Wow - that's a lot of commuting

Four NASA Glenn contractors charged with fraudulent billing, Ohio.com

"Four contractors working to shut down a nuclear reactor at a NASA facility in northern Ohio have been charged with fraudulently billing the government, a federal prosecutor said Thursday. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Edwards said the four men were accused in an indictment of overbilling a total of $347,664 by falsely claiming they were entitled to per-diem mileage reimbursements."

Boeing is Hiring (If They Win FDOC)

Boeing Seeks Mission Support Systems Talent for NASA Work

"The Boeing Company is seeking talented mission operations specialists with current NASA experience in the Houston area in support of its bid for NASA's Facilities Development and Operations Contract (FDOC). Current Mission Support Operations Contract employees are encouraged to submit a contact form at http://active.boeing.com/defense-space/space/fdoc/ to receive information on an open house scheduled for May 17."

For those of you who don't think prizes work

Winning the Water Problem, Islamica Magazine

"Having discovered that millions of Bangladeshis could be poisoned through arsenic in their drinking water, a non-profit foundation launched a prize for the man who could prevent the crisis. The prize was won by a Bengali chemist who has not only cleaned up the water, but also gave all of his million-dollar prize money away."

Gen Y Crowd Takes Notice of NASA Spinoff For Seniors

iShoe: NASA Technology Aids Senior Citizens, College Mogul

"The iShoe won't help senior citizens walk on the moon, but its NASA technology will help rehabilitate the wearer's ability to balance. The insole was originally developed for NASA to enable astronauts to balance in outer space, where it has been tested extensively by astronauts aboard the space shuttle and Mir space station. For $10, the piece of NASA technology is a steal. Especially since it not only helps to reduce falls, but automatically notifies caregivers by phone if a fall were to occur."

Expanding NASA's Influence in SIlicon Valley

NASA, universities begin talks on research park, Mountain View Voice

"Local universities, lead by UC Santa Cruz, have begun formally discussing the creation of a major new campus at Moffett Field intended to conduct research on space travel. UCSC, Santa Clara University, the Foothill-De Anza College District and Carnegie Melon University have all signed a letter of intent with NASA Ames, with all of them seeking a major presence in the NASA Research Park planned for Moffett."

Bulldozers On The Moon

Click on image to enlarge

Cat shoots for the moon - Company teams with NASA to build habitats, roads on lunar surface, Journal Star

"Caterpillar and NASA - the National Aeronautics and Space Administration - are getting closer to having the right earthmoving - er, moonmoving - equipment available to put on the moon in less than a decade to build habitats, roads and other infrastructure that could sustain life on the lunar surface. "We're pretty far along. I would say our partnership with Caterpillar is right on schedule," said Lucien Junkin, NASA's chief engineer of the Chariot project the two have been working on since 2006."

Editor's note: This is all very cool, but I can't seem to find the agreement or solicitation whereby this "partnership" between NASA and Caterpillar was put in place. Of course, it is certainly quite logicial for NASA to work with companies who already engage in many of the activities that will be performed on the moon. I am wondering why NASA has not made more public mention of this agreement and the interesting work it facilitates.

Video, Caterpillar (link is sometimes not functioning)

Editor's update: I have now learned that this partnership is the result of one of the NASA Innovative Partnership Program’s (IPP) FY 07 Seed Fund awards.

New Ways Of Building Satellites

NASA Ames Partners with m2mi for Small Satellite Development

"Under the terms of a cooperative research and development agreement, only the third in NASA's history, NASA Ames and m2mi will work together to develop very small satellites, called nanosats, for the commercialization of space."

Self-healing computers for NASA spacecraft, ZD Net

"As you can guess, hardwired computer systems are much faster than general-purpose ones because they are designed to do a single task. But when they fail, they need to be totally reconfigured. This can be just a costly problem in a lab on Earth, but it can be vital in space. This is why a University of Arizona (UA) team is working with NASA to design self-healing computer systems for spacecraft."

A Trip Around The Moon for $100 million

$100m moon mission to be ultimate holiday adventure, Business 24/7

"A 10-minute suborbital flight into space seems so last season. Now, for a cool $100 million (Dh367m) you can go to the moon. Space Adventures is offering a two-week vacation to stay at the International Space Station (ISS) and in the future, even a six-day extension for a trip around the moon should you fancy."

Voters Approve Spaceport Tax

Sierra County voters embrace spaceport tax, Las Cruces Sun-News

"Sierra County voters on Tuesday turned out in record numbers to give Spaceport America officials the funding and the taxation district the state needs to build the facility. With all precincts reporting, 65 percent of voters approved of the 1/4 of 1 percent gross receipts tax increase."

Another Big Step Forward for SpaceX

NASA Awards Launch Services Contract to SpaceX

"NASA has awarded Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, a NASA Launch Services contract for the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles. The NASA Launch Services contracts are multiple awards to multiple launch service providers. Twice per year, there is an opportunity for existing and emerging domestic launch service providers to submit proposals if their vehicles meet the minimum contract requirements."

Just Send Rubles

Russia will not need space tourism when space program well financed -analysts, Interfax

"There are plans to manufacture four Soyuz spacecraft in 2009 to launch crews to the ISS," [Vitaly Lopota, the president of the Energia space rocket corporation] said. If the Russian space program was financed in full, Russia would not need to make money on space tourism, Krasnov said. "If we lack money, we will have to launch space tourists," he said."

Russia looks at all options to invest its oil billions abroad, Times Online

"Russia could soon follow the Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds and invest billions of dollars in direct overseas investments if, as expected, its national welfare fund is given more freedom to invest."

Editor's note: Interesting how the govenrment-owned Energia is now using a quasi-state controlled news outlet to lobby for increased government funding for Russia's space program. One upon a time Russia's space program was so broke the only way to could continue was with outside financial help - from the U.S. and selling seats on Soyuz flights. Now, I guess, those Russian petro-Rubles are easier to find. Too bad. In retrospect, the commercial space traveler program has given the ISS a more cosmopolitan face since its inception and has injected some actual commercialism into the otherwise (multi) government-controlled ISS.

Skunkworks Lite

Spaceport launch tests future spacecraft, KRQE.com

"Lockheed Martin Corporation is now using the spaceport to advance some of its less-publicized technology. This prototype of Lockheed Martin's new spacecraft is only one-fifth the size the future vehicle would be."

Swimsuits on Steroids

Critics Claim NASA Swimsuit is Technological Doping, TSN

"NASA had a hand in designing the LZR, and Speedo claims it makes swimmers go two per cent faster. "They say that the suit is rocket science, but the stats are not rocket science," Schubert said. "The proof is in the performance."

The Couch Slouch: Speedo's $550 swimsuit a stroke of genius, Seattle Post Intelligencer

"So there is a new swimsuit, designed with help from NASA and its wind tunnels, made of low-drag, lightweight, polyurethane fabric that repels water. This otherworldly apparel is causing quite a splash -- my goodness, did I just write that? -- in the underworld of swimming. The swimsuit, made by Speedo, is called the LZR Racer. The cost of this swimsuit is $550, or twice the amount of my annual clothing budget."

