SpaceX Achieves a Double Milestone for Starship Super Heavy's Next Flight Test...

SpaceX

Earlier today, Ship 28 successfully conducted a static fire for one of her six Raptor 2 engines at Starbase in Texas. And less than two hours later, Booster 10 flawlessly fired all 33 of its Raptor 2 engines during its own static fire at Starbase's Orbital Launch Site!

SpaceX continues to make rapid progress as it prepares for the third Starship Flight Test...which may happen within the next two months. But as yet another reminder, this will be made possible once the Federal Aviation Administration grants a third launch license for this demonstration.

Stay tuned!


SpaceX

Ignition of a single Raptor engine on Flight 3 Starship demonstrating a flight-like startup for an in-space burn pic.twitter.com/BCv6iIUnag

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 29, 2023

Static fire of Super Heavy’s 33 Raptor engines ahead of Flight 3 pic.twitter.com/rJqNToMCnU

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 29, 2023

The Commander-in-Chief Greets the Next Astronauts to Fly to the Moon in Over 50 Years...

Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz

NASA’s Artemis II Crew Meet with President, VP at White House (News Release - December 19)

The first astronauts to fly around the Moon under NASA’s Artemis program visited the White House in Washington on Thursday, and met with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office to thank him for his leadership and discuss their upcoming flight test. Artemis II crew members are NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

The mission is currently targeted for late 2024. After launching on NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket from the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the crew will travel aboard the Orion spacecraft on a 10-day mission around the Moon, testing its systems for the first time with astronauts for long-term exploration and scientific discovery through Artemis.

Driving both human and robotic exploration at the Moon and Mars, science is a key foundation of NASA’s work.

The astronauts also discussed training and plans for their mission with the President, as well as lunar science, including a Moon rock on display in the Oval Office. That rock was collected in 1972 by Apollo astronauts Harrison Schmitt and Eugene Cernan, the last humans to step foot on the lunar surface.

Samples collected on future Artemis missions will continue to help humanity shed light on how the Moon formed and evolved, how it interacts with the Sun, and how water and other resources arrived at the Moon and are preserved.

While at the White House, the astronauts also met separately with Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as the chair of the National Space Council. They discussed how Artemis represents the power of technological innovation and international collaboration.

Through Artemis, the U.S. is leading, innovating, discovering and inspiring humanity for the benefit of all.

Source: NASA.Gov

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As the Chair of the National Space Council, I am proud of our Administration's work to continue the American legacy of space exploration.

Thanks to the leadership and ingenuity of the Artemis II crew, we are one step closer to returning to the moon. pic.twitter.com/oQRWLT6Hhl

— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) December 19, 2023

Photos of the Day: SpaceX Looks Ahead to the Third Test Flight of Starship Super Heavy...

SpaceX

Just thought I'd share these great images of Ship 28 after it successfully conducted a six-engine static fire at Starbase in Texas earlier today.

Up next: The static fire of Booster 10 at the Orbital Launch Site. It remains to be seen when the Federal Aviation Administration will grant a launch license for the third Starship Flight Test...which SpaceX aims to conduct as soon as next February.

Stay tuned!


SpaceX


SpaceX


SpaceX

Flight 3 Starship completed a full-duration static fire with all six of its Raptor engines pic.twitter.com/Mxn8faKcEv

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 20, 2023

Additional drone view of Starship static fire pic.twitter.com/rpIN9shSwt

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 20, 2023

New Shepard Is Back in Business!

Blue Origin

Blue Origin Successfully Completes 24th Mission to Space (News Release)

Blue Origin successfully completed its 24th New Shepard flight and 13th payload mission today from Launch Site One in West Texas.

The flight carried 33 payloads from NASA, academia, research institutions and commercial companies, bringing the number of payloads flown on New Shepard to more than 150. Club for the Future, Blue Origin’s nonprofit, flew 38,000 postcards as part of its Postcards to Space program.

Each postcard will be returned to its creator stamped “Flown to Space.” The Club recently added a digital method to create and send postcards, which can be found here.

Key mission statistics:

Official Launch Time: 10:42:28 AM CST / 16:42:28 UTC

Booster Apogee: 347,208 ft. AGL / 350,855 ft. MSL (106 km AGL / 107 km MSL)

Crew Capsule Apogee: 347,601 ft. AGL / 351,248 ft. MSL (106 km AGL / 107 km MSL)

Crew Capsule Landing Time: 10:52:41 AM CST / 16:52:41 UTC

Mission Elapsed Time: 10 min 13 sec

“A special thank you to all of our customers who flew important science today and the students who contributed postcards to advance our future of living and working in space for the benefit of Earth,” said Phil Joyce, Senior Vice President, New Shepard. “Demand for New Shepard flights continues to grow and we’re looking forward to increasing our flight cadence in 2024.”

If you’re interested in purchasing an astronaut seat on New Shepard, please visit here. For payload inquiries, please visit here.

A full replay of today’s flight is available below.

Source: Blue Origin

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Sierra Space's Next-Generation Spaceplane Continues to be Prepped for Its Maiden Flight Next Year...

