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In Today’s Deep Space Extra… The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) solicits proposals for human missions. James Beggs, former NASA Administrator who shepherded the international agreements underlying the ISS, dies at 94. Most comprehensive map of the Moon is released. NASA technology joins coronavirus battle.
Human Space Exploration
Russian freighter arrives at Space Station with nearly 3 tons of supplies
Space.com (4/25): A Russian Progress cargo vessel carrying nearly three tons of propellant, crew supplies and other hardware docked to the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday at 1:12 a.m., EDT, less than 3 1/2 hours after liftoff from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
ISRO invites technology proposals for human space flight missions
The Hindu.com (4/24): The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has issued a request for proposals from its national research and academic agencies covering a range of technology fronts for human space flight. The 17 areas of work range from food production to radiation and thermal protection and inflatable habitats. The deadline for submissions is July 15.
Space Science
This is the most comprehensive map of the Moon’s geology yet
Science News (4/24): NASA, the Lunar Planetary Institute and the U.S. Geological Survey have combined efforts to produce the most comprehensive map of the Moon’s surface ever, the “Unified Geological Map of the Moon.” Material from the Apollo era explorations as well as NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and Japan’s SELENE lunar orbiter contributed to a resource that could be an asset in developing future lunar resources.
China unveils name of first Mars exploration mission
Reuters (4/23): Tianwen-1, which translates as “Questions to Heaven” is the name announced Friday by the China National Space Administration for its first robotic Mars exploration mission. The orbiter, lander and rover mission is to be launched this summer.
That’s the way the comet crumbles: Hubble image shows remains of Comet ATLAS
Space.com (4/26): Despite early optimism that comet Atlas might become a naked eye comet as it neared the sun during May, Atlas has broken apart, images taken with the Hubble Space Telescope confirm.
What happened before the Big Bang?
Space.com (4/26): A look at the theory of the Big Bang and prospect for a Big Bounce, as an alternative when it comes to the formation of the universe.
Op Eds
Thank you for flying SpaceX
Coalition Member in the News – Boeing
Wall Street Journal (4/21): In an editorial, the WSJ joins NASA in calling the planned May 27 launch of two NASA astronauts on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon/ Demo 2 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) the start of a new era in human spaceflight, one that Boeing, Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin are lined up to help lead. The U.S. has not launched astronauts from U.S. soil since NASA’s shuttle fleet was retired in 2011.
Other News
James M. Beggs, NASA administrator in the 1980’s, dies at 94
Washington Post (4/25): James Beggs, who served as NASA’s administrator from 1981 until 1986, supported early space shuttle operations and efforts to develop a permanently staffed Space Station, though he facing opposition from the Reagan Administration. Beggs died on April 23 of congestive heart failure in Bethesda, Maryland. He was 94.
Trump sees NASA’s Covid-19 response efforts first hand
Spacepolicyonline.com (4/24): On Friday, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine presented President Trump with a look at efforts by NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, Glenn Research Center and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to help combat the coronavirus pandemic with development of low cost ventilators, oxygen hoods and sterilizers.
U.S. Space Command official on FCC Ligado decision: ‘I want to see the analysis’
SpaceNews.com (4/24): U.S. Space Command’s Brig. Gen. Thomas James is seeking the expert analysis that convinced the FCC to grant Ligado’s cellular network spectrum that could interfere with GPS signals. James is commander of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense arm of the U.S. Space Command. It was April 20 that the FCC granted Ligado’s request. “If this threatens our ability to use systems that we’re so dependent on, that’s a reason for me to be concerned,” said James. “That’s absolutely a concern across the DoD.”
Major Space Related Activities for the Week
Major space related activities for the week of April 26-May 2, 2020
Spacepolicyonline.com (4/26): Due to the pandemic, Congress has no hearings scheduled. However, there are a number of virtual space policy activities planned for this week. On Friday, NASA will host a series of briefings on SpaceX’s Demo-2 crewed test flight to the International Space Station (ISS) planned for liftoff on May 27. With two NASA astronauts on board, it will be the first launch of American astronauts from the U.S. since NASA’s shuttle fleet was retired in 2011.