September 17 News Items

Finishing the Space Station (Source: Space Review)
After years of delays and threats of cancellation, the International Space Station is finally entering the home stretch of its assembly phase. Taylor Dinerman reviews the challenges the station program has faced, both technical and programmatic. Visit http://www.thespacereview.com/article/956/1 to view the article.

From the European Garage (Source: Space Review)
When a European company rolled out its entry into the suborbital space tourism sweepstakes, it was dismissive of entrepreneurial, largely American ventures. Bob Clarebrough argues that European companies could learn a lesson or two from American garage tinkerers. Visit http://www.thespacereview.com/article/955/1 to view the article.

French Guiana Cannot Launch Latest Soyuz (Source: Flight International)
European launch provider Arianespace is only able to offer the Samara Space Center-built Soyuz 2-1a rocket for launches from French Guiana and not the more powerful 2-1b version owing to launch complex infrastructure issues. From the new $553.4 million Soyuz launch complex at the Kourou spaceport, the 2-1a can put 2,700kg (5,940lb) into geostationary transfer orbit and the 2-1b, 3,600kg. It would take two years and over 400 million Euros to install the infrastructure. A decision is expected soon whether to develop it.

ULA Answers NASA's RFI on COTS-2 with Recommendations (Source: NasaSpaceFlight.com)
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) has sent a list of recommendations in response to the NASA Request For Information (RFI) pertaining to Commercial Space Transportation Services (CSTS), while highlighting their range of capabilities. The presentation outlines several suggestions for NASA to improve the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) marketplace, for the purpose of increasing the viability for companies wishing to bid for COTS (Commercial Orbital Transportation Services) Phase 2 contracts.

Among the recommendations, ULA suggests that NASA pursue an Acquisition Strategy that includes multi-year procurement of launch services. This will provide the most affordable launch solution for NASA while preserving competition for new entrants. Visit http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5230 to view the article.

Leaky Seals on Shuttle May Delay Flight (Source: AP)
Leaky hydraulic seals on space shuttle Discovery must be replaced, and the extra work may end up delaying next month's flight.
NASA plans to replace the seals in the right main landing gear strut later this week with help from contractor BF Goodrich. The job includes removing the brakes, wheels and tires, and NASA was unsure how long it would take. Discovery is scheduled to blast off Oct. 23 on a flight to the international space station. That date is in jeopardy now because of the leaking hydraulic fluid, which has been traced to faulty seals.

Ivanov Says Space Exploration May Become New National Project (Source: Itar-Tass)
Acting First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov did not rule out that one more priority national project might appear in Russia – space exploration. Young scientists asked Ivanov on Monday what he thought about space exploration as a national project. “It’s quite possible. I am sincerely convinced that space is priority for Russia. I would probably put only atom next to it, and nothing else,” he said.

NASA Administrator Discusses Value of the Space Economy (Source: NASA)
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin kicked off a lecture series honoring the agency's 50th anniversary with an address describing the critical role that space exploration plays in the global economy. The "space economy" was estimated at about $180 billion in 2005, according to a report by the Space Foundation released in 2006. More than 60 percent of space-related economic activity came from commercial goods and services. "NASA opens new frontiers and creates new opportunities, and because of that [NASA] is a critical driver of innovation," Griffin said. Visit http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2007/sep/HQ_07193_Griffin_lecture.html to view the article.