Speedo: Innovation in the Aqua Lab, Business Week

"To reduce hydrodynamic drag, Aqualab began testing some 60 fabrics, with the help of a NASA wind tunnel, before coming up with a model made of extremely fine yarn that is densely woven together."

Russia Talking About 9 Person ISS Crew

Putin orders construction of new space launchpad, vows to give boost to space industries, AP

"Perminov said Friday that Russia may stop selling seats on its spacecraft to "tourists" starting in 2010 because of the planned expansion of the international space station's crew. He said the station's permanent crew is expected to grow from the current three to six or even nine in 2010. That will mean that Russia will have fewer extra seats available for tourists on its Soyuz spacecraft, which are used to ferry crews to the station and back to Earth."

How To Get NASA To Underwrite Your New Product

ATK Plans Commercial Ares I, Aviation Week

"ATK, which is building the first stage of NASA's Ares I crew launch vehicle by recycling the solid-fuel booster it builds for the space shuttle, wants to make the same capability available to other users for missions without crews. Ron Dittemore, president of ATK Launch Systems, said the human-rating that led NASA to build the Ares I first stage around the shuttle booster should also be attractive to other customers with "high-value" payloads, including the Defense Dept. and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)."

Reader note: Great news taxpayers! First NASA pours money into a problematic launch vehicle and then ATK gets to use the beneficiary of that public investment as a product to sell - for profit. What a concept!

Ares I Vibration Problem Fixable, Aviation Week

"Horowitz, now an independent aerospace consultant whose clients include ATK, the Ares I first-stage contractor, and a "greybeard" advisor to NASA through the NASA Engineering and Safety Center, served on the tiger team that reviewed the thrust oscillation issue after it arose last fall. Garry M. Lyles, the senior NASA engineer who headed that review panel, is scheduled to brief Congress on his findings the week of March 31."

ESMD's Revolving Door
ESMD's Revolving Door - Update

Ottawa Says No To ATK Buyout of MDA

Ottawa rejects space firm's sale to U.S., Globe and Mail

"Federal Industry Minister Jim Prentice confirmed Thursday morning that he has taken the unprecedented step of rejecting the planned $1.3-billion sale of Canada's leading space company to U.S. interests, concluding that the deal would not be in the best interests of the country. Mr. Prentice's office issued a brief statement acknowledging that, as The Globe and Mail reported, he wrote to Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK) on April 8, to advise them that, "based on the information received at this time, he is not satisfied that the proposed sale of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) to ATK is likely to be of net benefit to Canada."

Canadian Government Rejects MDA Sale to ATK, For Now, Nano2Sol by Marc Boucher

"... And while there are jobs at stake, perhaps this case has shown the government that investing in space is important to Canada's interests and that they should try to revive an industry that has been neglected for some time."

House of Commons - Radarsat-2 Testimony, March 5, 2008, Nano2Sol by Marc Boucher

Radarsat-2 Commercial and Technical Documents, Nano2Sol by Marc Boucher

"With all the discussion about the sale of MDA's space division to ATK I thought it might be useful to provide some background documents that explain what Radarsat-2 is and it's impact. Of note, the Canadian Space Agency Departmental Performance Review for 2007 lists the total expected cost of Radarsat-2 to be $421.6 million."

Spacehab has NASDAQ Issues Again

SPACEHAB Announces Receipt of Nasdaq Staff Deficiency Letter

"SPACEHAB, Incorporated (NASDAQ:SPAB), a provider of commercial space services, today announced that the Company's common stock has closed for more than 30 consecutive days below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion on the Nasdaq Capital Market under Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(4)."

U.S. Risks Losing Space Leadership Role - Boeing

Boeing Chief: U.S. Should Lead in Space Tech, Defense News

"James Albaugh, Boeing president and chief executive, warned that the United States risks losing a leadership role in space if Congress and military leaders don't reinvest in new space technologies over the next decade. "We can't afford the so-called rebuilding years of our space capability," he said during an April 8 speech at the National Space Symposium, here. "The next decade must be about reaffirming our leadership role in space."

Local Economics and a National Space Program

Saving tech transfer at Glenn, Ediorial, Cleveland Plain Dealer

"A relative handful of companies that benefited from collaborating with Glenn, or at least looking over the shoulders of its scientists and engineers, are bound to be disappointed. Most residents of Northeast Ohio won't feel a thing. That doesn't mean the Glenn Alliance for Technology Exchange was a bad idea. On the contrary, it was a great idea."

Loss of NASA jobs isn't just Brevard's problem; it's regional concern, Orlando Sentinel

"Likewise, the aerospace industry in Central Florida is much more than space exploration. It is about research and medical science; it is about quality of life; it is about a powerful and positive economic impact; it is about homeland security and space tourism. And, most important, it is about the future of the Central Florida region."

Space Watch Watch

The Seiko Spring Drive Spacewalk, Watch Report

"There aren't a lot of people who need a watch that can survive the airless void of space, but Richard Garriott happens to be one of them. He's headed for the International Space Station and some extra-vehicular activity (spacewalking). Garriott could have just chosen to wear the vacuum-rated Omega Speedmaster, or maybe a Fortis Cosmonaut, but instead he turned to one of my favorite watchmakers: Seiko."

Richardson and Griffin to Talk Spaceports

Gov. Richardson meets with feds to secure financial help for Spaceport, Las Cruces Sun News

"Gov. Bill Richardson and the director of New Mexico's spaceport made the rounds in Washington this week, trying to secure federal help in the state's push toward space commercialization. There were no immediate business or funding agreements but the effort could produce long-term payoffs after Richardson secured expressions of support from NASA's top boss and a key congressional leader. Richardson and Spaceport America executive director Steve Landeene met Wednesday in Washington, D.C., with NASA's Administrator Michael Griffin."

The Party Is Over at KSC

NASA: Up To 6,400 Job Losses at KSC When Shuttle Retires, Orlando Sentinel

"In the bleakest employment forecast for Kennedy Space Center yet, a NASA report due out on Tuesday estimates that as many as 6,400 contractors could lose their jobs at KSC by 2011 right after the space shuttle is retired. With no rockets to launch, the KSC workforce, whose primary mission is to prepare NASA spacecraft for liftoff, is expected to go from 8,000 contract jobs today to between 1,600 and 2,300 in 2011."

NASA To Hold News Briefing on the Space Shuttle to Constellation Workforce Transition Report

"NASA will hold a teleconference at 2 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, April 1, to discuss a report to Congress on the agency's workforce strategy while transitioning from the Space Shuttle Program to the Constellation Program.

The briefing participants are:
- Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, Washington
- Rick Gilbrech, associate administrator, Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters"

Today's Video: XCOR Lynx Flight Profile

"The LYNX suborbital vehicle now under development at XCOR Aerospace."

Falcon 9 Engine Firing VIdeo - Note: Play This One Loud

SpaceX Conducts First Three-Engine Firing of Falcon 9 Rocket

"Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) conducted the first three-engine firing of its Falcon 9 medium to heavy lift rocket at its Texas Test Facility outside McGregor, on March 8, 2008. At full power the engines generated over 270,000 pounds of force, and consumed 1,050 lbs of fuel and liquid oxygen per second. This three-engine test again sets the record as the most powerful test yet on the towering 235-foot tall test stand. A total of nine Merlin 1C engines will power the Falcon 9 rocket."

