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July
07, 2008
Impact Earth: Could We Divert a Giant Asteroid? (Source:
Independent)
A hundred years ago this week a man was sitting in the wooden porch of
a trading post in the village of Vanavara in deepest Siberia when a blinding flash of
light, followed by a huge blast of sound threw him to the ground.
Several years later, he recounted the terrifying moment to an
inquisitive Russian scientist from St Petersburg who was on an expedition
to find out what had caused such a massive explosion in one of the
remotest regions on Earth. "Suddenly, in the north sky... the sky was
split in two, and high above the forest the whole northern part of the
sky appeared covered with fire," the man told the scientist. "There was
a bang in the sky and a mighty crash... The crash was followed by a
noise like stones falling from the sky, or of guns firing. The earth
trembled," he said.
If the asteroid had collided just a few hours later, or had come in on
a slightly different trajectory, it could easily have exploded over Paris, London, New York or Moscow, with devastating
consequences. Scientists calculate that if something of similar size
exploded over London today, little within the
M25 would remain standing. It would be as if a large thermonuclear bomb
equivalent to 20 million tons of high explosives had been set off in
the heart of the city. Click here to view the article. (7/2)
U.S. Not Prepared for Possible
Asteroid Strike, Group Says (Source: LA Times)
A group of scientists, joined by a member of Congress, used the 100th
anniversary of the Tunguska asteroid event this week to draw attention
to their belief that the United States is not doing enough to defend
the planet against the dangers posed by near-Earth objects. "We are not
prepared at this time to prevent the massive death and destruction that
would occur if an object from space hit the Earth as it did in
Tunguska," said Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Huntington Beach) at a news
conference at the Pasadena offices of the Planetary Society. (7/5)
Exploding Asteroid Theory Strengthened by New Evidence in Ohio, Indiana (Source: University of Cincinnati)
Was the course of life on the planet altered 12,900 years ago by a
giant comet exploding over Canada? New evidence found by UC
suggests the answer is affirmative. Geological evidence found in Ohio and Indiana in recent weeks is
strengthening the case to attribute what happened 12,900 years ago in North America -- when the end of the
last Ice Age unexpectedly turned into a phase of extinction for animals
and humans – to a cataclysmic comet or asteroid explosion over top of Canada.
A comet/asteroid theory advanced by Arizona-based geophysicist Allen
West in the past two years says that an object from space exploded just
above the earth’s surface at that time over modern-day Canada, sparking
a massive shock wave and heat-generating event that set large parts of
the northern hemisphere ablaze, setting the stage for the extinctions.
(7/2)
Rosetta Awakes From
Hibernation for Asteroid Encounter (Source: ESA)
Spacecraft controllers have awoken Rosetta from hibernation to prepare
for its encounter with asteroid (2867) Steins on 5 September. ESA’s
comet chaser will study the relatively rare asteroid as it flies by on
its way to comet 67/P Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Launched in March 2004,
Rosetta will reach its final destination only in 2014, after travelling
a total of about 6500 million km. The distance between the spacecraft
and the Sun as it approaches the comet will be about 600 million or 4
AU (1 AU or 1 Astronomical Unit is equal to 150 million km, the mean
distance between Earth and the Sun). (7/3)
Lack of Cracks May Explain Peru Meteorite Mystery (Source: New Scientist)
It'S the Superman of space rocks. A mysterious meteorite that crashed
to Earth last year may have been the toughest of its kind. The Carancas
meteorite struck the town of that name in Peru last September, blowing a
hole in the ground 13 meters wide. The fact that locals saw a single
object strike suggests a meteorite made of iron, because stony
meteorites normally fragment high above the Earth and spread relatively
harmlessly over a wide area. However, the debris found by investigators
was stone.
One explanation for this conundrum, though at odds with the eyewitness
accounts, is that the object broke into smaller pieces which hit the
ground together. Another theory is that the meteorite was one of many
chunks from a larger, slow-moving object which broke up when it met the
atmosphere at a glancing angle. Yet all these chunks would probably
have been traveling too slowly to create the Carancas crater.
Now some researchers suggest the object could have survived the descent
intact if, by a one-in-a-million chance, it lacked internal cracks and
irregularities. They built a computer model showing that an object
around 1 meter across could enter the atmosphere at a relatively fast
20 kilometers per second and survive the descent if it was free of
cracks. (7/3)
NASA Reveals New Discoveries from Mercury (Source: NASA)
Analyses of data from the January 2008 flyby of the planet by the
Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging
(MESSENGER) spacecraft have shown that volcanoes were involved in
plains formation and suggest that its magnetic field is actively
produced in the planet's core. Scientists additionally took their first
look at the chemical composition of the planet's surface. The tiny
craft probed the composition of Mercury's thin atmosphere, sampled
charged particles (ions) near the planet, and demonstrated new links
between both sets of observations and materials on Mercury's surface.
(7/3)
Instrument Concerns Accelerate Mars Sample Analysis Plans
(Source: SpaceToday.net)
The possibility of a short circuit in a key instrument on NASA's Mars
Phoenix Lander has led scientists to accelerate the analysis of a
sample of ice-rich soil, project officials said Wednesday. Engineers
are concerned about the lander's Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer
(TEGA), one of its key instruments, after it suffered a short circuit
during operation last month. Taking a conservative approach, scientists
opted to move ahead and use a soil sample thought to be rich in ice in
the instrument next, in case the problem worsens and prevents future
use of TEGA. (7/3)
Details of International Mars Sample Return Mission Emerge
(Source: Flight International)
Details of the international Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission
architecture include a number of launch dates from 2018 for the MSR
mission, the overall concept is an orbiter to be launched up to two
years before the lander, which has a rover and a Mars Ascent Vehicle
(MAV) that will return samples to Earth. Click here to view the article.
