In Today’s Deep Space Extra…The latest NASA/Lockheed Martin Orion test article is prepped for next steps leading to the 1st unpiloted flight atop a Space Launch System exploration rocket.
Human Deep Space Exploration
Orion capsule put under pressure in Florida
Spaceflightnow.com (5/15): Engineers and technicians plan to outfit the Exploration Mission-1 Orion capsule with fuel tanks, propellant lines, flight computers and other systems as the next steps in the preparation of the spacecraft for its first unpiloted test flight with the Space Launch System exploration rocket in the fall of 2018. The assembly process at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center recently completed a crucial pressure test of the structure that will house astronauts as they launch and return from future human deep space missions. EM-1 will take the capsule and its European service module around the moon and back to Earth for an ocean splash down and recover over a three week journey.
From Macomb to Mars: County firm manufactures hardware of dreams
Macomb Daily News, of Michigan (5/14): Futuramic Tool and Engineering moves from automotive to aerospace. Based in Warren, the company manufactures components for both NASA’s Space Launch System exploration rocket and the Orion crew capsule. “Most of the components we’re currently making are being shipped down to New Orleans to NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility and we’re reassembling them down there on site so they can build this rocket,” said John Couch, Futuramic vice president. “Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor on Orion capsule and we do work for them. They’re building the capsule at Michoud.”
MSNW’s magnetoshell aerobraking system gets in on NASA’s way-out research fund
Geek Wire (5/13): Redmond, Washington’s MSNW has proposed a technique for using a distant planet’s magnetic field lines to brake itself into orbit after an interplanetary journey. NASA is backing a study with a $500,000 advanced research program grant.
How one former astronaut is prepping for a trip outside the solar system
Forbes.com (5/13): Working under a DARPA grant, former NASA astronaut Mae Jemison envisions the day when humans will venture beyond the solar system. Her 100 Year Starship Project got its start in 2011. “It’s not about launching a mission in the next 100 years,” explains the physician scientist. “It’s about making sure the capabilities exist.” Jemison became the first African American woman in space in 1992.
Space Science
The seasons on Mars: NASA’s Curiosity rover paints a picture
Christian Science Monitor (5/14): NASA’s Curiosity rover, exploring Gale Crater on the red planet, is entering its third Martian year. Findings could be significant for future human exploration as the rover is tracking seasonal change. There are major differences with the Earth to consider, including a very thin atmosphere, colder temperatures and a more elliptical track around the sun.
Einstein’s theory of relativity holds true for early universe, 3D map confirms
Space.com (5/13): Einstein’s Theory of Relativity held true in the early universe, say scientists who’ve studied more than 3,000 stars. Specifically, observations with Japan’s Subara telescope in Hawaii suggest dark energy played a role in the early expansion. The findings were published by the Astronomical Society of Japan.
Low Earth Orbit
100th shuttle commander and STS-100 spacewalker inducted into Astronaut Hall of Fame
AmericaSpace.com (5/15): Retired NASA space shuttle astronauts Brian Duffy and Dr. Scott Parazynski were inducted Saturday into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in ceremonies at the Kennedy Space Center. Duffy, who commanded the 100th shuttle flight, launched four times. Parazynski launched five times and led an unscheduled spacewalk that restored the International Space Station’s damaged initial solar power module. They are the 92nd and 93rd to enter the hall.
Space shuttle external tank bound for L.A. museum plays role in sea rescue
Collectspace.com (5/14): A L.A. bound barge loaded with a space shuttle external tank for an exhibit at the California Science Center became an unexpected rescue platform last week. Four in a charter fishing boat in the Pacific off the coast of Baja, Calif., found rescue after their vessel sank. In Los Angeles, the external tank will join the orbiter Endeavour for a public shuttle exhibit.
China launches Yaogan-30 remote sensing satellite
Xinhuanet, of China (5/15): China’s Yaogan-30 Earth observing satellite was launched into orbit with a Long March 2-D rocket early Sunday.
Commercial to Low Earth Orbit
Russia spent $1.3 billion on Vostochny Cosmodrome so far
Sputnik News, of Russia (5/13): Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin publicly placed the cost of the new Vostochny Cosmodrome at $1.3 billion U.S. “Overall, we have spent 84 billion rubles on the Vostochny Cosmodrome. I’m saying this now in order to avoid any speculations, to put a stop to them,” Rogozin told reporters. The space launch complex marked its first space launch on April 28.
Major Space Related Activities for the Week
Major space related activities for the week of May 16-22, 2016
Spacepolicyonline.com (5/15): Lots of space policy activity is planned this week in Washington, both in Congress and close to Capitol Hill. Among the activities, the Human to Mars 2016 summit, sponsored by Explore Mars, at George Washington University. The three day summit gets underway on Tuesday. The European Lunar Symposium gets under way in the Netherlands on Wednesday. The International Space Development Conference 2016, starts on Wednesday in San Juan, Puerto Rico.