XCOR Introduces The Lynx

XCOR Wins Contract for Operations Demonstrations With New Suborbital Vehicle

"The Air Vehicles Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has awarded, pending successful contract negotiations and signature by the Government Contracting Officer, XCOR Aerospace a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract to develop and test operationally responsive features of one of the firm's commercial vehicles. The suborbital space vehicle, named the Lynx, is designed to carry a pilot and a person or payload on suborbital flights."

Space Adventures Buys ZeroG

Space Adventures Announces the Acquisition of Zero Gravity Corporation
 
"Space Adventures, Ltd., the world's leading space experiences company, announced that as of January 1, 2008, the company completed an acquisition of the Florida and Las Vegas based Zero Gravity Corporation (ZERO-G) by increasing its equity stake to 100% ownership. .. Diamandis, also a co-Founder of Space Adventures, will continue as the CEO of the ZERO-G operating unit, but also joins as Managing Director of the parent company Space Adventures, Ltd. Byron Lichtenberg, co-Founder of ZERO-G and former NASA astronaut, will continue as CTO of ZERO-G."

Odyssey Moon RFI Released

Odyssey Moon - Request for Information for a Payload Flight Opportunity on the Odyssey Moon "MoonOne" (M-1) Lunar Lander

"Odyssey Moon Limited (OML) is a private commercial lunar enterprise offering lunar services and products to aid humanity's sustained return to the Moon. Odyssey Moon will be sending a series of small robotic missions to the Moon in support of science, exploration and commerce in the coming decade. In December 2007, the company was unveiled as the first official competitor for the Google Lunar X PRIZE. It was also announced that mission design work had begun by the company's prime contractor, MDA Space Missions of Canada."

Space Spinoffs Cut Both Ways

Google Earth showed protesters way to conquer parliament, Times Online

"Demonstrators revealed yesterday that they had used Google Earth to plot their protest on the roof of the Houses of Parliament last week against the expansion of Heathrow, writes . The website, which allows users to zoom in on satellite photographs of Earth, "showed us all the walkways, steps and other details we needed to make our way across the roof from the door to the far side where the public could see us", said Leo Murray, one of the five protesters."

COTS and Constellation Procurement Notices

NASA JSC Solicitation: ISS Commercial Resupply Services

"NASA/JSC plans to issue an RFP for the following Commercial item/services: cargo upmass, disposal and return to and from the International Space Station, nonstandard services and special studies as defined in the Statement of Work."

NASA Solicitation: Constellation Program Ground Processing Services

"The purpose of this notice is to apprise interested parties of the current planning schedule for competition of the Constellation (Cx) ground processing, provide high level information on the potential requirements, acquisition approach, and solicit industry input."

Cross-Waiver of Liability: Final rule

NASA: Cross-Waiver of Liability: Final rule

"SUMMARY: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is amending its regulations which provide the regulatory basis for cross- waiver provisions used in the following two categories of NASA agreements: agreements for International Space Station (ISS) activities pursuant to the ``Agreement Among the Government of Canada, Governments of Member States of the European Space Agency, the Government of Japan, the Government of the Russian Federation, and the Government of the United States of America concerning Cooperation on the Civil International Space Station'' (commonly referred to as the ISS Intergovernmental Agreement, or IGA); and launch agreements for science or space exploration activities unrelated to the ISS."

Blue Origins' New Launch Site

Blue Origin Buys Texas Ranch as Launch Site, SpaceRef

"According to sources, Jeff Bezos' company Blue Origin has reportedly bought a 32,000 acre ranch a few miles north of Sierra Blanca, Texas to use as a launch site."

Buying Back Our Own Inventions

NASA GRC Solicitation: Configuration Support for the United Kingdom Disaster Monitoring Constellation Satellites

"NASA/GRC intends to utilize the services of Surrey Satellite Technology, Ltd. (SSTL). The United Kingdom (UK) DMC is the only spacecraft with an Internet Protocol (IP) router onboard-the Cisco router in Low Earth Orbit (CLEO). SSTL is the sole provider of IP compliant satellites that NASA can utilize to perform delay/disruption tolerant networking (DTN) research. NASA has already obtained licenses to transmit and receive at the DMC satellite frequencies required for the satellite ground station support."

Editor's note: How sad (and utterly uncreative) that the only place i.e. "sole source" that Mike Griffin can find this on-orbit functionality - one using U.S. developed software/hardware - is from an offshore provider. Someone sure dropped the ball on this one.

Orbital Wins COTS Funding

Editor's update: According to NASA's Doug Cooke the winning proposal of the COTS-1 re-competition is worth $170 million. 13 companies competed and submitted proposals in November 2007.

Results of the review were presented to Cooke last Thursday. The Space Act Agreement will be made with Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC).

OSC is looking to develop an new medium class launch vehicle they call the Taurus II. The first stage will use LOX/Kerosine liquid fuel using Aerojet engines. ATK would develop the Castor-derived solid fueled second stage.

The COTS Visiting Vehicle would be the payload - and will have variants that can deliver pressurized cargo using a MPLM derivative developed by Alenia or unpressurized cargo using a derivative of the Express Logistics Carrier being designed and developed by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for use on the ISS.

The OSC proposal mentions possible crewed missions but did not formally propose that option. OSC will be using DART and Orbital Express hardware and experience in the design of their proximity and operations concepts.

OSC plans to launch the Taurus II COTS flights from Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

Weightless Over Silicon Valley

NASA's Ames Enables Commercial Weightless Aircraft Flights

"Commercial, weightless flights will be offered this weekend at Moffett Field, Calif., under the terms of an agreement with the Zero Gravity Corp, Las Vegas. Although corporation officials said the first flight scheduled Saturday, Feb. 16 is already sold out, additional flights will be scheduled later this year."

Blaming Others For Ares/Constellation Woes

CBS NEWS STS-122 STATUS REPORT: 48 (Scroll Down)

"Q: [HARWOOD] On a different topic, the Ares rocket and the Constellation program continue to generate questions among outside observers as to viability of the rocket system, due to vibration and other issues, and the overall architecture of the moon program. Why is that?

A: [GRIFFIN] Let me get down to the bottom of it. There were winners and losers in the contractor community as to who was going to get to do what on the next system post shuttle. And we didn't pick (Lockheed Martin's) Atlas 5, in consultation with the Air Force for that matter, because it wasn't the right vehicle for the lunar job. Obviously, we did pick others. So people who didn't get picked see an opportunity to throw the issue into controversy and maybe have it come out their way.

Griffin: Sore Losers Conspire to Undo NASA's Ares 1, Orlando Sentinel Write Stuff Blog

"This is not so much an argument that people are having with NASA, and it's not about the Constellation architecture. It's about winning contractors versus losing contractors, and losing contractors spotting an opportunity coincident with an election year to reopen what was a settled issue three years ago," Griffin said. A prolonged fight, he added, could be a disaster for America's civil space program."