(7/3)
Eight Teams Taking up ESA’s Lunar Robotics Challenge
(Source: ESA)
As interest in exploration of the Moon soars among the world’s space
agencies, ESA, through its General Studies Program, has challenged
university students to develop a robotic vehicle that is capable of
working in difficult terrain, comparable to that found at the lunar
poles. Eight university teams have been selected to proceed to the
design stage of ESA’s Lunar Robotics Challenge. Visit http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMGAASHKHF_index_0.html to view the article. (7/3)
Regolith Excavation Challenge Moon Diggers Get Space Water
(Source: CSA)
The California Space Education Workforce Institute (CSEWI) and the
California Space Authority (CSA) announced that Microgravity
Enterprises, Inc. (MEI) will provide Space2O, a bottled space water
product, for participating teams in the 2008 Regolith Excavation
Challenge, a national competition involving 25 teams from across the
U.S. The event requires teams to build an effective roving lunar
excavator that collects and places into a collector 150 kg of lunar
simulant within 30 minutes for eligibility in winning NASA’s $750,000.
Space2O—is an innovative bottled water product that uses ingredients
launched and retrieved from space. (7/3)
Moon Dust: Astronaut Health Hazard? (Source: Discovery)
Astronauts heading to the moon have more to worry about than rocket
rides and radiation exposure. Researchers have discovered that
breathing on the lunar surface could be hazardous to their health. The
problem is dust. On the moon, it's sharp-edged, chemically active and
ubiquitous. "The dust is electrostatic -- it just sticks to
everything," explained University of California San Diego researcher
Chantal Darquenne, who is working under a NASA grant to study how moon
dust lodges in the lungs. (7/2)
Survey of Distant Galaxies Sets Limit on Cosmic Strings
(Source: Physics World)
Physicists in the US and Singapore are the first to use light from
distant galaxies to perform a systematic search for cosmic strings —
massive structures that may have been created just after the Big Bang.
Although the team has found no evidence of cosmic strings in the small
patch of sky they surveyed, they have been able to set an upper limit
on the mass per unit length of the strings. The team is now working to
improve their results by looking at larger patches of the sky. (7/2)
Einstein Theory Passes Test in Space (Source: NSF)
Taking advantage of a unique cosmic configuration, astronomers have
measured an effect predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of General
Relativity in the extremely strong gravity of a pair of superdense
neutron stars. Essentially, the famed physicist's 93-year-old theory
passed yet another test. Scientists at McGill University used the
National Science Foundation's Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT)
to do a four-year study of a double-star system unlike any other known
in the Universe. The system is a pair of neutron stars, both of which
are seen as pulsars that emit lighthouse-like beams of radio waves.
(7/4)
Fresh Puzzle Over Dark Energy Supernovae (Source: New
Scientist)
It's an embarrassing gap in astronomers' knowledge. Despite relying on
type Ia supernovae as tools to measure the dark energy speeding up the
universe's expansion, they still don't know exactly what causes the
blasts. Now the picture has got even fuzzier. In the standard scenario,
a white dwarf pulls matter from a companion star, and this extra mass
triggers a supernova. Heavy white dwarfs were thought more likely to
explode, since it takes less to push them over the edge.
Now Christopher Pritchet of the University of Victoria in British
Columbia, Canada, and colleagues have observed galaxies dominated by
lightweight white dwarfs producing type Ia supernovae just as
efficiently as those dominated by heavier white dwarfs. These cases may
be down to the collision of two white dwarfs, says co-author Andrew
Howell of the University of Toronto. (7/6)
Editorial: End Debate and Go to the Moon (Source:
Huntsville Times)
With a presidential election campaign in full swing and congressional
hearings about the transition of the space shuttle workforce taking
place this week, NASA's Constellation program for planetary exploration
is spurring debate whether NASA is on the right path. After 22 years
working in the space industry and currently supporting the
International Space Station program, let me offer a resounding "yes."
Growing up in the shadow of Apollo and Shuttle on the Florida Space
Coast and being privileged to be a part of the Boeing teams supporting
NASA's many efforts in space, I understand first-hand the importance of
the space program to Florida, Alabama and to our nation. And I
understand the importance of staying committed to our vision. (6/30)
NASA Unveils Analysis Of Alternate Moon Rocket (Source:
Florida Today)
A launch system some claim would take America back to the moon faster
and cheaper than Ares rockets would lack the propulsive oomph to get
the job done and in the end would delay an effort to send U.S.
astronauts back to the lunar surface, internal NASA documents show. The
contention that the so-called DIRECT architecture would save money and
be safer "lack supporting data and analysis" and the transportation
system developed for Project Constellation is more suitable for NASA's
envisioned lunar missions, the agency documents say.
NASA's analysis "shows that the DIRECT proposal would cost more than
the Ares family in the near-term and also on a recurring launch basis,"
the report says. "Finally, the DIRECT proposal would take longer to
develop when compared to the Ares vehicles when factoring in the
extensive core stage development effort and associated acquisitions."
Visit http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/256922main_Direct_vs_%20Ares%20_FINAL_62508.pdf to view NASA's
documentation. (7/3)
How to Know When an Engineering Project is Failing
(Source: Space Review)
The media has, over the last several months, devoted some coverage to
the thrust oscillation problems and other issues with the Ares 1. That
brings to mind two questions about projects like these. How does an
outside observer know if a project like this is succeeding or failing?
How does an engineering team communicate with interested and
influential observers the status of a project effectively?
I have no personal knowledge of what is going on inside of the Ares 1
development program. I have worked on a number of development projects
that have had their challenges during their development. There have
been times when customers have had doubts about the successful outcome.