Sierra Space / Shay Saldana

Dream Chaser Undergoes Testing at NASA Test Facility in Ohio (News Release)

NASA and Sierra Space are preparing for the first flight of the company’s Dream Chaser spacecraft to the International Space Station. Dream Chaser and its companion cargo module, called Shooting Star, arrived at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio, for environmental testing, scheduled to start in mid-December, ahead of its first flight, scheduled for the first half of 2024.

The Neil Armstrong Test Facility, part of NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, is home to multiple test facilities, including the Space Environments Complex and In-Space Propulsion Facility, both stops for Dream Chaser. The complex is home to the Mechanical Vibration Facility, which subjects test articles to the rigorous conditions of launch.

While at Armstrong, the Dream Chaser winged spacecraft will be stacked atop its Shooting Star cargo module on the vibration table to experience vibrations like those during launch and re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

Following vibration testing, Dream Chaser will be moved to the propulsion facility for thermal vacuum testing. Dream Chaser will be placed in a vacuum and exposed to low-ambient pressures, low-background temperatures and replicated dynamic solar heating, which simulates the environment that the spacecraft will encounter during its mission.

This facility is the only one capable of testing full-scale, upper stage rockets and rocket engines under simulated space conditions and conducting altitude hot fire.

After completion of testing at Armstrong, Dream Chaser will be shipped to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for further launch preparations, currently scheduled for liftoff in the first half of 2024.

Source: NASA.Gov

A Milestone Is Achieved in the Development of SLS Block 1B's Upper Stage Booster...

NASA

NASA Stennis Continues Preparations for Future Artemis Testing (News Release)

Crews at NASA’s Stennis Space Center cleared a milestone on December 11, installing a key component in preparation for future Green Run testing of NASA’s new Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) vehicle for use on the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket.

Four large diffusers, each weighing 14 tons, were lifted by crane for installation on the Thad Cochran Test Stand (B-2). The diffusers are a critical component designed to help direct engine exhaust away from the EUS during hot fire testing to minimize heat exposure to sensitive vehicle systems.

NASA’s new EUS is being built at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans as a more powerful SLS second stage to send the Orion spacecraft and heavier payloads to deep space as NASA continues its mission to explore the secrets of the Universe for the benefit of all. The EUS is expected to fly on the Artemis IV mission following a series of Green Run tests of its integrated systems at NASA Stennis to demonstrate that it is ready to fly.

The test series will culminate with a hot fire of the four RL10 engines that will power the EUS.

During an actual flight, critical EUS systems will be protected by the SLS interstage. To protect the systems during Green Run testing, teams are using an interstage simulator, a size-and-weight replica of the actual SLS interstage, and the connected diffusers.

The system requires a high level of precision. The diffusers will be connected to the EUS engine nozzles using a flexible seal so gimbaling, or moving a rocket engine a few degrees along a tight circular axis to direct the thrust and “steer” the vehicle, can occur during testing.

They are also designed to facilitate propellant connections and allow test teams access to the engine area as needed.

The carbon steel diffusers were precisely designed by a joint NASA Stennis and Jacobs Engineering team, using computational models, subscale testing and historical data. The units were then made by Custom Steel Fabricators in Columbia, Tennessee, and delivered by truck to NASA Stennis.

Following lift and installation on the test stand, the diffuser system will be connected to the facility water and hydraulic supplies. A final checkout of the system will include a full test stand water flow demonstration.

Source: NASA.Gov

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The Second SLS Rocket Is One Step Closer to Undergoing Stacking Operations for Its Next Moon Mission...

NASA / Kim Shiflett

Artemis II Booster Surges Ahead at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (News Release)

Inside the Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineers and technicians process the right forward center segment of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket on November 28, 2023. The ongoing processing of the segments is the first step before stacking operations begin and the segments will form the twin solid rocket boosters for the SLS rocket that will power NASA’s Artemis II mission.

After arriving via rail in September, the team has been inspecting each segment one-by-one and lifting them to a vertical position to ensure that the solid propellant and segment are ready for integration and launch.

Once processing is complete for all 10 segments, they will be moved one at a time to the Vehicle Assembly Building for stacking atop the mobile launcher. Standing 17 stories-tall and burning approximately six tons of propellant every second, each booster generates more thrust than 14 four-engine jumbo commercial airliners.

Together, the twin boosters provide more than 75 percent of the total SLS thrust at launch.

The Artemis II mission will send four astronauts around the Moon as part of the agency’s effort to establish a long-term science and exploration presence at the Moon, and eventually Mars.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Kim Shiflett


NASA / Kim Shiflett

The ISS Has Now Been Orbiting the Earth for a Quarter Century!

NASA

Station Reaches 25 Years in Orbit, Crew Continues Advanced Space Research (News Release)

25 years ago today, the first two modules of the International Space Station – Zarya and Unity – were mated during the STS-88 mission of space shuttle Endeavour. The shuttle’s Canadarm robotic arm reached out and grappled Zarya, which had been in orbit for just over two weeks, and attached it to the Unity module stowed inside Endeavour’s payload bay.

Endeavour would undock from the young dual-module station one week later...beginning the space station assembly era.

