Reader note: “The planned launch of 50 Juno I model rockets from Cape Canaveral to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Explorer I launch has now been cancelled by the station’s wing commander. Although the CCAFS has no quams about launching Deltas, Atlas and other massive rockets, they go into a complete tither when it comes down to launching a 12 inch long model rocket made of balsa wood and […]

NASA Announces FY 09 Budget Briefings for Press“NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale will brief the news media about the agency’s Fiscal Year 2009 budget at 2:30 p.m. EST, Monday, Feb. 4. The press conference will take place in NASA Headquarters’ James E. Webb Memorial Auditorium located at 300 E St., S.W., in Washington.”

The Growing-up of a Star, ESO“The astronomers had a close look at the object known as MWC 147, lying about 2,600 light years away towards the constellation of Monoceros (‘the Unicorn’). MWC 147 belongs to the family of Herbig Ae/Be objects. These have a few times the mass of our Sun and are still forming, increasing in mass by swallowing material present in a surrounding disc.” Editor’s note: I see […]

Editor’s note: I got this email today:“Dear Space Advocate, This week, the presidential candidates will be at the podium again discussing the significant topics of our nation, and YOU have a chance to ask about what’s important. As a supporter of space, this is your opportunity to get questions about Space Exploration at the forefront of the debate. Please check out the following link: http://capwiz.com/spaceadvocate/utr/1/OSTZIARNGS/ATHLIARRAS/1699563546, and vote for your favorite […]

Young Engineer Leads Effort To Make Space a Topic of Presidential Debate, Space.com“[John] Benac’s call-to-arms read in part: “[W]e have a tremendous opportunity to put Mars on the political map for the presidential candidates. I have submitted a question for the Republican and Democratic debates that are happening in Los Angeles on January 30th. The way that this debate works is that people submit and vote for the questions that […]

Editor’s note: I did an interview earlier today with CNN about the reentering NRO satellite that aired on CNN Moneyline this evening. I am taping an interview with Fox News tomorrow about space and the 2008 election.

Thrust Oscillation Issue Threatens Ares I Design, Aviation Week“Modifications to correct a potentially deadly vibration from the solid-fuel first-stage of the Ares I crew launch vehicle could range from tweaking the geometry of the propellant inside the rocket motor to unlocking seat shock absorbers in the Orion capsule so they protect astronauts on launch as well as landing.”

Editor’s note: I was doing my regular walk through raw images sent back from Saturn by Cassini. The images are organized on the webpage as thumbnails, 12 at a time. This time, something emergent appeared in my mind as I looked at several pages of thumbnails. The first thing that came to mind – instantly – was “Frank Stella“.Now, some of you may get this instantly. Most of you will […]

Former NASA Chief Sean O’Keefe Endorses John McCain for President“John McCain has been my friend for over 25 years — and over that span of time in the varied leadership roles I have held, I have witnessed John’s passion for doing the right thing on behalf of and as a friend to all Americans. I am proud to support him for president,” said Chancellor O’Keefe. “John McCain personifies the depth […]

Editor’s note: Don’t forget about the 30/31 January Democratic/Republican debates. They are now just days away. These are the last major televised debates before Super Tuesday. You still need to go to this link at Politico.com to submit/vote on space questions.The frequency of space questions has dropped off and space questions are starting to slip in rankings. I have no idea when they will shut this off. Waste no time: […]