International Space Station

3-D Printing:  NASA picks Firmamentum to build a 3-D printer/recycler that works in space 

Firmamentum, a subsidiary of Tethers Unlimited, of Bothell, Wash., has been selected by NASA for a future 3-D printing demonstration aboard the International Space Station. The company’s Refabricator will demonstrate whether it can recycle plastics in space before their polymer content breaks down.  (See also:  Space Station’s commercial 3-D printer makes its 1st tool (photos))

ISS Operations to 2024:  ESA enlists NASA chief in campaign for Space Station support  

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden urges continued support from European nations for the International Space Station. Among the station’s five major partners, the European Space Agency, has yet to back an extension of activities aboard the six person orbiting science lab from 2020 to 2024. Bolden spoke to the ruling council of the European Space Agency earlier this week. 

Citizens for Space Exploration – a pro-space, taxpayer, grassroots advocacy group (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.