Space Budgets, Policy, Missions, Benefits, International Updates
Lunar Outpost: An international outpost near the Moon gets closer to reality NASA and its International Space Station partners in Russia, Europe, Japan and Canada have discussed possible cooperation in the development of a lunar orbiting outpost in the 2020s using the agency’s Orion and Space Launch System hardware. The small space station like lunar outpost would demonstrate technologies for a future human expedition to Mars. (See also: NASA wants Moon robots to pave the way for Mars missions)
China: China focus: President Xi talks with astronauts in space Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with two of his nation’s astronauts currently in the midst of a 33-day stay aboard the orbiting Tiangong-2 space lab. The Chinese leader inquired about their science program, living conditions and health. Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong’s October 17 launch marked the start of China’s third manned mission. (See also: China launches Long March 5, one of the world’s most powerful rockets)
Mars: Project to help develop Mars protocols Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will provide the setting as researchers develop protocols for collecting rock samples from Mars. The University of Hawaii at Hilo is directing the effort this month that will include time delays in communications of up to 20 minutes representing the lags that actual astronauts would encounter in their discussions with Earth. (See also: NASA: We’re not racing SpaceX to Mars, This 15-year-old is on a mission to visit Mars, and you’d be a fool to bet against her and Six contractors have begun work on NASA’s gateway to deep space)
Bezos on Space: Jeff Bezos dismisses idea of a backup plan, says we must protect Earth Blue Origin’s founder Jeff Bezos believes humans will find innovation, prosperity and a refuge for heavy industry in space, not a second home.
industry is emerging in China to compete with U.S. entrepreneurs Elon Musk of SpaceX and Jeff Bezos of Blue Origin.
Mars: Is there a business case for Mars? Will the private sector play a significant role in the human exploration of Mars? Essayists Chris Carberry and Rick Zucker conclude the commercial sector will through the innovation and development of new technologies also relevant to Earth. Carberry is CEO of Explore Mars, Inc., and Zucker is the organization’s VP for policy.
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.