Critics say NASA's new rocket Ares, which is to take astronauts to the moon, is flawed, Orlando Sentinel

"NASA argues that the Atlas V as it stands is not robust enough to lift its 25-ton Orion crew capsule into space. Nonetheless, the news that entrepreneurs intend to employ an off-the-shelf rocket -- one that NASA rejected as being too expensive and unsafe to modify for its purposes -- was immediately seized on by Ares I critics. James Muncy, a Virginia-based space-policy consultant, said Bigelow's move means that commercial operators are going to be putting people into orbit years before NASA finishes developing Ares I. "That's great news for Americans worried about a gap in human spaceflight, but it could undercut some of the rationale for NASA's rocket plans." ... "The developments are worrying John Logsdon, the director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, who is concerned that the criticism of Ares I -- some legitimate, some driven by ego and profit -- could end up destroying Constellation and with it the first new vision of space exploration in 35 years. "It's not a bad plan," he said, "We just need to adjust it some."

Editor's note: Oh, so now Lockheed Martin is to blame for Ares/Constellation woes, eh Mike? Isn't it curious that Lockheed Martin seems to have had much more success (on its own) countering the technical issues that NASA felt that it could not surmount (with regard to the Atlas V and human rating) when Lockheed Martin used their own money to do so - with market potential as a key motivator? What is it that Lockheed Martin sees that Mike Griffin has missed?

Is NASA's Interest in COTS Fading?

NASA May Buy Russian Transport Services, AP

"NASA hinted that it might rely on Russian rockets to deliver crew and cargo to the international space station when the shuttle fleet is retired in 2010 if private space companies fail to fill the gap."

Kistler Loses GAO Protest

B-310741, Rocketplane Kistler, January 28, 2008, GAO

"The National Aeronautics and Space Administration could use a Space Act agreement under that agency's "other transactions" authority, and was not required to use a procurement contract, for the development and demonstration of a space transportation system, where the principal purpose of the announcement was not to acquire goods or services for the direct benefit of the agency, but to stimulate a public purpose authorized by law.

The protest is denied."

Virgin's Green Spaceship

Richard Branson's Remarks at the Unveiling of Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo

"If our new system could carry only people into space, that would be enough for me, because of the transforming effect it will have on the thousands who will travel with us. It is quite clear from every astronaut that I've ever spoken to -- including Brian Binnie and Mike Melvill -- that seeing the planet from out there, surrounded by the incredibly thin protective layer of atmosphere, helps one to wake up to the fragility of the small portion of the planet's mass that we inhabit, and to the importance of protecting the Earth."

Virgin Galactic Unveils Spaceship Designs

"Virgin Galactic today unveiled the design of its new, environmentally benign, space launch system based on the X Prize winning technology of SpaceShipOne, which successfully flew into space for the third time in October 2004 and won the $10m Ansari X Prize. The construction of the White Knight Two (WK2) mothership, or carrier aircraft, is now very close to completion at Scaled Composites in Mojave, CA and is expected to begin flight testing in the summer of 2008. It is the world's largest, all carbon composite aircraft; it has a unique high altitude lift capacity, capable of launching SpaceShipTwo and its eight astronauts into sub-orbital space flight."

Googling NASA

Google's Schmidt to NASA: Be more 'open', CNet

"Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt on Thursday suggested NASA could learn a few things from his company. Speaking at a luncheon series to commemorate the agency's 50th anniversary this year, Schmidt urged the space agency to take after what Google attempts to accomplish with its products: Build open, collaborative systems, not closed ones--a reference to NASA's legacy of creating mission-specific vehicles. Create simple platforms upon which others can build. And while you're at it, why not let spacecraft talk to each other?"

A Googleplex grows in D.C., CNet

"Last month, Google's 20 or so Washington employees moved a few blocks, to a 27,000-square-foot space that occupies one floor of a glassy building at 1101 New York Ave. (entrance shown here) in the heart of downtown, not far from K Street and its abundant lobby shops."

Google CEO and Chairman Speaks at NASA 50th Anniversary Event

"On Thursday, Jan. 17, the chairman and chief executive officer of Google, Eric Schmidt, will be the featured speaker for part of a lecture series honoring NASA's 50th anniversary."

Honoring Pete Conrad and Innovation

NASA and X PRIZE Foundation to recognize 2007 Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Award Winners

"The winners of the 2007 Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Award will be recognized at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. on January 18, 2008. NASA will unveil a Spirit of Innovation traveling exhibit, and the X PRIZE Foundation will announce plans for the Conrad Award Scroll to be carried to the International Space Station in the fall of 2008."

ATK-MDA Deal Is Not Good News In Canada

Geospatial Businesses of MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates

"Alliant Techsystems (NYSE:ATK) announced that it has negotiated definitive agreements with Canadian-based MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (TSX: MDA), to acquire its Information Systems and Geospatial Information Services businesses for $1.325 billion (CDN)."

ATK'S Acquisition of MDA's S[ace Division is Bad for Canada, Nano2Sol.com

"Yesterday's acquisition of Canada's MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) by Alliant Techsystems (ATK) is bad for Canada for so many reasons. It's reminiscent of when Avro Canada closed down and most of their talent headed to the US and were instrumental in helping them with the Apollo program."

RocketPlane Loses Herrington

Herrington Resigns from Rocketplane, The Chickasaw Nation

"Former astronaut and retired Navy Commander John Herrington resigned Dec. 21 from Rocketplane Global, Inc. "I was fortunate during my tenure at Rocketplane to work with an incredibly talented group of professionals," said Cmdr. Herrington. "My decision to leave was a difficult one."

NASA Gives Commercial Parabolic Flight Contract to Zero Gravity Corp

NASA Awards Contract for Microgravity Aircraft Services, NASA GRC

"NASA has awarded a contract to Zero Gravity Corporation of Las Vegas to manage and operate an aircraft to perform reduced gravity parabolic flights while carrying NASA-operated experiments and personnel. The parabolic flights will provide the means to replicate the reduced gravity environment of space for various areas of research needed to further NASA's understanding of space travel. These include aeronautical research, fluid physics, combustion, material sciences and life sciences."

Zero Gravity Corporation Wins NASA Contract to Provide Parabolic (Weightless) Flights for Research and Personnel Training

Eight-Year-Old Boy Enjoys Adventure of A Lifetime as Youngest Person in History to Experience Zero Gravity Flight

Hurry Up And Buy Those Soyuz Tickets

Russia sees end of road for space tourism, AFP

"Space tourists may have to seek alternative transport after 2009 due to a lack of room on the Russian capsule serving the International Space Station, Russia's space agency chief said Thursday. "It has to do with international agreements that stipulate that from 2009 the (ISS) crew must be made up of six people if Japanese and European scientific modules are launched," said Roskosmos chief Anatoly Perminov."