The seven-member Expedition 70 crew called down to Earth today and discussed with NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana and International Space Station Program Manager Joel Montalbano the orbital outpost’s accomplishments since the assembly era began on December 6, 1998. Cabana was the commander of Endeavour when both modules were robotically mated then outfitted during a series of spacewalks.

Montalbano, NASA’s sixth station leader since the program’s inception, remarked today, “We want to celebrate today all the people who designed, built and operate the International Space Station.”

Meanwhile, a host of space biology work continued aboard the orbital lab on Wednesday to improve human health on Earth and in space. Cargo operations and lab maintenance rounded out the day keeping the four astronauts and three cosmonauts busy during the middle of the week.

Aging studies are taking place on the orbital lab helping researchers understand space-caused accelerated aging symptoms at the molecular and cellular level. NASA Flight Engineers Loral O’Hara and Jasmin Moghbeli took turns processing liver stem samples for the Space AGE study taking place in the Kibo laboratory module.

Kibo’s Life Science Glovebox is hosting the research operation that is exploring aging-like properties of immune cells and the regenerative capacity of liver cells.

Mental health and cognition are key concerns for NASA and its international partners as the space agencies plan longer human missions farther away from Earth. Commander Andreas Mogensen wore virtual reality goggles for the VR Mental Care experiment today and watched a 360-degree movie to understand its stabilizing effect on the nervous system.

Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa took a computerized robotics test for a CIPHER investigation studying how microgravity affects brain structure, sleep quality, stress and immune function.

Mogensen from ESA (European Space Agency) and Furukawa from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) also partnered with O’Hara and Moghbeli...transferring payloads in and out of the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft throughout the day. The foursome then spent the rest of Wednesday supporting a variety of other ongoing space research and life support activities.

Veteran cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko tended to eggs being incubated for a Roscosmos space biology study, deployed carbon dioxide monitors, and practiced using emergency masks. Flight Engineer Nikolai Chub worked on an immunity study and continued unpacking cargo from the Progress 86 resupply ship.

Flight Engineer Konstantin Borisov started his morning replacing electrical plumbing gear and then worked in the afternoon checking smoke detectors and charging a science laptop computer.

Source: NASA.Gov

Photos of the Day: Endeavour's Twin Solid Rocket Boosters Get Their Nose Cones...

California Science Center

A few hours ago, a huge milestone was achieved for space shuttle Endeavour's permanent display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles when Endeavour's twin solid rocket boosters (SRBs) each received their forward assembly...aka nose cones.

With the solid rocket boosters now fully assembled, the next milestone to reach is transporting external fuel tank ET-94 and Endeavour herself to the construction site of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. This task is scheduled for no earlier than next month.

And as a reminder, December 31 is the last day where you can view Endeavour inside her current exhibit—the Samuel Oschin Pavilion—prior to it permanently closing to the public. The next chance to see the retired orbiter will be when she is moved over to the construction site, or the few days after Endeavour is mated to ET-94 and her SRBs before the space shuttle stack is fully concealed by scaffolding for environmental protection as work continues on the Air and Space Center.

The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center was, I believe, set to open to the public in 2025...but that date might change. Stay tuned!


California Science Center


California Science Center

It's finally December!

As a reminder, you have till December 31 to view Endeavour inside California Science Center's Samuel Oschin Pavilion before it permanently closes!

Endeavour is set to be relocated to the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center's construction site next month. pic.twitter.com/OyqojMWw56

— Rich Par (@AstroPnoy) December 1, 2023

Assembly Hums Along for a Major Flight Component of the Third SLS Booster...

NASA / Sam Lott

NASA Continues Progress on Artemis III Rocket Adapter with Key Joint Installation (News Release)

Engineers and technicians at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, recently installed a key component called the frangible joint assembly onto the adapter that connects the core stage to the upper part of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. The cone-shaped stage adapter, called the launch vehicle stage adapter, will be part of the SLS mega rocket that will power NASA’s Artemis III mission to the Moon.

The frangible joint sits atop the adapter and operates as a separation mechanism. The frangible joint is designed to break apart upon command, allowing the upper part of the rocket, NASA’s Orion spacecraft, and the crew inside Orion to quickly separate from the SLS core stage and adapter.

Frangible joint assemblies are widely used across the space industry in a variety of crewed and uncrewed spacecraft to efficiently separate fairings or stages during launch, during ascent, in orbit and during payload deployment. The stage adapter used for Artemis III is set to be the last of its kind as SLS evolves into a larger and more powerful configuration for future Artemis missions, beginning with Artemis IV.

The adapter is fully assembled at Marshall by NASA and lead contractor Teledyne Brown, which is also based in Huntsville.

SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with Orion and the Gateway in orbit around the Moon, and commercial human landing systems. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts and supplies to the Moon in a single launch.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Sam Lott

A Vital Component of Gateway's HALO Module Is Tested by the European Space Agency...

Thales Alenia Space

Good Vibrations for Gateway (News Release - November 30)

The structural model of the communications system that ESA is supplying for NASA’s Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) on the Gateway recently completed a vibrations test to check it will withstand the intense shaking during the launch.

