NASA'S NUSTAR SHIPS TO VANDENBERG FOR MARCH 14 LAUNCH
PASADENA, Calif. -- NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, shipped to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on Tuesday, to be mated to its Pegasus launch vehicle. The observatory will detect X-rays from objects ranging from our sun to giant black holes billions of light-years away. It is scheduled to launch March 14 from an aircraft operating out of Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
"The NuSTAR mission is unique because it will be the first NASA mission to focus X-rays in the high-energy range, creating the most detailed images ever taken in this slice of the electromagnetic spectrum," said Fiona Harrison, the mission's principal investigator at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Calif.
The observatory shipped from Orbital Sciences Corporation in Dulles, Va., where the spacecraft and science instrument were integrated. It is scheduled to arrive at Vandenberg on Jan. 27, where it will be mated to the Pegasus, also built by Orbital, on Feb. 17.
The mission will be launched from the L-1011 "Stargazer" aircraft, which will take off near the equator from Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific. NuSTAR and its Pegasus will fly from Vandenberg to Kwajalein attached to the underside of the L-1011, and are scheduled to arrive on March 7.
On launch day, after the airplane arrives at the planned drop site over the ocean, the Pegaus will drop from the L-1011 and carry NuSTAR to an orbit around Earth.
"NuSTAR is an engineering achievement, incorporating state-of-the-art high-energy X-ray mirrors and detectors that will enable years of astronomical discovery," said Yunjin Kim, the mission's project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena.
NuSTAR's advanced telescope consists of two sets of 133 concentric shells of mirrors, which were shaped from flexible glass similar to that found in laptop screens. Because X-rays require large focusing distances, or focal lengths, the telescope has a lengthy 33-foot (10-meter) mast, which will unfold a week after launch.
These and other advances in technology will enable NuSTAR to explore the cosmic world of high-energy X-rays with much improved sensitivity and resolution over previous missions. During its two-year primary mission, NuSTAR will map the celestial sky in X-rays, surveying black holes, mapping supernova remnants, and studying particle jets travelling away from black holes near the speed of light.
NuSTAR also will probe the sun, looking for microflares theorized to be on the surface that could explain how the sun's million-degree corona, or atmosphere, is heated. It will even test a theory of dark matter, the mysterious substance making up about one-quarter of our universe, by searching the sun for evidence of a hypothesized dark matter particle.
"NuSTAR will provide an unprecedented capability to discover and study some of the most exotic objects in the universe, from the corpses of exploded stars in the Milky Way to supermassive black holes residing in the hearts of distant galaxies," said Lou Kaluzienski, NuSTAR program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
NuSTAR is a small-explorer mission managed by JPL for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. The spacecraft was built by Orbital Sciences Corporation. Its instrument was built by a consortium including Caltech, JPL, Columbia University, New York, N.Y., NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., the Danish Technical University in Denmark, the University of California, Berkeley, and ATK-Goleta. NuSTAR will be operated by U.C. Berkeley, with the Italian Space Agency providing its equatorial ground station located at Malindi, Kenya. NASA's Explorer Program is managed by Goddard. JPL is managed by Caltech for NASA.
NASA DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER JAN. 26
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., will pay tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA colleagues, during the agency's Day of Remembrance observance on Thursday, Jan. 26.
Media and the general public are invited to a wreath-laying at 10:30 a.m. EST at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Kennedy Center Director and former astronaut Bob Cabana will take part in the ceremony.
NASA's Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will provide flowers for visitors in the morning to place at the memorial. For more information, please call 321-449-4400.
Kennedy contractors and civil servants will be allowed access to the Space Mirror Memorial throughout the day to pay their respects.
The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, a private, not-for-profit organization, built and maintains the Space Mirror Memorial. It was dedicated in 1991 to honor all astronauts who lost their lives on missions or during training and since has been designated a National Memorial by Congress.
Video of the service will air on NASA Television's Video File segment. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
NASA MOVES SHUTTLE ENGINES FROM KENNEDY TO STENNIS
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- The relocation of the RS-25D space shuttle main engine inventory from Kennedy Space Center's Engine Shop in Cape Canaveral, Fla., is under way. The RS-25D flight engines, repurposed for NASA's Space Launch System, are being moved to NASA's Stennis Space Center in south Mississippi.
