In Today’s Deep Space Extra… The Space Launch System core stage has been lifted for stacking with the solid rocket boosters assigned to Artemis I. NASA selects lunar far-side science investigations.

 

Human Space Exploration

Ground teams begin process to hoist SLS core stage onto its launch platform
Coalition Members in the News: Aerojet Rocketdyne, Boeing, Lockheed Martin
Spaceflightnow.com (6/10): Efforts at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center went underway this week to lift the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage for stacking with the two five-segment solid rocket boosters assigned to Artemis I, the first test flight of SLS and an unpiloted Orion crew capsule on a test flight around the Moon.

Canadarm3 collision avoidance AI solutions sought as operational needs solidify
NASAspaceflight.com (6/10): The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has joined with NASA to sponsor the contribution of a third-generation robotic arm for NASA’s Gateway, a key component of the agency’s plans to establish a sustained human presence at the Moon with international and commercial partners to prepare for future human expeditions to Mars. The CSA is refining control algorithms to ensure the robotic device does not come into contact with other elements of the Gateway during long periods when the outpost is not staffed and is out of communication with the Earth.

 

Space Science

NASA selects 3 scientific investigation payloads to head to the lunar surface
WTSP (6/10): NASA has selected three new scientific investigation payload suites to advance understanding of the Moon. Two of the payload suites will land on the far side of the natural satellite, a first for NASA. All three investigations will receive rides to the lunar surface under the agency’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services, or CLPS, initiative, part of the agency’s Artemis program. The three payloads are the Lunar Vertex, the Farside Seismic Suite, and the Lunar Interior Temperature and Materials Suite.

Rare “ring of fire” solar eclipse captured in spectacular photos from around the world
CBS (6/10): Images of Thursday’s sunrise in eastern portions of the U.S. captured a spectacular solar eclipse as the Moon partially blocked out the sun. This is the first of two solar eclipses forecast for 2021.

SOFIA operations continue despite cancellation threat
Space News (6/10): NASA’s 2022 fiscal year budget proposal calls for the cancellation of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), a joint NASA/German space agency airborne space telescope, despite a continuing observation campaign.

 

Other News
Biden and Johnson Want Space to Be Secure and Sustainabe
Spacepolicyonline.com (6/10): U.S. President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson met yesterday to sign the New Atlantic Charter, reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to working together and issuing a joint statement expanding on its provisions. Under “Defence & Security,” the statement says: “We will draw on our extensive diplomatic, defence, security, civil and scientific cooperation to ensure Space is a safe and secure environment for all.”