In Today’s Deep Space Extra… Four astronauts launched for the International Space Station from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center early Friday. NASA’s Ingenuity Mars helicopter has flown for a second time.
Human Space Exploration
NASA emphasizes good relationship with Roscosmos as Russia mulls exiting ISS
Coalition Member in the News – Axiom Space
SpaceNews.com (4/22): Despite comments from Russian leadership that it could depart the International Space Station (ISS) partnership as soon as 2025 due in part to aging of the Russian module, NASA’s Acting Administrator Steve Jurczyk characterizes the relationship between the two agencies as good. Russia will decide its next move, possibly leading the assembly of a new station, and NASA and its partners will decide their next steps, according to Jurczyk.
SpaceX launches NASA Crew-2 mission
SpaceNews.com (4/23): Four astronauts successfully lifted off for the International Space Station (ISS) from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on Friday at 5:49 a.m. EDT. Astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, of NASA; Akihiko Hoshide, of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA); and Thomas Pesquet, of the European Space Agency (ESA) are on an orbital course in their Crew-2 Dragon spacecraft to dock with the ISS on Saturday at about 5:10 a.m. EDT to begin a six-month mission.
Space Science
Mars helicopter Ingenuity flies higher and longer on Red Planet in 2nd flight
Space.com (4/22): Thursday marked the second test flight of NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter on Mars. The second in a series of test flights got underway at 5:33 a.m. EDT and lasted 52 seconds, enabling the four-pound helicopter to climb to 16.5 feet and maneuver.
NASA and the new urgency of climate change
SpaceNews.com (4/22): Concerns over climate change have gained a new urgency as President Biden begins to address the nation’s challenges. Regarding the issues that NASA should address, the 2022 budget proposal includes $2.25 billion for Earth Science, a more than 12 percent increase.
Opinion
Senator: Arrival of new rocket in Florida heralds a new beginning for space | Commentary
Coalition Member in the News – Boeing
Orlando Sentinel (4/22): In an op-ed, Tom Wright, Florida’s District 14 state senator, pays tribute to the space industry’s impact on Florida and what’s to come with the approaching first launch of the Space Launch System (SLS) and an emerging focus on human deep space exploration. Currently, Florida’s space economy is estimated at $6 billion annually, while supporting nearly 33,100 jobs directly and indirectly.
Other News
Space Force selects Boeing, Northrop Grumman to develop jam-resistant communications satellites
Coalition Members in the News – Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman
SpaceNews.com (4/22): The U.S. Space Force has selected Boeing and Northrop Grumman to develop space communications assets with a jam resistance. Demonstration missions are to be prepared for launches in 2024.
Lockheed Martin wins $27 million contract modification for integration of DARPA’s Blackjack satellites
Coalition Member in the News – Lockheed Martin
SpaceNews.com (4/22): The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) last year selected Lockheed Martin as the satellite integrator for Blackjack, a project to demonstrate a network of small satellites for communications, missile warning, and navigation. The agency yesterday announced it has increased the contract for the Blackjack program by $27.3 million. The first four spacecraft are scheduled to launch in June 2022 according to Lockheed Martin.