The Space Launch System (SLS) is a new heavy-lift launch vehicle that will expand human presence beyond low Earth orbit and enable new missions of exploration across the solar system. The Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., is leading the design and development of the SLS for NASA, including the engine testing program. SLS will carry the Orion spacecraft, its crew, cargo, equipment and science experiments to destinations in deep space.
"The relocation of RS-25D engine assets represents a significant cost savings to the SLS Program by consolidating SLS engine assembly and test operations at a single facility," said William Gerstenmaier, NASA's associate administrator for Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate.
The RS-25Ds -- to be used for the SLS core stage -- will be stored at Stennis until testing begins at a future date. Testing is already under way on the J-2X engine, which is planned for use in the SLS upper stage. Using the same fuel system -- liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen -- for both core and upper stages reduces costs by leveraging the existing knowledge base, skills, infrastructure and personnel.
"This enables the sharing of personnel, resources and practices across all engine projects, allows flexibility and responsiveness to the SLS program, and it is more affordable," said Johnny Heflin, RS-25D core stage engine lead in the SLS Liquid Engines Office at Marshall. "It also frees up the space, allowing Kennedy to move forward relative to commercial customers."
The 15 RS-25D engines at Kennedy are being transported on the 700-mile journey using existing transportation and processing procedures that were used to move engines between Kennedy and Stennis during the Space Shuttle Program. They will be relocated one at time by truck.
Built by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne of Canoga Park, Calif., the RS-25D engine powered NASA's Space Shuttle Program with 100 percent mission success.
NASA AWARDS LAUNCH SERVICES PROGRAM SUPPORT CONTRACT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has selected a.i. solutions Inc. of Lanham, Md., to receive a contract award that will enable the agency's Launch Services Program (LSP) to provide integrated services for the preparation and launch of NASA's next generation of scientific and exploration spacecraft.
The Expendable Launch Vehicle Integrated Support 2 (ELVIS 2) contract has a potential maximum value of $138.1 million. This new contract resulted from a competitive, small business set-aside.
The contract has a two-month phase-in period that begins February 2012, followed by a one-and-a-half-year base period extending from April 1, 2012, through Sept. 30, 2013. Two option periods are available that would bring the total period of performance to five years.
The ELVIS 2 contract supports LSP and LSP-sponsored missions, activities and strategic initiatives for multiple NASA programs, the Defense Department, and other government agencies and commercial launch activities. The contract will provide LSP with program management support; vehicle engineering and analysis; launch site support engineering; communications and telemetry; technical integration services; LSP programmatic safety, reliability and quality support; support at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California; information technology support; and special studies.
For more information about NASA programs and missions, visit: www.nasa.gov
Dec. 22, 2011
SANTA INVITED TO EXPLORE KENNEDY SPACE CENTER'S THREE PROGRAMS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- For the first time in almost 50 years, the nation's preeminent launch site will present Santa Claus with three agency programs to unwrap as he goes rockin' around NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida this Christmas Eve.
Kennedy is inviting Santa to walk around the Commercial Crew Program's wonderland, where he can check on the status of space transportation systems under development by seven U.S.-led aerospace companies. He can learn about ATK's Liberty launch vehicle, Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule, Boeing's CST-100 module, Excalibur's Almaz vehicle, Sierra Nevada's Dream Chaser spacecraft, SpaceX's Dragon capsule and Falcon 9 rocket, and United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket, any of which could take good little boys and girls into space in the future. For the Commercial Crew Program's next round of development activities in early 2012, there's even a buzz among elves and Santa babies around the world that Kris Kringle is considering submitting his own transportation design called an "Out-of-Space Convertible-2" that's light blue.
Next up on his holiday itinerary, Santa will be able to dash on by the agency's 355-foot-tall mobile launcher. It's being modified by the 21st Century Ground Systems Program to support NASA's heavy-lift rocket, which is being designed, called the Space Launch System. He also could check out test equipment for NASA's new Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, called Orion, in Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building. The agency is open to having him inspect the spacecraft's design for roominess and comfort. After all, if one day he's going to take billions of toys to children living outside the realm of Earth's atmosphere, he'll need plenty of cargo space and life support systems.
