News Summaries for November 7

Computer Problem May Postpone Next Shuttle Launch (Source: AIA)
A computer glitch may force NASA to postpone the space shuttle's December launch until next year. The shuttle is set to launch on Dec. 7. If it is delayed beyond Dec. 17 or 18, it will have to be postponed until 2007 to avoid being in orbit at midnight on New Year's Eve, officials say. "The shuttle computers were never envisioned to fly through a year-end changeover," space shuttle program manager Wayne Hale says.

Shuttle Can Safely Resume Night Missions, Astronauts Say (Source: AIA)
NASA can safely resume night shuttle launches next month, the Discovery crew said Monday. "With regards to night launches, it certainly gives the shuttle program the flexibility it needs to go ahead and complete the assembly of the space station within the time frame alotted," said Mark Polanski, the astronaut who will command Discovery's crew during the December launch.

Spacehab Announces Quarterly Results (Source: Spacehab)
Spacehab posted a first quarter fiscal 2007 net loss of $32,000 on revenue of $14.9 million compared with a first quarter fiscal 2006 net loss of $1.9 million on revenue of $12.0 million.

Russia, China to Launch Ultraviolet Observatory in 2010 (Source: RIA Novosti)
An ultraviolet observatory Russia, China and other countries are building to explore the far reaches of space will begin operating by the end of the decade. The project will involve putting into orbit a satellite fitted with a telescope to study the ultraviolet radiation of as yet invisible celestial bodies in our galaxy's far-flung corners. Ground facilities will monitor the bodies and process data transmitted by the satellite. Building a lunar spacecraft is another collaborative space project being pursued by Russia and China. China will send the vehicle on its first orbit of the moon in 2007. Russia will join in three years later for an unmanned lunar mission to involve landing, taking photos and sampling soil.

Lunar Explorers Face Moon Dust Dilemma (Source: Space.com)
The Moon is dusty, grimy, and potentially hazardous to your health. Ultra-tiny dust grains can gum up the works of vital hardware on the Moon. And there's also a possible risk to health from gulping in the lunar dust. Thanks to the Apollo program there's firsthand knowledge about the Moon being a Disneyland of dust. Moonwalkers were covered from helmet to boot with lunar dust. As NASA planners gear up to replant astronauts on the lunar surface before 2020, scientists and engineers are grappling with how best to certify a safe and productive stay for 21st-century moonwalkers. Visit http://space.com/scienceastronomy/061007_moon_dust.html to view the article.