Space Budgets, Policy, Missions, Benefits, International Updates
Chinese Space Activity: Is China militarizing space? Experts say new junk collector could be used as anti-satellite weapon
China celebrated the inaugural launch of its new Long March 7 workhorse launch vehicle last weekend. Among the multiple payloads was Aolong-1, or Roaming Dragon. Equipped with a robot arm, Roaming Dragon was designated to remove orbital space debris. But some experts wonder whether Aolong may have an anti-satellite primary mission. (See also: China’s new Long March 7 rocket successful on first flight)
Blue Origin Rocket Production in FL: Blue Origin breaks ground on Florida factory
Blue Origin broke ground Tuesday on its new orbital launch vehicle production plant near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos said the facility will focus on the production of reusable launch vehicles.
Searching for Water on Mars: NASA considers turning Curiosity rover into a scout for water on Mars mountain
NASA’s Curiosity rover has been exploring the immense Gale Crater on Mars since August 2012. A future assignment may include the exploration of Recurring Slope Linae, seasonal salty subsurface water flows, with possible implications for habitable environments. Curiosity is slowly driving up Mount Sharp, a three-mile-high rise.
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.