The HALO Lunar Communication System (HLCS) is an advanced piece of technology that will enable communication between the upcoming lunar space station, the Gateway, and satellites and rovers around and on the Moon.

After a successful design review earlier this year that gave the green light for final manufacturing, industry partners are working to make sure the system will be ready for its launch to lunar orbit on top of the HALO module.

The launch presents significant challenges, as the powerful vibrations during liftoff can potentially damage space systems. To mitigate this risk, designers go through multiple steps and simulations to ensure that the equipment can withstand these vibrations.

Each component must not only be strong enough to endure the vibrations but also be as lightweight as possible to reduce as much as possible the amount of fuel needed to reach the Moon.

A crucial phase in confirming the accuracy of calculations and simulations involves constructing a structural model, essentially an exact copy of the unit intended for flight. The model replicates the construction and materials of the actual unit, with the internal equipment substituted by dummies of equal weight.

Ahead of the test, several accelerometers are strategically placed within the structure. These accelerometers help engineers to monitor the structure’s real-time response and verify that the results seen during computer simulations match what is actually happening.

In October, the structural model of the main box of HLCS completed a critical mechanical qualification test. This included a vibration test, which checks that the system can endure vibration levels exceeding those expected during launch; this ensures an additional safety margin beyond the anticipated flight conditions.

The qualification test was a success, as it aligned with the engineers’ predictions. After passing the test campaign, the manufacturing of the final flight units can begin.

This comprehensive testing and manufacturing process aims to ensure that the HLCS is not only functional but also durable and reliable for its mission in lunar communication, navigating the challenges of space travel with resilience and precision.

Source: European Space Agency

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NASA

NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative Now Has a Third Member in Africa (Behind Nigeria and Rwanda)...

NASA

NASA Welcomes Angola as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory (News Release - December 1)

During a ceremony in Washington on November 30, Angola became the 33rd country to sign the Artemis Accords.

The Artemis Accords establish a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations, including those participating in NASA’s Artemis program.

NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, established the Artemis Accords in 2020 together with seven other original signatories. Since then, the Accords signatories have held focused discussions on how best to implement the Artemis Accords principles.

The Artemis Accords reinforce and implement key obligations in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. They also strengthen the commitment by the United States and signatory nations to the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices and norms of responsible behavior that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data.

More countries are expected to sign the Artemis Accords in the months and years ahead, as NASA continues to work with its international partners to establish a safe, peaceful and prosperous future in space. Working with both new and existing partners adds new energy and capabilities to ensure that the entire world can benefit from our journey of exploration and discovery.

Source: NASA.Gov

Dream Chaser and Its Detachable Storage Platform Will Soon Begin Environmental Testing in Ohio...

Sierra Space

Sierra Space Shooting Star™ Cargo Module Initiates Rigorous Testing at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility (Press Release - November 30)

Testing at the NASA facility in Ohio will ensure that the spacecraft can withstand the rigor of launch and the harsh environment of space

LOUISVILLE, Colo. – Sierra Space, a leading pureplay commercial space company building the first end-to-end business and technology platform in space, announced today the commencement of a comprehensive testing campaign for the Shooting Star™ cargo module at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. This pivotal phase of testing aims to validate the spacecraft’s resilience to the demands of launch and the challenging conditions of space as Shooting Star is readied for its inaugural mission to the International Space Station.

Sierra Space remains committed to ensuring the utmost reliability of its cutting-edge technologies. The Sierra Space Shooting Star cargo module, designed in tandem with the revolutionary Dream Chaser® spaceplane, is set to redefine cargo capabilities, power and propulsion systems in space.

“This transformative Sierra Space technology will define the next era of space commercialization,” said Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice. “As we embark on this journey to build a platform in space to benefit life on Earth, our commitment to innovation, reliability and sustainability remains unwavering and is exemplified in our Shooting Star cargo module.”

Key Features of the Shooting Star Cargo Module:

-- Operates seamlessly with the Dream Chaser® spaceplane
-- Internal cargo capacity of 7,000 pounds, complemented by three external mounting points
-- Scheduled NASA resupply missions for the International Space Station beginning in 2024
-- Compatibility with a diverse range of current and future launch vehicles

Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) Cargo Services for NASA:

The Shooting Star cargo module is slated to transport critical science, food and cargo to the International Space Station under a NASA Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) contract. Accessible via the aft hatch, crews can seamlessly navigate through the module to the Dream Chaser, creating an efficient process for cargo placement and astronaut operations.

Disposal Services:

In an environmentally conscious approach, the Shooting Star offers cargo disposal services, ensuring the safe incineration of the module in Earth’s atmosphere post-separation from the Dream Chaser. This sustainable practice aligns with Sierra Space Corporation’s commitment to responsible space commercialization.

NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility:

NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility is part of NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. Located on 6,400 acres in Sandusky, Ohio, it is home to some of the world’s largest and most capable space simulation test facilities, where ground tests are conducted for the U.S. and international space and aeronautics communities.

Following the Shooting Star, the first Sierra Space Dream Chaser spaceplane has also arrived at the Neil Armstrong Test Facility. The two vehicles will be stacked in launch configuration and undergo rigorous environmental testing starting in the Mechanical Vibration Facility, subjecting them to the extreme conditions of launch vibrations on the world’s most-powerful spacecraft shaker table.

