News Summaries for November 20

SES New Skies Picks Orbital To Build New Satellite (Source: Space News)
SES New Skies has selected Orbital Sciences to build the NSS-9 telecommunications satellite to be launched in late 2008, marking Orbital’s first sale to The Hague, Netherlands-based satellite operator, SES New Skies announced Nov. 20.

Unnamed Investor Courting Eutelsat (Source: Space News)
An unnamed prospective investor has approached satellite-fleet operator Eutelsat and several of its largest shareholders inquiring about a possible purchase, Eutelsat announced Nov. 20. The Paris-based company said it has hired investment bank Lazard to evaluate potential bids.

Complaints Fuel Probe of NASA Inspector (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
A federal probe of NASA Inspector General Robert Cobb outlines allegations that he stifled investigations, mistreated department employees and maintained a close personal relationship with top officials of the agency he was supposed to independently monitor. Preliminary findings from a 10-month investigation into Cobb's conduct have been forwarded to an oversight group, the President's Council on Integrity and Efficiency. That group is expected to make a final decision before the end of the year on what, if any, action to take. Visit http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/custom/space/orl-nasacobb2006nov20,0,2328498.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-space to view the article.

Will Congressman James Oberstar Kill the Space Tourism Industry? (Source: Space Review)
The incoming chairman of the House Transportation Committee is a congressman who lobbied for strict safety regulations for commercial passenger spacecraft two years ago. Taylor Dinerman explains why a renewed push for such safeguards could jeopardize the emerging space tourism industry in the US. Visit http://www.thespacereview.com/article/749/1 to view the article.