known as the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, would continue the search for Earth-like planets orbiting other stars.
Aging Mars rover could be shut down
Spaceflightnow.com (2/3): NASA’s proposed budget for 2016 could lead to a shutdown of funding for the Mars Opportunity rover. Opportunity has been exploring the terrain of Mars since January 2004.
Exclusive-The FAA: Regulating Business on the Moon
Reuters via New York Times (2/4): The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration finds a potential avenue for private companies to stake claims to lunar territory through an existing licensing process.
RIP Venus Express: Remembering eight years on the brink of hell
Spaceflight Insider (2/3): The European Space Agency’s long running Venus Express mission came to an end earlier this year. Launched in late 2005, the spacecraft maneuvered into orbit around Venus in April 2006 for what was then expected to be a 500-day mission.
Commercial to Orbit
FAA Commercial Space Office Seeks Budget Increase To Hire More Staff
Space News (2/4): The FAA seeks an increase in funding for its commercial space office in response to a rise in U.S. launch activity. The $18.1 million sought for 2016 represents a $1.5 million increase to hire additional staff.
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