March 8 News Items

Embry-Riddle Offers Aerospace Summer Academy for Teens (Source: ERAU)
Teens who’d enjoy hands-on exploration of aviation and aerospace topics will want to sign up for the Summer Academy operated by Embry-Riddle at its Daytona Beach campus. The Academy, running from June 11 to Aug. 9, offers educational programs for students ages 12-18. This year’s courses, some of which may be taken for college credit, are Aerospace I, Aerospace II, Aviation Career Exploration, Aviation Discovery for Women, Flight Exploration, Generations, and SunFlight. Summer Academy programs include housing in an Embry-Riddle student dormitory, on-campus meals, classroom instruction, and educational materials. Students in some camps will take field trips that may include Kennedy Space Center, Orlando Science Center, Fantasy of Flight, a major theme park, and a water park. Transportation for off-campus activities is provided by Embry-Riddle.

Aspiring astronauts and scientists learn about NASA programs, space shuttle operations, and the history of space flight in Aerospace I. The course fosters a basic understanding of space and space technology through field trips, guest speakers, and classroom lectures. Students also design and build space-station models. Complete application packets received by April 12 will receive a $200 advanced-registration discount. Application is required a month before the start date of each camp. More information can be found online at www.erau.edu/summeracademy.

Space Initiative Retried in Tallahassee (Source: Tallahassee Democrat)
A Space Coast lawmaker launched a $500 million plan today to finance alternative energy and the space industry. It's the second time in as many years. This time around, however, Rep. Bob Allen, a Merritt Island Republican, is counting on a new governor to show more enthusiasm. "Now is the time to push the envelope," Allen said. Allen, who chairs the House Energy Committee, offered a hand-written amendment to a massive energy bill that passed late in the afternoon. The amendment calls for the creation of the Florida Energy, Aerospace Technology Fund, otherwise known as FEAT.

While the amendment doesn't mention specific figures, the plan involves matching a $250 million commitment from aerospace worker unions, private industry and other sources with $250 million in state funds. One of the primary goals, besides kick-starting a bio-fuels industry, is to preserve space jobs in Florida after NASA phases out the space shuttle. Allen said he is optimistic about chances for securing the money after hearing Gov. Charlie Crist list aerospace as a high priority in his State of the State Address on Tuesday. "Now we have enlightenment," Allen said. Former Gov. Jeb Bush called for spending $40 million on space and technology last year, a figure Allen said was too low. If the political stars are better aligned for Allen's proposal, economics seem to be working against him.

New Mexico Declares Pluto a Planet (Source: SpaceRef.com)
Excerpt from New Mexico legisative resolution: "Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Legislature of the State of New Mexico that, as Pluto passes overhead through New Mexico's excellent night skies, it be declared a planet and that March 13, 2007 be declared "Pluto Planet Day" at the legislature."

Virginia Governor Set to Review Spaceflight Legislation (Source: Spaceports Blog)
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine is set to review legislation to create the first state law regime for liability and immunity for commercial human spaceflight this week in an effort to boost utilization of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. House Bill 3184 is now awaiting action from the governor prior to the April 4 reconvened session of the General Assembly. Kaine is being counseled to offer amendments to clarify the extent of the liability immunity as well as tie the measure more tightly to the federal Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004 and FAA spaceflight regulations. The recommendations flow from consultation with leading space and extreme sports attorneys.

Aerospace Industry Urges U.S. to Reform Export Controls (Source: AIA)
The aerospace industry is urging the U.S. to modernize export controls intended to keep sensitive technology out of the hands of terrorists. The Aerospace Industries Association and seven other trade groups raised their concerns in a letter to the White House. "We must continue to protect our sensitive military technologies from our adversaries and rivals, while also maximizing the benefits of trade and technology cooperation with our allies and friends," the letter stated.

Stalled Negotiations Add More Delays to Galileo (Source: Space News)
Government-industry negotiations concerning the plan for private-sector management of Europe’s future Galileo satellite navigation system have broken down following the inability of the industrial consortium’s members to agree on contract terms, European government and industry officials said March 7.

NASA Terminates Nowak From Astronaut Corps (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
NASA announced that Navy Capt. Lisa Nowak's assignment in the space agency's astronaut corps has been terminated. Nowak, who was arrested last month in Orlando on charges she attempted to kidnap a romantic rival, remains an active duty naval officer. She has been "on detail" to NASA as an astronaut since her selection in 1996.

Firm Launches Travel Insurance for Space (Source: MyFinances)
Bupa has launched travel insurance for the space tourist market. "We provide insurance cover to people in 190 countries so it wouldn't be a giant leap to add outer space to that list," said Nick Potter Head of Bupa Travel. "We are looking into space tourism as a real market for the next generation of travellers...Obviously we have to take into account various issues, such as the effect such a journey would have on the human body, although clarity will come in this new area of travel within the next decade."

NASA to Explore Future Collaborations With State of Hawaii (Source: NASA)
NASA officials have agreed to explore future collaborations with the state of Hawaii in commercial space initiatives and programs supporting research, education and workforce development. Under the terms of a memorandum of understanding signed in Hawaii, NASA Ames Research Center will explore opportunities for future collaborations with the state of Hawaii in support of the Vision for Space Exploration.

Raytheon Will Compete in Satellite Deal (Source: AP)
Raytheon will compete against Lockheed Martin Corp. for a $160 million Air Force contract to make systems to operate satellites. The Air Force released its request for bids on the contract last month. The system will provide the Air Force with an ability to communicate with satellites in orbit. The satellites, part of a system dubbed Global Positioning II and III, are intended to improve navigation by air, land and sea, and be more difficult for enemies of the U.S. military to disable.