Source: Sierra Space

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Honoring a 2-time Shuttle Astronaut Who Made History in the U.S. Space Program...

NASA

NASA Remembers Trailblazing Astronaut, Scientist Mary Cleave (News Release - November 29)

Retired NASA astronaut Mary Cleave, a veteran of two NASA spaceflights, died on November 27. She was 76.

A scientist with training in civil and environmental engineering, as well as biological sciences and microbial ecology, Cleave was the first woman to serve as an associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.

Born in Southampton, New York, Cleave received a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, in 1969, and Master of Science in microbial ecology and a doctorate in civil and environmental engineering, both from Utah State University, Logan, in 1975 and 1979, respectively.

“I’m sad we’ve lost trail blazer Dr. Mary Cleave, shuttle astronaut, veteran of two spaceflights, and first woman to lead the Science Mission Directorate as associate administrator,” said NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana. “Mary was a force of nature with a passion for science, exploration and caring for our home planet. She will be missed.”

Cleave was selected as an astronaut in May 1980. Her technical assignments included flight software verification in the SAIL (Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory), spacecraft communicator on five space shuttle flights, and malfunctions procedures book and crew equipment design.

Cleave launched on her first mission, STS-61B, aboard space shuttle Atlantis on November 26,1985. During the flight, the crew deployed communications satellites, conducted two six-hour spacewalks to demonstrate space station construction techniques, operated the Continuous Flow Electrophoresis experiment for McDonnell Douglas and a Getaway Special container for Telesat and tested the Orbiter Experiments Digital Autopilot.

Cleave’s second mission, STS-30, which was also on Atlantis, launched on May 4, 1989. It was a four-day flight during which the crew successfully deployed the Magellan Venus exploration spacecraft, the first planetary probe to be deployed from a space shuttle.

Magellan arrived at Venus in August 1990 and mapped more than 95% of the surface. In addition, the crew also worked on secondary payloads involving indium crystal growth, electrical storms and Earth observation studies.

Cleave transferred from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland in May 1991. There, she worked in the Laboratory for Hydrospheric Processes as the project manager for SeaWiFS (Sea-viewing, Wide-Field-of-view-Sensor), an ocean color sensor which monitored vegetation globally.

In March 2000, she went on to serve as deputy associate administrator for advanced planning in the Office of Earth Science at NASA’s Headquarters in Washington. From August 2005 to February 2007, Cleave was the associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate where she guided an array of research and scientific exploration programs for planet Earth, space weather, the solar system and the universe.

Cleave also oversaw an assortment of grant-based research programs and a diverse constellation of spacecraft, from small, principal investigator-led missions to large flagship missions.

Cleave’s awards included: two NASA Space Flight medals; two NASA Exceptional Service medals; an American Astronautical Society Flight Achievement Award; a NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal; and NASA Engineer of the Year.

Cleave retired from NASA in February 2007.

Source: NASA.Gov

Hot Fire #3 Is Now Complete in the Final Round of Testing for the Next-Generation SLS Engine...

NASA / Danny Nowlin

NASA Tests In-Flight Capability of Artemis Moon Rocket Engine (News Release)

NASA conducted the third RS-25 engine hot fire in a critical 12-test certification series on November 29, demonstrating a key capability necessary for flight of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket during Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.

NASA is conducting the series of tests to certify new manufacturing processes for producing RS-25 engines for future deep space missions, beginning with Artemis V. Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies Company and lead engines contractor for the SLS rocket, is incorporating new manufacturing techniques and processes, such as 3D printing, in production of new RS-25 engines.

Crews gimbaled, or pivoted, the RS-25 engine around a central point during the almost 11-minute (650 seconds) hot fire on the Fred Haise Test Stand at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The gimbaling technique is used to control and stabilize SLS as it reaches orbit.

During the November 29 test, operators also pushed the engine beyond any parameters it might experience during flight to provide a margin of operational safety. The 650-second test exceeded the 500 seconds that RS-25 engines must operate to help power SLS to space.

The RS-25 engine was also fired to 113% power level, exceeding the 111% level needed to lift SLS to orbit.

The ongoing series will stretch into 2024 as NASA continues its mission to return humans to the lunar surface to establish a long-term presence for scientific discovery and to prepare for human missions to Mars.

Four RS-25 engines fire simultaneously to generate a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust at launch and 2 million pounds of thrust during ascent to help power each SLS flight. NASA and Aerojet Rocketdyne modified 16 holdover space shuttle main engines, all proven flightworthy at NASA Stennis, for Artemis missions I through IV.

Every new RS-25 engine that will help power SLS will also be tested at NASA Stennis. RS-25 tests at the site are conducted by a combined team of NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne and Syncom Space Services operators.

Syncom Space Services is the prime contractor for Stennis facilities and operations.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Danny Nowlin

The Next Lunar-bound Astronauts Got to Autograph a Piece of Their Launch Vehicle During Training...

