To subscribe to CSExtra via RSS feed click here.
If you would prefer to receive CSExtra in e-mail format, e-mail us at Info@space.com with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
Now on orbit – the Coalition for Space Exploration’s latest Think Outside the Circle PSA. Benefits of space surround us.
Learn more about how technologies we develop to explore space keep us closer and safer on Earth.
Click here to watch the PSA, get free downloads and enter to win prizes.
Wednesday’s CSExtra offers a roundup of the latest reporting and commentary on space related activities from across the globe. NASA formally cancels the Constellation Program. Lockheed Martin Space Systems announces layoffs. United Space Alliance confronts a pension issue as it downsizes with the end of the shuttle program. Stormy weather in Florida slows a key test for shuttle Atlantis. A top NASA Earth sciences official calls for a strong program of observation as severe weather events go on the upswing. Recent intense solar activity may soon wane. A Japanese asteroid mission wins Guinness World Records acclaim. New software may help weightless astronauts maintain strong bones and muscles. A second look at responses to a question about NASA’s future during a New Hampshire forum for Republican presidential candidates on Tuesday.
1. From Space News: NASA’s Constellation Program is formally cancelled in a directive signed on June 10 by Doug Cooke, the NASA associate administrator for exploration systems. In recent weeks, NASA has transitioned Constellation’s Orion program to the Multi Purpose Crew Vehicle, a project to develop a four person spacecraft for deep space missions. Soon, NASA is expected to announce a companion plan for a new heavy lift rocket called the Space Launch System.
http://www.spacenews.com/civil/110614-memo-marks-end-constellation.html
A. From Space News: Lockheed Martin Space Systems says it will cut 1,200 staffers by year’s end to improve affordability and competitiveness. The company will look to middle management for many of the cuts, seek volunteers and provide career transition services.
http://www.spacenews.com/civil/110614-lm-shed-employees.html
B. From the New York Times: A look at NASA’s obligation to fund the pension obligations of United Space Alliance, the agency’s prime shuttle contractor. The space agency’s 2012 budget request includes $547.9 million to cover the expense, including significant stock market losses in 2008 and 2009. The issue is one that other federal agencies with contractors may face as well, in part because the agencies did not have the authority or personnel to oversee contractor pension fund management. At the Department of Energy, contractor pension liabilities could reach more than $35 billion, the Times reports.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/15/business/15nasa.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&sq=NASA&st=cse&adxnnl=1&scp=2&adxnnlx=1308128623-73gLJygP7OVyj28LxpyA
2. From Spaceflightnow.com: Stormy weather will delay by several hours a test of the external fuel tank that is to power orbiter Atlantis into orbit July 8 on NASA’s final shuttle flight. The tank will be filled with chilled liquid oxygen and hydrogen today. Inspections for possible surface cracks on the stringer section of the tank will follow. The start of the long fueling process has been delayed from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., EDT. See SFN for updates.
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts135/status.html
3. From the Associated Press via the Washington Post: NASA’s top Earth sciences official makes the case for spending on Earth observation satellites: Extreme weather is more frequent, Michael Freilich tells the Forum on Earth Observation.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/weather-climate-experts-urge-continued-funding-for-weather-satellites/2011/06/14/AGTlIhUH_story.html
4. From Discovery.com: Three new studies suggest the sun is near the end of an active period and ready begin an 11-year cycle of fewer eruptions. Indications of the change include fading sun spots and weakening magnetic activity. The findings come in spite of some recent spectacular solar activity. The studies were presented to the Solar Physics Division of the American Astronomical Society.
http://news.discovery.com/space/is-the-sun-about-to-fizz-out-110614.html
5. From the Mainichi Daily News of Japan: Japan’s Hayabusa asteroid sample return mission receives recognition from Guinness World Records. The probe returned to Earth on June 13, 2010 with samples of the asteroid Itokawa. The troubled mission to gather the long distance samples was launched in May 2003.
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110614p2a00m0na002000c.html
6. From Space.com: Researchers at the University of Washington pursue software solutions to improve exercise by weightless astronauts. The outcome may help to stem bone and muscle loss in the absence of gravity. http://www.exploredeepspace.com/11958-space-software-astronauts-stay-strong.html
7. From Space.com: Three participants in the New Hampshire Republican presidential forum on Tuesday night addressed a question about the future of NASA and space exploration. The responses from Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker, Tim Pawlenty, the governor of Minnesota, and Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, expressed confidence in commercial sector innovation. Gingrich was critical of NASA’s track record.
http://www.exploredeepspace.com/11959-gop-presidential-debate-nasa-future-republicans.html
Brought to you by the Coalition for Space Exploration, CSExtra is a daily compilation of space industry news selected from hundreds of online media resources. The Coalition is not the author or reporter of any of the stories appearing in CSExtra and does not control and is not responsible for the content of any of these stories. The content available through CSExtra contains links to other websites and domains which are wholly independent of the Coalition, and the Coalition makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or authenticity of the information contained in any such site or domain and does not pre-screen or approve any content. The Coalition does not endorse or receive any type of compensation from the included media outlets and is not responsible or liable in any way for any content of CSExtra or for any loss, damage or injury incurred as a result of any content appearing in CSExtra. For information on the Coalition, visit www.space.com or contact us via e-mail at Info@space.com.