The first one of these was on a project at company I worked for shortly
out of college. I was on a team developing software to control
automated material handling cranes and shuttle cars for a project at
two large parts stamping plants for an auto company. It was a strange
lesson in how some projects in industry are managed.
There is one surefire way to know that the Ares 1 development has
problems: look at the size of the budget. Virtually every project
anywhere near this size has major challenges along the way. That’s one
of the reasons it’s worth being part of a project like this. Without
tough challenges to overcome there wouldn’t be a great sense of
satisfaction when success finally comes. These are the types of
projects that could have a number of major critical problems to
overcome. The fact that it may have a number of major problems does not
mean that they won’t all be over come. On the flip side of a project
like this is that it’s possible to solve all the major problems but
one—and fail. Click here to view the article.
(6/30)
Cry Havoc (Source: Space Review)
Did you know that NASA is a fascist organization? How about the
Constellation program—did you realize that it was fascist too? Or the
Apollo program? What about the philosophical/spiritual observation that
Arthur C. Clarke defined as “the Overview Effect” whereby from space,
Earth’s political borders and squabbles disappear? Did you realize that
this philosophy—perhaps even Arthur C. Clarke himself—is fascist?
You can learn this by reading the libertarian space blogosphere where
it’s now silly season, and smart, well-educated people have decided to
start using “fascist” for anything and everything that they disagree
with, particularly in the government’s space program. Just Google
“fascist NASA” and see what pops up. It’s not all ranting by kooks and
madmen alleging that Free Masons and Nazis command shuttle launches,
it’s people who have long criticized NASA and have now gone off the
deep end. Visit http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1159/1 to view the article.
(6/30)
Cernan Calls for Shuttle Extension Over Gap Concerns
(Source: NasaSpaceFlight.com)
Captain Eugene (Gene) Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, has
called for the shuttle to be extended past 2010 - so long as it doesn't
damage Constellation's manifest - in order to reduce the gap in US
manned space flight capability. In an inspiring interview, Captain
Cernan spoke on a variety of topics, ranging from his concerns about
presidential candidate Barrack Obama's plans for NASA, to his wish that
he had flown the space shuttle. (6/30)
Lyndon LaRouche Fully Endorses Buzz Aldrin's Call for Funding
NASA (Source: EIR)
In an interview published today in London's Sunday Telegraph, Buzz
Aldrin, the second man on the Moon said he intends to lobby Barack
Obama and John McCain to ensure they fund NASA's goal to establish a
permanent base on the Moon and then send a manned mission to Mars.
After the Space Shuttle makes its last flight in 2010, it will be five
years before its replacement is ready. In that time U.S. astronauts
will have to be flown to the Space Station on Russian vehicles.
Lyndon LaRouche today gave his full endorsement to Aldrin's statement.
During his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President in
1984, Lyndon LaRouche prepared and aired a half-hour show on national
network TV entitled "Woman on Mars." (7/1)
Civil Space Officials Prepare for Likelihood of Continuing
Resolution (Source: Space News)
Managers of U.S. civil space programs are bracing for the near
certainty they will start the new budget year in October without the
funding increases they are seeking for 2009 or the ability to move
forward with new programs. The most immediate problem is a budget
standoff between Congress and President Bush that seems certain to
result in a continuing budget resolution that freezes 2009 spending at
2008 budget levels. (7/3)
Senate Committee Approves $20.21 Billion NASA Authorization To
Hasten Orion-Ares (Source: CSA)
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee wrote and
sent the full Senate a $20.35 billion NASA authorization measure that
would enable a possible $1 billion outlay to speed development of the
next-generation Orion-Ares spacecraft system. The committee moved the
bill in a portion of a meeting open to the public that was marked by
little comment and no opposition by senators. Further, the bill orders
NASA "to plan and conduct" an added space shuttle mission to fly the
$1.5 billion Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer experiment for addition to the
International Space Station, along with other scientific payloads.
Click here for more. (7/1) http://www.californiaspaceauthority.org/html/government_pages/pr080701-1.html
Aviation Week Explores McCain's and Obama's Aerospace and
Aviation Plans (Source: Aviation Week)
Last week's Aviation Week & Space Technology zeros in on Senators
John McCain and Barack Obama and where they stand on aviation,
aerospace and defense issues. "For many aerospace and aviation
interests, McCain is a known but feared quantity, while Obama is a
blank slate." AW&ST's discussions with political advisers and
reviews of public records provide the backdrop for a thorough analysis
of the aviation, aerospace and defense industry under the next
president. Visit http://www.AviationWeek.com/extra for more. (7/2)
Aerospace Employment
Climbs Again
(Source: AIA)
The number of workers in the aerospace industry continued its steady
climb in the last six months, reaching a total of 651,700 in March.
This extends a trend since the industry hit an employment low in 2003.
The statistics underscore aerospace as a cornerstone of the U.S.
economy. (7/3)
NASA Goddard Has More Than a Dozen Exciting Missions in Next
Year (Source: NASA)
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, located in Greenbelt, Maryland, has
the lead on many exciting space missions launching in the next year.
These missions include a final repair trip to upgrade the famous Hubble
Space Telescope and spacecraft to study powerful gamma-rays, the moon,
the Sun, and Earth's weather and pollution. "This is one of the busiest
periods in the history of Goddard," said Rick Obenschain, acting
director of Goddard. Click here to view the announcement.
