August 2 News Items

New Mexico Tax Exec Talks Spaceport (Source: Alamogordo Daily News)
The head of New Mexico's tax and revenue office was in Alamogordo Friday talking Spaceport America and other issues. Formerly the state's secretary of economic development, Homans spoke about Gov. Bill Richardson's proposed tax credit, rebate and holiday, offered amid a state budget surplus. Homans said that although Spaceport America would be built in another county, the local impact could be compared to that of the relationship between Alamogordo and Holloman Air Force Base. "We're talking about new industry. We're talking about a new development."

"As economic development secretary, I was pushing the whole space development idea forward," Homans said of his work on the project before he took the tax and revenue post. "I think it's critical for the future of southern New Mexico and Otero County to be a part of Spaceport America." Doña Ana County and Sierra County have already approved a one quarter of 1 percent gross receipts tax to help fund construction of Spaceport America. Those counties will start collecting the tax in January. The Otero County Commission has set a public hearing on the issue for Aug. 21. If approved, the county would join the tax district to help pay for the construction of the $198 million Spaceport America. (8/2)

Scaled Composites Releases Update on Fatal Accident Investigation (Source: Scaled Composites)
The rocket oxidizer cold-flow test accident of 26 July 2007 at Scaled Composites was a devastating event. It caused the death of three co-workers and serious injuries to three more... The body of knowledge about nitrous oxide (N2O) used as a rocket motor oxidizer did not indicate to us even the possibility of such an event. However, because this serious and unanticipated accident had occurred, we had to look back at what had happened and where we go from there.

Cal OSHA took through the end of January this year to complete its investigation. The agency did not determine a cause for the accident. We are continuing to work with Cal OSHA. In addition to the OSHA investigation, we put in place our own Accident Investigation team, composed of 11 members from the industry and from Scaled, with a collective rocket development and testing experience of over 200 years. Scaled also worked with NASA to conduct basic materials incompatibility testing. Based on the findings of this Accident Investigation team, Scaled has implemented a variety of improvements to enhance the safety of the N2O hybrid rocket motor. Visit http://www.scaled.com/news/airelease_8_1_08.pdf to view the news release. (8/2)

Will Iran Help Doom $100B Space Station? (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
The international space station, a $100 billion symbol of global cooperation, might become a casualty of U.S. opposition to Iran's nuclear ambitions. A little-known law intended to prevent the sale of nuclear technology to Iran would also bar NASA from buying Russian Soyuz spacecraft after 2011. With the space shuttle slated to retire in 2010 and its replacement not scheduled to fly before 2015, the agency would have no way to send astronauts to the space station. Station supporters say that without a crew, the station could become little more than an expensive piece of state-of-the-art space junk.

At issue is legislation passed in 2000 and now called the Iran, North Korea and Syria Nonproliferation Act. It prohibits U.S. purchases of Russian space technology -- including Soyuz spacecraft -- as long as Russia is exporting nuclear or missile technology to Iran. Congress granted NASA a waiver of the ban in 2005, and the agency has since spent more than $700 million on Russian spaceships to transport crew and cargo to the orbiting complex. But the contract with Russia expires in 2011, and the Russian company that makes the Soyuz says it needs three years of lead time to ensure there is no interruption in manufacture and supply. Adding to the pressure is that the station crew is scheduled to double to six next year, increasing the need for Soyuz lifeboats. (8/2)

NASA Langley Gives Moon-Return Project Big Lift (Source: Newport News Daily Press)
HFlying to the moon again and building permanent lunar colonies, as NASA plans to do starting in 2020, won't require just the design of habitats, vehicles and life-support systems. It'll require a way to unload, unpack and build those things. Engineers and researchers at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton have successfully completed trials that showed their prototype could do just that. The cranelike device folds up into itself for easy Earth-moon travel. Unfolded and extended, it can reach and grab objects at a height of about 40 feet — the estimated height at which the payload of the next-generation lunar lander will be unloaded. (8/2)

4th Air Force Satellite Spurs Cost Spike (Source: Aerospace Daily)
The addition of a fourth satellite in the U.S. Air Force's Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) portfolio will likely prompt a program cost breach of more than 25 percent, triggering a rigorous series of reviews under the Nunn-McCurdy law before a way forward is decided. The program is not, however, experiencing new technical or cost management issues, says Gary Payton, deputy under secretary of the Air Force for space programs. The additional funding is needed to restart Lockheed Martin's AEHF production line. Congress directed the purchase of the additional AEHF spacecraft, Air Force officials have been stressing all year - especially as they try to explain changes to their plans for the successor to AEHF, the Transformational Satellite (TSAT) program. The AEHF supply chain was brought to a halt after the Pentagon opted to end the buy at three satellites. The AEHF buy was truncated to shift to TSAT, which has since been delayed due to bureaucratic discussions at the Pentagon. (8/2)

