Main Engine Cut OffDream Chaser Ready for Phase Two Flight Testing
The Dream Chaser flight test vehicle is on its way to NASAÂ Armstrong for a second flight test out at Edwards Air Force Base.
452 results for “NASA”
The Inevitable, False Equivalence of the Space Race
It’s absolutely true that Orion’s timeline is ridiculous, but I can’t stand comparing post-Shuttle projects with those that came before it.
Rundown of First Two Days of NASA Advisory Council
Great rundown by Doug Messier of Parabolic Arc on the first two days of the NASA Advisory Council meetings. The full council meets Thursday and Friday.
T+14: The Post-EM-1 Roadmap for SLS, and Potential Uses for SpaceX’s BFR
Before Mars and exploration-centric talk, I talk about Orbital ATK’s agreement for exclusive use of LMP-103S. Then I take a hard look at the post-EM-1 roadmap for SLS, and theorize some potential uses for SpaceX’s giant Mars-bound rocket—lovingly referred to as the Big F…alcon… Rocket (BFR).
NASA Selects New Technologies for Flight Tests
Included in this round of 13 payloads selected for the Flight Opportunities program is PlanetVac from Honeybee Robotics, flying on a Masten lander. PlanetVac could be an incredible (and wonderfully simple) solution for a sample return mission.
EM-1 Still on for Late 2018, SLS’ Second Flight Still A Mystery
NASA still seems to be somewhat confused in their public statements about what is the SLS’ second flight. The Europa missions have been mandated to fly on SLS no later than 2022, per the FY 2016 budget, but some NASA representatives keep saying EM-2 is on the docket for 2021.
NASA-Blue Origin Orbital Space Act Agreement
Things are starting to heat up surrounding Blue Origin’s orbital plans, and I expect to hear more sometime soon—especially with the BE-4 nearing its full-up test. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Blue Origin enter the competition for the next round of NASA cargo and crew contracts.
Curiosity Can Choose Laser Targets on Its Own
This kind of autonomy is going to be hugely beneficial, especially when you consider the signal delay between Earth and Mars which is between 4 and 24 minutes.
Potential Mars 2020 Sample Return Mission Profile
Hidden in this article about the Mars 2020 budget is a piece about a potential sample return mission that I find particularly interesting.
T+13: SpaceX’s CRS-9 Success, Senate Hearing Recap, and US-Russian Plans for the Moon
SpaceX had a great night launching the CRS-9 mission, and it’s all good signs for their future. The Senate hearing, as I predicted, was focused on maintaining the status quo. US and Russian engineers and scientists have some ideas on the future of international space policy.