(7/1)
3000 Jobs to be Cut at the Cape in September (Source:
Orlando Sentinel)
A major NASA contractor is expected to notify nearly 3,000 workers
today that their jobs at Cape Canaveral will be eliminated in
September, although many may be rehired by new companies coming to the
Space Coast. Space Gateway Support plans to inform 1,800 full-time
employees and about 1,100 contract workers that the company's lucrative
base operations deal with Kennedy Space Center and the Cape Canaveral
Air Force Station is expiring Sept. 30. (7/2)
Virginia Company Wins Slice of KSC Work (Source: Florida
Today)
The unbundling of the single contract that has covered base operations
at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for the
past decade is continuing as an estimated 3,000 workers enter a
transition that will take most from the incumbent company to a new
employer. QinetiQ North America announced today that its Mission
Solutions Group has been awarded a contract by Abacus Technology Corp.,
which last week won a NASA-KSC Information Management and
Communications Support contract that could be worth almost $900 million
over nine years. Based in Fairfax, Va., QinetiQ North America will
provide systems engineering, sustaining engineering and imaging and
timing services as a subcontractor to Abacus. (7/2)
Richardson Appoints Native Las Cruces Woman to Spaceport
Authority (Source: KVIA)
Governor Bill Richardson has appointed Daniela Glick as chairwoman for
the Spaceport Authority. Glick serves as the Deputy Cabinet Secretary
for the Economic Development Department. She is a native of Las Cruces.
Glick recently managed a successful, grassroots campaign to convince
voters in Sierra County to support a local investment in Spaceport
America , which is expected to create hundreds of good paying jobs for
Southern New Mexico. Before Governor Richardson appointed Glick as
Deputy Secretary of Economic Development, Glick served several roles in
the Governor's Office, including Director of Cabinet Affairs and Deputy
Director of Political, Policy and Legislative Affairs. (7/3)
Physics and Fitness Meld for Space Tourist, NFL Player
(Source: Space.com)
Richard Garriott, the next civilian to fly in space, will be teaming up
with Ken Harvey, former NFL player and four-time pro bowler, to create
this activity that tries to involve students in space while getting
them fit on Earth. Space Sportilization is a series of fitness
activities that students can do on Earth and then predict what similar
moves would look like in free fall on the ISS.
Harvey stated, "With this activity, that we call, Space Sportilization,
we hope to combine sports and space together to help students learn
what science principles are at work when we play sports. Kids will help
me work on a set of football drills that we will give to Richard
Garriott to practice as he travels among the stars." (7/3)
Japanese Firm Offers Weddings in Space (Source: vnunet)
A Japanese firm is offering couples the chance to get hitched in space.
The firm will provide the happy couple with a rocket capable of taking
them, a priest and two witnesses 100km up to get married in freefall.
Most of the service will be conducted on the ground and then the vows
exchanged while the couple enjoy a few minutes of weightlessness. The
capsule then returns to earth and they can get on with the honeymoon.
The wedding package costs $2.4 million and the Japanese firm First
Advantage says it expects the package to be popular with wealthy
couples from Asia and the Middle East. The package is being organized
with US space tourism company Rocket Plane, based in Oklahoma. The
offering is part of a boom in space tourism, which many firms believe
is now viable. Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic is already taking
deposits for its first flight, as too is a Spanish space hotel, and the
US government has prepared regulations for space tourists. (7/3)
Russian Deal Paves Way for Space Tourism (Source: AFP)
The Russian space agency has sealed a deal with a private investor to
build a Soyuz spacecraft specially for tourist hire to be operational
in 2011. "We have concluded an agreement with an investor to begin
financing such a Soyuz vessel with an anticipated launch date of 2011,"
Roskosmos stated. The craft, piloted by a professional astronaut, is
designed to carry two so-called space adventurers. A Roskosmos
spokesman refused to identify the investor despite the agency having
signed a deal in June with private American company Space Adventures
for a commercial flight to the International Space Station. (7/2)
Russia Develops Mini-Vehicle for Space Travel (Source:
Russia IC)
A mini spacecraft *Oduvanchik, designed specifically for space travel,
is expected to appear in Russia by 2012, according to Igor Bulanov -
vice principal of the Moscow State Technical University n.a. N.E.
Bauman. The specialized spacecraft is being developed by the university
fellows and students. As the university vice-principle marks,
Oduvanchik can hardly be compared to any similar solution in the world
due to it is going to be “much cheaper and more effective than the
majority of the other offers”. Supposedly, Oduvanchik will be able to
take one pilot and four passengers or 600 kilos of cargo aboard and to
carry out orbital and suborbital flights. (6/30)
Angara Rocket Engine Test Planned for 15 July (Source:
Flight International)
Cold flow tests of a rocket engine for the Khrunichev space centre's
new Angara booster are to take place on 15 July in preparation for hot
firings later this year. Russia's Federal Space Agency head Anatoly
Perminov visited the Peresvet City-based Russian federal state unitary
enterprise Scientific Research Institute of Chemical Machine Building
(NIIKhimmash) to discuss the test's progress and the planned creation
of the SIC RKP research and test center. This will be achieved through
the merger of NIIKhimmash with another Russian space company. (6/30)
France Plans Revolution in Space (Source: BBC)
Ambitious plans for European missions to the Moon and Mars are being
considered by the French government. It wants to kick-start a
revolution in space by letting EU politicians not bureaucrats decide on
priorities for the European Space Agency (ESA). The French say that if
Europe fails to change its approach to space, it will fall behind
Japan, China and India. Paris is seeking an alliance with the UK to
drive the agenda forward during the French presidency of the EU.
President Nicolas Sarkozy's well-known admiration for all things
American now extends to space exploration. Speaking to the BBC, a
senior official involved in French space policy said that it was time
to shake up the European Space Agency and make it more like NASA by
giving it a new, politically-led direction. The French take over the
rotating presidency of the European Union on 1 July and are planning to
make space policy a key area for reform. (7/2)
Abu Dhabi to Stage Global Space Technology Forum (Source:
AMEinfo)
Abu Dhabi will stage a global space technology exhibition and
conference in 2008, providing a first class platform to examine the
latest space technology and emerging commercial and investment
opportunities. The conference and exhibition comes at a time when the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the Middle East region is stepping up efforts
to become a serious aviation and aerospace commercial, technical and
services hub. (6/30)
Indian Space Institute Planned to Grow Space Workforce
(Source: Frontline)
The Indian Institute of Space Technology is expected to meet ISRO’s
demand for quality manpower to launch its ambitious programs. The IIST
is the world’s first space university to offer undergraduate programs.