Confusing Story about Rocketplane

Rocketplane still on track for launch, The Journal Record

"Founded in 2001, the project touted the ability to eventually send civilian travelers into space on suborbital flights for those willing to pay a price nearing several hundred thousand dollars for a trip. Rocketplane opened its Oklahoma City office in 2004. The company is led by CEO George French. Subsequent tax credits by the Oklahoma Tax Commission is 2004 amounted to $18 million in transferable credits. In addition NASA committed to more than $200 million with several strings attached. So far, Rocketplane has not lived up to its requirements set forth by NASA. In addition, the company sold its state tax credits in an effort to fund its suborbital spacecraft. Financial problems have also led to cutbacks and layoffs at the company."

Editor's note: If I read this article the way it is written I get the impression that NASA is providing $200 million to support a space tourism project. That's news to me. Or does this represent confusion on someone's part between Rockeplane's suborital space tourism project and Rocketplane Kistler's COTS activities?

COTS In Stealth Mode Within JSC Organization

Reader note: "You seem to get answers... So... With all of the recent interest in COTS and NASA's attempt at commercialization, why is it that at JSC, they don't even have a website linked to the main JSC organization chart??

http://www6.jsc.nasa.gov/orglist/scripts/structure/orglist/index2.cfm

QA - Commercial Crew & Cargo Program Office [No website]

Furthermore, here's the list of personnel in QA at JSC.[below]  In my opinion, that's not a whole lot of folks dedicated to the pursuit of commercialization."

(281)483-2166   BULK, TIMOTHY A(ORG-QA)(NASA)           JSU00Q92     1/704A     QA      

(281)480-7427   CARPENTER, EDWARD J(JOE)(ORG-QA)(BAH)   JSU00KCN 2525 Bay Area Blvd/204   QA/BAH  

(281)212-1469   GAUNTT, RACHEL L(ORG-SA)(WLS)           JSU00T59 1300 HERCULES/116    QA/W4   

(281)244-7508   HORKACHUCK, MIKE(ORG-QA)(NASA)          JSU0024D     1/704E     QA111   

(281)483-5483   KELSO, ROBERT M(ORG-QA)(NASA)           JSU001XP     1/842      QA      

(281)244-7064   LINDENMOYER, ALAN J(ORG-QA)(NASA)       JSU001P4     1/704B     QA      

(281)483-1992   MANNERS, BRUCE A(ORG-QA)(NASA)          JSU00N6Z     1/704G     QA111   

(281)244-2404   MEEHAN, KEVIN M(ORG-QA)(NASA)           JSU00ER2     1/704A     QAZC    

(281)483-3662   RUEMMELE, WARREN P(ORG-QA)(NASA)        JSU0072S     1/704A     QA111   

(281)792-5570   STONE, DENNIS A(ORG-QA)(NASA)           JSU000HF     1/840      QA      

(281)483-4626   SURBER, MICHAEL R(MIKE)(ORG-QA)(NASA)   JSU003Z0    4S/3900B    QA      

(281)483-0819   TAYLOR, STARR F(ORG-QA)(NASA)           JSU00IZR     1/704      QA      

(281)244-7097   THORN, VALIN B(ORG-QA)(NASA)            JSU000DE     1/704C     QA      

(281)483-0819   WASHINGTON, DEOBRAH A(ORG-QA)(4WS)      JSU00T3W     1/704      QA      

More COTS News

Space Florida to assist PlanetSpace with NASA bid, Orlando Business Journal

"Space Florida has agreed to assist PlanetSpace in its efforts to develop an orbital launch facility at Cape Canaveral. The facility, which could provide up to 346 new jobs, is part of PlanetSpace's attempt to develop commercial orbital transportation services as part of a request for proposals issued by NASA. The project would include manufacturing, training and research and development facilities expected to generate an economic impact of $313 million annually to the state."

Altair Items Now For Sale

Editor's note: Altair logo- themed T-shirts, coffee mugs, sweatshirts, polo shirts - and wall clocks -

- now on sale.

SpaceX Moves Ahead With COTS

SpaceX Successfully Completes NASA Systems Requirements Review for Dragon Spacecraft Demonstration to Berth at International Space Station (with video animation)

"Under COTS, SpaceX will conduct three Falcon 9 / Dragon flights, demonstrating the ability to approach, berth, and ultimately deliver cargo to the $100 billion International Space Station (ISS), and return cargo to Earth. On this third demonstration, the Dragon spacecraft will approach the ISS and hold its position nearby. Then, according to the SpaceX plan, a robotic arm on the station will capture Dragon and guide it to a berthing port on the Harmony module."

Kistler COTS Issues Hold up Entire COTS Program

Joint Explanatory Statement to Accompany Consolidated Appropriations Amendment Division B--Commerce, Justice, Science

"The amended bill provides $160,000,000 for the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which is intended to demonstrate private sector technologies that could potentially resupply the International Space Station in the future. However, the Appropriations Committees note that one of the two COTS contracts is currently in dispute, and are concerned by NASA's recent decision to re-compete the disputed contract before all challenges have been resolved. In doing so, NASA could potentially create a liability to fund three proposals instead of two as originally envisioned, increasing the costs of this program to the taxpayers. Therefore, NASA is directed not to select a new contractor until all challenges are decided. Further, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is directed to perform a full review of COTS program expenditures and management."

Boeing Avionics Win = Jobs in Alabama

Boeing: Most Ares I Avionics Work To Be Done In N Alabama, AP

"The Boeing Company (BA) said northern Alabama will be the home base for much of its work on a guidance system for the Ares I rocket, the new spacecraft being built to take Americans back to the moon and beyond. On Wednesday, NASA awarded a $799 million contract for the avionics work to Boeing, which is expected to bring scores of jobs to Huntsville, home of the Marshall Space Flight Center."

Another High Power Lunar X Prize Team is Forming

Dr. William 'Red' Whittaker and Raytheon Company Collaborate to Pursue Google Lunar X Prize, Astrobotic Technology

"Astrobotic is planning for Raytheon to begin work on a contract basis with the scope of Raytheon's work to be expanded upon completion of certain financing goals by Astrobotic. It is anticipated that 15 or more professional engineers from Raytheon will be devoted to the Astrobotic lunar program. Dr. Whittaker is the Fredkin Professor of Robotics, Director of the Field Robotics Center, and founder of the National Robotics Engineering Consortium, all at Carnegie Mellon University."

Editor's note: Word has it that the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory is looking to partner with Carnegie-Mellon and Raytheon in a Google Lunar X-Prize bid. Word to proceed with planning awaits the approval of the University's upper management in the next few weeks. A final decision to proceed with the project would be made in late March 2008.

Investing In Space Biz

Money In Space, Aviation Week

"The third installment this year of the Space Investment Summit was held Dec. 5-6 in San Jose, in the heart of the Silicon Valley. It mixed some big names - Boeing, EADS Astrium, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Space Systems/Loral and United Space Alliance - with venture capitalists."

A Secret No Longer

Atlas V Poised for NRO Secret Mission, Aviation Week

"A secret National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) spacecraft is poised for launch Dec. 10-11 from Cape Canaveral on board a U.S. Air Force Atlas V rocket. Details emerging about the mission indicate that the Atlas V will launch a Boeing Satellite Data System (SDS) type relay satellite."