John Glenn Blasts Moonbase-to-Mars NASA Roadmap (Source: The Register)
Famed US astronaut and politician John Glenn has said that that NASA's planned return to the Moon will be of no use to a future manned Mars mission. "It seems to me the Moon is questionable as a way station," the former space ace and Senator told congressmen. He said that there was no advantage to be gained by moving the personnel and equipment for a Mars mission down and then up again through the lunar gravity well. Glenn contended that it would be better and easier to assemble an interplanetary craft above Earth. Visit http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/08/01/john_glenn_says_moonbase_ploy_questionable/ to view the article. (8/2)

id Software's John Carmack Stays in the Rocket Game (Source: Dallas Business News)
In addition to the highly successful game company id Software, John Carmack runs Armadillo Aerospace, which is developing a variety of rockets and space travel gear. He spends about 20 hours a week at Armadillo (and about 40 at id), and said Armadillo is finally generating a small profit after "eight years of being a money pit." With Armadillo turning into a profitable company, Mr. Carmack said, he will need to hire a full-time chief executive for it soon. (8/2)

Conrad Foundation Launches Nationwide to Support High School Entrepreneurs (Source: Conrad Foundation)
Nancy Conrad, wife of the late Apollo 12 astronaut Charles “Pete” Conrad, announced the launch of the Conrad Foundation, a non-profit organization founded with the goal to energize and inspire high school students to create and bring to market commercial products using science and technology. The Conrad Foundation partners with entrepreneurs, universities, businesses, and organizations within specific fields of study to select pioneering concepts that connect education and business. (8/2)

4Frontiers Interns Work Toward Mars Colonization (Source: St. Petersburg Times)
In the summer, some college students work. Others volunteer, travel or take classes. Graduate students Tara Allen, Alex Stimpson and John Truett took a different path. For the past two months, they've thought about how humans might live on Mars. All three intern at 4Frontiers, a local company that focuses on settlement of the Red Planet. "Mars has all the resources of a permanent destination," said company CEO Mark Homnick. "What you do when you get there is just as important as how you get there in the first place."

Inside 4Frontiers' one-story offices on Grand Boulevard, the three interns help Homnick and vice president Joseph Palaia IV with designs for a Mars settlement. Allen, who graduated in May from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, uses a computer to design futuristic homes on the Red Planet, complete with couches, game systems and flat-screen TVs. Stimpson and Truett, both 2007 graduates of the University of Florida, work on building a greenhouse fit for Mars. "Our generation is saying, 'Yeah, going back to the moon is cool, but we've already been there,' " Stimpson said. "Let's take the next step." Click here to view the article. (8/2)

Obama's Thirst To Explore Space Will Be Measured (Source: Tampa Tribune)
Obama may have come to Florida to tout his economic stimulus initiatives, but Robert Jordan and others say the candidate's talk of delaying NASA's next generation of manned space vehicles will not hurt just the U.S. space program. Obama's proposal, which would delay the Constellation program by at least 5 years to 2020 or later, could represent another major blow to the economy, opponents say.

Obama's "Plan for Lifetime Success Through Education" remained posted Friday on his campaign Web site - specifying that his $10 billion-a-year early education plan will be paid, in part, by "delaying the NASA Constellation program for five years." Asked about that, Obama spokeswoman Adrianne Marsh would say only that the Illinois senator "is committed to a strong, robust space program." There is speculation that Obama may be planning to unveil - perhaps today - a new "white paper" further spelling out his positions on NASA and future U.S. space programs.