From this academic year, it will start three post-graduate programs in
areas of specific interest to the ISRO. One student has registered for
Ph.D. If things go according to plan, the institute will move to its
own spacious campus at Valiamala, 23 kilometers from
Thiruvananthapuram, in September 2009. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
will lay the foundation stone for the campus in July or August. (7/1)
Arianespace Launch Set for July 7 (Source: Arianespace)
Due to an anomaly identified on the electrical interface between the
Ariane 5 launcher and the launch table, Arianespace has decided to
replace the equipment unit concerned. As a result, the ProtoStar I –
BADR-6 Flight has been postponed from Friday, July 4 to Monday, July 7.
(7/3)
China Makes Breakthrough in Developing Next-Generation Long
March Rocket (Source: Xinhua)
China has made a breakthrough in developing its next generation of
space-launch vehicle Long March V, which is scheduled for operation by
2014. Significant progress has been made on the rocket engine and the
building of a production plant. The rocket's 120-ton liquid
oxygen-kerosene engine had passed initial tests and would be put into
field tests by the year end. With four boosters, the 59.5-meter-high
environmentally friendly rocket's launching weight would reach 643
tons. It would be able to deliver a 25-ton payload to an LEO, compared
with the present 10 tons, and a 14-ton payload to a GEO, compared with
5.5 tons now. (7/3)
Britain's Biggest Rocket Unveiled (Source: UKpress)
Britain's biggest ever space rocket has been unveiled, the latest step
on the way to sending tourists into space by 2013. The 58ft long, Nova
2, was revealed at Salford University by Steve Bennett, head of the
university's Space Technology Laboratory. The academic, who also runs a
private company, Starchaser Industries, plans to launch Nova 2 in
September 2009, to test a safety system which, if successful, will form
the design of an even bigger rocket to carry visitors into space. If
successful, Mr Bennett's space tourism initiative will enable the
public to purchase flights where they will spend 20 minutes in the air
and experience three to four minutes of weightlessness, travelling at
3,500 miles per hour. (7/1)
Passenger Space Rocket Fueled by Old Tires (Source: Mirror)
Britain's biggest passenger space rocket is set for its first flight -
fuelled by old car tires. Nova 2 is designed to carry three passengers
more than 60 miles above the Earth for 20-minute trips. And to make it
more environmentally friendly it will use rocket fuel partly made from
recycled tires. Scientist Steve Bennett, 43, unveiled the rocket at
Salford University where he is head of the space technology lab. Click here to view the article.
(7/2)
ATK Wins $250M Air Force
Rocket Contract (Source: Minneapolis
Business Journal)
Alliant Techsystems has been awarded a $250 million contract from the
U.S. Air Force to supply launch vehicles and services for rockets. ATK
will provide suborbital, solid-fuel rockets, as well as related
engineering and integration services. The rockets will be used by the
Department of Defense and NASA. (7/3)
Pratt & Whitney
Rocketdyne Gets Contract Expansion (Source: Hartford
Business)
DARPA has awarded East Hartford-based Pratt & Whitney’s Rocketdyne
division a $2.2 million contract for the fabrication and ground test of
a solar thermal propulsion engine for in-space use. This contract
extends an existing High Delta-V Experiment Program, or HiDVE for
short, an additional six months and follows a successful critical
design review last March. “The solar thermal propulsion engine
encompasses an innovative new technology that allows it to use less
fuel by harnessing the sun’s energy,” said a PWR official. “This gives
the satellite greater ability to maneuver in space and conduct longer
missions by extending the use of its fuel.” (7/6)
Rocketeers Try, Try Again (Source: MSNBC)
PlanetSpace may not have kept up with the ambitious spaceship-building
schedule it set out three years ago, but the U.S.-Canadian venture says
it's moving ahead with concepts for a new suborbital craft as well as
an orbital launch system. On the suborbital front, the company is
working on a quarter-scale, turbojet-powered version of its Silver Dart
hypersonic glider that will be tested as an unpiloted aerial vehicle.
Meanwhile, on the orbital front, PlanetSpace says it has teamed up once
again with Lockheed Martin and ATK to repitch a proposal for
resupplying the international space station. (6/30)
UND Unveils New Space Flight Simulator (Source: Grand
Forks Herald)
The first set of University of North Dakota (UND) space flight
simulation students will have a couple of options when they begin their
class in late August — facing forward or flat on their backs. The
school’s space studies department unveiled its first space flight
simulator in December, modeled on NASA’s Apollo series, essentially a
pod where students lie on their backs staring at a flat screen in the
roof and guiding the ship on missions that range from docking at the
International Space Station to orbiting the Earth or landing on the
moon. The second simulator, unveiled at a press conference Wednesday,
models SpaceShipOne, the craft that made the first privately funded
space flight in 2004. (7/3)
Embry-Riddle Leads FAA Group Developing New Airport Lighting
System (Source: ERAU)
One of the leading causes of general-aviation fatal accidents is
incorrect aircraft maneuvering and landing, especially during evening
and nighttime hours, according to researchers at Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University. This is especially critical in remote
locations that often depend on air transportation as the only means to
handle medical and disaster-related emergencies. To combat the problem,
Embry-Riddle researchers and their partners from the University of
Alaska-Anchorage (UAA), the University of North Dakota and Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute (RPI) are working for the FAA Center of
Excellence for General Aviation to improve nighttime safety at small
general aviation airports with an innovative, low-cost, and highly
portable Remote Airport Light System (RALS) that uses LED lights and
retro-reflective markers. (7/3)
KSC Officials Visit Embry-Riddle to Discuss Collaboration
(Source: ERAU)
The Kennedy Space Center director led a team of KSC officials for a
visit last week to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The group
discussed common interests and opportunities for collaboration on a
variety of projects. (7/4)
University of Delaware Researcher Receives NASA New
Investigator Award (Source: UDelaware)
With their unequaled view of the globe's surface, satellites have
revolutionized scientists' understanding of the ocean. They have
allowed researchers to do things such as map the world's waters and
study ocean currents. A new project by the University of Delaware's
Matt Oliver could help take the use of satellites to a new level.
