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March 31, 2008

Task Force Releases Report on Aerospace Workforce (Source: USDOL)
The Interagency Aerospace Revitalization Taskforce, led by the U.S. Department of Labor, released a report that offers strategies for meeting the aerospace industry's growing talent demands in an environment where young people are neither prepared nor inclined to enter it. According to U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao: "This report outlines several strategies for increasing the pool of workers qualified for high skill aerospace careers and makes it clear that this will require a coordinated and sustained effort by the private and public sectors."

Among the report's findings, the taskforce recognizes that establishing clear lines of communication with all parties is a critical step in building the aerospace talent pipeline. It plans to create a cyber community designed to allow users to share information on promising practices in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and training; outreach to and mentoring of students and prospective hires; and industry recruiting successes. The report recommends streamlining the security clearance process and increasing the portability of such clearances from one job and agency to the next. A coordinated industry investment strategy is also recommended to replicate model STEM education practices and to support apprenticeship models and the entry of transitioning adults into the industry. (3/26)

How NASA Will Promote Tech Careers (Source: NewsOK)
NASA awarded a $22 million grant to Oklahoma State University to develop educational programs for high school students interested in science. OSU will manage NASA's Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience, also known as INSPIRE. NASA is trying to create future workers by encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. (3/30)

GAO: U.S. Lacks Roadmap for Space Security (Source: Reuters)
The U.S. military and U.S. intelligence agencies have failed to produce an overarching roadmap for spending billions of dollars on the use of space to protect national security, the Government Accountability Office said. Without such an integrated guide to decision-making, the U.S. faces possible "gaps in some areas of space operations and redundancies in others." Total military and intelligence agency spending on space may be as high as $30 billion a year, including "black," or classified programs, according to one expert.

Differences of opinion between the military and intelligence communities plus their "cultural differences" have delayed a joint plan, said the GAO report. "Until a national security space strategy is issued, the defense and intelligence communities may continue to make independent decisions and use resources that are not necessarily based on national priorities," it said. "That means they may be missing opportunities for efficiencies and integrated solutions that would boost national security," said the report's author.

John Pike, a space expert at globalsecurity.org, a research group, said the absence of an overall plan was not the sole reason for schedule delays and performance shortfalls that have dogged many big-ticket U.S. efforts in space in recent years. "The programs themselves are perfectly capable of doing that on their own," he said. Visit http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN2737399320080327 to view the article. (3/27)

Messy Battlefields (Source: Space Review)
If there is ultimately warfare in space, it will likely create a large amount of debris. Taylor Dinerman writes that countries that depend on space assets, like the US, need to prepare for this possibility by making their spacecraft harder to intercept and harder to damage. Visit http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1089/1 to view the article. (3/24)

Japan: China's Space Development Can Pose Military Threat (Source: AFP)
A Japanese defence ministry think-tank has warned that China's space program could pose a military threat to other countries. The review said China is likely to continue its space development program "as a vital means of achieving military competitiveness against the United States...The organizations engaged in China's space development have strong ties to the People's Liberation Army and a considerable number of its satellites are presumably intended for military purposes," the National Institute for Defense Studies said. "Missiles can destroy not only US artificial satellites but also Japanese intelligence-gathering satellites," the review said. "The possibility has emerged that the cluster of satellites will come under a great threat when international tension heightens." (3/27)

Brazil to Deepen Space Cooperation with China (Source: Xinhua)
The newly sworn-in head of the Brazilian Space Agency (BSA) Carlos Ganem said Brazil cherishes the ties with China and will deepen cooperation with China in the field of space technology. Ganem also expressed the hope that the Chinese people could know the importance of bilateral cooperation in space and the Brazilians' willingness to increase cooperation with China and to promote the development of bilateral ties through the cooperation in space. (3/26)

ESA Satellite Technology Enhances Nuclear Monitoring (Source: ESA)
Satellite telecommunication technology developed with support from ESA is being used to enhance the connections between the International Atomic Energy Agency's remote monitoring center and nuclear facilities around the world, including the Chernobyl site. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is well known for their mission of monitoring the worldwide flow of nuclear materials and safeguarding the implementation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. To support the online monitoring of nuclear facilities, the IAEA has a remote monitoring data center, which downloads data from over 140 systems worldwide. Fifty radiation detection systems and 90 surveillance systems (including 340 cameras producing 150,000 images per day) generate to up to two gigabytes per day of global data traffic. (3/28)

Russian Kosmos Launches German Military Radar Satellite (Source: SpaceToday.net)
A Kosmos rocket launched the fourth in a series of small SAR-Lupe radar imaging satellites for the German military. The Kosmos-3M rocket lifted off from the Plesetsk spaceport in northern Russia. The launch had been planned for Tuesday, but was delayed two days by poor weather at the launch site. The satellite, built by German company OHB-System, is the fourth of five planned small satellites designed to radar imagery for the German military. The fifth and final satellite is scheduled for launch late this year. (3/27)

Glonass System To Consist Of 30 Satellites (Source: RIA Novosti)
Russia's fully operational Glonass navigation satellite system will consist of 30 Glonass-M and Glonass-K satellites by 2010. "The system will have a total of 30 instead of 24 satellites, with two of them to be used as operating reserves," said the deputy designer-in-chief at Information Satellite Systems. The system currently consists of 18 satellites and is supposed to provide navigation and positioning data covering the whole territory of the Russian Federation. A total of 9.88 billion rubles ($380 million) was allocated for Glonass from the federal budget in 2007, and 4.7 billion ($181 million) in 2006. (3/26)

India Seeks Russia's Help in Space Pilot Training (Source: RIA Novosti)
India is considering sending one of its citizens into space on board a Russian spacecraft to acquire the skills necessary for future manned space missions. ISRO had been in talks on the issue with the Russian Federal Space Agency and "received a positive response." India sent its first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, into space with the Soviet Intercosmos program aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft on April 2, 1984. (3/25)

Ukraine, US Draft Agreement on Space Exploration (Source: Itar-Tass)
Ukraine and the United States have drafted an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the field of peaceful space exploration. The document is expected to be signed within the framework of U.S. President George Bush’s visit to Kiev scheduled for March 31 – April 1. A NASA representative is expected to be in the delegation. This will be a framework agreement. It has been drafted for about two years. Ukrainian and American companies study the possibilities for further cooperation, including “some aspects of anti-ballistic missile defense. (3/27)

Development Program for Sweden's Kiruna Space City (Source: SSC)
Several Swedish organizations have together devised a long-term development program for Kiruna Space City. Initiatives will be taken in many different areas and a Space Council will be established in Kiruna. The aim is to involve increasing numbers of players in the task of developing Kiruna Space City. “Kiruna Space City gives Sweden and Europe fantastic opportunities to achieve something really major,” says Kiruna’s mayor Kenneth Stålnacke. “There are already unique possibilities here for business, research and education in the space sector to develop further. With Spaceport Sweden here in Kiruna, we here in Europe have an opportunity to create something new and exciting round space tourism. Together we will further develop Space Campus Kiruna into an innovative environment and an international meeting place for research, education and business development.” (3/26)

Sweden Plans Space Symposium for Spaceport Effort (Source: SSC)
Since the official inauguration of Spaceport Sweden in January 2007, many steps towards personal suborbital spaceflight from Kiruna have been taken. To be precise 26 work packages, regarding everything from accommodation to space operations and astronauts’ timetables, have successfully been accomplished during the last 14 months. The Spaceport Sweden team will present the conclusions of the work packages so far and also the way forward. Virgin Galactic has been intensely involved in the work packages, and has simultaneously focused on several other current topics.

