Space Council: Executive Order creating National Space Council expected soon The White House is close to re-establishing the National Space Council, a cabinet level group led by the vice president to help shape U.S. space policy, according to Bob Walker, an advisor to the Trump Administration and former chair of the House Science, Space and… [Continue Reading]
Starliner Engine Testing: Starliner’s propulsion system engines complete qualification tests The steering system thrusters for Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner have been qualified. Aerojet Rocketdyne hardware will help steer the capsule in development under NASA’s Commercial Crew program to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station. Citizens for Space Exploration – a pro-space, taxpayer, grassroots… [Continue Reading]
Orion Rocket Motor Test: The abort rocket motor for NASA’s Orion spacecraft just aced a big test Orbital ATK announced that the company’s contribution to the Abort System rocket for NASA’s Orion crew exploration capsule performed successfully during a recent ground test. If there were an emergency during liftoff, the rocket would help steer Orion… [Continue Reading]
Exploration and Commercialization: Made in Space The International Space Station (ISS) serves two critical roles for pioneering space development. It is our gateway to human exploration of the solar system and an incubator for the commercial development of space beyond telecommunications. Made In Space is a small business that has capitalized on the unique capabilities… [Continue Reading]
FY17 Appropriations: Trump signs $1 trillion spending bill, keeps government open President Trump signed a 2017 appropriations measure that funds government operations through September 30, the end of the current fiscal year. The measure includes $19.653 billion for NASA, a $368 million increase over 2016 and $628 million more than proposed for 2017 by President… [Continue Reading]
Outer Space Treaty: Cruz interested in updating Outer Space Treaty to support commercial space activities Senator Ted Cruz, chair of the Senate’s Space Subcommittee, indicated it may be time to seek changes to the 50-year-old UN Outer Space Treaty in order to encourage U.S. commercial space activities through ownership of recovered resources from the moon… [Continue Reading]
Starliner Progress: Despite delays, Boeing’s Starliner moving steadily toward the launch pad Boeing is moving closer to a goal of re-establishing a U.S. human space launch capability with the CST-100 Starliner. Starliner and SpaceX’s crewed Dragon are to provide commercial transportation to and from the International Space Station as soon as late 2018. Crews to… [Continue Reading]
Deep Space Gateway: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/deep-space-gateway-to-open-opportunities-for-distant-destinations Flying Crew on EM-1: NASA’s study of adding crew to EM-1 is completed, awaiting response NASA’s assessment of whether it can add astronauts to EM-1, the first joint test flight of the Space Launch System and Orion crew exploration capsule, is complete and has been briefed to the White House as… [Continue Reading]
Astronaut Breaks Record: Astronaut Peggy Whitson breaks NASA record for most days in space Veteran U.S. astronaut Peggy Whitson broke the record of 534 days for most career time spent in space by a U.S. astronaut early Monday. Whitson, who launched to the Station in late November, is not scheduled to return to Earth until… [Continue Reading]
NASA Fares Well: A Republican favorite, NASA escapes Trump’s budget ax NASA, a national engine for economic growth and innovation, has fared well in President Trump’s proposed 2018 budget for the fiscal year that begins October 1. The $19.1 billion proposed for NASA, represents a less than one percent reduction, much less than proposed reductions… [Continue Reading]