NASA / Charles Beason

Artemis II Crew Signs NASA Moon Rocket Hardware at Marshall (News Release)

Artemis II NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch of NASA, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen signed the Orion stage adapter for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, on November 27. The hardware is the topmost portion of the SLS rocket that they will launch atop during Artemis II when the four astronauts inside NASA’s Orion spacecraft will venture around the Moon.

The Orion stage adapter is a small ring structure that connects NASA’s Orion spacecraft to the SLS rocket’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage and fully manufactured at Marshall. At five feet tall and weighing 1,800 pounds, the adapter is the smallest major element of the SLS rocket.

During Artemis II, the adapter’s diaphragm will serve as a barrier to prevent gases created during launch from entering the spacecraft.

NASA is working to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with the Orion spacecraft, advanced spacesuits and rovers, the Gateway in orbit around the Moon, and commercial human landing systems.

SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts and supplies to the Moon in a single mission. Through Artemis, NASA will explore more of the lunar surface than ever before and prepare for the next giant leap: sending astronauts to Mars.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Charles Beason


NASA / Charles Beason


NASA / Charles Beason


NASA / Charles Beason


NASA / Charles Beason

Conspiracy Theorists Believe in the Darndest Things...

So basically, the firmament is what happens when overly-religious idiots take what the Bible says at face value.

Happy Sunday!

Did @SpaceX’s Starship hit the firmament? pic.twitter.com/VeJ36QrWte

— StarTalk (@StarTalkRadio) November 25, 2023

Every time I hear the term "Firmament" I'm gonna think about major mental retardation in the 21st century...

Sorry for the political incorrectness.

— Rich Par (@AstroPnoy) November 26, 2023

Starship Super Heavy Finally Flies for the Second Time, and Hot-Stages for the First Time on IFT-2!

SpaceX

After an almost 7-month wait following the first flight test on April 20, Starship Super Heavy finally embarked on its second launch yesterday...safely lifting off from Starbase in Texas on 33 fully-functional Raptor 2 engines at 7 AM, CST (5 AM, PST), and meeting one of its main objectives of successfully conducting a hot-stage separation between Starship 25 and Booster 9.

Unfortunately, Integrated Flight Test 2 (IFT-2) still fell short of its primary goal—which was for Starship 25 to take a suborbital lap around the world, concluding in a splashdown hundreds of miles off the coast of Hawaii. Also, Booster 9 was destroyed by its autonomous flight termination system (FTS) moments after it successfully separated from Ship 25 two-and-a-half minutes after liftoff.

Booster 9 was supposed to make a controlled water landing into the Gulf of Mexico, while Ship 25 itself was also obliterated by its own auto FTS minutes after stage separation.

As with the case with the first Integrated Flight Test (IFT-1) last spring, SpaceX will hold off on future Starship launches as it conducts a joint investigation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) into IFT-2's outcome...since it failed to reach Hawaii. Hopefully, this so-called 'mishap' inquiry by the FAA won't last as long as the first one (seeing as how Starship's Orbital Launch Mount and Orbital Launch Tower basically remain unscathed due to the new water deluge system that was installed months after IFT-1)—and the next Super Heavy vehicle will embark on Integrated Flight Test 3 in no time!

Stay tuned.


SpaceX


SpaceX


SpaceX


SpaceX


SpaceX


SpaceX


SpaceX


SpaceX


SpaceX

Congratulations to the entire SpaceX team on an exciting second integrated flight test of Starship!

Starship successfully lifted off under the power of all 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy Booster and made it through stage separation pic.twitter.com/JnCvLAJXPi

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 18, 2023

Starship’s hot-stage separation was the first time this technique has been done successfully with a vehicle of this size pic.twitter.com/nlfhcPo8m7

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 19, 2023

This information is preliminary and subject to change:

A mishap occurred during the @SpaceX Starship OFT-2 launch from Boca Chica, Texas, on Saturday, Nov. 18. The anomaly resulted in a loss of the vehicle. No injuries or public property damage have been reported.

— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) November 18, 2023

Starship Super Heavy Has Been Cleared by the FAA for a Second Launch Attempt (This Friday)!

SpaceX

Earlier today, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that SpaceX has finally been granted another launch license for its Starship Super Heavy rocket...paving the way for the vehicle to conduct a flight attempt from Starbase, Texas, as early as this Friday! Click on the links below for more details.

The two-hour launch window opens on November 17 at 7:00 AM, CST (5:00 AM, PST). Here's hoping that the second time will be the charm for Super Heavy...with Booster 9 and Starship 25 taking the helm for this much-anticipated demonstration!

Go Integrated Flight Test 2!

The FAA has given license authorization for the second launch of the @SpaceX Starship Super Heavy vehicle. The FAA determined SpaceX met all safety, environmental, policy and financial responsibility requirements.https://t.co/gmSbhHGohv

— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) November 15, 2023

SpaceX's CRS-29 Freighter Has Arrived at the ISS...

NASA TV

Dragon Docks to Station Carrying Science and Supplies (News Release - November 11)

While the International Space Station was traveling more than 262 miles over central Brazil, a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft autonomously docked to the station’s Harmony module at 5:07 a.m. EST, with NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara monitoring operations from the station.