During an April 1 event, Will Whitehorn, president of Virgin Galactic will be providing latest information on the recently unveiled designs of the prototype commercial space ship and carrier aircraft which are now close to completion at Scaled Composites in Mojave California. He will also be sharing the vision for Virgin Galactic including the likely diversification of the business into the areas of space science and payload deployment as well as continuing work towards flights from Spaceport Sweden. (3/27)

Two-Seat Rocket Planned for Space Tourism (Source: AP)
A California aerospace company plans to enter the space tourism industry with a two-seat rocket ship capable of suborbital flights to altitudes more than 37 miles above the Earth. The Lynx, about the size of a small private plane, is expected to begin flying in 2010, according to developer Xcor Aerospace. The company also said that, pending the outcome of negotiations, the Air Force Research Laboratory has awarded it a research contract to develop and test features of the Lynx. Xcor intends to be a spaceship builder, with another company operating the Lynx and setting prices.

The Lynx is designed to take off from a runway like a normal plane, reach a top speed of Mach 2 and an altitude of 200,000 feet, then descend in a circling glide to a runway landing. Shaped something like a bulked-up version of the Rutan-designed Long-EZ homebuilt aircraft, its wings will be located toward the rear of the fuselage, with vertical winglets at the tips. Powered by clean-burning, fully reuseable, liquid-fuel engines, the Lynx is expected to be capable of making several flights a day, Xcor said. "We have designed this vehicle to operate much like a commercial aircraft," Xcor Chief Executive Officer Jeff Greason said in a statement.

The total flight would last about a half-hour, including a couple minutes of weightlessness. XCOR expects flights to focus primarily on space tourism but also including research and education applications. Lynx is projected to cost $10 million to develop, with ticket prices projected to be about $100,000. (3/26)

Economy Fare Lifts Space-Tourism Race (Source: New York Times)
A price war already is brewing among companies seeking to sign up would-be space tourists, years before the first privately financed rocketplanes are scheduled to begin flying. XCOR Aerospace, the latest entrant to the derby to blast thrill-seekers into the upper reaches of the atmosphere, unveiled plans for a rocket-powered vehicle that is substantially smaller, slower and less expensive to build than any of those proposed by rivals. With tickets projected at $100,000 a pop, the low-fare carrier to the heavens would hardly be cheap. (3/26)

Sales are Rocketing at Virgin Galactic (Source: Flight International)
Few companies can boast revenues worth tens of millions of dollars before actually delivering the "ultimate experience" promised - but that is what Virgin Galactic has achieved with its sales pitch that fulfils the dreams of the Apollo generation's wealthier members to carry them beyond the Earth. That tantalizing dream of travelling above the 100km (62 mile) boundary separating the Earth from space has seen 250 customers, mostly in their forties and fifties, sign up for a trip through direct contact and a new network of 90 agents worldwide, generating $35 million in full ticket purchases and deposits, all of which is held in escrow. (3/25)

Hotel Security and Aviation Experts Partner for Space Tourism Industry (Source: PR USA)
Farina and Associates, the leader in security and risk management for the global hospitality and tourism industries, announced a partnership with Planehook Aviation Services to provide security solutions to the space tourism industry. “Threats to the space tourism industry can come in all shapes and sizes including terrorism, criminal, negligence, environmental, sabotage and competition. We are now looking at a combination of internal and external factors that will have dramatic effects on the success of a spaceflight operation.” stated Philip Farina. (3/26)

Sex in Space: Joining the Space Tourism 37-Mile High Club (Source: National Ledger)
Will space tourism lead to joining the mile high club? With multiple companies building suborbital tourism spacecraft, will space tourists really try to go at it in space and take the mile-high club to the extreme? For the price they are paying and the stories they can tell you can bet on it. (3/28)

Private Moon Flights Coming, NASA Official Says (Source: London Free Press)
Private flights to the moon may be available to wealthy citizens “by the end of the 2020s,” a NASA official said in London today. In the meantime, there’s a new kind of space race — one in which private companies are scrambling to reap commercial rewards from other-worldly exploration. “We are not going to succeed in settling the solar system as a species without significant private-sector involvement,” said Peter Worden, director of the NASA Ames Research Center in California. Even now, companies such as Google — which recently launched a companion to Google Earth mapping with Google Moon mapping — are ponying up their multi-millions to join the race to the moon. (3/24)

Odyssey Moon Announces Agreement to Fly Memorial Remains to Moon (Source: SpaceRef.com)
Odyssey Moon Limited, a commercial provider of lunar transportation products and services, announced today that it has reached a commercial launch services agreement with Celestis, Inc., the pioneer and global leader in Memorial Spaceflight. The agreement provides for payload capacity aboard Odyssey Moon's lunar missions for placing memorial flight capsules and modules in lunar orbit or on the Moon." Visit http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=25044 for information.

Northrop Builds Satellite, Spacecraft for Lunar Mission (Source: AIA)
Northrop Grumman is building and testing a spacecraft that will crash into the surface of the moon and help scientists learn whether there is ice on the moon. "Ours is a suicide mission. When we impact, we don't survive," Northrop Director of Space Science Stewart Moses said. "The vast majority of our spacecraft are built to last a very long time. Suicide missions are not very common." (3/24)

Not a Mercury or Saturn, but It Goes Way Off Road (Source: New York Times)
It turns on a dime and parallel-parks like a dream. On the downside, it’s a little pricey (at $2 million or so) and its top speed is a pokey 15 miles an hour. Still, there’s a lot to like about the concept car taking shape here at the Johnson Space Center. Did I say car? The new moon buggy conceived by space center engineers is anything but a car or a buggy. Its official name is Chariot, and this, my friends, is a truck. A heavy duty workhorse of a truck. Visit http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/automobiles/30MOON.html?_r=2&ref=science&oref=slogin&oref=slogin to view the article. (3/29)

Cut Forces NASA to Park a Mars Rover (Source: AP)
Scientists plan to put one of the twin Mars rovers to sleep and limit the activities of the other robot to fulfill a NASA order to cut $4 million from the program's budget. The news comes amid belt-tightening at NASA headquarters, which is under pressure to juggle Mars exploration and projects to study the rest of the solar system. The solar-powered rovers Spirit and Opportunity have dazzled scientists and the public with findings of geologic evidence that water once flowed at or near the surface of Mars long ago.

Both rovers were originally planned for three-month missions at a cost of $820 million, but are now in their fourth year of exploration. It costs NASA about $20 million annually to keep the rovers running. The Mars rovers program received its latest extension, $22 million, in fiscal year 2008 and has used up half money. The latest directive from NASA to cut $4 million of the remaining funds means Spirit will be forced into hibernation in the coming weeks, said principal investigator Steve Squyres of Cornell University. (3/24)

NASA: Mars Rovers Won't Be Cut (Source: Florida Today)
NASA says it has absolutely no plan to turn off either of the Mars Rovers because of budget cuts. NASA is saying Tuesday that it has rescinded a letter that recommended budget cuts in the Mars Rover program to cover the cost of a next-generation rover on the Red Planet. The move comes a day after scientists at the agency's robotics center said they would need to hibernate one of the twin Mars robots and limit the duties of the other because their budget was being cut by $4 million. (3/25)

Asleep on Mars: The "Washington Monument" Ploy? (Source: What's New)
It’s a lot easier to get Congress to create popular new initiatives than to pay the cost of keeping them up. The most popular tourist attraction in the Capital is the Washington Monument; if Congress threatens to cut its operating budget the Park Service announces it will have to close the Monument. Told on Tuesday that the cost of the Mars Rover mission must be cut 40%, Steve Squyres of Cornell, the PI, announced that either Spirit or Opportunity would have to be euthanized or at least hibernate for the rest of the fiscal year. Are they kidding? The cyber generation has bonded with the rovers. Designed for a three month lifetime, the cuddly rovers have been going for four years, living on sunshine and never complaining about the cold nights. You might as well announce that the National Zoo plans to cut expenses by tossing the panda cubs into the piranha tank. That was clear to, Michael Griffin, NASA Administrator, and on Wednesday he ordered the budget cut rescinded immediately. (3/28)

Editorial: Mars Plan is Lost in Space (Source: Washington Times)
How much do we really want to know about other planets and heavenly bodies? As an extreme example, take Phobos, the moon of Mars. Phobos is a large rock. Photos at reasonable resolution are clearly of scientific value, as would be determination of the type of rock. Beyond that, what is worth knowing? It"s a rock. Just as clearly, we are far from knowing all that is worth knowing about Mars, Saturn, etc. Since unmanned exploration is both effective and cheap, finding the point of diminishing returns is not of immediate importance.

