Keith’s note: Good Morning NASA. Critics wallow in the mud. Heroes live above the sky and reach for the stars. You rock Mark Kelly. Turn up the volume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ydz5-ecdpg

Keith’s note: According to a post by Heron House: “Today our Heron House Family remembers and celebrates the remarkable life of Captain Rick Hauck, a man whose courage carried him through every chapter of life, from commanding missions in space to bravely facing Parkinson’s disease for more than fifteen years. Rick was a NASA astronaut, naval officer, physicist, husband, and father, but to those of us who had the honor of knowing him here at The Heron House, he was something even more profound: a man of quiet strength and dignity.” Ad Astra.

Keith’s note: I was just on CNN on HBOMax with Jim Sciutto talking about Jim Lovell [Audio] transcript below.

Keith’s Update: I will been CNN at 6:37 pm EDT to talk about Jim Lovell. Keith’s note: I met Jim Lovell a bunch of times. He was such a nice guy. One time we were both on MSNBC and the moderator asked us about the whole ‘spending money in space – problems on Earth’ thing. I said “Hey Jim – did you ever see a 7-11 or a gas station up there in space – somewhere where you could actually spend money in space“? He laughed and said “No Keith I can’t say that I did.” I replied “Yea that’s because all that money is spent here on Earth” He replied something akin to “exactly”. That is my Jim Lovell Story. This statement has been issued by NASA: “NASA sends its condolences to the family of Capt. Jim Lovell, whose life and work inspired millions of people across the decades. Jim’s character and steadfast courage helped our nation reach the Moon and turned a potential tragedy into a success from which we learned an enormous amount. We mourn his passing even as we celebrate his achievements.” Ad Astra Jim.

Keith’s note: According to multiple social media postings Canada’s first astronaut, Marc Garneau, has died at the age of 76. In a statement, his wife Pam said “He passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family”. Garneau was elected to Parliament in 2008 and served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Transport. Ad Astra Marc.

Keith’s note: According to “NIH cancels its first and largest study centered on women“ in Science magazine: “President Donald Trump’s administration appears to be killing much, if not all, of a historic initiative that was the first, and is still the largest, National Institutes of Health (NIH) effort centered on the health needs of women.” To its credit NASA (often with NIH) has looked at physiology factors that differentially affect female vs male astronauts. Will new government rules bring that to a halt? NASA presentation.

Keith’s note: Yesterday 6 people on the Blue Origin NS-31 flight crossed the Kármán line and entered “space”. More people – some of prominence – now speak of the value of – and the awe encountered in – space. Alas, lots of space folks on social media say that they’re not “astronauts”. I wonder how many space fans would change their mind if they had a chance to do the same thing. Just sayin’. FWIW soon-to-be NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman (an astronaut) said this from a more lofty perspective:

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Jacques Yves Cousteau – Keith’s note: From orbit, the spell cast by our ocean world is truly vast and compelling. Suni Williams, a naval aviator, arrived at the ISS in a spaceship named “Calypso”.

Jon McBride (1943–2024), NASA astronaut and space shuttle pilot: “Jon McBride was a NASA astronaut, test pilot, and space shuttle pilot who flew the first-ever mission with seven people on board has died of Alzheimer’s disease and cancer at the age of 80.”

Astronaut Joe Engle, pioneer of winged spacecraft — Kansas native, dies at 91, JC Post. Ad Astra