January 26 News Items

NASA May Relax Sensor Requirements Before Launch (Source: Florida Today)
NASA said it will not require all of the shuttle's four fuel sensors to work when it launches next month under a recommendation by the agency's Program Requirements Control Board. The board's recommendation still needs approval from the program-level Flight Readiness Review.

Northrop Q4 Revenue Climbs 10% (Source: AIA)
Northrop Grumman said its fourth-quarter profit rose $1 million to $454 million. The year-ago quarter included a pre-tax gain of $111 million related to the sale of part of the company's TRW Automotive unit. Revenue in the latest quarter climbed 10% to $8.82 billion, the company said. The company said sales rose in its information, aerospace, electronics and shipbuilding units.

Honeywell Says Q4 Profit Increases 18% on Strong Sales (Source: AIA)
Strong sales helped Honeywell post fourth-quarter profits of $689 million, up from from $585 million a year ago. "Our great positions in good industries, together with favorable macro trends, drove growth across each of our four business segments in 2007," CEO David Cote said. "While we anticipate softer global economic conditions in 2008, we remain confident in Honeywell's ability to outperform."

Diamandis Speaks at Florida Workforce Summit, Supports Diversification to Governor (Source: ERAU)
Space entrepreneur Peter Diamandis was the keynote speaker during a Florida Workforce/Economic Development Summit in Orlando. Dr. Diamandis discussed emerging space industry opportunities that could become important factors for Florida’s economy. In an earlier email to Governor Charlie Crist, Diamandis urged the state to invest in space research programs as a means to diversify the state’s economy and reduce its reliance on launch-related programs.