What could possibly be the advantage of permanent bases off this planet, particularly a lunar base? Such a base would immensely increase the national prestige of the country building it — and just as immensely decrease its supply of money. The moon also is a large rock, if more complicated than Phobos. Nobody has bothered to go there for 40 years. It can easily be studied by unmanned probes. A Mars base would be absolutely phenomenally expensive, as well as dangerous. Why is returning samples of Martian rock particularly desirable? It would be very pricey and, despite NASA's improvements, likely to fail. But suppose it worked. So what?

Is there any longer any point to manned exploration at all? Today's public seems to have little interest in the International Space Station, which creeps along ever so slowly. And nobody gives a convincing rationale for putting money into it instead of, say, planetary probes. Meanwhile the unmanned probes have become stunningly effective. My point in all of this is that it is probably a good idea to have a deliberate and reasoned plan for the exploration of space, rather than to continue on our current course through a combination of bureaucratic inertia and the desires of what might be called the "space-industrial complex." (3/24)

Planting a Flag is Only the Beginning (Source: Space Review)
So much attention has been given to implementing the Vision for Space Exploration that there has been little thought as to what will follow it. Jeff Brooks argues that making the case for the economic benefit of the Moon, Mars, and beyond is essential. Visit http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1088/1 to view the article. (3/24)

Major NASA Projects Over Budget (Source: USA Today)
Two-thirds of NASA's major new programs are significantly over budget or behind schedule, according to the agency's latest report to Congress. NASA's nearly stagnant budget requires the agency to cut projects to make up for unexpected expenses, and cost overruns nearly shut down one of the rovers on Mars — until it got a reprieve Tuesday. They also threaten completion of a climate-change satellite called Glory. Under a 2005 law, the space agency must tell Congress when a major project under development will exceed its budget by more than 15% or fall more than six months behind schedule. Four of the 12 new major projects are over budget, and eight are behind schedule to the point where lawmakers needed to be notified. (3/26)

Weiler to Replace Stern as NASA Science Chief (Source: Space News)
NASA is recalling Goddard Space Flight Center Director Ed Weiler to NASA's headquarters here to take over the Science Mission Directorate in the wake of Alan Stern's abrupt resignation. Stern, a seasoned planetary scientist who joined NASA in April 2007 to pursue a reform-minded agenda, informed colleagues in an e-mail March 26 that he would be leaving the agency in the month ahead. (3/26)

NASA Resignation of Two Top Scientists Unrelated (Source: What's New)
We know Michael Griffin immediately overrode the decision, but we don’t yet know who ordered the cut in the Mars rover budget in the first place. NASA Chief Scientist Alan Stern then announced his resignation. Maybe he had ordered the money be taken out of the Rover. Stern joined NASA less than a year ago as head of the Science Mission Directorate. The NASA staff was still trying to absorb the news about Stern’s resignation when it was revealed that NASA’s chief scientist, John Mather, had submitted his resignation. A senior astrophysicist at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, and an adjunct professor of physics at the University of Maryland, Mather shared the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physics with George Smoot. However, it was just a coincidence that the resignations of Stern and Mather came so close together. Mather said he resigned to devote more time to preparations for the James Webb Space Telescope, and said his resignation was not at all abrupt. (3/28)

Arecebo Observatory Struggles to Stay Open (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
In its 45 years, the Arecibo Observatory has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments. It took some of the first pictures of Earth's changing surface signaling global warming and has mapped the surface of Mars with more precision than any other instrument. It also houses the only radio telescope in the world that can predict with enough accuracy just where and when an asteroid would hit Earth. Yet the Cornell University-run observatory is struggling to stay open after the National Science Foundation, its main funding source, decided last year to slash its budget from $10.5 million to $8 million. By 2011, the money is expected to dwindle to $4 million. (3/24)

'Funding Stranglehold' on UK Observatory, Space Science (Source: BBC)
Science and innovation is being stifled by the government, say the Tories. Shadow chancellor George Osborne said a UK government "stranglehold" on science funding meant over 20% was controlled centrally, up from 2% in 1997. He was visiting Cheshire's Jodrell Bank Observatory, which faces an uncertain future due to an £80m shortfall in the nation's physics and astronomy budget. Jodrell Bank, home to the renowned Lovell telescope, is threatened because of its central role in the UK's eMerlin radio astronomy network. The eMerlin project is at risk because the government's Science and Technology Facilities Council has an £80m hole in its finances, and an assessment panel has listed the project as a "lower priority" for UK physics and astronomy. (3/29)

Cassini Tastes Organic Material at Saturn's Geyser Moon (Source: NASA)
NASA's Cassini spacecraft tasted and sampled a surprising organic brew erupting in geyser-like fashion from Saturn's moon Enceladus during a close flyby on March 12. Scientists are amazed that this tiny moon is so active, "hot" and brimming with water vapor and organic chemicals. New heat maps of the surface show higher temperatures than previously known in the south polar region, with hot tracks running the length of giant fissures. Additionally, scientists say the organics "taste and smell" like some of those found in a comet. The jets themselves harmlessly peppered Cassini, exerting measurable torque on the spacecraft, and providing an indirect measure of the plume density. (3/26)

Nanomaterial Turns Radiation Directly Into Electricity, For Space Probes (Source: New Scientist)
Materials that directly convert radiation into electricity could produce a new era of spacecraft and even Earth-based vehicles powered by high-powered nuclear batteries, say US researchers. Beginning in the 1960s, the US and Soviet Union used thermoelectric materials that convert heat into electricity to power spacecraft using nuclear fission or decaying radioactive material. The Pioneer missions were among those using the latter, "nuclear battery" approach. But thermoelectric materials have very low efficiency. Now US researchers say they have developed highly efficient materials that can convert the radiation, not heat, from nuclear materials and reactions into electricity.

Tests of layered tiles of carbon nanotubes packed with gold and surrounded by lithium hydride are under way. Radioactive particles that slam into the gold push out a shower of high-energy electrons. They pass through carbon nanotubes and pass into the lithium hydride from where they move into electrodes, allowing current to flow. "You load the material with nuclear energy and unload an electric current," says one of the researchers. (3/27)

Scientists Inadvertently Strengthen Case for the Space Station (Source: Astronomy)
Salmonella bacteria grown aboard the space shuttle turned out to be more virulent to its hosts. Salmonella is a leading cause of food poisoning in humans. Stock up on surgical masks. SARS and Swine Flu, stand aside. The REAL Andromeda Strain is here. In the Salmonella Apocalypse scenario, the human race doesn't perish. It experiences a very bad collective bout of food poisoning.

Researchers from Arizona State University exposed Salmonella bacteria to spaceflight aboard space shuttle Atlantis is 2006. At the same time, they grew the same bacteria back on Earth under identical conditions. After the flight, the researchers infected animals with the Salmonella and found bacteria flown in space were almost three times more likely to cause disease than the bacteria grown on Earth's surface. Apparently the experience of spaceflight caused physical changes in the bacteria, perhaps making them less vulnerable to animals' immune defenses.