Meanwhile, campaign aides to Republican presidential candidate John McCain on Friday were noting that the Arizona senator has voiced solid support for the Constellation program. "While my opponent seems content to retreating from American exploration of space for a decade, I am not," McCain said in a comment on this week's 50th anniversary of NASA. "As president, I will act to make ensure our astronauts will continue to explore space, and not just by hitching a ride with someone else," he said. "I intend to make sure that the NASA Constellation program has the resources it needs so that we can begin a new era of human space exploration." (8/2)

White House Briefed On Potential For Mars Life (Source: Aviation Week)
The White House has been alerted by NASA about plans to make an announcement soon on major new Phoenix lander discoveries concerning the "potential for life" on Mars. Sources say the new data do not indicate the discovery of existing or past life on Mars. Rather the data relate to habitability--the "potential" for Mars to support life--at the Phoenix arctic landing site, sources say. (8/2)

FCC Tries to Avert Threatened Satellite Cutoff (Source: Washington Post)
The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission issued a last-minute appeal to a satellite telecommunications company yesterday, urging it to continue providing Internet and other satellite-based services to a subscriber despite a contract dispute. SES Americom had threatened to shut off satellite service to OnSat Network Communications, saying it is owed more than $4 million. Their dispute involves the delivery of Internet services to the Navajo Nation in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. (8/2)

For Gaming Guru Richard Garriott, Space Trip Will be a Working Vacation (Source: Statesman.com)
For Austin computer gaming guru Richard Garriott, almost every vacation is a working one. He won't be taking a BlackBerry and fax machine with him when he goes on his most adventurous trip yet this fall: a 10-day jaunt to the International Space Station. But Garriott, who helped start the Austin video gaming industry, is using his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel aboard a Russian Soyuz spaceship to do much more than just sight-seeing. He'll be conducting experiments for research institutions, working with a nonprofit to mimic the pictures of Earth his astronaut father took in 1973 aboard Skylab, communicating with students around the world and marketing his latest computer game. (8/2)

Obama's Space Coast Speech Touches on Space (Source: ERAU)
"One of the areas where we are in danger of losing our competitive edge is our space program. When I was growing up, NASA inspired the world with achievements we are still proud of. Today, we have an administration that has set ambitious goals for NASA without giving NASA the support it needs to reach them. As a result, they’ve had to cut back on research, and trim their programs, [...] We cannot cede our leadership in space. That’s why I will help close the gap and ensure that our space program doesn’t suffer when the Shuttle goes out of service by working with Senator Bill Nelson to add at least one additional Space Shuttle flight beyond 2010; by supporting continued funding for NASA; by speeding the development of the Shuttle’s successor; and by making sure that all those who work in the space industry in Florida do not lose their jobs when the Shuttle is retired – because we cannot afford to lose their expertise."

"More broadly, we need a real vision for space exploration. To help formulate this vision, I’ll reestablish the National Aeronautics and Space Council so that we can develop a plan to explore the solar system – a plan that involves both human and robotic missions, and enlists both international partners and the private sector. And as America leads the world to long-term exploration of the moon, Mars, and beyond, let’s also tap NASA’s ingenuity to build the airplanes of tomorrow and to study our own planet so we can combat global climate change. Under my watch, NASA will inspire the world, make America stronger, and help grow the economy here in Florida." (8/2)

SpaceX Conducts Full Thrust Firing of Falcon 9 Rocket (Source: SpaceX)
SpaceX conducted the first nine engine firing of its Falcon 9 launch vehicle at its Texas Test Facility on July 31. A second firing on August 1 completed a major NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) milestone almost two months early. At full power, the nine engines consumed 3,200 lbs of fuel and liquid oxygen per second, and generated 832,000 pounds of force (lbf) – four times the maximum thrust of a 747 aircraft. This marks the first firing of a Falcon 9 first stage with its full complement of nine Merlin 1C engines . Once a near-term Merlin 1C fuel pump upgrade is complete, the sea level thrust will increase to 950,000 lbf, making Falcon 9 the most powerful single core vehicle in the United States.

“This was the most difficult milestone in development of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle and it also constitutes a significant achievement in US space vehicle development. Not since the final flight of the Saturn 1B rocket in 1975, has a rocket had the ability to lose any engine or motor and still successfully complete its mission,” said Elon Musk, CEO and CTO of SpaceX. “Much like a commercial airliner, our multi-engine design has the potential to provide significantly higher reliability than single engine competitors.” (8/2)

Eutelsat Raises Future Revenue Expectations (Source: Space News)
Satellite-fleet operator Eutelsat reported increased revenue and profit from its 24 satellites and said it expects annual revenue growth of 6 percent between now and 2011, when sales should surpass 1 billion euros ($1.55 billion), the company said July 31. (8/1)

Lockheed Martin Notifies Michoud Workers of Layoffs (Source: Space News)
Lockheed Martin informed its Michoud Operations workforce Aug. 1 that an unspecified number of layoffs would begin in October and continue through September 2010 as assembly of space shuttle external tanks phases out as NASA prepares to retire the shuttle fleet. The reductions are expected to impact operations in Huntsville, Ala., Florida's Kennedy Space Center and the New Orleans-based NASA Michoud Assembly Facility where the shuttle external tanks are designed and assembled.