FAA Wants to Shut Mojave Air and Space Port Down

Mojave Air and Space Port in danger of losing designation, Antelope Valley Press

"The nation's first inland spaceport could lose that designation by the end of the year. The Federal Aviation Administration informed officials at the Mojave Air and Space Port of its intention to suspend or revoke the space launch site operator's license Dec. 31. "I have no reason to be optimistic we're going to keep our spaceport license," said General Manager Stu Witt, reporting on the issue to the East Kern Airport District board of directors Tuesday. The district governs the Mojave Air and Space Port. At issue are questions by the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation regarding the facility's plans for safely storing and handling the energetic chemicals used by rocket companies."

Odyssey Moon Unveils Google Moon Prize Attempt

History Making Mission For Google Lunar X PRIZE Competition Unveiled by Odyssey Moon

"San Jose, CA, December 6th, 2007 - The first team to complete registration for the $30M Google Lunar X PRIZE unveiled its plans today at the Space Investment Summit in San Jose, California. Representatives of Odyssey Moon announced their plans to make history with the first private robotic mission to the surface of the Moon and their intent to win the Google Lunar X PRIZE competition. Odyssey Moon's inaugural mission will involve a unique small robotic lander designed to deliver scientific, exploration and commercial payloads to the surface of the Moon."

Ares 1 Upper Stage Announcement

NASA Set to Announce Final Major Ares I Contract

"NASA will host a news conference Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 4 p.m. EST to announce the selection of a contractor for the upper stage instrument unit avionics for the Ares I rocket. The avionics unit is the central system that provides guidance, navigation and control for the launch vehicle during ascent as it carries the Orion spacecraft to low Earth orbit."

SpaceX Moves Ahead

SpaceX chief eyes public offering in 2 years, Reuters

"[Musk] said SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket had been selected by an unspecified U.S. government client over Lockheed's Atlas 5 for a launch, but declined to give details. Two test firings of the Falcon 1 rocket, designed for light satellite lifts, have failed to reach orbit, but the second attempt validated the riskiest and most difficult parts of its new design, the company has said."

Start Your Rocket Engines

NASA and NASCAR: Together at Last, Wired

"Eleven years after The Onion published their epic satirical story "NASA, NASCAR Merge," NASA and NASCAR officials have announced that the December 6th, 2007 Shuttle flight will carry the green starter flags for the 50th anniversary running of the Daytona 500. (NASA will also be turning 50 in 2008.)"

Bob Bigelow Profile in Air & Space

Mr. B's Big Plan, Air & Space

"Having pledged five times that much--more than half his net worth--to build inflatable space habitats using technology pioneered, then abandoned, by NASA, Bigelow, with a company of roughly 125 employees, is aiming even higher. His goal is to send people to a larger, habitable module called Sundancer by 2010. By 2012, he hopes to place a full-size, 330-cubic-meter (11,700-cubic-foot) module, the BA 330, in orbit, with more to follow later."

Elon Musk - Inc.com's Entrepreneur of the Year

Entrepreneur of the Year: Elon Musk, Inc.com

"Yet the kingmakers of innovation--the academics, the investors, the bloggers--tend not to talk about Musk. They dwell on idea people like Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, the 23-year-old wunderkind whose high-concept notions about social networks have made him the hottest thing in business. Or they talk about prognosticators, people like MIT's Nicholas Negroponte, whose One Laptop per Child program has captured the imaginations of moguls, wonks, and Davos attendees everywhere. Elon Musk isn't a software geek or a self-styled visionary. He's not particularly young or brash or handsome, and he can come off as kind of a jerk. He isn't hawking new technology, and he's quite shy. Yet he just might change the world."

Glenn Mahone Heads for Aerojet

Editor's note: Aerojet will shortly be announcing that it has named Glenn Mahone to be its Executive Director of Strategic Communications in Aerojet's Washington, D.C. office. Mahone recently served as vice president for defense contractor Systems Application and Technologies, Inc. Prior to that he served as the AA for Public Affairs at NASA HQ.

Garriott Gets A Back Up

Space flight dream nears, Herald Sun

"A Thrill-seeking Melbourne multi-millionaire is one small step from being the first Australian private citizen in space. Self-described "thrillionaire" Nik Halik has been named as the back-up crewman for next year's October commercial flight to the International Space Station. While excited by the announcement, Mr Halik said it was just one step towards his real dream - being one of the first to colonise the moon."

Things Are Getting Interesting at ARC

NASA Ames ready for liftoff - Giant research park at Moffett will include office space, 1,000 housing units, Mountain View Voice

"A 5.6 earthquake was only the second thing to shake City Hall on Tuesday night, after a NASA Ames official announced the agency would be taking bids next year on a massive research park at Moffett Field that will provide homes and office space for private companies, NASA and several colleges. Michael Marlaire, NASA Ames director of partnerships, said the research park would become "a goldmine for the informal meeting" -- in other words, the casual exchange of ideas -- as college students worked and lived next to employees from NASA and companies like Google."

Company floats Zeppelin idea, Mountain View Voice

"After noticing the controversy over the Google founders' jumbo jets last month, Los Gatos-based Airship Ventures is putting out feelers to see what Moffett neighbors would think of up to 1,000 Zeppelin flights a year out of the airfield. The company aims to provide tours of the San Francisco Bay Area for $500 a person in its 264-foot Zeppelin NT airship -- which is slightly longer, but much quieter, than a Boeing 747."

Foothill-De Anza among those eyeing Research Park - Local district joins UC, San Jose State in bid to create 'super campus', Mountain View Voice

"Besides creating a consortium of federal agencies and private high tech firms, the NASA Ames Research Park at Moffett Field will include a strong educational presence — and the Foothill-De Anza Community College District hopes to get in on the game."

NASA and Google at 2

NASA, Google partnership still taking flight, SF Chronicle

"More than two years after forging a partnership that technology insiders hoped would spawn a new era of innovation in Silicon Valley, Google and NASA have few tangible products to show for their collaboration. But that that doesn't faze Google's managers, who say the goal is to get employees brainstorming and promote the space program - not to create flashy products. "Google didn't enter into this partnership saying 'How are we going to change this product and that product?' " said Dan Clancy, engineering director at Google. "The tangible results are that we have a lot more interaction between our staff and their staff."

Training Backups for Spaceflight

Space Adventures Offers Unique Opportunity to Participate in Richard Garriott's Orbital Spaceflight Mission as Back-up Crew Member

"Today, Space Adventures, Ltd., the world's leading space experiences company, announced that for the first time the coveted opportunity to train as a private space explorer alongside one of its orbital spaceflight candidates, and among professional astronauts, is now available to the public."

Small Fire During SpaceX Demolition

Small Fire During Demolition Work at Space Launch Complex 40, SpaceX

"Cape Canaveral, Florida - November 7, 2007 - At 10:45 AM, a fire began during demolition activities at SpaceX's Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40). The Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Fire Department arrived 9 minutes later and promptly extinguished the flames. There were no injuries to personnel or smoke inhalation, and no damage to surrounding property."