Oliver has received a NASA New Investigator Award in Earth Sciences for
a project aimed at allowing satellites to estimate the
three-dimensional structure of environments beneath the ocean's
surface. He is just one of 18 recipients of the award, which emphasizes
research and education in the early development of scientists' and
engineers' careers. (7/2)
NASA Considers Development of Student-Led Satellite Initiative
(Source: NASA)
NASA is considering the development of a university-based, student-led
satellite development initiative to begin passing the space exploration
torch to a new generation. The American Student Moon Orbiter, or ASMO,
concept invites students, faculty and industry leaders in the U.S. with
experience in university-based, student-led spaceflight projects to
respond to a Request for Information which is planned for release this
month and will remain open for at least 90 days. The orbiter will be a
small satellite that could orbit the moon and carry scientific
instruments designed and developed by students. It is aligned with
NASA's lunar exploration agenda. (7/2)
Bidding Starts to Put EU's Galileo System Into Space
(Source: Independent)
The European Commission kicked off plans yesterday for a rival to the
United States' global positioning system (GPS) with calls for suppliers
for €3.4bn-worth (£2.7bn) of hi-tech space-technology deals. The
Galileo program's network of 30 satellites is designed to give Europe
strategic independence from the US, steal a march on the nascent market
for mobile location-based services and boost the region's hi-tech and
engineering sectors.
But squabbles in Brussels have already pushed the scheme years behind
schedule and British MPs warned last year it could become an "orbiting
RailTrack" costing up to £10bn. The five-year project is split into six
parts, including hardware, complex ground-control and navigation
systems and systems integration work. Key players that are likely to
put themselves into the running include Thales Alenia Space, EADS
Astrium and Logica, but the scheme could also attract non-European
firms and Boeing has expressed some interest. (7/2)
Pentagon Will Buy Satellites To Do More Spying (Source: AP)
The Pentagon will buy and operate one or two commercial imagery
satellites and plans to design and build another with more
sophisticated spying capabilities, according to government and private
industry officials. The satellites could spy on enemy troop movements,
spot construction at suspected nuclear sites and alert commanders to
new militant training camps. The Broad Area Surveillance Intelligence
Capability (BASIC) satellite system will cost between $2 billion and $4
billion. It would add to the secret constellation of satellites that
now circle the Earth, producing still images that are pieced together
into one large mosaic. (7/1)
Satellites Help U.S. Monitor Iraqi Army (Source: AIA)
The U.S. is keeping tabs on Iraq through the use of surveillance
satellites. The National Reconnaissance Office deploys six satellites
that provide images from Iraq up to four times a day. The photos track
troop movements on the ground and provide other logistics information
on the Iraqi army. (7/3)
California Governor Promotes Beale AFB as Future Home of Air
Force Cyber Command (Source: CSA)
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger sent information to the Deputy Assistant
Secretary of the Air Force William Anderson today identifying the many
reasons for establishing the new Air Force Cyber Command at Beale Air
Force Base in Yuba City. The Air Force is currently considering various
locations across the country. Visit http://www.californiaspaceauthority.org/html/government_pages/pr080702-1.html to view the article.
(6/30)
Lockheed Gets DMSP Contract Modification (Source: Space
News)
The U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin Space Systems of Sunnyvale,
Calif., a contract modification worth up to $9.4 million to make
upgrades to the final two Defense Meteorological Satellite Program
(DMSP) satellites, which are scheduled for launch in 2010 and 2012,
according to a July 2 Defense Department press release. (7/3)
Loral To Build Hispasat 1E Satellite (Source: Space News)
Satellite-fleet operator Hispasat of Spain has selected Space
Systems/Loral to build the Hispasat 1E telecommunications satellite in
what will be Hispasat's first satellite purchase outside of Europe,
industry officials said. A formal announcement of the contract is
expected within days. (7/3)
Intelsat's Galaxy 26 Suffers Partial Failure (Source:
Satellite Today)
Intelsat confirmed that its Galaxy 26 satellite suffered a partial
failure June 29, losing 15 watts out of its possible 37-watt capacity.
Slightly more than half of the satellite's payload was lost, according
to a spokeswoman. "We do not expect to recover what was lost," she
said. Galaxy 26 (formerly known as Intelsat Americas 6 and Telstar 6)
was built by Loral and placed in orbit in 1999. Customers that lost
service have been redirected to other satellites. (7/1)
SRA International Buys Interface & Control Systems
(Source: Space News)
Government consulting firm SRA International of Fairfax, Va., has
acquired satellite and ground systems software company Interface &
Control Systems of Columbia, Md., a July 2 SRA press release said.
Interface & Control Systems' software products are used in U.S.
military and civil space systems, including NASA's Constellation
project and the Defense Department's TacSat-series satellites. The
company will become a part of SRA International's intelligence and
space strategic business unit within the national security sector.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. (7/3)
Ex-NASA Chief Was Flying
High on Tax Dollars, Report Says (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
Former NASA chief Sean O'Keefe wasted about $1,800 of taxpayer money
using NASA planes to fly to Syracuse, N.Y., to play golf and to New
York for an awards ceremony, according to a watchdog report.