The Dragon launched on SpaceX’s 29th contracted commercial resupply mission for NASA at 8:28 p.m. EST, on November 9, from Launch Complex 39A at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After Dragon spends about one month attached to the space station, the spacecraft will return to Earth with cargo and research.

Among the science experiments that Dragon is delivering to the space station are:

Laser Communication from Space

NASA’s ILLUMA-T investigation tests technology to provide enhanced data communication capabilities on the space station. A terminal mounted on the station’s exterior uses laser or optical communications to send high-resolution information to the agency’s Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) system, which is in geosynchronous orbit around Earth.

The system uses invisible infrared light and can send and receive information at higher data rates than traditional radio frequency systems. The ILLUMA-T demonstration also paves the way for placing laser communications terminals on spacecraft orbiting the Moon or Mars.

Watching Waves in the Atmosphere

NASA’s AWE (Atmospheric Wave Experiment) uses an infrared imaging instrument to measure the characteristics, distribution and movement of atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs). These waves roll through Earth’s atmosphere when air is disturbed much like waves created by dropping a stone into water.

Researchers are looking at how AGWs contribute to space weather, which refers to the varying conditions within the Solar System, including solar wind. Space weather affects space- and ground-based communications, navigation and tracking systems.

The space station provides an ideal platform for the investigation given its altitude and geographic and time coverage.

Respiratory Health Research

Gaucho Lung, sponsored by the International Space Station National Lab, studies how mucus lining the respiratory system affects delivery of drugs carried in a small amount of injected liquid, known as a liquid plug. Conducting this research in microgravity makes it possible to isolate the factors involved, including capillary or wicking forces, mucus characteristics and gravity.

Understanding the role of these factors could inform the development and optimization of targeted respiratory treatments.

Water Filtration Technology

Aquamembrane-3, an investigation from ESA (European Space Agency), continues evaluation of replacing the multi-filtration beds used for water recovery on the space station with a type of membrane known as an Aquaporin Inside Membrane. These membranes incorporate proteins found in biological cells, known as aquaporins, to filter water faster while using less energy.

Results could advance development of a complete and full-scale membrane-based water recovery system, improving water reclamation and reducing the amount of material that needs to be launched to the space station. This water filtration technology could also have applications in extreme environments on Earth, such as emergency settings, and decentralized water systems in remote locations.

These are just a few of the hundreds of investigations currently being conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory in the areas of biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, and Earth and space science. Advances in these areas will help keep astronauts healthy during long-duration space travel and demonstrate technologies for future human and robotic exploration beyond low-Earth orbit to the Moon through NASA’s Artemis missions and eventually Mars.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA

ESA Is the Newest Member of the STARLAB Space Station Program...

Nanoracks / Voyager Space / Lockheed Martin

Preparing for European Commercial Presence in Low-Earth Orbit (News Release - November 9)

At ESA’s Space Summit in Seville, Spain, ESA, Airbus and Voyager Space signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Starlab space station.

The agreement outlines the parties’ intention to foster science and technology development and explore collaboration in low-Earth orbit destinations other than the International Space Station.

The collaboration will initially focus on exploring opportunities for access to space for Europe through the Starlab space station. These could include:

-- Access to the Starlab space station for ESA and its Member States, for astronaut missions and research activities as well as commercial business development.

-- Contributions to research projects on upcoming missions, using European technology and advancing European science – from advanced robotics and artificial intelligence to life sciences and more.

-- Establishment of a complete ‘end-to-end’ system with the Starlab space station as a low-Earth orbit destination and a potential ESA-developed European cargo and crew transportation system.

European astronauts have been going to the International Space Station for over 20 years, offering European scientists access to a weightless environment via ESA’s Columbus laboratory.

The memorandum of understanding signed reflects ESA’s ambition for a smooth transition from the International Space Station towards sustained exploitation of human and robotic infrastructures in low-Earth orbit after 2030, including through commercial services.

“ESA appreciates the transatlantic industry initiative for the commercial Starlab space station, and the potential that its strong European footprint holds for significant European industrial and institutional contributions to, and use of, said station,” said Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General. “Our teams are looking forward to working closely with the Starlab teams here in Europe and in the US.”

“This agreement with ESA is critical as we continue to foster international collaboration in the space domain and move towards succeeding the International Space Station with Starlab,” said Matthew Kuta, President of Voyager Space. “We look forward to working with Airbus and ESA to extend Europe’s footprint in space and ensure they remain a leader in the new generation of commercial space exploration.”

“At Airbus, we are very pleased that ESA is continuing to look to the future and demonstrating such a keen interest in Starlab,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus, “Our collaboration on this next-generation space station builds on a long and successful partnership between ESA and Airbus in developing and operating a wide range of crewed and uncrewed spacecraft.”

In the past, Airbus has supplied ESA with iconic spacecraft such as the International Space Station’s Columbus Module, five Automated Transfer Vehicles that flew to the International Space Station and most recently the European Service Module for Orion, Europe’s contribution to NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon.

About Starlab

Starlab is a commercial space station intended to serve as a successor to the International Space Station. The space station will be developed, built, owned and operated by "Starlab Space", a joint venture between Airbus and Voyager Space. Starlab is expected to launch as soon as 2028, with commercial operations due to start in 2029.