NIAC Rises From The Dead to Make Time's Best Inventions Of The Year

Spandex Space Suit, The Best Inventions Of The Year, Time

"With manned space exploration in the doldrums, maybe what NASA needs is a new outfit for its astronauts. Enter Dava Newman, a professor of aeronautics at MIT, who is developing the Bio-Suit. It's a formfitting space suit made of elastic polymers that improve mobility."

Editor's note: Alas, Time magazine has honored a project of the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts. Earlier this year Mike Griffin made a stupid decision and killed NIAC - and work on all these advanced concepts came to a halt.

Killing NIAC, earlier post

XCOR Makes Time's Best Inventions Of The Year List

Rocket Science, The Best Inventions Of The Year, Time

"It's hard to find a filling station in space, but it's easy to find methane, abundant on many planets and moons. NASA is taking advantage of that with a methane-fueled [XCOR] rocket (above and in tests at right). Future probes could save weight by carrying a little fuel, then gassing up en route just like any long-distance traveler."

Mike Griffin on Exploration and Competitiveness

Space Exploration: A Measure of American Competitiveness - Speech by NASA Administrator Michael D. Griffin

"It is my goal to get these critics to recognize that the development of space is a strategic capability for our nation, a view completely in keeping with the founding principles of the American nation - pushing back the frontier. There was a time when the land upon which we stand here in Chicago lay far beyond our western frontier. Today, that frontier lies in space. We've sent out the first few explorers, and they returned with wondrous tales. In President Kennedy's famous words, "Now is the time to take longer strides". The geography of our solar system dictates that these next strides will again be to Earth's moon - three days journey away. But this time, a lunar outpost will follow soon afterward, allowing us to exploit its resources and its vantage point."

Shana Dale on Small Business and NASA

NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale's Blog: NASA and Small Business

"NASA's OSBP is working to provide small businesses with enhanced access to NASA and with more opportunities to do business with the Agency. At Business Opportunity Expos, small businesses have the opportunity to present their capabilities to NASA small business specialists and procurement and technical personnel from throughout the Agency and communicate with large businesses that support NASA. The 17th annual NASA Business Opportunities Expo was held on October 16 near Kennedy Space Center and was attended by approximately 900 people and featured 175 exhibitors. These expos also are a means for small businesses to network with each other and develop long lasting business relationships."

SpaceX Continues Falcon 9 Preparations

SpaceX Breaks Ground at Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 40

"Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) held official ground breaking ceremonies today at Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, opening a new era in commercial space operations. SLC-40 will be the primary launch site for SpaceX's new Falcon 9 launch vehicle, with operations beginning in late 2008."

Global Forum on Space Economics

NASA HQ Solicitation: Global Forum on Space Economics

"NASA Headquarters (HQ), Office of Communications Planning, is planning to procure a membership to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Global Forum on Space Economics. The OECD provides a unique forum whereby governments of up to approximately 30 democracies, other non-governmental organization (NGOs), and the private sector work together to address the economic, social and environmental challenges of globalization."

Global Forum on Space Economics, OECD

Bigelow Is Looking to Buy a Ride

Bigelow Aerospace to offer $760 million for spaceship, New Scientist

"Bigelow Aerospace intends to spur development of a commercial space vehicle to take people into Earth orbit by offering to sign a contract worth $760 million with any company that can meet their criteria, company president Robert Bigelow says."

Lunar Lander Prize Announced

NASA Offers $2 Million Lunar Lander Competition Prize

"During the X PRIZE Cup Oct. 27-28, NASA's Centennial Challenges Program will offer prizes totaling $2 million if competing teams successfully meet the requirements of the Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge. The challenge will take place at Holloman Air Force Base, in Alamogordo, N.M. The purpose of the lunar lander challenge is to accelerate technology development leading to a commercial vehicle that could one day be capable of ferrying cargo or humans back and forth between lunar orbit and the moon's surface."

What Happens in Vegas - Stays in Space

Editor's note: Have a look at these images from Genesis II. Either Bigelow Aerospace is going to run a gambling operation in low Earth orbit ("Bigelow Bingo") or he has lots of little itty bitty numbered satellites he is going to deploy.

Bingo in Soace, Bigelow Aerospace

Ames/Google Jet Update

Google guys get grand garage, Mountain View Voice

"In July, the company signed a two-year contract with NASA allowing its owners to use the coveted Moffett airstrip whenever they liked, along with the hangar space, in exchange for $2.6 million and the right to place scientific instruments on the planes. The deal, negotiated behind closed doors, was announced in mid-September."

Mary Cleave's New Gig

Dr. Mary Cleave Appointed to Board of Directors of Sigma Space Corp.

"Sigma Space Corp. announced the appointment of Dr. Mary Cleave to its Board of Directors, effective October 1st, 2007. Dr. Mary L. Cleave was the Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate until March of this year. She also served as deputy associate administrator (advanced planning) in the Office of Earth Science at NASA Headquarters."

Son of COTS Solicitation Released

NASA JSC Solicitation: Commerical Space Transportation Services Phase 1 Demonstration

"As a continuation of the COTS Phase 1 project, NASA/JSC plans to solicit proposals from all interested industry participants for Earth to orbit space flight demonstrations of any combination of the following mission capabilities:
A) External unpressurized cargo delivery and disposal,
B) Internal pressurized cargo delivery and disposal,
C) Internal pressurized cargo delivery, return and recovery,
D) Crew Transportation."

Spaceward Games 2007 Update

Spaceward Games Heads into the Home Stretch and Opens to the Public, Space Elevator Reference

"Qualifying lasted until the early hours of the morning with Centaurus the last team trying to qualify but failing at 1:00 am. At this point four teams have qualified to compete for this years chance at NASA's Centennial Challenge prize for power beaming which has a $500,000 prize. They are: ..."

The Space Elevator Reference - Videos and other updates

Live webcams - provided by SpaceRef.com and OnOrbit.com, The Space Elevator Reference

Son of COTS Announced

NASA to Open New Competition for Space Transportation Seed Money

"NASA announced Thursday it will conduct a new competition for funding that remains in NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Project, known as COTS. The new competition follows NASA's decision to terminate its funded agreement with aerospace firm Rocketplane Kistler of Oklahoma City, which repeatedly failed to meet agreed-upon milestones in its effort to develop and demonstrate commercial transportation capabilities to low Earth orbit."

NASA Updates Media on Status of COTS Project Thursday

"Thursday, NASA will provide an update about the status of the agency's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Project, also known as COTS. NASA will host a news media roundtable at 2:30 p.m. EDT at NASA Headquarters, 300 E St., S.W., Washington. Alan Lindenmoyer, manager of the Commercial Crew and Cargo Program at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, will participate in the briefing."

Editor's 18 Oct note: Once again ESMD seems to be going out of its way to screw up media participation. The only notice I am aware of was emailed late this morning. I only got mine in my email account an hour before the event itself. Did ESMD just dream up this telecon today? Or did they know about it yesterday? Its almost as if PAO and ESMD just don't care any more.

