News Summaries for December 24

Congressional Leader Wants Moonbase Specifics (Source: Tennesseean.com)
In an editorial, Rep. Bart Gordon, chairman of the House Committee on Science, said "...we will need more specifics from NASA and the president to fully evaluate the current moon base proposal for its value, feasibility and, of course, affordability. If a return to the moon is really the president's priority, he needs to come up with the funds required, not simply take money from NASA's other core missions and programs." Visit http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061223/OPINION01/612230312/1008 to view the editorial.

Snecma Signs Contract with ESA for Vinci Engine Work (Source: Space News)
Europe's Snecma will continue work on a restartable upper-stage engine for the Ariane 5 rocket under a contract the propulsion firm signed Dec. 22 with the European Space Agency (ESA).

Echostar Passes 13 Million Customer Milestone (Source: Space News)
EchoStar Communications announced Dec. 22 that DISH Network has added 1 million net subscribers since this time last year, surpassing 13 million customers for the first time in the company’s 10 year history.