This research gives us a few points to ponder. One, there is still a lot we don't know about the effects of spaceflight on living creatures. Two, maybe the International Space Station is not totally useless, as some critics contend, because it offers a platform to continue these types of studies in the future. We can learn more about possible hazards of spaceflight and, in general, learn more about biology. (3/26)

VA, Multi-University Research Project Seeks Salmonella Vaccine (Source: DVA)
A Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) research project, which may lead to development of a vaccine to prevent Salmonella poisoning, was aboard the NASA space shuttle that launched March 11. Endeavour transported material to the International Space Station to develop a Salmonella vaccine with the potential to save lives and billions of dollars. The project came about through the teaming of VA researchers with investigators from the National Space Biomedical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, the University Colorado at Boulder, Germany's Max Planck Institute; and a commercial industry sponsor, Spacehab Inc.

Report on Space Station "Research" (Source: What's New)
We reported in January that a Japanese astronaut was training with a world-champion boomerang thrower to see if a boomerang can circle in zero gravity. We are pleased to announce that Takao Doi has now conducted the experiment and reports that “it flew the same way it does on Earth.” The experiment does helps to put the ISS in perspective. (3/28)

Colorado and Hawaii Universities Partner to Research Life in Space (Source: Miami Herald)
The University of Hawaii at Hilo and the Colorado School of Mines will jointly research supporting human life in outer space. The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems at the University of Hawaii develops technologies to enable humans to sustain life on another planet. It has agreements with NASA to test remote-controlled vehicles and hopes to work with commercial partners. And the Colorado School of Mines Center for Space Resources - which focuses on how natural resources can meet human survival needs on the moon and Mars - works with Lockheed Martin on producing oxygen from lunar rocks and soil. The two universities expect to sign an agreement on April 4 to establish the partnership. (3/28)

University of Alaska Wins NASA Contract for Data Center (Source: NASA)

NASA has selected the University of Alaska for the management and operations of the Earth Observing System Data and Information System Synthetic Aperture Radar Distributed Active Archive Center. The total maximum value of the cost, no-fee contract is approximately $39 million over the five-year contract period. The archive center is devoted to the collection, processing, archiving, distribution and support of science data from, but not limited to, Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites. (3/28)

Oklahoma State University Wins NASA Education Contract (Source: NASA)
NASA has awarded a cooperative agreement education grant to Oklahoma State University to implement the Interdisciplinary National Science Program Incorporating Research Experience (INSPIRE). The grant features a one-year basic period of performance with four one-year extension options. The estimated value of the agreement is $2.6 million with a potential value of $22 million if all options are exercised. The program is designed to encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM.

As part of NASA's education strategy to attract and retain students in STEM disciplines, students selected for INSPIRE will be given the opportunity to participate in unique summer experiences at NASA facilities, provided access to a variety of online resources and invited to participate in special videoconferences with NASA officials. Oklahoma State University will provide administrative services for student recruitment, online resources, project logistics and program evaluation. NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will manage the program with work being performed at each of NASA's ten field centers. (3/29)

University, Air Force, and Industry Researchers Study Materials Degradation in Space (Source: USAF)
Endeavour's recent mission included more than 1,000 new materials to be tested as a part of the sixth Materials International Space Station Experiment, or MISSE-6. The research will provide a better understanding of the durability of various materials in a harsh environment. Knowing which materials truly can be used in space will have important applications in the design of future spacecraft. Some of the materials selected for MISSE-6 include an extremely hard, ceramic-like material developed at the University of North Dakota; enzymes and cells encapsulated in silica prepared by UES, Inc.; and spider silk thread from Oxford University. (3/29)

Virginia-Based Multi-University Institute Extends Pact with NASA Langley (Source: DailyPress)
The National Institute of Aerospace in Hampton has a new five-year contract extension to continue working with NASA Langley Research Center. NASA will pay up to $36 million over five years, following the first contract between the two agencies signed in 2002. "Our activities are very closely aligned with those of NASA Langley," said Robert Lindberg, NIA president. "We are excited to continue this important relationship and to further contribute to NASA space exploration, aeronautics research and science missions." NIA conducts research to support NASA's aerospace and atmospheric science missions, provides graduate-level education in science and engineering and works on spreading technologies developed by NASA and NIA.

NIA was formed in 2002 to build collaboration between NASA and the academic community. The institute offers master's and doctoral degrees in engineering and science and has partnerships with: Hampton University, Georgia Tech, North Carolina A&T State University, N.C. State University, University of Maryland, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University and the College of William and Mary. (3/28)

Embry-Riddle Wins College Course Award (Source: ERAU)
The University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) has awarded its Distinguished College Course Award to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Online division. Embry-Riddle is recognized as the world leader in aviation and aerospace higher education. The Distance Learning Course Awards recognize new and innovative courses that use one or more forms of instruction at a distance. The undergraduate meteorology course content was first developed by Dr. Tom Sieland and delivered exclusively over the Internet by a global group of six faculty members. (3/27)

Space Station Chief Gives Update on Joint Problem (Source: SpaceFlightNow.com)
Analysis of metallic contamination from a solar array rotary joint on the space station indicates a "high-friction event" of some sort has chewed up and damaged one of the surfaces of a 10-foot-wide gear and bearing race. A definitive answer to what caused extensive damage is not yet complete, so NASA has not yet decided what repairs might be needed fix the joint. Program Manager Mike Suffredini said an analysis shows the station's solar arrays can generate enough power for near-normal station operations through the rest of this year and early next with the right side solar alpha rotary joint, or SARJ, locked in place or only occasionally moved to improve power generation. "We may have to manage how we do research, but we should be able to do the research that we planned," he said. (3/25)

Europe's Cargo Vehicle Prepares for First Docking to Station (Source: NASA)
Less than three weeks after its maiden launch, Europe's Jules Verne Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) is set to begin a series of automated approaches and make an eventual docking with the Space Station. NASA will broadcast the most critical maneuvers on March 31 and April 3. During the docking, the spacecraft will be controlled by engineers in France, working with flight controllers near Moscow and in Texas. A series of engine firings will bring the ATV to within 36 feet of the station before the crew sends an abort command to move the ATV away from the complex for its final approach three days later. These maneuvers will test all of the ATV's vital systems. (3/25)

New European Space Tug Tests Successful (Source: Florida Today)
A European cargo spaceship edged close to the International Space Station Saturday and then backed away as designed in a test of its automated rendezvous systems. The Jules Verne Automated Transfer Vehicle has one more test approach Monday before getting to the go ahead for a real docking on Wednesday. The craft moved close enough for station astronauts to see from the window and controllers on the ground sent a back away command that appeared to work as planned. ESA officials said the first review of the data show the ATV performance was "completely nominal." (3/30)

Endeavour Lands at Cape Canaveral Spaceport (Source: ERAU)
The Endeavour orbiter landed at Kennedy Space Center at 8:39 p.m. on Wednesday, ending a 16-day mission. The landing was achieved on the second try, after controllers waved-off an earlier landing opportunity due to cloud cover. (3/26)

Shuttle Mission Slips to May 31 with External Tank Issues (Source: NasaSpaceFlight.com)
NASA has started a week-long process of refining their launch date targets, caused by delays to scheduled delivery dates for several External Tanks. STS-124 has already slipped to No Earlier Than May 31. ET-128 - STS-124's tank - is now inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), but has not made it to KSC in time to support the previous May 25 launch date, while STS-119 is now certain to slip into 2009. All slips will not affect the ability to complete the full manifest through to 2010. (3/27)

Late Tanks May Delay Shuttle Launches (Source: Florida Today)
Complicated safety changes and a tight work force are slowing production of space shuttle external tanks, likely leading to the postponement of several launches scheduled for the rest of this year. As NASA tries to complete up to 11 more missions before retiring the shuttle fleet in 2010, all four of the remaining launches set for this year face tank-related delays. (3/30)

Florida's 'Space Coast' Looks Beyond the Shuttle (Source: NPR)
After Endeavour returns to Earth, there will be just 11 missions left to complete before the end of the space shuttle program in 2010. Along Florida's "Space Coast," people are worrying about what the end of the shuttle program will mean for workers and the region's economy. In the area near Cape Canaveral along Florida's Atlantic Coast, there's a sense a deja vu in the air. For many here, the looming end of the space shuttle brings back memories of the 1970s. Al Koller was working at NASA when, quite abruptly, word came down that the Apollo program was being cancelled. The workforce at the Kennedy Space Center was cut from 25,000 employees to less than half that. The ripple effects from those layoffs, Koller recalls, devastated Florida communities from Titusville to Melbourne.

