Further Details Emerge Regarding NASA’s Cancellation of Human and Robotic Technology (H&RT) Research Projects“NASA’s Exploration Systems Mission Directorate has decided to cancel 29 out of 51 Human and Robotic Technology (H&RT) research projects selected in 2004.”NASA Internal Memo: NASA Realigns Research and Technology to Accelerate CEV/CLV (contains detailed budget reduction charts)“As NASA concentrates the use of the Shuttle on ISS assembly, some ISS utilization will be deferred. As a result, […]

NASA Hazbot III Prototype Mobile Robot: “Hazbot III was used by the JPL Fire Department in simulated reconaissance missions. Its final demonstration mission was carried out in April 1994. Also in 1994, NASA loaned Hazbot III for the Kurt Russell and James Spader film Stargate, which features the robot as the messenger that moves between two worlds. Provenance: Purchased by the vendor at GSA Auctions, from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.”

Loftus, 75, former official for NASA, Houston Chronicle“Joseph P. “Joe” Loftus Jr., who became assistant director of the Johnson Space Center after his dreams of being an astronaut were dashed, died of septicemia Sept. 4 in Bend, Ore. He was 75.”

Fact Sheet: President Bush Requests Rescission and Reallocation Packages, White House“NASA: $269 million to rebuild NASAs Michoud and Stennis centers, among the largest employers in the Gulf area; $132 million for NASA to complete hurricane emergency operations and resume normal space programs.”

Laurie Anderson, Times Herald-Record“Oh, to be a bug on the wall when multimedia performance artist Laurie Anderson informed the higher-ups at NASA that, as part of her artist-in-residence status at the agency, she was setting out to … write a poem. “… The end result, “The End of the Moon,” is part of a trilogy that began with a piece called “Happiness” (created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 […]

NASA JSC Solicitation: Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Space Flight Demonstrations“The objective of these space flight capability demonstrations is to stimulate commercial enterprises in space and lead to innovative, cost effective access to low-Earth orbit. It is anticipated that upon the successful demonstration of any one of the mission capabilities prior to 2010 timeframe, NASA may issue a request for proposals to competitively procure commercial orbital transportation services to resupply […]

Congressmen Kucinich and LaTourette Send Bipartisan Letter In Support Of Higher Funding For Aeronautics In 2006 NASA Budget“We support funding for Space Life Science at FY 05 levels. The likely primary cause of mission failure in any long-term mission to the Moon or Mars is human failure (either human error or health crisis) and both human and animal research performed in space is needed to mitigate this risk.”

Editor’s note: Mike Griffin has told some members of the NASA Advisory Council that he no longer wishes to have them serve on the NAC. Griffin cancelled a meeting scheduled for 20 April 2005 and, 6 months later, has yet to announce who is on the new NAC or when it will meet. Griffin sent out the following letter informing NAC members of his decision: “Dear ——- :Thank you very […]

NASA Has Made Very Little Progress in Managing its Finances Inspector General and GAO Testify, House Science Committee“NASA’s Chief Financial Officer, Gwendolyn Sykes, also told Congress that she would not certify the agency’s financial statements if she were bound by Sarbanes-Oxley, the federal law that provides severe penalties to private sector officials for financial misstatements.”House Science Committee Hearing Charter: Financial Management at NASA: Challenges and Next StepsUdall: NASA’s Financial Management […]

GESTA News – RIF Information“To the best of GESTA’s knowledge there are no plans at GSFC for a RIF. However, other Centers are not as fortunate! Currently, Local 28 at Glenn has a grievance filed against their Center Management for running “Mock RIFs” without consultation with the union. Additionally it is reported that JPL have started issuing “Layoff” notices and about 200 employees and 100 contractors could face layoffs.”