To that end, Santa could gain some intergalactic-sized inspiration from NASA's Launch Services Program. LSP has about a half-dozen different launch vehicles to choose from when it looks to rocket NASA's scientific spacecraft across our solar system. If Santa wants to diversify his gift-giving delivery system for future planetary pit stops, he can see what LSP did just from August through November this year, directing launches to Jupiter, the moon, Mars and even into orbit around our own home, Earth.
As always, Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) runway will be available for Santa Claus and his nine flying reindeer to use on their Dec. 24 worldwide trek. And just like the rest of Kennedy Space Center is doing following the retirement of the Space Shuttle Program this summer, the SLF is transitioning to a multi-purpose, multi-user facility. Which means, come Christmas Eve next year, Santa's sleigh may be sharing the skies with other customized craft -- from the top of the porch, to the top of the wall, dashing away, dashing away,
dashing away all!
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Dec. 22, 2011
NASA KENNEDY SPACE CENTER 2011 REVIEW, LOOK AHEAD
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In 2011, NASA's Kennedy Space Center helped launch a new era in space exploration, building on the final three missions of the Space Shuttle Program era.
Kennedy began transitioning from a historically government-only launch facility, which supported shuttle missions and construction of the International Space Station, to a multi-purpose spaceport, supporting research and development aboard the space station and serving different types of missions, rockets, and spacecraft, both governmental and commercial.
As NASA's prime launch complex responsible for sending humans and payloads to space, Kennedy teams were involved in launching nine missions this year: six on expendable launch vehicles and the last three space shuttle flights ever.
The first of the final three shuttle flights started on Feb. 24 with Discovery's STS-133 mission roaring off Launch Pad 39A. The shuttle and its six astronauts delivered to the International Space Station the last pressurized U.S. segment called the Permanent Multipurpose Module. Discovery, the longest-serving veteran of NASA's space shuttle fleet, landed at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility on March 9, completing a total of 39 missions since 1984.
Space shuttle Endeavour's final flight, the STS-134 mission, originally was scheduled to launch in late April. It was a high-profile launch, not only because it was the second to last shuttle mission, but because the wife of Endeavour Commander Mark Kelly, Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords, and President Obama and the first family were in attendance. But an electrical wiring issue kept Endeavour on Launch Pad 39A until May 16, when the shuttle and its six-astronaut crew lifted off to deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) and critical supplies to the space station. NASA's youngest shuttle returned to Kennedy on June 1, completing its 25th and final mission.
The last space shuttle flight, Atlantis' STS-135 mission, launched from Launch Pad 39A at 11:29 a.m. EDT on July 8 carrying the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module full of supplies, experiments and key spare parts for the space station. On July 21 at 5:57 a.m., Atlantis touched down at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility, concluding 30 years of storied space shuttle missions. The Space Shuttle Program officially ended on Aug. 30.
And instead of preparing shuttles for space flights, technicians now are preparing them for public display. On April 12, the 30th anniversary of the first shuttle launch, NASA announced where the shuttles would be displayed: In 2012, NASA will deliver shuttle Discovery to the Smithsonian in Virginia; test shuttle Enterprise to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York; and shuttle Endeavour to the California Science Center in Los Angeles. In early 2013, Atlantis, which is the only space shuttle NASA is retaining, will go to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
NASA's Launch Services Program (LSP), which is based at Kennedy, had a rough start to its launch year. The Glory spacecraft failed to reach orbit after liftoff aboard an Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL rocket on March 4 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. A mishap board is investigating the failure; however, telemetry indicated the fairing, a protective shell atop the satellite's rocket, did not separate as expected. Glory was intended to improve scientists' understanding of how the sun and tiny atmospheric particles called aerosols affect Earth's climate.
On June 10, LSP was back on track with the launch of NASA's Aquarius/SAC-D observatory aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. The international satellite lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base carrying the agency-built Aquarius instrument that will measure the saltiness of Earth's oceans to advance our understanding of the global water cycle in order to improve climate forecasts.
LSP turned its attention to deep space with its next launch. On Aug. 5, NASA's Juno spacecraft launched atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., bound for Jupiter. After its five-year flight, Juno will look deep beneath the planet's swirling curtain of clouds to find out what lies beneath.