Source: European Space Agency

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#Starlab Space Station to boost European Space Agency ambitions in low-Earth orbit.
MoU between @esa, Airbus and @VoyagerSH outlines collaboration on post-International Space Station infrastructure and missions.
Read more:https://t.co/vqNOgoWsqI pic.twitter.com/Axk32rWODA

— Airbus Space (@AirbusSpace) November 9, 2023

Remembering Another Trailblazing Moon Explorer from the Beginning of the Space Age...

HUM Images / Universal Images Group Editorial / Getty Images

NASA Administrator Honors Life of Apollo Astronaut Frank Borman (Press Release - November 9)

The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on the passing of former NASA astronaut Col. (ret.) Frank Borman, who passed away on November 7, in Billings, Montana, at the age of 95.

“Today we remember one of NASA’s best. Astronaut Frank Borman was a true American hero. Among his many accomplishments, he served as the commander of the Apollo 8 mission, humanity’s first mission around the Moon in 1968.

“His lifelong love for aviation and exploration was only surpassed by his love for his wife Susan.

“Frank began his career as an officer with the U.S. Air Force. His love of flying proved essential through his positions as a fighter pilot, operational pilot, test pilot and assistant professor. His exceptional experience and expertise led him to be chosen by NASA to join the second group of astronauts.

“In addition to his critical role as commander of the Apollo 8 mission, he is a veteran of Gemini 7, spending 14 days in low-Earth orbit and conducting the first rendezvous in space, coming within a few feet of the Gemini 6 spacecraft.

“Frank continued his passion for aviation after his time with NASA as the CEO of Eastern Airlines.

“Frank knew the power exploration held in uniting humanity when he said, ‘Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit.’ His service to NASA and our nation will undoubtedly fuel the Artemis Generation to reach new cosmic shores.”
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A Laser Demo Is One of Many Payloads on Their Way to the ISS...

NASA / Frank Michaux

NASA, SpaceX Launch New Science, Hardware to Space Station (News Release - November 9)

Following a successful launch of NASA’s SpaceX 29th commercial resupply mission, scientific experiments and technology demonstrations, including studies of enhanced optical communications and measurement of atmospheric waves, are on their way to the International Space Station.

SpaceX’s uncrewed Dragon resupply spacecraft, carrying about 6,500 pounds of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, launched on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket at 8:28 p.m. EST, on Thursday, November 9, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The cargo spacecraft is scheduled to autonomously dock at the space station on Saturday, November 11 at 5:21 a.m. and remain at the orbital outpost for about a month.

Live coverage of the arrival will begin at 3:45 a.m. on the NASA+ streaming service via the web or the NASA app. Coverage will also air live on NASA Television, YouTube and on the agency’s website.

Learn how to stream NASA TV through a variety of platforms including social media.

The SpaceX Dragon will deliver NASA’s ILLUMA-T (Integrated Laser Communications Relay Demonstration Low-Earth-Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal), which aims to test high data rate laser communications from the space station to Earth via the agency’s LCRD (Laser Communications Relay Demonstration), as well as the agency’s AWE (Atmospheric Waves Experiment), which studies atmospheric gravity waves to understand the flow of energy through Earth’s upper atmosphere and space.

The spacecraft will also deliver the following:

Respiratory Health Research

Gaucho Lung, sponsored by the International Space Station National Lab, studies how mucus lining the respiratory system affects the delivery of drugs carried in a small amount of injected liquid, known as a liquid plug. Conducting this research in microgravity makes it possible to isolate the factors involved, including capillary or wicking forces, mucus characteristics and gravity.

Understanding the role of these factors could inform the development and optimization of targeted respiratory treatments.

Water Filtration Technology

Aquamembrane-3, an investigation from ESA (European Space Agency), continues evaluation of replacing the multi-filtration beds used for water recovery on the space station with a type of membrane known as an Aquaporin Inside Membrane. These membranes incorporate proteins found in biological cells, known as aquaporins, to filter water faster while using less energy.

Results could advance development of a complete and full-scale membrane-based water recovery system, improving water reclamation and reducing the amount of material that needs to be launched to the space station. This water filtration technology could also have applications in extreme environments on Earth, such as emergency settings, and decentralized water systems in remote locations.

Additionally, the cargo spacecraft will deliver hardware to the orbital outpost including:

-- replacement parts for the spacecraft atmosphere monitor, which checks the quality of the cabin atmosphere
-- space tissue equivalent dosimeter, which collects data on radiation exposure and characterizes the space radiation environment
-- Plant Habitat-06, which will evaluate the effects of spaceflight on plant defense responses using multiple genotypes of tomato
-- combustion integrated rack and a fluid oxidizer management assembly calibration unit, which are used to maintain proper calibration and operation of the combustion experiment workstation’s gas system

These are just a few of the hundreds of investigations currently being conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory in the areas of biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, and Earth and space science. Advances in these areas will help keep astronauts healthy during long-duration space travel and demonstrate technologies for future human and robotic exploration beyond low-Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars through NASA’s Artemis program.

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NASA / Dave Ryan


NASA / Dennis Henry