For nearly 50 years, launch operations are what the Kennedy Space Center has been known for. But it now has competition — both internationally and in the United States, where some private space companies say they may go elsewhere for their launches. Lynda Weatherman, of the area's economic development commission, says it's important that Florida's Space Coast diversify its aerospace industry and the role it plays in the nation's space program. "We don't want to rely on launch. We can't afford to rely on launch," she says. (3/25)

Energy R&D Project Considered for KSC (Source: Florida Today)
The proposed Florida Advanced Combustion Center is enticing for Florida. It would mean the creation of at least 1,300 high-tech jobs over 10 years, with an average annual wage of $58,000, at an unused facility at Kennedy Space Center just as the space shuttle program ends, sending droves of people in search of new work. And that employment number doesn't include hundreds of ancillary jobs. Also, the center could put Brevard County and the region on the ground floor for developing new environmental and energy technologies. The challenge is convincing the state to devote $50 million in economic development money toward the $175 million venture during the state's ongoing fiscal crisis. Florida Tech's Frank Kinney, who is leading the project on behalf of the state's educational partners, remains optimistic: "One of the items that lawmakers seem to be willing to fund is economic development."

The Center would involve research to increase the efficiency of turbine-powered generators. Almost all electrical power on Earth is produced with a turbine of some type. Most jet engines depend on some type of turbine technology, as do ships. A leading corporate player is Siemens AG, the Germany-based group that also is Europe's largest engineering conglomerate. Local corporate involvement would include Florida Turbine Technologies of Palm Beach County. Siemens is looking to move its turbine testing to the U.S., and the Florida site is a contender for a couple of reasons.

For one, testing would be near one of Siemens' operating units, the Siemens Power Generation Inc., near the University of Central Florida. And the proposed combustion center -- which would be built at NASA's industrial area south of the shuttle launch facility -- also would involve Florida Tech, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, UCF in Orlando and Florida Atlantic University in southeast Florida as educational research partners. Those schools would do research at the facility. They also would help secure any available research grants. (3/24)

Zero-G Bails on Brevard, Bound for Virginia (Source: Florida Today)
Virginia-based Space Adventures Ltd. has purchased Zero Gravity Corp., taking from Florida the headquarters of a space-tourism company the state has agreed to pay about $1 million for teacher flights over two years. Since 2007, Space Florida has had a nearly $500,000-a-year contract with Zero-G to fly 120 teachers a year at a cost of more than $3,500 per passenger. Company officials said the Zero-G plane will remain in Fort Lauderdale, where Zero-G previously was based. Zero-G anticipates about 100 flights this year, and about a third of which would continue to originate from Florida.

Space Adventures President and Chief Executive Officer Eric Anderson said the Virginia tax break is welcomed, although it did not influence his decision to buy the company. In addition to the tax breaks from Virginia and the state contract with Space Florida, Zero-G in January landed a $5 million-a-year contract with NASA to provide microgravity flights the agency now flies with its own planes.

State officials say the purpose of the contract with Space Florida is to encourage science education while supporting a fledgling space tourism company. "We see it as a viable tool," Space Florida President Steve Kohler said. Space Florida will fund four more teacher flights this year. NASA contracted with Zero-G to begin a commercialization policy. Their contract includes up to 20 weeks of service. NASA already operates two planes to fly microgravity missions, but the Zero-G 727 can accommodate up to 35 researchers, compared with 20 on NASA's C-9 during each flight. (3/25)

New Alabama Economic Development Office to Focus on Space (Source: Huntsville Times)
Bruce Anderson will head a new Alabama Development Office (ADO) satellite office in Huntsville, which will focus on recruiting new aerospace, aviation and defense-related jobs to the state. Prior to becoming the ADO's assistant director for civil and military aerospace, Anderson worked in Huntsville as a special assistant at Marshall, to co-lead a NASA-Huntsville-Alabama proposal to locate NASA's Shared Service Center in Huntsville. He was Marshall's ombudsman from 2004 to 2006 and was reappointed to that position in October 2006. (3/29)

NASA Deputy Administrator Talks Space Benefits with Missouri Lt. Governor (Source: NASA)
ST. LOUIS - NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder discussed how space exploration gives Missourians a more competitive economy and better quality of life Tuesday during a NASA Future Forum in St. Louis. The event, which was part of a yearlong series of events across the country marking NASA's 50th anniversary, took place at the Saint Louis Science Center. (3/25)

Australian Farmer Finds Mystery Space Junk (Source: Reuters)
A cattle farmer in Australia's remote northern outback on Friday said he had found a giant ball of twisted metal, which he believes is space junk from a rocket used to launch communications satellites. Farmer James Stirton found the odd-shaped ball last year on his 40,000 hectare property, about 800 kilometers (500 miles) west of the northern Queensland state capital of Brisbane. He said the object was hollow, and covered in a carbon-fiber material. He has contacted some U.S.-based aerospace companies to try to find out what the object really is. Sydney's Powerhouse Museum said it was not uncommon for people to find spacejunk in remote areas of Australia. (3/28)

Space Junk Falls in Brazil (Sources: Universe Today, ERAU)
On the March 24th, a story hit the web from Brazil asking for help identifying a mysterious-looking sphere found in farmland. The black, shiny object appeared to be wrapped in fibrous material and it was hot to the touch. Immediately thoughts of extra-terrestrial origin came to mind. A similar object was found in the Australian outback. So are the two objects connected in some way? Are they indeed from outer space? The answer is "yes", and "yes". But don't go getting too excited, they're not bits from a broken alien spacecraft. Both objects appear to be carbon-fiber pressure vessels, for carrying fuel or other gas/liquid commodities aboard satellites or rockets. (3/29)

Falling Rocket Chunk Almost Hits Outdoor Toilet (Source: MSNBC)
A shepherd is suing Russia's space agency for compensation after he said a 10-foot-long chunk of metal from a space rocket fell into his yard, just missing his outdoor toilet. Boris Urmatov, who is asking for 1 million rubles ($42,000) from the Roskosmos agency, lives in a small village that lies underneath the flight path of rockets taking off from the Baikonur spaceport Russia leases in nearby Kazakhstan. (3/26)

Biggest UK Space Impact Found (Source: BBC)
Evidence of the biggest meteorite ever to hit the British Isles has been found by a team of scientists. Researchers from the universities of Oxford and Aberdeen think a large object hit north-west Scotland about 1.2 billion years ago. "The massive impact would have melted rocks and thrown up an enormous cloud of vapor that scattered material over a large part of the region around Ullapool. The crater was rapidly buried by sandstone which helped to preserve the evidence." (3/26)

L-3 Titan Wins NASA Simulation and Software Contract (Source: NASA)
NASA has awarded a five-year, $49 million contract to L3 Communications - Titan Group of Niceville, Fla., to provide simulation and software technology support at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The contract provides support to Johnson's Automation, Robotics and Simulation Division in the fields of virtual reality for training and simulation activities, simulation environments, analysis and applications, systems engineering and vehicle subsystem management, and guidance, navigation and control simulation. The work supports the development and operations of the Space Shuttle, International Space Station and Constellation programs. (3/26)