A United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket successfully sent NASA's twin moon-bound Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) spacecraft on their way on Sept. 10. After arriving next week on New Year's weekend, the two solar-powered spacecraft will fly in tandem orbits around the moon to measure its gravity field and answer longstanding questions about the moon and how Earth and other rocky planets in the solar system formed.
On Oct. 28, a Delta II rocket sent the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft into Earth orbit from Vandenberg Air Force Base. NPP is the first NASA satellite mission to address the challenge of acquiring a wide range of land, ocean and atmospheric measurements for Earth system science while simultaneously preparing to address operational requirements for weather forecasting.
LSP ended its 2011 launch schedule by sending the most sophisticated robotic explorer ever built to another planet. On Nov. 26, an Atlas V rocket launched NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), which carries a car-sized rover named Curiosity, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Curiosity is scheduled to arrive at Mars in August 2012 and begin two years of study with its 10 science instruments to search for evidence about whether the Red Planet has had environments favorable for microbial life, including the chemical ingredients for life. The unique rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release the gasses so that its spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth.
While many Kennedy personnel were busy launching spacecraft and rockets in 2011, others were working on preparing to launch new spacecraft and rockets in the future. And with those new launch systems, new jobs will come to the Space Coast. On Sept. 14, NASA announced it had selected the design of a new Space Launch System (SLS) heavy-lift rocket that will send the agency's astronauts farther into space than ever before, such as asteroids and Mars, and provide the cornerstone for America's future human space exploration efforts. The SLS with NASA's new Orion spacecraft, which already is under development, on top is set to lift off from Kennedy's Launch Pad 39B in 2017.
Deconstruction of pad 39B from being a space shuttle pad was completed in August, and now is being prepared for SLS and Orion and possibly commercial rockets and spacecraft. As part of that, a new comprehensive weather instrumentation system was installed there in April providing up-to-the-second and extremely accurate measurements at several locations and altitudes. The improvements are expected to produce increasingly detailed launch criteria that could lead to more on-time liftoffs for a variety of rockets in the future.
SLS and Orion programs plan to use NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) to help start their voyages into deep space. Initial construction of the 355-foot-tall launch tower was completed in 2010. A year later, teams used a crawler-transporter to move the ML to Launch Pad 39B for two weeks of engineering tests in November. The data will help with the ML modifications needed to support the SLS and Orion.
As NASA's deep space human exploration program was taking shape in 2011, the parallel path of using commercial companies to bring cargo and then astronauts to the International Space Station also started picking up steam. NASA's new Commercial Crew Program (CCP) hit the ground running this year with the goal of assisting in the development of a United States-led commercial space system aiming to launch astronauts to the station and other future low Earth orbit destinations by about the middle of the decade. CCP is primarily based at Kennedy, which is a first for the center in NASA's human spaceflight programs.
CCP has had a busy inaugural year. In April, NASA awarded approximately $270 million to four commercial companies to continue development of commercial rockets and spacecraft in the second phase of its Commercial Crew Development effort, known as CCDev2.
Also during the course of the year, CCP signed unfunded Space Act Agreements with three other companies under CCDev2. NASA will review and provide expert feedback to those companies on overall concepts and designs, systems requirements, launch vehicle compatibility, testing and integration plans, and operational and facilities plans.
In the last several years leading up to the Space Shuttle Program's retirement, Kennedy management has emphasized that partnering is the key to the center's future. In 2011, Kennedy's Center Planning and Development Office was involved in discussions on about 80 agreements, many of which are partnerships with commercial companies. For example, in July, NASA and Sierra Nevada Corp., a CCDev2 company, entered into a Space Act Agreement that will offer the company technical capabilities from Kennedy's uniquely skilled work force. In August, a non-reimbursable umbrella agreement was signed between NASA and K.T. Engineering that aims to help the agency acquire the knowledge necessary to develop a multi-user ground system architecture for launching nontraditional, low-cost vehicles. And in October, NASA announced a partnership with Space Florida to occupy, use and modify Kennedy's Orbiter Processing Facility-3 (OPF-3), the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility and Processing Control Center. Space Florida, the aerospace economic development agency of the state of Florida, is leasing OPF-3 to The Boeing Company to manufacture and test the company's Crew Space Transportation (CST-100) spacecraft. In addition, Boeing, which also is a CCDev2 company, announced it is basing its Commercial Crew Program headquarters at Kennedy.
