In Today’s Deep Space Extra… U.S. Space Station experiment will assess the use of expandable modules as habitats for astronauts on deep space missions.
Human Deep Space Exploration
NASA test could pave the way for future space habitats
Huffington Post (3/30): In early April, Bigelow Aerospace’s Bigelow Expandable Activities Module is to reach the International Space Station for a two year test. The module will be compressed during the launch phase, then expanded in late May after it has been berthed to the station’s Tranquility module. The test could prepare future expandables to serve as in space habitats for astronauts on deep space missions or as shelters on the surface of Mars.
Microsoft and NASA team up to create virtual Mars tour with HoloLens
Geek Wire (3/30): This summer a new exhibit at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will permit tourists to experience the sensations of walking on Mars using Microsoft HoloLens technologies. Views of the red planet will come from NASA’s Curiosity rover. Apollo 11’s Buzz Aldrin will serve as a guide.
Space Science
Enceladus’ geysers may persist for millions of years
Ars Technica (3/30): Tidal forces exerted by giant Saturn are fueling the geyser like spray emerging from the south pole of the moon Enceladus. Enceladus appears to host a large sub surface ocean.
NASA considers its next flagship space telescope
Scientific American (3/30): NASA is taking a long view with respect to its future space observatory options. Four possible missions are beginning to take shape for launching in 2035. One option would resemble a super Hubble Space Telescope.
JAXA believes still possible to recover Hitomi
Space News (3/30): The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency anticipates a long running effort to pursue recovery of the Hitomi astronomy satellite launched Feb. 17. All sporadic communications with the observatory ceased last weekend and orbital debris fragments have been observed near the telescope. Officials believe something happened on Mar. 25 that caused Hitomi to tumble.
More evidence for Planet Nine as odd celestial alignment emerges
New Scientist (3/30): Astronomers find more evidence of movement among Kuiper Belt Objects that can be explained by the gravitational influence of Planet Nine, a planetary body beyond Neptune and four times the size of the Earth. The initial claims of Planet Nine’s existence were presented by Cal Tech scientists in January. The object has yet to be observed directly.
Low Earth Orbit
Russian Space Station resupply mission set for liftoff
Spaceflightnow.com (3/31): Russia’s Progress 63 resupply capsule is set to launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Thursday at 12:53 p.m., EDT. The capsule is loaded with 5,300 pounds of propellant, food, water, compressed air and other supplies for the Space Stations six cosmonauts and astronauts. The cargo carrier, also designated MS-02, is scheduled to dock with the orbiting science lab on Saturday afternoon.
Air Force ends effort to recover DMSP weather satellite
Spaceflightnow.com (3/30): The U.S. Air Force has ceased efforts to recover the DMSP 19 weather satellite. Launched in April 2014, the spacecraft experienced a power problem and went silent on Feb. 11.
Commercial to Low Earth Orbit
Roscosmos sells troubled commercial space company Sea Launch
Moscow Times (3/30): Russia’s commercial launch services company Sea Launch, has been sold, according to Igor Komarov, head of the Russian space agency, Roscosmos. The buyer could be disclosed by the end of April, he said. Investors from the U.S., Australia, China and Europe expressed interest in the joint venture founded in 1995 by Energia and Boeing.
Russia to develop new Fenix carrier rocket by 2025
Itar Tass, of Russia (3/30): A new medium lift rocket, Fenix, will be developed by 2025. Fenix will serve as the basis for a future “super heavy lift” launch vehicle, according to Igor Komarov, head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos. Using liquefied natural gas as a propellant, Fenix will be designed to deliver nine ton payloads to low Earth orbit.