Investigators found the trips, in 2003 and 2004, were "not in
compliance with then-existing NASA regulations, resulting in a wasteful
expenditure of funds," according to the NASA Office of the Inspector
General. But NASA has declined to demand repayment of the money,
asserting that O'Keefe did not knowingly break the rules. The former
administrator, who headed the agency from 2001 to 2005, also denied
wrongdoing. (7/4)
Summer Edition of CSA's SpaceBound! (Source: CSA)
The Summer 2008 edition of the California Space Authority's SpaceBound!
publication is now available online. Visit http://www.californiaspaceauthority.org/spacebound-08-v24/index.html to download your copy.
(7/3)
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California
Aerospace Events Calendar
Embry-Riddle Plans Alumni Event at Farnborough on July 18
Embry-Riddle alumni are invited to a special event hosted at the 60th
Annual Farnborough International Airshow on July 18. The event will be
held at the Farnborough Holiday Inn from 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. Visit www.ERAUalumni.org and click on
Register for Events. For more information, contact Michele Berg in the
Office of Alumni Relations at Michele.berg@xxxxxxxx or call (800)
727-3728.
Joint Propulsion
Conference Planned in Connecticut on July 20-23
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.
Export Compliance Seminar
Planned in San Diego on July 21-22
Export Compliance
Solutions (ECS) plans a seminar titled: "Using Export Controls to Your
Advantage: Developing a Licensing Plan," on July 21-22
in San Diego. Register by calling 866-238-4018 or visit http://www.exportcompliancesolutions.com/register.php
ITAR Seminar Planned in
Hawthorne/Manhattan Beach on July 30
This seminar will provide
an overview of U.S. export controls focusing on the International
Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Speakers will detail key issues
related to ITAR regulations and the increased enforcement of trade
policies. Topics of discussion will include changes & trends at the
State Department, D-trade, third country/dual nationals, best practices
on how to successfully navigate the ITAR minefield, and much more. The
July 30 event will be held in Hawthorne/Manhattan Beach, California.
Visit http://www.buyusa.gov/westlosangeles/itar.html for information
and registration.
2008 Regolith Excavation
Challenge Planned at CalPoly on Aug. 2-3
CSA is sponsoring the
Regolith Excavation Challenge on August 2-3, 2008, on the campus of
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. Visit
http://regolith.csewi.org/
Two Teacher Workshops
Planned on Aug. 11-14
The U.S. Department of
Education and the Department of Defense Education Activity are
sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop on the Marine
Corps Base in Twentynine Palms, Calif. This workshop provides
opportunities to learn reading and math strategies from prominent
teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices
they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. This
event will be held on Aug. 11-12. Visit https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=88
for information.
A second workshop is
planned for Aug. 13-14 in Los Angeles by the Office of Charter Schools
at the U.S. Department of Education and the California Charter Schools
Association. This free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop will be
held at the Pacific Palisades Charter High School in Pacific Palisades.
This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading, science, history
and math strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who
will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in
their schools and classrooms. Visit https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=87
for information.
Navy Gold Coast Conference
Planned on August 27-28
The San Diego Chapter of
NDIA (National Defense Industrial Association) is proud to present the
2008 "Navy Small Business Opportunity Conference." It has also come to
be known as simply the "Gold Coast" Conference. The Navy Co-Sponsors of
this event are NAVSEA, NAVAIR, SPAWAR, NAVSUP, NAVFAC and the Navy's
Office of Small Business Programs. Visit
http://2008goldcoast.ndia-sd.org for information.
AIAA Space 2008 Conference
& Exposition Planned in San Diego Sep. 9-11
The San Diego Convention
Center will host Space 2008 on Sep. 9-11. This AIAA sponsored event
will focus on space as an underpinning our commercial, civil, and
military sectors. Three of the top issues in the upcoming
election—-economic competitiveness, the global war on terror, and the
need for increased global climate change monitoring—-are all dependent
on our technological and operational achievements in space. Visit
http://www.aiaa.org for information.
APSCC 2008 Satellite
Conference & Exhibition Planned in Korea on Sept. 22-25
The satellite industry's
premier conference for business and networking opportunities in Asia is
planned for September 22-25 at the Hotel Lotte, Jeju, Korea. To
register visit http://www.apscc.or.kr/event/apscc2008.asp. Registration
Discount to CSA Members!
Supplier Transformation
Forum Set for Oct. 7
The third annual Supplier
Transformation Forum is planned on Oct. 7. The event will feature
multiple prime contractors, government agencies and all levels of the
supply chain, at Northrop Grumman's facility in Redondo Beach. This
forum will include updated information from last year's forum and have
a similar format. Last year's agenda is available at
http://www.innovatecalifornia.net/2_2_forum_details/ along with some of
the presentations and video. Save the date for this year's forum!
Air Force Week in Los
Angeles November 14-21
A number of events are
planned throughout Los Angeles County showcasing the Air Force. The Air Force Week program is part of a proactive
initiative to increase communication with the public. Each Air Force
week may include community visits and talks by Air Force officials,
flight demonstration team performances and displays providing an up
close and personal look at the Air Force men and women serving on the
front lines. For a complete schedule of events visit:
http://www.losangeles.af.mil/airforceweekinla.asp
California Space Enterprise SpotBeam Awards Dinner Planned
Nov. 19
The California Space Authority is now accepting nominations from its
members and partners for this year's California Space Enterprise
SpotBeam Awards. The SpotBeam Awards dinner is scheduled for November
19 in Los Angeles. Visit http://www.californiaspaceauthority.org/awards.html
for information.
