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.


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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

NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative Has Welcomed Its 32nd Member...

NASA / Keegan Barber

Bulgaria Signs Artemis Accords at NASA Headquarters; Joins 31 Nations (Press Release)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson participated in a signing ceremony on Thursday with Bulgaria’s Milena Stoycheva, minister of innovation and growth, as her country became the 32nd nation 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.

Also participating in the event at NASA Headquarters in Washington were NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, Georgi Panayotov, ambassador of Bulgaria to the United States and Sonata Coulter, deputy assistant secretary, U.S. Department of State.

“NASA is honored to welcome Bulgaria as the 32nd nation to sign the Artemis Accords,” said Nelson. “The global partnerships made in the Artemis era will create possibilities that benefit members of the Artemis Generation in both our countries – and around the world. Bulgaria’s leadership will help ensure humanity’s journey to the Moon and beyond is done peacefully, safely and transparently.”

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.

“It is a historical moment for Bulgaria to join the Artemis Accords. We believe that pushing the boundaries of human quest in space with the support of AI and deep technologies will ensure peaceful and sustainable coexistence on Earth. For years, NASA has been a symbol of aspiration for development through technology and spirit. It is an honor for us to join with our human and artificial intelligence for a peaceful journey into new territories,” said Stoycheva.

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.

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NASA

Photos of the Day #2: The Second Solid Rocket Motor Is Now Installed at Endeavour's Permanent Home!

Richard T. Par

Just thought I'd share these images that I took earlier today of space shuttle Endeavour's two solid rocket motors (SRMs) after the second booster was installed at the construction site for the California Science Center's Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center in Los Angeles this morning!

With both 116-foot-tall booster hardware now in place, scaffolding will immediately be erected around both rockets as workers prepare for the installation of the forward assemblies, or nose cones, onto the SRMs. It remains to be seen if this milestone occurs by Thanksgiving.

And once the solid rocket boosters (SRBs) are finally made whole—with them reaching a height of 149 feet with the addition of the nose cones—the process will soon begin to prepare the SRBs for the arrivals of Endeavour herself and her external fuel tank, ET-94, to the construction site next January.

Stay tuned!


Richard T. Par


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Richard T. Par


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Richard T. Par

Photos of the Day: One SRM Has Been Installed at Endeavour's Permanent Home, with One More to Go...

California Science Center

Just thought I'd share these screenshots showing the first of two solid rocket motors (SRMs) that will be installed inside the construction site for Endeavour's final home at the California Science Center—the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center—in Los Angeles over the next two days.

These images come courtesy of a live YouTube webcast provided by the Science Center this morning, as the 116-foot-long motor (which will grow to 149 feet in length once its nose cone and aft skirt are attached, becoming a full-fledged solid rocket booster) was raised vertically and moved into the final spot where the completed space shuttle stack will stand inside the Air and Space Center. The giant yellow crane used for today's activities came from NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi...where the crane was used to hoist the Space Launch System's core stage booster into Stennis' B-2 test stand for the Green Run campaign that lasted between mid-2020 and early 2021.

As of right now, I'm not sure when the final SRM will be installed inside the Air and Space Center. The move may occur tomorrow, but I'm hoping that it'll happen on Thursday instead for personal reasons.

Stay tuned!


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Honoring a Space Explorer Who Was Integral to NASA's 'Finest Hour' 53 Years Ago...

NASA

NASA Administrator Remembers Apollo Astronaut Thomas K. Mattingly II (Press Release - November 2)

The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on the passing of former NASA astronaut Rear Adm. (ret.) Thomas K. (TK) Mattingly II.

“We lost one of our country’s heroes on October 31. NASA astronaut TK Mattingly was key to the success of our Apollo Program, and his shining personality will ensure he is remembered throughout history.

“Beginning his career with the U.S. Navy, TK received his wings in 1960 and flew various aircraft across multiple assignments. Once he joined the Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School as a student, NASA chose him to be part of the astronaut class in 1966. Before flying in space, he aided the Apollo Program working as the astronaut support crew and took leadership in the development of the Apollo spacesuit and backpack.

“His unparalleled skill as a pilot aided us when he took on the role of command module pilot for Apollo 16 and spacecraft commander for space shuttle missions STS-4 and STS 51-C. The commitment to innovation and resilience toward opposition made TK an excellent figure to embody our mission and our nation’s admiration.

“Perhaps his most dramatic role at NASA was after exposure to rubella just before the launch of Apollo 13. He stayed behind and provided key real-time decisions to successfully bring home the wounded spacecraft and the crew of Apollo 13 – NASA astronauts James Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise.

“TK’s contributions have allowed for advancements in our learning beyond that of space. He described his experience in orbit by saying, ‘I had this very palpable fear that if I saw too much, I couldn’t remember. It was just so impressive.’ He viewed the universe’s vastness as an unending forum of possibilities.

As a leader in exploratory missions, TK will be remembered for braving the unknown for the sake of our country’s future.”
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SpaceShipTwo Update: GALACTIC 05 Is in the Books...

Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic Completes Sixth Successful Spaceflight in Six Months (Press Release - November 2)

Flight Showcases Company’s Unique Suborbital Science-Lab Capabilities

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) (“Virgin Galactic” or the “Company”) today announced the completion of its sixth space mission in six months and tenth to date. The Galactic 05 mission saw Virgin Galactic’s spaceship converted into a suborbital lab for space-based scientific research for the second time.

Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic, said: “Providing researchers with reliable and repeatable access to a high-quality microgravity environment is vital to our mission of expanding human knowledge and enabling scientific discoveries. We are proud to support the work of the Southwest Research Institute and International Institute for Astronautical Sciences with today’s flight, and we will use insights from the mission to enhance the research capabilities of our future Delta-class spaceships. We look forward to playing an increasingly important role in space research in the years ahead.”

Onboard Galactic 05:

· Astronaut 020 – Dr. Alan Stern, U.S. Planetary Scientist and Associate Vice President in Southwest Research Institute’s (SwRI) Space Sector

· Astronaut 021 – Kellie Gerardi, U.S. Payload Specialist and Bioastronautics Researcher for the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS)

· Astronaut 022 – Ketty Pucci-Sisti Maisonrouge, Private Astronaut

Dr. Alan Stern, U.S. Planetary Scientist and Associate Vice President in Southwest Research Institute’s (SwRI) Space Sector, said: “The success of this mission is another important step in the development of the scientific and educational use cases for commercial suborbital vehicles. The potential here is literally astronomical.”

Dr. Stern flew with two human-tended experiments, including a biomedical harness to collect physiological data related to human spaceflight. He also conducted practice routines and procedures in preparation for a future NASA-funded suborbital research flight.

Kellie Gerardi, U.S. Payload Specialist and Bioastronautics Researcher for the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), said: “The suborbital science potential for Institutes like ours is unprecedented and I’m also struck by the broader societal impact of commercial human spaceflight — after today’s mission, Virgin Galactic is now responsible for producing 10% of the world’s female astronauts, and I look forward to seeing that number soar for my daughter’s generation.”

Gerardi flew with three payloads, two of which evaluated novel healthcare technologies in microgravity conditions through the collection of biometric data. The third payload examined how confined fluid behaves to inform future healthcare technologies in space.

Galactic 05 was Virgin Galactic’s sixth spaceflight carrying microgravity and space-based research and its second in 2023, following Galactic 01, a research mission with the Italian Air Force and National Research Council.

VSS Unity was piloted by Commander Mike Masucci and Pilot Kelly Latimer, with Astronaut Instructor Colin Bennett on board. VMS Eve was piloted by Commander Jameel Janjua and Pilot Andy Edgell.

Galactic 05 In-Flight Facts:

Take-off Time: 9:00 AM, MDT (8:00 AM, PDT)

Altitude at Release: 44,701 feet (13,625 meters)

Apogee: 54.2 miles (87.2 kilometers)

Top Speed: Mach 2.96

Landing Time: 9:59 AM, MDT (8:59 AM, PDT)

The Company will now proceed with post-flight analysis and routine as well as planned annual vehicle inspections before re-commencing standard pre-flight readiness procedures ahead of its next commercial space mission, Galactic 06, scheduled for January next year.

Source: Virgin Galactic

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Where humanity and science unite. #Galactic05 pic.twitter.com/Tw1mfsc2SU

— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) November 3, 2023

Iceland Is Also the Latest Member to Join NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative...

NASA / Joel Kowsky

NASA Welcomes Netherlands as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory (Press Release - November 1)

During a ceremony at the Dutch Ambassador’s Residence in Washington on Wednesday, the Netherlands became the 31st country to sign the Artemis Accords. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson participated in the signing ceremony for the agency, and Netherlands Space Office (NSO) director Harm van de Wetering signed on behalf of the Netherlands.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy and the following were also in attendance:

- Chirag Parikh, executive secretary of the U.S. National Space Council

- Birgitta Tazelaar, ambassador of the Netherlands to the United States

“NASA welcomes the Netherlands as the newest and 31st member of the Artemis Accords family,” said Nelson. “It takes global leadership and cooperation to ensure the peaceful, transparent exploration of space for the Artemis generation and beyond. As one of America’s oldest allies, NASA is proud to expand our partnership with the Netherlands and build a future defined by limitless opportunity and discovery.”

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 and the Netherlands have been strong partners in space from the early days of space flight. Pushing boundaries by technology brings new responsibilities. By signing the Artemis Accords, we underline the values we share in space, and we acknowledge we have a common responsibility,” said van de Wetering.

NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, established the Artemis Accords in 2020 together with seven other original signatories. Iceland became the 30th country to sign the Artemis Accords in October.

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.

Signatories are also discussing implementation of key Accords principles, including how best to avoid unintended interference on the lunar surface.

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.

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Netherlands and Iceland sign Artemis Accords https://t.co/xPo3ovgcsV pic.twitter.com/nCMcRgki7U

— SpaceNews (@SpaceNews_Inc) November 2, 2023