In Today’s Deep Space Extra… Congressman Jim Bridenstine is pleased so far with the legislative response to his proposed American Space Renaissance Act. The sweeping reforms he unveiled just two months ago might pave the way for commercial space stations, missions to the moon and the asteroids.
Human Deep Space Exploration
Bridenstine pleased by progress on space policy bill
Space News (6/9): In April, U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, of Oklahoma, introduced the American Space Renaissance Act, a sweeping space policy doctrine. So far, Bridenstine is pleased with how the thrust of his legislation has found its way into other legislative bills influencing the direction and financing of military as well as civilian space objectives. One theme urges the federal government to look to commercial space enterprises for services once provided by civil servants.
Space Science
Supernovae 2 million years ago may have changed human behavior
New Scientist (6/9): A pair of long ago stellar explosions not far from the Earth may have had a long lasting impact. The radiation may have influenced human behavior and perhaps influenced the spread of cancer many years later, according to researchers.
Op-Ed | Don’t muddy the message to space mining companies
Space News (6/9): Passed by Congress and signed into law last November, the Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act sent a bold message to entrepreneurs’ eager to profit from space resources. In an editorial. Cleveland legal expert Mike Sundahl urges the United Nations not to cloud the potential for profit.
To the far side of the moon: China’s lunar science goals
Space.com (6/9): Slated to launch in 2018, China’s unmanned Chang’4 lunar mission, or CE-4, is to feature a lander, rover and a relay satellite for studies of and from the moon’s far side. Carrying 11 science instruments, CE-4 will study the lunar soil and atmosphere. The instrument suite includes ground penetrating radar and a radio telescope.
What does Mars smell like?
Space.com (6/9): Experts seek ways to recreate the scents of Mars on Earth.
Low Earth Orbit
Spectacular Space Station spacewalks: photos
Seeker (6/9): Since 1998, the International Space Station has been the site of 193 spacewalks for the assembly and repair of the six person orbiting science laboratory as well as to tend to external experiments. NASA has compiled a social media album of the best images over the years.
Backyard detectives out-spy the spies orbiting above
Space.com (6/9): A dedicated brand of sky watcher is fixated on following the spacecraft sponsored by the world’s national intelligence agencies, satellites whose duties are classified but intriguing.
Telescopes may ride giant balloons to better see the stars
Space.com (6/9): University of Arizona astronomer Christopher Walker is working with NASA to develop a telescope within a high altitude balloon called a Large Balloon Reflector. The observatory would rise above most of the Earth’s atmosphere to observe the universe in far infrared wavelengths.
Commercial to Low Earth Orbit
Private company wants U.S. clearance to fly to the moon
Reuters (6/9): U.S. lawmakers look for a way that Moon Express, a private company headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., can pursue the Google Lunar X-prize while they legislate broader regulatory support for commercial activities even deeper in space.