March 5 News Items

Concerns Grow About Iranian, North Korean Missiles (Source: Aviation Week)
The Bush administration for the first time says it has intelligence proving detailed and ongoing collaboration between Iran and North Korea in the development of new ballistic missiles. North Korean and Chinese missiles already threaten the Middle East, Asia and Europe and could eventually target the U.S. New Pentagon data confirm that Iran's civilian space launch developments are a cover for major ballistic missile programs.

Analysts contend that Tehran will launch its first satellite within a year. "If they do it by themselves, it will be a whole new ball game in the Middle East," says one analyst. They say it will accelerate an already impressive military buildup among Persian Gulf states. Moreover, the analysts contend that Iran has two worrisome projects underway: one to build a warhead to carry "probably nuclear" weapons and the other to integrate the warhead with a Shahab 3 missile.

Some Fear Iran Space Program is Hostile (Source: AP)
Iran's announcement that it launched a research rocket has called new attention to a space program that Tehran says is peaceful but which some fear aims to produce long-range ballistic missiles that could reach Europe or the United States. Exactly what Iran launched, or even what it aimed to do, remains the subject of debate, speculation and possible misinterpretation. But there are parallels to the controversy over its nuclear program. Some experts say that in both cases, what Iran says is a peaceful program could mask or be transformed into a weapons program. And in both cases, Iran's actual capabilities and the speed at which they are improving remain largely unknown.

Surrey to Build Second Galileo Satellite (Source: SpaceToday.net)
ESA has awarded a contract a British smallsat manufacturer to build a second satellite for Europe's Galileo satellite navigation system. Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) will build the GIOVE-A2 satellite for ESA for launch in the second half of 2008, most likely on a Soyuz rocket. The GIOVE-A2 satellite will serve as a backup to GIOVE-A and incorporate some technological enhancements. ESA had previously contracted for a more sophisticated test satellite, GIOVE-B, that is being built by European Space Navigation Industries (formerly Galileo Industries), the joint venture that will eventually build the operational Galileo satellites. However, the GIOVE-B satellite has been delayed numerous times because of technical problems and is now not expected to be launched before late this year or early 2008.

Las Vegas Welcomes Its Most Unique Attraction Yet: Weightless Flights By ZERO-G (Source: ZERO-G)
ZERO-G will launch regular public flights from Las Vegas beginning April 21. ZERO-G's specially modified Boeing 727-200 aircraft will depart from Signature Air Terminal at McCarran International Airport. The dynamic, out-of-this-world ZERO-G Experience is destined to become one of the hottest tickets in Vegas. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Las Vegas, ZERO-G is led by a world-class team of veteran astronauts and experienced business leaders.

FAA Plans to Switch to Satellite System (Source: AIA)
The FAA plans to use a system based on satellites to modernize the U.S. air traffic control system. The new system would replace radars used today and allow pilots and controllers to more accurately and quickly pinpoint the location of a plane. "There have been quantum leaps in aviation over the years, from using bonfires on the ground to direct aircraft, then flags and, for the last few decades, radars," an FAA spokesman said.

Vought Aircraft Adds Workers at Florida Plant (Source: AIA)
Vought Aircraft was expected to halt production at its Stuart, Fla., plant more than a year ago. However, the company has added jobs and now says the plant will remain open indefinitely. "The company is stabilized, and the Stuart facility is doing a wonderful job and has a bright future," Vought President Elmer Doty says.

Atlas to Launch from Cape Canaveral Spaceport on Mar. 8 (Source: ULA)
The Atlas V launch of the STP-1 mission is currently scheduled for Thursday, March 8. The launch window extends from 9:37-11:42 p.m. EST. The United Launch Alliance rocket (AV-013) will carry six satellites during a complex launch of the Air Force's Space Test Program-1 mission. A live web cast of the launch will be available at http://www.ulalaunch.com/index_webcast.html. The web cast will begin approximately 20 minutes prior to the opening of the launch window.