March 27 News Items

SpaceX Conducts First Three-Engine Firing of Falcon 9 Rocket (Source: SpaceX)
SpaceX conducted the first three-engine firing of its Falcon 9 medium to heavy lift rocket at its Texas Test Facility outside McGregor, on March 8. At full power the engines generated over 270,000 pounds of force, and consumed 1,050 lbs of fuel and liquid oxygen per second. This three-engine test again sets the record as the most powerful test yet on the towering 235-foot tall test stand. A total of nine Merlin 1C engines will power the Falcon 9 rocket. The test series continues with the addition of two engines for a total of five, then finally the full compliment of nine engines. With all engines firing, the Falcon 9 can generate over one million pounds of thrust in vacuum - four times the maximum thrust of a 747 aircraft. (3/27)

NASA Awards Nitrogen Supply Contract for Cape Canaveral Spaceport (Source: NASA)
NASA has awarded Air Liquide Large Industries of Houston the gaseous nitrogen supply and services contract for Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (collectively, the Cape Canaveral Spaceport). The indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract has an estimated valued of $47.5 million during a five year period, including a three-year base period and two, one-year option periods. (3/27)

Embry-Riddle Wins College Course Award (Source: ERAU)
The University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) has awarded its Distinguished College Course Award to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Online division. Embry-Riddle is recognized as the world leader in aviation and aerospace higher education. The Distance Learning Course Awards recognize new and innovative courses that use one or more forms of instruction at a distance. The undergraduate meteorology course content was first developed by Dr. Tom Sieland and delivered exclusively over the Internet by a global group of six faculty members. (3/27)

Aerospace Import/Export Businesses Benefit from Space Coast "Incoterms" Forum on April 14 (Source: SCWTC)
The Space Coast World Trade Council and the Harris Corporation will host a focused presentation on the issues and answers covering International Contract Terms of Sale (Incoterms) as they pertain to international traffic on items governed by the USML and the Commerce Control List (CCL). Particular attention will be given to responsibilities of buyers and sellers, title transfer and re-export conditions. Included will be a review of what new terms are needed for commercial operations in space for 2010 and beyond. The event will be held at Harris Corp. in Melbourne on April 14. Call Bonnie at 321-724-5769, or mailto:bcantillon@bellsouth.net for information and reservations. (3/27)

SpaceTEC Sponsors Aerospace Technician Appreciation Event (Source: SpaceTEC)
Space industry technicians will be honored at an annual reception sponsored by SpaceTEC and Brevard Community College on the evening of March 27 at the Radisson Resort at Cape Canaveral. The event will include door prizes and presentations by senior NASA, Air Force and industry personnel. (3/27)

NASA Future Forum Planned in Miami on April 18 (Source: NASA)
Join NASA scientists, engineers, astronauts, local business, technology and academic leaders, and local, state, and federal officials to discuss the past, present, and future of NASA and its contributions to the Nation for the advancement of science, technology, engineering, education and the economy. The program will also feature NASA's Constellation Program - America's return to the Moon and beyond. The event will be held at the University of Miami on April 18. Visit http://www.regonline.com/futureforum-miami for information. (3/27)

Space Coast Celebrates Yuri's Night with Beach Party (Source: NSS)
The Florida Space Coast chapter of the National Space Society (NSS) and the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) at the University of Central Florida are teaming up to host a Space Beach Party at the Cocoa Beach Pier on April 12 from 2:00pm to 11:00pm. The event is part of a worldwide annual celebration of the anniversary of manned spaceflight. Daytime events out on the beach will include a charity beach volleyball tournament, a moonbase/sandcastle building competition, and “Astronaut training” beach games for all ages. Nighttime events at the pier will include live music, drink specials, guest speakers from private and government space industry, and a cosmic volleyball tournament. A suborbital flight simulator will also be available all day, free of charge. Visit http://www.spacebeachparty.com/ for information. (3/27)