Editor's 19 Oct update: I just got a media advisory from JSC for an upcoming event that was held yesterday:

"From: info@JSC.NASA.GOV
Subject: [HSFMEDIA] NASA UPDATES MEDIA ON STATUS OF COTS PROJECT THURSDAY
Date: October 19, 2007 10:35:46 AM EDT
To: HSFMEDIA@JSC-LISTSERV-01.JSC.NASA.GOV
Reply-To: HSFMEDIA@JSC-LISTSERV-01.JSC.NASA.GOV"

Either this proves that JSC PAO sends things out without reading them - or people in that office never took that Calendar 101 class. Either way the word "inept" pops up in my mind.

Spaceward Games 2007 Update

Spaceward Games 2007 Update, The Space Elevator Reference

"This afternoon teams had the opportunity to improve on their qualifying results of yesterday. Because of the bad weather yesterday, provisional qualifying was held indoors to see if teams could attach their climbers and show they could climb the ribbon, stop and descend the ribbon safely. All the teams except Centaurus succeeded."

The Space Elevator Reference - Videos and other updates

Live webcams - provided by SpaceRef.com and OnOrbit.com, The Space Elevator Reference

While RPK Flops SpaceX Moves Ahead

SpaceX Successfully Completes NASA Critical Design Review for First Commercial Transportation System to the International Space Station

"SpaceX has successfully completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) for its first Falcon 9 / Dragon mission as part of the NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) demonstration program. During a three day period, SpaceX hosted a group of over forty top level NASA representatives and key SpaceX customers for a review of the design of the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and associated ground systems for the first COTS demonstration mission."

Space Solar Power Interest On The Rise

New Space Solar Power Organization Announced - The Space Solar Alliance for Future Energy, NSS

"The Space Solar Alliance for Future Energy (SSAFE), a new organization advocating investment in space-based solar power technologies to address the planet's future energy needs, was announced today at the National Press Club. The coalition of thirteen leading research organizations and space advocacy groups focused their inaugural event on the announcement of a new study of space-based solar power led by the National Security Space Office (NSSO).'"

Advance Comments on NSSO-led Study on Space-Based Solar Power, Space Frontier Foundation

Do As I Say - Not As I Do

Rocketplane Kistler President Resigns, SpaceNews

"RpK came in with a lot of promises and a half baked business plan and the market place is weeding them out," [David] Gump said. "It's disingenuous to now say they were shocked - shocked - they would have to compete for ISS cargo business. That was plan[ned] in the original ISS cargo announcement. Everybody who bid knew it.

Editor's note: With regard to "... a lot of promises and a half baked business plan": You know what they say about people who live in glass houses, David...

Spacehab's Challenges and Opportunities

Spacehab Announces Receipt of NASDAQ Staff Determination Letter

"SPACEHAB, Incorporated (NASDAQ:SPAB), a leading provider of commercial space services, today announced its receipt of a NASDAQ Staff Determination letter on October 2, 2007 indicating that the Company fails to comply with NASDAQ Marketplace Rules 4310(c)(4) and 4310(c)(3), and that its securities are, therefore, subject to delisting from The NASDAQ Capital Market."

Texas Investor Eyes Space Station as Orbiting Pharma Lab, WIired

"Pickens' father made a fortune in oil, became a corporate raider, and now runs a hedge fund. He's worth $2.5 billion. No wonder his son looked to the heavens to make his fortune. Spacehab recruited the younger Pickens earlier this year to turn the company around. The 20-year-old penny stock firm has a market cap of about $5 million.'"

Garriott in Space; But Wait - There's More

Texas Man Linked to Past and Future of Space Exploration by Sputnik and Soyuz, NY Times

"And, [Richard Garriott] added, he is hoping to accomplish something on the flight that no other space tourist has done: take a spacewalk, an option Space Adventures announced last year for an extra $15 million. "But that is NOT yet set in stone," he wrote. He has had two suited-up training sessions in a Russian underwater facility, he said, and "It's MUCH harder than it looks." Air pressure stiffens the suit, and every movement is a struggle."

More Bad News For Kistler

Editor's note: Word has it that Randy Brinkley has left Rocketplane Kistler.

The Real Story Behind NASA Spinoffs

How NASA helped invent Silicon Valley, CNET

"Several companies in what would become Silicon Valley benefited from the ambitious goals and budget largesse of the Apollo space program," said Dag Spicer, the senior curator of the Computer History Museum, in Mountain View, Calif. "The stringent quality and performance requirements of (integrated circuits) for Apollo allowed early semiconductor companies to learn at government (that is, public) expense, a technology that would soon have broad application and whose price would plummet as these companies perfected manufacturing methods."

Spacehab Fails to meet NASDAQ Standards

Spacehab Announces NASDAQ Deficiency Notice and Going Concern Qualification, Spacehab

"SPACEHAB, Incorporated (NASDAQ:SPAB), a leading provider of commercial space services, today announced its receipt of a notice from NASDAQ Staff on September 25, 2007 stating that the Company does not comply with Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(3). Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(3) requires the Company to have $500,000 of net income from continuing operations for the most recently completed fiscal year or two of the three most recently completed fiscal years; or $35,000,000 market value of listed securities; or $2,500,000 in stockholders' equity."

Second Generation Astronaut To Fly

Richard Garriott, 1st Second Generation Astronaut, Plans Flight to International Space Station

"Space Adventures, Ltd., the world's leading space experiences company, announced today that famed game developer Richard Garriott, son of former NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, has begun preparations for a "commercially active" mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Mr. Garriott's spaceflight, currently planned for October 2008, will be the first in a series of missions that will accommodate commercial activity aboard the ISS. Involvement from the private sector can include scientific and environmental research and educational outreach programming."

Reader note: A comment about news item "Richard Garriott, 1st Second Generation Astronaut": actually he will become the SECOND second generation astronaut. Sergey Volkov, who is the son of cosmonaut Aleksandr Volkov, is scheduled to fly in April 2008 (Soyuz TMA-12). This is half a year before Richard Garriott's flight.

NASA Means Business

NASA Means Business Student Competition 2008 Program Announcement, Texas Space Grant Consortium

"The NASA Means Business Student Competition program invites undergraduate and graduate students to employ their skills to help NASA articulate the contributions of space exploration to everyday life. This year's challenge is: Help NASA to increase the number of corporate researchers, university researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors who utilize the Nation's investment in spaceflight to grow their investments in knowledge and commerce."

WH Agrees With DOD GPS Recomendation

White House Statement Regarding Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, White House

"Today, the President accepted the recommendation of the Department of Defense to end procurement of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites that have the capability to intentionally degrade the accuracy of civil signals. This decision reflects the United States strong commitment to users of GPS that this free global utility can be counted on to support peaceful civil activities around the world."

ULA's Take on COTS

United Launch Alliance Response to Request for Information for Commercial Space Transportation Services

"ULA is working closely with SpaceHab to investigate the compatibility of flying the DreamChaserTM on an Atlas. As a lifting body, the DreamChaserTM provides unique challenges to integrate on an existing launch vehicle, including loads, controllability, and performance, in addition to the human-rating considerations. Our initial studies have leveraged the considerable experience gained during NASA's Orbital Space Plane (OSP) Program that baselined EELVs for launch of nu