NASA Awards Nitrogen Supply Contract for Cape Canaveral Spaceport (Source: NASA)
NASA has awarded Air Liquide Large Industries of Houston the gaseous nitrogen supply and services contract for Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (collectively, the Cape Canaveral Spaceport). The indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract has an estimated valued of $47.5 million during a five year period, including a three-year base period and two, one-year option periods. (3/27)

Launch Providers: Too Few or Too Many? (Source: Space Review)
Last weekend's failure of a Proton rocket is the latest complication for the commercial launch industry, which has seen manifests fill up and customers complain about schedules and costs. Jeff Foust reports on the differing points of view about whether there are enough -- or even too many -- launch services providers. Visit http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1090/1 to view the article. (3/24)

SpaceX Conducts First Three-Engine Firing of Falcon 9 Rocket (Source: SpaceX)
SpaceX conducted the first three-engine firing of its Falcon 9 medium to heavy lift rocket at its Texas Test Facility outside McGregor, on March 8. At full power the engines generated over 270,000 pounds of force, and consumed 1,050 lbs of fuel and liquid oxygen per second. This three-engine test again sets the record as the most powerful test yet on the towering 235-foot tall test stand. A total of nine Merlin 1C engines will power the Falcon 9 rocket. The test series continues with the addition of two engines for a total of five, then finally the full compliment of nine engines. With all engines firing, the Falcon 9 can generate over one million pounds of thrust in vacuum - four times the maximum thrust of a 747 aircraft. (3/27)

ATK and Ad Astra Rocket Company Sign Technology Development Alliance (Source: PR Newswire)
Alliant Techsystems and the Ad Astra Rocket Company of Houston, Texas signed a Technology Development Alliance designed to strengthen the market presence of the two companies and explore future in-space propulsion systems for lunar and planetary missions. ATK is an industry leader in the production and integration of advanced launch systems and solid rocket motors while Ad Astra specializes in advanced plasma propulsion technologies for operation in the vacuum of outer space. The agreement will facilitate the sharing of sufficient cost, technical and programmatic information for future launch vehicle and rocket propulsion projects. (3/26)

Iridium Selects Three Finalists To Design/Develop Iridium NEXT (Source: SpaceDaily.com)
Iridium Satellite has named three companies to enter into the concept development phase in its design and development procurement process for "NEXT," the company's next-generation satellite constellation. Over the next five months, Lockheed Martin, Loral and Thales Alenia Space will develop design concepts, review critical engineering trades and evaluate performance and capabilities required for NEXT along with the costs to manufacture and launch the system. Iridium plans to down-select to two candidates to undertake the detailed system development phase of the procurement process. (3/24)

France Eyes Flying Altimeters on Iridium Satellites (Source: Space News)
The French space agency, CNES, is open to the idea of flying 24 Earth observation instruments financed by CNES and other space and meteorological agencies on the next generation of Iridium mobile communications satellites. But CNES officials also question whether the effort could be organized in time to meet Iridium's deadline for satellite construction, CNES' Earth observation manager said. (3/29)

Colorado Firm Gets USDA Loan for Rural Broadband with Globalstar (Source: Space News)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted a $267 million loan to Open Range Communications Inc. to provide broadband communications to rural communities in 17 states, a deployment that is expected to feature the participation of mobile satellite services provider Globalstar Inc., the government agency and Globalstar announced. (3/29)

Justice Department Approves Satellite Radio Merger (Source: SpaceToday.net)
The Justice Department would approve the merger of Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio without any conditions on the deal. In a statement, the Justice Department concluded that the merger of the only two satellite radio companies that serve the US would not "substantially lessen competition", in part because of technical incompatibilities between the two companies' receivers as well as a number of competing alternatives, including the Internet. Terrestrial radio companies had sought to block the merger, claiming it was anticompetitive, but the Justice Department rejected those arguments and concluded no conditions were required to ensure no harm was done to consumers. The merger, announced in February 2007, still required the approval of the FCC, which has not set a timetable for its decision. (3/24)

FCC Approves ORBCOMM’s Next-Generation Constellation (Source: ORBCOMM)
ORBCOMM Inc., a global satellite data communications company, has received a modified authorization from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approving its next-generation Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation plan. The FCC also granted ORBCOMM’s request to renew its license for an additional fifteen years, extending the term of the license until the year 2025. The modified license requires ORBCOMM to place the new satellites in operation over the next six years, and also permits ORBCOMM to deploy replacement satellites over the entire period of the extended license term. The modified authorization also approves ORBCOMM’s request for additional spectrum for its next-generation satellite constellation, expanding ORBCOMM’s uplink and downlink frequency assignments, and adding a new frequency band for downlink operations. (3/28)

Satellite Mergers Ahead? (Source: GigaOM.com)
The decision by the Justice Department to allow XM and Sirius to merge, combined with incumbents such as Verizon and AT&T winning much of the spectrum on offer in the 700 MHz auction, means we’re likely see Mergers and Acquisitions among the major satellite players in the coming year. Had a new entrant won a lot of spectrum in the auction, they could have partnered with one of the satellite operators and potentially reduced some of the costs of building out a terrestrial network as well as gotten some extra spectrum. In the last few years, there has been a plenty of speculation over spectrum among MSS players, with operators including Iridium, Globalstar, ICO Global Communications, TerreStar Corp. and Mobile Satellite Venture are all trying to operate or build out networks.

Instead of launching a satellite only-business, these companies hope to take advantage of a combined terrestrial and satellite network to offer wireless services, most likely to carriers or to governments. But a shortages of spectrum for some players, plus a Justice Department willing to let satellite deals through, means many of them may team up rather than go it alone. Visit http://gigaom.com/2008/03/29/satellite-mergers/ to view the article. (3/29)

GenCorp Posts Profit in First-Quarter Results (Source: Sacramento Bee)
GenCorp reported a $3.3 million profit from its continuing operations in the first quarter of 2008, as it reduced expenses related to environmental cleanup and retirement benefits. The earnings also reflected growth in sales of several missile and propulsion systems. GenCorp had a loss of $2.1 million on continuing operations in the first quarter of 2007. (3/27)

SpaceDev Reports Year-End 2007 Results (Source: Market Wire)
SpaceDev reported year-end revenue of $34.7 million, an increase of over $2 million from 2006. Income from Operations improved by over $1 million. Net loss was reduced by $700,000. SpaceDev reported net sales of $34.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of $2.1 million, or 6%, from the $32.6 million in net sales reported for 2006. (3/28)

Forty Years On, Yuri Gagarin's Death Still a Mystery (Source: RIA Novosti)
Forty years after he perished in a plane crash, the death of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, remains the subject of speculation and conspiracy theories. Gagarin died on March 27, 1968, a little under seven years after becoming the first human to fly to space and orbit the Earth. His death came during what should have been a routine practice flight in a MiG-15UTI fighter plane. Soviet officials made no official announcement as to the cause of the crash and all the details of the accident were archived and marked "Top Secret."

Despite top-level reluctance to look into the causes of the accident, even during Soviet times there were whispers and rumors that the cosmonaut's death was due to something more than a routine training flight gone wrong. The theories as to the 'true' cause of the crash ranged from the plausible to the outlandish: in 1986, a belated inquest suggested that the afterburners of a passing jet may have caused the crash. Others alleged that the then Soviet leader, Leonid Brezhnev, had ordered Gagarin's death due to feelings of envy over the charismatic cosmonaut's popularity.

Fringe theories had it that Gagarin had been taken away by aliens, while another theory, voiced in the 1990s by Finnish conspiracy theorists, claimed that Gagarin had never been in space and that the whole thing had been an elaborate Soviet propaganda exercise. Gagarin was murdered, they said, to protect the secret. (3/27)

Moon Walker Aldrin Now on Different Flight (Source: Miami Herald)
After becoming one of the first humans to walk on the moon, astronaut Buzz Aldrin returned to Earth and grappled with depression and alcoholism. At age 78, Buzz Aldrin has the posture of a military man and can talk at length about his experience with fellow astronaut Neil Armstrong as the first humans to walk on the moon. But Aldrin didn't come to Fort Lauderdale on Friday afternoon to solely talk about space travel. His message was far more personal. It was about his lifelong battle against depression and alcoholism.

