NASA weighs plan to keep space shuttle until 2017, MSNBC “NASA is considering a plan to keep the space shuttle Endeavour in flight-like condition after its last scheduled mission, a move that could lead to its transformation into a privatized spaceship rather than a museum piece.” Keith’s note: The author has jumped the gun on this and provides a false impression with regard to levela nd nature of any internal […]

Click on Image to enlarge “Cost and Schedule of Shuttle sidemount compared with HEFT alternatives. This is the only HLV option that meets all legal requirements and fits within the budget and schedule assumptions of HEFT. Data derived from SSP Study NSTS 60583, dated June 8, 2010” HEFT, Lies and Videotape, Paul Spudis, Air & Space “So as Oliver Hardy would say, here’s another fine mess we’ve gotten ourselves into. […]

Deputy NASA leader Lori Garver thinks stalemate between Congress and White House is over, Huntsville Times “Garver was asked how NASA can plan at the same time to either fast-track a new rocket next year or continue working on the Constellation program the administration still wants canceled. What happens to NASA’s workforce if the issue isn’t decided? “If we were still in a stalemate, a continuing resolution would be tough,” […]

Click on image to download 1.5 MB PDF file from the Space Shuttle Program at JSC.

Draft Broad Agency Announcement Heavy Lift and Propulsion Trade Study “The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Marshall Space Flight Center is releasing a “DRAFT” Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) No. NNM10ZDA001J, entitled “Heavy Lift & Propulsion Technology Trade Study” on May 19, 2010. Comments to the “DRAFT” BAA are due on May 26, 2010, by 7:30 p.m. (central time). The “FINAL” BAA (NNM10ZDA001K), entitled, “Heavy Lift & Propulsion Technology Trade […]

NASA Heavy Lift Launch System and Propulsion Technology Request for Information “On May 3, 2010, NASA will issue a Request for Information (RFI) seeking general information regarding potential launch or space transportation architectures (expendable, reusable, or a hybrid system) that could be utilized by multiple customers (e.g. NASA, commercial and other Government agencies). The RFI also will solicit information regarding propulsion system characteristics; technology challenges related to liquid chemical propulsion […]