In Today’s Deep Space Extra… NASA and the French Space Agency pledge efforts to continue their cooperation in human and robotic exploration of space.
Human Space Exploration
NASA, French Space Agency express commitment to joint exploration
Aerotechnews.com (6/19): NASA Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot and Jean-Yves Le Gall, president of CNES, the French Space Agency, pledged efforts to continue the cooperation of their agencies in the human and robotic exploration of space during a meeting Monday at the 52nd International Paris Air Show.
Sunlight and shadow: Putting people on Mars
The Space Review (6/19): The modern forcing functions for the human exploration of Mars are likely not those that underpinned NASA’s daring Apollo missions of the 1960s and 70s. Look instead to a global desire to cooperate in the undertaking of a significant challenge and an American willingness to take the lead for the welfare of all, writes Mack Bradley, a professional in strategic communications and crisis management
Ten ways that astronauts are helping you stay healthy
The Conversation (6/2): Human research aboard the 15 nation International Space Station has helped to improve health on Earth at least 15 ways.
Space Science
NASA’s Kepler space probe finds 10 more planets that could support life
CBS News (6/19): NASA latest planet count from discoveries by the Kepler space telescope includes 10 Earth-like objects that orbit their stars in the habitable zone, regions where water if present would pool on the surface as a stable liquid. The total number of Earth like planets observed over Kepler’s primary mission, conducted from 2009 through early 2013, now numbers 49, with more than 30 of them confirmed.
Experiment devoted to neutron star research installed on Space Station
Spaceflightnow.com (6/19): Scientists are looking to mid-July to begin observations with NICER, the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer, an observatory for the study of pulsars, which has been robotically mounted on the truss of the International Space Station following its delivery aboard the latest NASA contracted commercial re-supply mission. Pulsars could become navigational aids for future robotic and human deep space exploration.
Other News
China’s cargo spacecraft completes second docking with space lab
Xinhuanet (6/19): China’s Tianzhou-2 cargo capsule has completed its second docking to the currently uncrewed Tiangong-2 space lab. The cargo craft separated early Monday. The linkups tested docking and refueling technologies that will be needed for China’s planned future Earth orbiting space station, perhaps the only one after a scheduled end to International Space Station operations in 2024.
110 student rocketry teams will compete in ‘Spaceport America Cup’
Space.com (6/19): More than a hundred student teams are gathering at Spaceport America in New Mexico this week for a model rocket launch competition. Participation could lead to some interesting job opportunities for the young competitors.