Unprepared for the fame and uncertain of his place in the world upon his return from space, Aldrin said he struggled for years, dropping in and out of treatment programs and claiming recovery only to relapse. "There is much more hope for people that in the past just didn't face a good promise of recovery," he told reporters at a press conference organized by Broward Housing Solutions, an organization that provides affordable housing for homeless people who have mental illness. Aldrin was the keynote speaker at a fundraiser in Fort Lauderdale to benefit the housing organization. (3/29)

Event Calendar

CSA Networking Reception at Planned at Westec on April 1 (Source: CSA)

Please join the California Space Authority for a Networking Reception on Tuesday, April 1, 2008, 5:00pm to 6:30pm at the Los Angeles Convention Center Room 306B. Avoid the traffic, view the WESTEC exhibits and come learn about the Supplier Innovation Initiative: Prime/Supplier Transformation Survey Results, Supplier Resources training, funding, certifications. Primes and Suppliers are encouraged to attend. Cost: $15; no cost to the 1st 25 registrants. To register visit http://www.prestoregister.com/cgi-bin/order.pl?ref=csa-event&fm=4

Basics of System Engineering (BASE), Apr 1-3

http://www.csewi.org/programs.html#CIC

CubeSat Developers’ Workshop Planned April 9-11 (Source: CSA)

The CubeSat Project was developed by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and Stanford University's Space Systems Development Lab. The CubeSat program creates launch opportunities for universities previously unable to access space. With over 60 universities and high schools participating in the CubeSat program, the educational benefits are tremendous. The CubeSat program also benefits private firms and government by providing a low-cost way of flying payloads in space, all while creating important educational opportunities for future leaders of industry. Visit http://cubesat.atl.calpoly.edu/pages/workshops/developers-workshop-2008.php

SMC Industry Days, Apr 15-17

http://www.SMCIndustryDays.org

NASA Future Forum Planned in Miami on April 18 (Source: NASA)
Join NASA scientists, engineers, astronauts, local business, technology and academic leaders, and local, state, and federal officials to discuss the past, present, and future of NASA and its contributions to the Nation for the advancement of science, technology, engineering, education and the economy. The program will also feature NASA's Constellation Program - America's return to the Moon and beyond. The event will be held at the University of Miami on April 18. Visit http://www.regonline.com/futureforum-miami

RS6 Responsive Space Conference, Apr 28 - May 1

http://www.responsivespace.com

AIAA Sponsors Aerospace Workforce Conference on May 13-14 (Source: SpaceTEC)

Inside Aerospace—An International Forum for Aviation and Space Leaders, a conference focusing on aerospace workforce issues, will be held on May 13-14 in Washington DC. Visit http://www.aiaa.org/agenda.cfm?lumeetingid=1949&viewcon=agenda&pageview=2&programSeeview=1&formatview=2 for information.

Responsive Access to Space Conference Planned on May 19-23
http://www.usasymposium.com/raste/RASTEexhibitreminder.html

Berlin International Aerospace Show Planned May 27 - June 1 (Source: CSA)

With more than 1.000 exhibitors from over 40 countries, more than 115,000 trade visitors and about 250,000 visitors in total, ILA Berlin Air Show is one of the world’s largest aerospace trade shows. ILA provides best access to the EU and particularly to the markets in Central and Eastern Europe. Visit http://www.ila-berlin.com/ila2008/ausstanmeldung/index_e.cfm

International Space Development Conference, May 29 - June 1
http://isdc.nss.org/2008/ -. Discount Registration to CSA Members!

CSA Co-Hosts Satellite Conference in San Diego on June 10-12 (Source: CSA)

The California Space Authority is co-hosting a joint conference on satellite communications on June 10-12 in San Diego. For more information on the 26th International Communications Satellite Systems Conference (ICSSC), and the ISCe 2008 satellite & communications conference, visit http://www.isce.com/.

Teacher Workshops Planned Near California Spaceport on June 14 (Source: CSA)

NASA and the California Space Authority encourage teachers to participate in the Delta II launch of the Jason-2 Satellite: NASA and NOAA’s Ocean Surface Topography mission. For all interested school educators & administrators: this is a unique opportunity to learn about realworld Earth and atmospheric science, rocket science (no previous knowledge necessary), and OSTM/Jason-2’s cutting-edge satellite instrument technology. This educational program will provide a general introduction to the NASA/NOAA OSTM/Jason-2 mission and a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) workshops with specific science behind the Jason-2 satellite instruments. Visit http://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/ostm.html.

Joint Propulsion Conference Planned in Connecticut on July 20-23 (Source: CSA)

This is the AIAA's premier event for engineering and management professionals focused on space technologies, systems, programs, and policy. Visit http://www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=230&lumeetingid=1874 for information.

2008 Regolith Excavation Challenge Planned Aug. 2-3

August 2-3, 2008 on the campus of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. http://regolith.csewi.org/

APSCC 2008 Satellite Conference & Exhibition Planned Sept. 22-25 (Source: CSA)

The satellite industry's premier conference for business and networking opportunities in Asia is planned for September 22 - 25, 2008 at the Hotel Lotte, Jeju, Korea. To register visit http://www.apscc.or.kr/event/apscc2008.asp. Registration Discount to CSA Members!

Last Week’s DOD Contract Awards in California

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a $49,989,104 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for production of 16 each AN/AAQ-30 Thermal Sight Systems (TSS). The AN/AAQ-30 TSS provides detection, identification, and targeting capability in day/night operations for the USMC AH-1Z Super Cobra helicopter. AN/AAQ-30 TSS is fully integrated into the AH-1Z Fire Control System providing range and optical line-of-sight data for all weapons including the 20mm gun, Hellfire missile, 2.75 inch rockets and sidewinder missile. TSS has an Automatic Video Tracker and includes a Laser Rangefinder/designator which provides classified coded designation of targets for laser-guided munitions of the tri-service arsenal. Major subcontractors include L3 Communications/Wescam of Ontario Canada, manufacturer of the turret assembly and Kollsman, Inc. of Merrimack, N.H. manufacturer of the Common Laser Designator Range Finder used in the AN/AAQ-30 TSS. Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., (86 percent); Ocala, Fla., (9 percent); and Santa Barbara, Calif., (5 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Oct. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Via the Federal Business Opportunities and Navy Electronic Commerce Online websites, one offer was received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Reston, Va., is being awarded a $29,354,004 modification under a previously awarded contract (M67854-06-C-2023) in support of Joint Tactical Common Operational Picture (COP) Workstation (JTCW) Client and Gateway (C&GW) is the software re-architecting of Command and Control Personal Computer (C2PC), a Microsoft Windows-based software tool developed for the Marine Corps by Inter-National Research Institute Inc., in 1994 [now Northrop Grumman Defense Mission Systems (NGDMS)]. It was initially designed to fulfill the role of a COP client to Tactical Combat Operations (TCO). It quickly became the client software of choice for Global Command and Control System (GCCS) and other Common Operating Environment (COE) systems to better ensure that all users share a common view of the battlespace. C2PC has evolved to satisfy tactical system requirements in other programs such as Data-Automated Computer Terminal (DACT) by being able to operate in a low-bandwidth, intermittent communications environment. The JTCW C&GW is the naming convention chosen for the re-architected C2PC C&GW. The name change was necessary to maintain consistent naming convention with the Marine Corps' end product, in which the C&GW will be a core component. This is not a first-time procurement; it is a follow-on procurement to C2PC Version 6.2 and C2PC Version 7.0. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by Sep. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Systems Application & Technologies, Inc., Oxnard, Calif., was awarded a $10,000,000 modification on Mar. 26, 2008, under previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N62473-06-D-3033) to exercise option year two for program management, technical and integrated logistics services to support the Navy’s Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) Ashore Program.  The work to be performed provides for recommendations for assessments of ATFP effectiveness, standardization, regional systems solutions, enterprise network solutions, performance based logistics, configuration management, and recommended design and technical solutions. The ATFP Program will utilize a total-systems engineering approach to automated and improve the security of Navy shore installations worldwide. The current total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $30,000,000. Work will be performed at Naval installations in various worldwide locations, and work is expected to be completed by Mar. 2009.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Specialty Center Acquisitions, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity.

McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Co., of Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a modified contract for $273,320,011. This contract action exercises the FY08 third quarter option for the continued performance of the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership. C-17 fleet sustainment and product support will be managed through a long term performance-based partnership between Boeing and the Air Force, which places performance risk on the contractor to provide sustainment support at continuously, raised benchmarked levels. In addition, the contractor logistics support (CLS) for the palletized seat system (PSS) for Air Material Command (AMC) and the Air National Guard (ANG) will be exercised and funded. At this time $273,320,011 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity.

Cox Construction Co., Vista, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 25, 2008, a $12,960,000 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of Non-Standard Operations Urban Terrain (MOUT) Phase II. Work will be performed at Fort Irwin, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Web bids were solicited on Dec. 14, 2007, and six bids were received.  U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity.

EADS North American Defense, Arlington, Va., was awarded on Mar. 14, 2008, a firm-fixed-price contract for $7,233.737. This contract increases the PY03 Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) hours to ensure continued CLS coverage for the UH-72A.  The action also exercises the option for PY03 Procedural Trainer Support Labor to ensure Procedural Trainer support labor coverage is available for maintenance of the Procedural Trainer following acceptance. Performance locations include Fort Irwin, Calif. (33.3 percent), Fort Eustis, Va., (33.3 percent), and Fort Polk, La., (33.3 percent). The estimated completion date is Dec. 31, 2008. One bid was solicited with one bid received. The contracting office is the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala.

Rome Research Corporation, Rome, N.Y., was awarded on Mar. 18, 2008, a $15,118,684 firm fixed price contract for augmentation support of the operation and maintenance of standardized tactical entry point/teleport facilities. Work will be performed in Camp Roberts, San Miquel, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jan. 11, 2008, and four bids were received. ACC, Information Technology, E-Commerce and Commercial Contracting Center – West, Fort Huachuca, Ariz., is the contracting activity.

Armtec Countermeasure, Coachella, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 21, 2008, a $22,580,526 firm-fixed price contract for M206 and MJU-7A/B infrared countermeasure flares. Work will be performed in Coachella, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two bids were solicited on Aug. 4, 2006, and two bids were received. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity.

Rapiscan Systems, Torrance, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 20, 2008, a $7,259,420 firm-fixed-price contract for relocatable gamma-ray imaging systems. Work will be performed in Torrance, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. 38 bids were solicited on Apr. 12, 2007, and two bids were received. Army Contracting Agency, White Sands Missile Range, N.M., is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Co., Electronics Systems, Goleta, Calif., is being awarded an $11,681,964 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0123) to exercise an option for the full-rate-production of 14 Lot 10 AN/ALR-67(V)3 Radar Warning Receivers to support F/A-18 legacy aircraft programs for the Canadian Air Force (13) and the Swiss Air Force (1). The AN/ALR-67(V)3 RWR is a radar warning receiver that provides visual and aural alerts to F/A-18 aircrew upon detection of ground-based, ship-based, or airborne radar emitters. It is designed to enhance pilot situational awareness by providing accurate identification, lethality, and azimuth displays of hostile and friendly emitters. This contract combines purchases for the Governments of Canada ($10,847,538; 92 percent), and Switzerland ($834,426; 7 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Forest, Miss. (46 percent); Goleta, Calif. (14 percent); Lansdale, Pa. (10 percent); Brisbane, Australia (9 percent); Chatsworth, Calif. (7 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (7 percent); McKinney, Texas (4 percent); and Portland, Ore. (3 percent), and work is expected to be completed in Jun. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Co., of Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a modified contract for $13,769,216.  This contract is for the procurement of 27 Aeromedical Litter Stations Augmentation System Kits. Each kit consists of nine Aeromedical Stations, one set of included replacement components and one container for storage and transport. At this time $6,196,147 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB (Ohio) is the contracting activity.

URS Group Inc, Santa Ana, Calif.; CDM Constructors Inc., Carlsbad, Calif.; Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure Inc., San Diego, Calif.; Tetra Tech EC Inc., San Diego, Calif.; Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio, and Weston Solutions Inc., Walnut Creek, Calif., are each being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity environmental multiple award contract for environmental remediation services on Navy and Marine Corps installations at various locations and other DOD installations nationwide. The total aggregate amount for all contracts combined is not to exceed $100,000,000. Work will be performed at various federal sites within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest area of responsibility including, but not limited to Calif., (80 percent), Ariz., (10 percent), Ala.,(2 percent), Nev.,(2 percent), Wash.,(2 percent), N.M.(1 percent), Ore.,(1 percent), Utah (1 percent), and nationwide (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed Mar. 2009 (Mar. 2013 with options exercised). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was issued as an unrestricted procurement on the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with 10 proposals received. These six contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded $19,344,000 unpriced letter contract to provide Long Lead Material (LLM) required for the fiscal 2009 follow-on production of the TRIDENT II (D5) Missile System. This unpriced letter contract will be definitized on/about Oct. 1, 2008. The definitized fiscal 2009 TRIDENT II (D5) Production and Deployed Systems Support contract will be a cost reimbursable, multiple incentive contract with incentives on cost and performance. Work will be performed in locations yet to be determined, and work is expected to be completed Sep. 2012. The contract was not competitively procured. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity.

Vision Robotics Federal Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $8,039,539 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed fee contract to provide navigation systems installation support services to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego. The contract provides for technical, engineering support and systems engineering for the Autonomous Machine Vision for Mapping and Investigation (AMVMI) project. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed Mar. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Broad Agency Announcement (N66001-07-X-2017) which was advertised on the Federal Business Opportunities web site and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) e-Commerce web site.  Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

EADS North American Defense, Arlington, Va., was awarded on Mar. 14, 2008, a firm-fixed-price contract for $7,233.737.12. This contract increases the PY03 Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) hours to ensure continued CLS coverage for the UH-72A. The action also exercises the option for PY03 Procedural Trainer Support Labor to ensure Procedural Trainer support labor coverage is available for maintenance of the Procedural Trainer following acceptance. Performance locations include Fort Irwin, Calif., (33.3%), Fort Eustis, Va., (33.3%), and Fort Polk, La. (33.3%). The estimated completion date is Dec. 31, 2008. One bid was solicited with one bid received. The contracting office is the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala.

Science Applications International Corp., DBA SAIC, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 17, 2008, a cost plus fixed fee contract for $9,595,250. The contract is for the design, integration and operation of a Medical Conversion System to permit imagine of DoD healthcare documentation. All work will be performed in Alexandria, Va.  Estimated completion date is Feb. 25, 2009.  One bid was solicited on Feb. 5, 2008.  The contracting office is Engineering Research and Development Center, Alexandria, Va.

KTU+A, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $7,500,000 (base and options - with a guaranteed minimum of $5,000) firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect/engineering contract for preparation of Navy and Marine Corps military construction projects planning documentation in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility.  Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps facilities and other government facilities within the NAVFAC Southwest AOR including, but not limited to California (87 percent); Arizona (5 percent), Nevada (5 percent), Colorado (1 percent), New Mexico (1 percent) and Utah (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed March 2009 (March 2013 with exercised options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website,with seven offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.