In Today’s Deep Space Extra… Orion assembly moves to Florida in a march toward a 2018 deep space test flight. A nation remembers the Challenger, Columbia and Apollo 1 astronauts.
Human Deep Space Exploration
Lockheed says Orion still on schedule for 2018 mission
Space News (1/27): With the pressure vessel for the next NASA-developed human spacecraft now assembled, prime contractor Lockheed Martin is confident the first unpiloted test flight of the Orion capsule and its Boeing Space Launch System launch vehicle are on schedule for a late 2018 lift off. Exploration Mission-1 will propel the instrumented capsule around the moon and back to Earth for an ocean splashdown and recovery. Lockheed Martin has incorporated modifications based on a successful orbital test flight of Orion in December 2014.
Orion being put together as next signature American spacecraft
Houston Chronicle (1/27): The pressure vessel for the next NASA/Lockheed Martin Orion spacecraft will head for its Central Florida launch site within days, following assembly at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The spacecraft is to take part in an unmanned late 2018 test flight with the Space Launch System exploration rocket.
This is why no one can own the Moon
Time (1/27): As NASA prepared to land its first astronauts on the moon, the United States and former Soviet Union joined more than 60 nations in signing the Outer Space Treaty 49 years ago Wednesday. The document promotes free access to all celestial bodies by all nations, bans weapons of mass destruction and military activities in space and seeks transparency from nations in all space activities.
Low Earth Orbit
NASA Day of Remembrance: Lost astronauts honored Thursday
Space.com (1/27): The 17 astronauts who perished aboard three NASA spacecraft will be honored Thursday during NASA’s Day of Remembrance in ceremonies planned for Arlington National Cemetery in suburban Washington DC and agency installations across the U.S. Those honored include the crews of Apollo 1 and the shuttles Challenger and Columbia.
Christa McAuliffe, first teacher in space, continues to inspire
Associated Press via CBS News (1/27): Students of New Hampshire school teacher Christa McAuliffe, one of the seven men and women that perished aboard NASA’s shuttle Challenger 30 years ago today, say McAuliffe inspired them as they shaped their educational and professional futures. NASA will honor 17 astronauts who perished aboard the 1986 Challenger, 2003 shuttle Columbia and 1967 Apollo 1 tragedies on Thursday, the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance.
30 years since Challenger: New voice at astronauts’ memorial
Associated Press via Boston Herald (1/28): Kathie Scobee Fulgham, daughter of Challenger commander Dick Scobee, plans to speak Thursday before a memorial service for the shuttle astronauts at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Challenger showed spaceflight not routine
Florida Today (1/27): The shuttle Challenger shattered 73 seconds after liftoff 30 years ago Thursday, claiming the lives of seven astronauts. Investigators cited a propulsion system design flaw and safety lapses as causes. “It’s not a routine business,” said Jim Harrington, 80, of Viera, Fla., who oversaw Challenger’s preparations for launch at KSC.
Space Shuttle Challenger disaster devastated the nation 30 years ago
NBC News (1/27): The shock of the shuttle Challenger’s loss in photos of the seven astronauts as they prepared to lift off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and of a grieving nation in the aftermath.
In KSC memorial, astronauts are ‘Forever Remembered’
Florida Today (1/27): The “Forever Remembered” exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida offers a look at the personal side of the men and women who perished aboard the shuttles Challenger and Columbia in 1986 and 2003. “We wanted to make sure the guests had a sense that the crew was actually present, that you were walking among them,” said Mike Ciannilli, head of NASA’s Apollo-Challenger-Columbia Lessons Learned program. “So you’d understand who they were not only what made them heroes, but also what made them ordinary citizens just like the rest of us.”
Commercial to Low Earth Orbit
McCain, McCarthy to introduce bill to reinstate RD-180 ban
Space News (1/27): U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee chair John McCain and Kevin McCarthy, the U.S. House majority leader, announced they will introduce legislation blocking future purchases of Russia’s RD-180 rocket engines. If passed, the legislation would reverse provisions in the 2016 omnibus appropriations bill allowing limited imports of the rocket engines for the launching of national security payloads.
Ariane 5 places 1st Intelsat Epic high-throughput satellite into orbit
Space News (1/27): Launched from French Guiana, an Ariane 5 rocket delivered the inaugural Intelsat Ku-band Epic communications satellite to the desired geosynchronous transfer orbit on Wednesday.
To boost commercial activity, NASA may add private airlock to ISS
Ars Technica (1/27): Nanoracks, a commercial spaceflight company, suggests the International Space Station is due a commercial airlock for deployments of small satellites and opportunities to repair equipment that now must be discarded. “This is a sign that we believe in the future of the Space Station,” said Jeff Manber, Nanoracks managing director.