May 26 News Items

Mars Lander Prepares for Digging Mission (Source: AP)
NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander spent its first full day in the Martian arctic plains checking its instruments in preparation for an ambitious digging mission to study whether the site could have once been habitable. Sol 1, as the days are known on Mars, was a busy time for the three-legged lander, which set down Sunday in relatively flat terrain cut by polygon-shaped fissures. The geometric cracks are likely caused by the repeated freezing and thawing of buried ice. Phoenix planned to take more views of its surroundings to help scientists zero in on a digging site and also take images of its onboard instruments, including its trench-digging robotic arm. Early indications show the protective cover around the arm did not unwrap all the way after landing, but it should not affect the ability to unstow the arm. (5/26)

Swiss Supercollider Puts U.S. on Sidelines (Source: SpaceDaily.com)
There is still consternation among the scientific community over a decision by Congress 15 years ago to cut off funding for the proposed Superconducting Super Collider near Dallas, a decision that continues to have consequences for the nation's scientific competitiveness. The move by CERN Laboratory of Switzerland to open the world's most powerful particle accelerator later this year will result in the United States losing its long-held hegemony as the leader in the field, Texas A&M physicist Bhaskar Dutta told the newspaper. "Europe's now playing in the major leagues, and we're in the minors," he said. (5/25)

New Spaceport Tax Date on the Table (Source: Las Cruces Sun-News)
A decision last week by Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners could determine whether a new spaceport sales tax goes into effect July 1, rather than at the start of next year. The county commission will consider approving a contract to form a spaceport tax district with Sierra County and possibly the state. Also Wednesday, the commission will decide the make-up of a governing board for the district, a point that could cause contention. The one-quarter of 1 percent gross receipts tax, approved in April 2007 by Doña Ana County voters, was initially set to begin collection at the start of this year. It was delayed, however, after state Attorney General Gary King said a spaceport district had to be in place before the tax could be collected. (5/25)

XM Is Seeking $120 Million In Financing (Source: Washington Post)
XM Satellite Radio Holdings warned in a regulatory filing last week that its financial position may be threatened if it cannot find $120 million worth of financing to adhere to the terms of its high-profile contract with Major League Baseball. The District satellite radio company is required to set aside $120 million in an escrow account as part of its eight-year contract with baseball, giving it the right to air news, scores, highlights and live game coverage. (5/26)