Space Budgets, Policy, Missions, Benefits, International Updates

  • China to Beat US Back to Moon: China’s first visit to the moon with its astronauts could come within a decade, according to the report that examines assessments from U.S. lunar expert Paul Spudis, author of a new book, The Value of the Moon: How to Explore, Live, and Prosper in Space Using the Moon’s Resources. The U.S. has abdicated a permanent presence in cis-lunar space, according to the report.
  • Deep Space Habitats: Lockheed Martin seeks additional uses for proposed NASA habitat module Lockheed Martin’s planning for a deep space human habitat suitable for use by NASA Orion astronauts on missions to lunar orbit in the 2020s may find utility among commercial space companies working far from Earth, according Bill Pratt, the company’s program manager for the development effort. (See also: Private space habitat to launch in 2020 under commercial spaceflight deal)
  • Russian Lunar Base: Russia plans to build lunar base in 2030-2035 space corporation Russia intends to establish a human base on the moon between 2030 and 2035, Sergey Krikalev, the executive director of Roscosmos, the Russian federal space agency, said Tuesday. Plans for the base include solar power, telecommunications, technological and scientific facilities as well as a long range research rover and provisions for landing and launch operations. A lunar orbiting satellite will furnish support as well.
  • Moon or Mars: Former NASA administrator discusses space with students Former NASA administrator Mike Griffin addressed space exploration with students. “A huge debate within the space community is whether we should go to Mars or the moon, to which I respond with ‘yes.”’ said Griffin. “What I want is for the U.S. to be a space-faring nation, and a space-faring nation should be able to go wherever technology takes us.”
  • Mars Matters: ‘Mars matters’ for the future of space exploration, NASA chief says According to NASA Administrator Bolden, a consensus of support is beginning to emerge within the scientific and policy communities around NASA’s plans for sending U.S. astronauts to Mars in the 2030s. (See also: British scientist Hawking says Mars will be colonized by humans in next 100 years)
  • Space Renaissance Act: Bridenstine releases American Space Renaissance Act, welcomes comment Rep. Jim Bridenstine will introduce legislation, the American Space Renaissance Act, a comprehensive bill structured to back U.S. pre-eminence in space on a range of fronts. One legislative theme would encourage pioneering with a policy that calls upon NASA to arrive first at new space destinations. (See also: Why Congress’s newest space advocate says the U.S. faces a ‘Sputnik moment‘)
  • European role in Lunar Exploration: A major role for the EU in lunar development NASA’s efforts to reach Mars with humans in the 2030s creates a large incentive for European powers to lead a lunar development initiative, according to four experts who are part of the International Lunar Decade Working Group.
  • Last Man on the Moon: The Last Man on the Moon… A new documentary, The Last Man on the Moon, portrays the life of Gene Cernan, who commanded Apollo 17, the most recent mission to venture into deep space with human explorers. Cernan, how 82, symbolizes the sort of stoic, self-made American whose way of life embodies the nation’s pioneering spirit.

Citizens for Space Exploration – a pro-space, taxpayer, grassroots advocacy group Citizens Space Explorateion_logo(http://www.bayareahouston.com/content/c_s_e/c_s_e) – has traveled to Washington, D.C. the past 24 years to meet face-to-face with Members/staff of Congress to discuss the value of America’s investment in space exploration. In order to sustain that dialogue on a regular basis, Citizens distributes “Space Exploration Update” to Congressional offices on a weekly basis. The intent is to provide an easy, quick way to stay abreast of key human space exploration program and policy developments.