Lockheed Martin Michoud Operations currently employs 2,445 people across the three sites. Lockheed Martin said in a press release that the exact timing and number of reductions would depend on production schedules and the company's ability to find other work for the affected employees. Michoud spokesman Marion LaNasa said as many as 200 positions could be eliminated as work on the 10 final external tanks comes to an end. (8/1)

Boeing Wins $4.1 Million Phase 1 Contract on FAST (Source: Space News)
DARPA has awarded Boeing a $4.9 million contract to design a new high-power spacecraft propulsion system. The first phase of DARPA's Fast Access Spacecraft Testbed (FAST) program is for the design of an ultra-lightweight electric propulsion system. The second phase of the program, if it is authorized by DARPA, would include fabrication and ground testing of the propulsion system. Hamilton Sundstrand Corp. was also awarded an eight-month, $4.1 million Phase One contract under the FAST program. (8/1)

Sirius XM Cites $400 Million Savings (Source: Space News)
Sirius XM Radio said it would immediately begin to integrate operations and realize efficiencies following its July 28 formation via the merger of Sirius and XM. However, the company, which will be headquartered in New York and operate XM as a wholly owned subsidiary based in Washington, was mum on future plans to consolidate its satellite infrastructure. In a press release issued July 29, Sirius XM said it has 18.5 million subscribers and expects to realize $400 million in efficiencies in 2009 alone. (8/1)

Lockheed Martin Wins Contract Modification for Global Strike Reentry Vehicle (Source: DOD)
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company has been awarded a $16,709,000 unpriced modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide support to the Prompt Global Strike Medium Lift Reentry Body development effort. The work will be performed in Sunnyvale, Calif., and various other locations yet to be determined, and work is expected to be completed in June 2009. (7/11)

NASA Now Looking for Life's Building Blocks on Mars (Source: Space.com)
NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander may have found water ice on the red planet, but it still has a lot of work left to do to answer the question that has been on scientists' minds for decades: Has Mars ever been capable of harboring life? Phoenix scientists announced yesterday that the mission finally confirmed the presence of subsurface water ice in the north polar regions of Mars — first detected by NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter in 2002 — about two months after touching down on the Martian surface on May 25. The lander is now analyzing the ice to see if it was ever a liquid and if it contains organic materials, the building blocks of life. The ice, collected from below the surface at the lander's site in the Martian arctic, could have acted like a freezer, protecting any organics that may have formed there. (8/1)

California Continues to Make Space Enterprise History (Source: CSA)
In the early morning, on a quiet and empty airstrip in the vast and expansive Mojave Desert plain, 300 scientists, engineers, technicians and space enthusiasts gathered for another of many California Firsts. WhiteKnightTwo, the twin-fuselaged mother plane of the futuristic SpaceShipTwo, sits patiently in the morning sun waiting its unveiling. The crowd is excited by the thriving potential represented in this new launch platform. Designer Burt Rutan and Sir Richard Branson, along with his Virgin Galcatic team, are on hand for this exciting event.

"Today we see the tangible evidence of a dream coming true," noted Andrea Seastrand, Executive Director of the California Space Authority. "It's even more exciting to be able to say that this vehicle and the fleet to follow are being built by California hands." Scaled Composites is a California-based company located in Mojave at America's first inland spaceport. Much of the celebration was focused on the dedicated and energetic workforce who built WhiteKnightTwo and who are currently building SpaceShipTwo. (7/28)

California Optimistic for Regolith Victory (Source: CSA)
The 2008 Regolith Excavation Challenge (held Aug. 2-3), is a NASA-supported prize competition with $750,000 up for grabs. The competition is co-hosted by the California Space Authority, CSEWI, and California Polytechnic State University. Sponsors include the California's Business, Transportation, and Housing Agency (BTH), Diani Building Corporation, and Empirical Systems Aerospace. The challenge requires each team to build an autonomous lunar excavator running on no more than 150 watts of power (less energy than a color TV) that can dig 150 kilograms of simulant and place it in a collector within 30 minutes. Last year's competition produced no winners, but high team registration has substantially raised the expectation that a winner will break out from the competitive pack. (7/30)