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ARCHIVE
Month: February 2015
Leonard Nimoy
Leonard Nimoy

Astronaut Salutes Leonard Nimoy From Orbit “International Space Station astronaut Terry Virts (@AstroTerry) tweeted this image of a Vulcan hand salute from orbit as a tribute to actor Leonard Nimoy, who died on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015.” Statement by NASA Admimistrator Bolden on the Passing of Leonard Nimoy “Leonard Nimoy was an inspiration to multiple generations of engineers, scientists, astronauts, and other space explorers. As Mr. Spock, he made science […]

  • NASA Watch
  • February 28, 2015
Who Has More Relevant Capsule Expertise?

Boeing throws shade on SpaceX ability to understand tasks – says Boeing has built every U.S. capsule & still has that experience 1/2 — NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) February 27, 2015 Of course this is silly since Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo designers are dead or retired – but why be accurate, Boeing? 2/2 — NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) February 27, 2015 SpaceX has more experience with 21st century capsule design than Boeing […]

  • NASA Watch
  • February 27, 2015
The More Space Stations, The Better
The More Space Stations, The Better

Russia Will Spin-Off ISS Parts for New Space Station, Discovery News “The Russian space agency Roscosmos says it will support U.S. plans to keep the International Space Station (ISS) operating through 2024, but then wants to split off three still-to-be launched modules to form a new, independent orbital outpost. The announcement this week by a senior planning board reverses previous statements by Russian officials that Russia would end involvement in […]

  • NASA Watch
  • February 27, 2015
The Usual Suspects Want Their Government Handout
The Usual Suspects Want Their Government Handout

New Alliance To Promote Space Development and Settlement Policies, Space News “Perhaps the most ambitious part of the ASD agenda is a proposed “Cheap Access to Space Act” that would offer $3.5 billion in government prizes for the development of reusable launch vehicles. Those prizes include, in a draft version of the bill provided by ASD, $1 billion to the first fully reusable vehicle that can place at least one […]

  • NASA Watch
  • February 27, 2015
Pete Worden is Leaving NASA
Pete Worden is Leaving NASA

Keith’s note: NASA Ames Research Center Director Pete Worden will announce this afternoon that he is leaving NASA at the end of March. Keith’s update: NASA ARC Memo: All Hands Meeting: Pete Worden is Leaving NASA “On Wednesday, Feb. 25, I informed NASA Administrator Bolden that I have decided to retire from federal service and pursue some long-held dreams in the private sector.” Worden Announces Retirement as NASA Ames Center […]

  • NASA Watch
  • February 25, 2015
OIG Has Doubts About NASA's Humans to Mars Plans
OIG Has Doubts About NASA's Humans to Mars Plans

NASA OIG Testimony, NASA Oversight Hearing “As we reported in August 2013, even after the SLS and Orion are fully developed and ready to transport crew NASA will continue to face significant challenges concerning the long-term sustainability of its human exploration program. For example, unless NASA begins a program to develop landers and surface systems its astronauts will be limited to orbital missions of Mars. Given the time and money […]

  • NASA Watch
  • February 25, 2015
Sonja Alexander Maclin
Sonja Alexander Maclin

Keith’s note: Sonja Alexander Maclin has passed away. Service arrangements below. Sonja was always the nicest person I talked to at NASA Headquarters – on any topic. Sat., Feb. 28 10 a.m. Viewing 11a.m. Service Greater Spiritual Fellowship Community Church 106 Ellerbe Drive Indianhead, MD 20640 301-743-6014 Interment: Resurrection Cemetery 800 Woodyard Road Clinton, MD 20735

  • NASA Watch
  • February 24, 2015
Is Dava Newman's Nomination In Limbo? (Update)
Is Dava Newman's Nomination In Limbo? (Update)

Keith’s note: Dava Newman was chosen as the nominee for NASA Deputy Administrator 4 months ago in October 2014. We have heard nothing since then. Dava Newman has yet to testify before the Senate (and get their approval) so it is unclear when she will be formally confirmed. With impending food fights in the Republican-led Congress, such routine things as nominations may be stalled – or (worse) may become opportunities […]

  • NASA Watch
  • February 24, 2015
Fixing ARM So That It Makes (Some) Sense
Fixing ARM So That It Makes (Some) Sense

Let’s Fix the Asteroid Redirect Mission, Marcia Smith Aviation Week “Fundamentally, ARM is two good ideas kluged together into one bewildering idea that NASA itself seems unable to explain effectively. NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden’s hand-picked advisers on the NASA Advisory Council have debated the problem in recent meetings. The council’s question basically is — how does moving a rock from one place in the solar system to another get us […]

  • NASA Watch
  • February 23, 2015
Jurczyk To Head Space Technology Mission Directorate
Jurczyk To Head Space Technology Mission Directorate

Steve Jurczyk Named Head of NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate “NASA Administrator Charles Bolden has named Steve Jurczyk as the agency’s Associate Administrator for the Space Technology Mission Directorate, effective Monday, March 2. The directorate is responsible for innovating, developing, testing and flying hardware for use on future NASA missions. Jurczyk has served as Center Director at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, since April of 2014.”

  • NASA Watch
  • February 23, 2015