California Space Authority
(CSA) Annual Membership Meeting Planned for December 4
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm at The
Sheraton Gateway LAX in the California Room. Join us for cocktails and
appetizers while networking with the CSA Board of Directors and fellow
CSA members. The Annual Membership Meeting is
hosted by CSA. RSVP to
mailto:Elizabeth.Burkhead@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Last Week’s DOD
Contract Awards in California
The Air Force is modifying
a cost plus award fee/cost plus fixed fee contract not to exceed $14
million with Raytheon Systems Co., of El Segundo, Calif.
This action will provide anti-tamper protection for the Multi
Platform-Radar Technology Insertion Program. At this time all funds
have been obligated. Electronic Systems Center, Directorate of
Contracting, Multi-Sensor Command and Control Aircraft Program Office,
Hanscom AFB, Mass., is the contracting activity.
The Air Force is modifying
a cost plus award fee/cost plus fixed fee contract not to exceed $9.4
million with Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., of Sunnyvale,
Calif. This contract will primarily improve the system reliability
for Flight 19 and 20 of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program,
as part of the Service Life Extension Program II (SLEP II). The SLEP II
tasks consist of the following: Flight 19 and Flight 20 hardness
modifications to improve system reliability; Upgrade Telemetry
Real-Time Analysis and Display System (TRADS) for Flight 19 processing;
Procure Vertical Transport Enclosure (VTE), procure Star Tracker (ST)
ground support equipment, update spacecraft thermal model; Swamp
Operational Line Scan (OLS)on Flight 19 and install new Operational
Line Scan cable on Flight 19 and Flight 20; Develop and execute Flight
19 Glare Suppression Subsystem-B (GSSBs) Sun Shade certification test
plan; install connector backshells on Flight 19 and Flight 20; perform
System Engineering (SE) analysis and trending of spacecraft data for
Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) modification and parts
obsolescence/aging impacts. At this time $1,633,744 has been obligated.
Space and Missiles Systems Center/Defense Meteorological Satellite
Program, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity.
General Atomics
Aeronautical Systems, San Diego, Calif.,
was awarded on Jun. 27, 2008, a $33,619,359 cost plus fixed fee
contract for logistics support for I-GNAT, Warrior Alpha and Sky
Warrior Unmanned Aircraft systems at multiple locations.
Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and
is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2009. Contract
funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Dec. 14, 2007. U.S. Army
Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the
contracting activity.
Roebbelen Contracting, Inc., El Dorado Hills,
Calif., was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $27,031,600 firm fixed
price contract for construction of a multi-story general instruction
building. Work will be performed in Monterey County, Calif.,
and is expected to be completed by Jul. 23, 2010. Contract
funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Mar. 3, 2008, and four
bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is
the contracting activity.
Peregrine Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., Tustin,
Calif., was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $22,336,307 cost plus fixed
fee contract for research on anti-phosphatidylserine antibodies. Work
will be performed in locations across the nation, as well as the United
Kingdom, and is expected to be completed by Jun. 29, 2013. Contract
funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Dec. 1, 2006, and 50
bids were received. Defense Threat Reduction
Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity.
AeroVironment, Inc., has been awarded a Not
to Exceed $200,000,000.00, one year (four option year periods),
indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract for all environment
capable variant small unmanned aircraft systems in support of the U.S. Special Operations Command Program
Executive Office – Fixed Wing. The work will be performed in Simi
Valley, Calif., and is for one year from date of contract award. This contract was awarded through full and open
competition.
The Kollmorgen Corp., Northampton, Mass. is
being awarded an $8,883,526 modification to previously awarded contract
(N00024-05-C-4310) for 4 MK 20 Electro-Optical Sensor Systems (EOSS)
for the Navy’s CG 47 Class Cruiser Modernization Program (CMP), 2
EOSS's for the U.S. Coast Guard WMSL 750 Class Cutters, and 1 EOSS for
the Surface Warfare Engineering Facility at NSWC Port Hueneme, Calif.
The MK 20 Electro-Optical Sensor System (EOSS) is an element of the MK
34 Gun Weapon System. The EOSS interfaces with the MK 160 Mod 11 Gun
Computer System and is operated from a Gun Weapon System Q-70 Control
& Display Console to perform safety checksighting of gunnery fire,
to aid with identification of surface/air contacts, and to provide
quality track data for surface gun engagements. Work will be performed
in Northampton, Mass., and is expected to be completed in Jun. 2010.
Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy
Yard, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity.
Signal Engineering Inc. of San Diego, Calif.,
is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for an estimated
$17,596,323. This action provides for personnel locator beacons: 36
each Configuration A, and 18 each Configuration B. The Optional CLINs
to be awarded on a case-by-case basis. At this time $615,200 has been
obligated. 77 AESG/PSK, Brooks City-Base, Texas, is the contracting
activity.
The Air Force is modifying
a cost plus incentive fee/fixed price award fee contract not to exceed
$6,125,000 with McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned
Subsidiary of the Boeing Co., of Long Beach, Calif. This
contract modification is a foreign military sales (FMS) requirement for
the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment
Partnership (GSP) program. This action incorporates the FY08 Quarter IV
Option Exercise for site activation and material for RAAF aircraft
sustainment. At this time no funds have been obligated. AFMC/516
AESW/516 AESG/SYK, Area B, Bldg 558, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the
contracting activity.
T. B. Penick & Sons,
Inc., San
Diego, Calif., is being awarded $6,589,000 for firm-fixed price
Task Order #0002 under a previously awarded
indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction
contract for design and construction of a child development center at
Chollas Heights. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif.,
and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds will not
expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were
received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command,
Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
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