December 7, 2019

5G from Space Won't Solve All Slow Internet Problems, Analysts Warn (Source: Space.com)
New phones will get faster internet than ever before thanks to improved 5G technology, but don't expect to get blazing-quick speed overnight, a panel of analysts warned. A discussion at space company forum SpaceCom here in late November went over the benefits and drawbacks of 5G, which is already available in limited markets in the United States and will expand even further in 2020. SpaceX and Amazon are among the companies racing into space to deploy satellites to support 5G.

If all goes to plan, mobile users on 5G will soon enjoy even less "latency," or lag — meaning that they can play videos, download large files and otherwise use internet apps and services 10 times faster than is currently possible with 4G. 5G will also support the growing "internet of things," which allows devices ranging from microwaves to thermostats to use internet services as well. People in more remote regions (such as certain parts of rural Africa or the Arctic) could have better mobile internet access than ever before, too. (12/5)

UAH Studies Nuclear Ride to Mars (Source: Business Alabama)
Rocket scientists at the University of Alabama in Huntsville are figuring out how the use of nuclear power would affect the components of a manned mission to Mars. Working under a NASA grant, UAH researchers are examining — not the design of a nuclear engine but, rather — the results and costs of choosing nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) for such a ride. Nuclear power would provide the fuel-efficient energy needed to go the distance, but a hydrogen rocket would still be needed for the tremendous thrust needed to propel a spacecraft into orbit. (12/5)

Some Airlines Are Investing In Supersonic Jets For The Future (Source: The Travel)
Two aviation companies are working on aircraft capable of matching speeds of the Concorde, a sleek, delta-winged jet that regularly used to cross the Atlantic in half the time of a conventional carrier. Nevada-based company Aerion Corporation recently released plans to construct a 12-passenger executive jet called the AS2, which on paper is designed to travel at more than 1,000 miles per hour. Meanwhile in Denver, a hangar owned by Boom Supersonic is already building Overture, a 75-seat cruiser that could reach speeds of nearly 1,500 miles per hour. Click here. (12/1)

SpaceX In-Flight Abort Test Launch Date Update (Source: NASA)
NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than Jan. 4, 2020, for a critical In-Flight Abort Test of the Crew Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, pending U.S. Air Force Eastern Range approval. As part of the test, SpaceX will configure Crew Dragon to trigger a launch escape shortly after liftoff and demonstrate Crew Dragon’s capability to safely separate from the Falcon 9 rocket in the unlikely event of an in-flight emergency. The demonstration also will provide valuable data toward NASA certifying SpaceX’s crew transportation system for carrying astronauts to and from the International Space Station. (12/6)

SpaceX, NASA Offer Veterans Place to Serve After Service (Source: WMFE)
SpaceX is set to launch a fleet of mini-satellites Monday from Cape Canaveral on a Falcon 9 rocket. The launch happening on Veterans Day highlights the role veterans play in the growing aerospace industry. Earlier this year SpaceX’s lead operations engineer Julia Black counted down a launch sending supplies to the International Space Station. “5-4-3-2-1-,” she counted over the comms loop. “May The Force be with us,” she said as the rocket left the pad on the unofficial holiday “Star Wars Day”.

SpaceX’s Julia Black, her son Jett and spouse John Black. “It’s pretty exciting,” she said recalling her more than 100 career launches. “Every launch when I go on console, I do not take it for granted.” Black began her career launching rockets with the Air Force. Like many at SpaceX, she moved into the private sector once she left the military. Her colleague on the West Coast, SpaceX Vice President Lee Rosen, found himself making the same transition after a two decades long career in the Air Force. (11/11)

Space Coast Aerospace Workforce Summit Identifies Priorities, Follow-Up Actions (Source: SPACErePORT)
Central Florida's supply of qualified workers has not kept pace with the region's space and defense industry growth. An October 17 'Workforce Summit' was held to identify solutions and develop strategies for career pathways development, talent development and training, and communication and talent engagement. The results of that summit are documented here. A follow-up workshop is now planned on January 30 and regional government, industry and academia stakeholders are encouraged to participate. Click here for event details and registration. (12/6)

SpaceChain Sends Blockchain Tech to ISS (Source: Space Daily)
SpaceChain announced that its blockchain hardware wallet technology is on its way to the International Space Station (ISS), aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of today's CRS-19 commercial resupply service mission. This is the first technology demonstration of blockchain hardware on the ISS, and it will be installed in Nanoracks' commercial platform on Station.

Today marks the third blockchain payload launched into space by SpaceChain in the past two years, advancing SpaceChain's vision of a decentralized orbital constellation for fintech and business applications. This ISS demonstration mission was made possible via Nanoracks and their Space Act agreement with NASA. (12/5)

Congress, White House Near Deal to Create Space Force in Exchange for Paid Leave for Federal Workers (Source: Washington Post)
Congressional lawmakers and the White House are on the verge of reaching a sweeping agreement that would extend 12 weeks of paid parental leave to federal workers in exchange for making “Space Force” the sixth branch of the U.S. military, according to four people with knowledge of the tentative deal.

The deal is part of a defense authorization bill that is slated to pass this month. If consummated, the agreement could mark one of the biggest deals President Trump has cut with Congress. It would secure a massive expansion of benefits for federal workers, something Democrats have long sought, in exchange for a realignment of the U.S. military that Trump has sought to secure as part of his legacy.

Multiple people close to the negotiations stressed any final package must still be approved, and Trump has been known to change his mind even when negotiations reach a final stage. The president could also be more eager to cement the deal than fiscal-hawk conservative Republicans in Congress, who might complain about the cost. (12/6)