August 15, 2011

Of Ships and Space (Source: Space Review)
Why has the retirement of the shuttle resonated with the general public so much? Stewart Money discusses how the shuttle, unlike spacecraft before or after it, captured the essence of being a ship. Visit http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1908/1 to view the article. (8/15)

An Enduring Value Proposition for NASA Human Spaceflight (Source: Space Review)
What value does NASA provide to the nation? In the second part of her analysis, Mary Lynne Dittmar argues that value, not widely recognized, is more fundamental than human space exploration. Visit http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1907/1 to view the article. (8/15)

The Evolving Ecosystem of NewSpace (Source: Space Review)
When most people think of NewSpace, visions of space tourism and low-cost launchers come to mind. Jeff Foust examines several entrepreneurial space companies that are instead working on technologies that could enable or be enabled by improved access to space. Visit http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1906/1 to view the article. (8/15)

After the Shuttle Era, Space Exploration Continues and Thrives (Source: Space Review)
Space advocates find themselves having to fight the perception that the end of the shuttle program means "the end" of NASA itself. Lou Friedman says that today is a vibrant time for space exploration, even if those accomplishments aren't often recognized. Visit http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1905/1 to view the article. (8/15)

Will a New Space Power Rise Along the Atlantic? (Source: Space Review)
Brazil is making a major push to turn its equatorial spaceport into a major hub of launch activity. Doug Messier reports on the various initiatives underway and the challenges the country faces to join the ranks of the world's space powers. Visit http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1904/1 to view the article. (8/15)

Space Show Features Talk on ATK's Liberty Launch Vehicle (Source: Space Show)
Kent Rominger, Program Manager for ATK's Liberty Launch Vehicle was featured in an interview on last week's The Space Show. During our hour long discussion, Mr. Rominger introduced us to the Liberty Launch Vehicle with the European Astrium second stage. We talked about the ITAR issues working with Astrium and spent some time discussing the pros and cons of using a solid rocket booster (SRB) for human spaceflight (HSF) over a liquid rocket motor. Many people in various segments of the space community believe that SRBs are not safe for HSF so we explored this issue in depth with our guest. Click here to listen to the interview. (8/15)

NASA Considers Liquid Rocket Engine for Orion Escape System (Source: Examiner)
NASA’s Langley Research Center is considering using a liquid thruster engine on the next Max Launch Abort System (MLAS) test flight, according to contract documents released on Thursday. MLAS is an alternate astronaut escape system under development at Langley for NASA’s new "Orion" Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV).

The current emergency abort system on MPCV has a single solid rocket engine in a tower positioned above the crew capsule. The alternate MLAS would have four or more solid rocket motors attached. NASA Langley is soliciting information about potential sources for a liquid propellant rocket engine that would be used on MLAS. “The MLAS project is considering incorporating a conventional technology liquid attitude control subsystem for coast flight stabilization and reorientation on Flight Test Vehicle #2,” NASA said. (8/12)