Even with U.S. construction of the International Space Station complete, support for the orbiting facility from Kennedy received a boost on Sept. 9. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) was awarded management of the portion of the station that is operated as a U.S. national laboratory. CASIS will base its efforts at the Space Life Sciences Laboratory at Kennedy and help ensure the station's unique capabilities are made available to the broadest possible cross-section of U.S. scientific, technological and industrial communities.
In August, Kennedy formed the Ground Processing Directorate to support operations management, as well as strategies and techniques to launch a variety of rockets and spacecraft from Kennedy in the future. Ground Processing represents Kennedy's efforts to become less program-centric and more capability-centric to provide technical services to diverse government and non-government customers.
Cooperation and partnerships were key themes discussed on Oct. 19 when Florida Gov. Rick Scott, Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll and cabinet members toured Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building, where final assembly of NASA's Orion spacecraft will take place. Gov. Scott expressed a desire to find new projects and initiatives in the coming years in which Florida and NASA could work together.
Kennedy also continued expanding its green efforts in 2011. In January, the center unveiled its newest environmentally friendly building, the Propellants North Administrative and Maintenance Facility. Propellants North qualified for the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, Platinum status, which is the highest of green building certifications. As expected, throughout the year the facility produced more of its own energy that it used.
In November, Kennedy also hosted the third forum in the LAUNCH initiative, which is designed to identify and support innovative work that will contribute to a sustainable future. Like the two previous forums, which also were held at Kennedy, NASA along with the other founder partners, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. State Department and Nike, brought experts together to focus on a sustainability topic. In this year's case, it was "energy."
On May 5, more than 200 workers from the original Mercury Program joined NASA senior management on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for a re-creation of Alan Shepard's flight and recovery to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first U.S. manned spaceflight.
And in the summer of 2012, NASA's Kennedy Space Center will celebrate its own 50th anniversary. As the United States begins this new approach to human spaceflight, using commercial and government methods of exploring space, Kennedy aims to continue to play an integral role in NASA's and America's scientific research and discoveries for the next half century and beyond.
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center and the missions and programs it supports, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Dec. 16, 2011
FOURTH STATUS REPORT ON COMMERCIAL PARTNERS PROGRESS RELEASED
WASHINGTON -- NASA released the fourth in a series of 60-day reports today showing that commercial spaceflight development programs are moving forward. The agency's U.S. industry partners continue to make progress in developing a transportation system to ferry cargo and U.S. astronauts to the International Space Station. The development of industry systems will allow NASA to concentrate its resources on deep space exploration.
The latest status report highlights the progress and accomplishments for the agency's commercial spaceflight development efforts. The bi-monthly report is targeted toward non-technical stakeholders and the American public, to inform them of NASA's achievements in maintaining spaceflight leadership.
NASA's Commercial Spaceflight Development programs are investing financial and technical resources to stimulate efforts within the private sector to develop and demonstrate safe, reliable, and cost-effective space transportation capabilities.
NASA TAKES NEXT STEP IN DEVELOPING COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM
Competitive Agreements Will Keep U.S. Commercial Space Program on Track
WASHINGTON -- NASA announced today a modified competitive procurement strategy to keep on track the agency's plan to have U.S. companies transport American astronauts into space instead of outsourcing this work to foreign governments.
Instead of awarding contracts for the next phase of the Commercial Crew Program, the agency plans to use multiple, competitively awarded Space Act Agreements. Using competitive Space Act Agreements instead of contracts will allow NASA to maintain a larger number of partners during this phase of the program, with the flexibility to adjust technical direction, milestones and funding.
This flexibility is important during a period of high budget uncertainty when NASA is receiving less funding than President Obama requested for the agency's commercial space program.
"NASA is committed to ensuring that U.S. companies are sending American astronauts into space," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "This new acquisition strategy will allow us to preserve competition as we maintain our momentum to provide a U.S.-based commercial crew launch capability at the earliest possible time."
This competitive Space Act solicitation is separate from the work being carried out under existing Space Act Agreements. The new competition will focus on an overall system design rather than single technology activities. Details on the new competition will be available in January.
The announcement for proposals is expected in the first quarter of
2012. These competitively awarded Space Acts will be followed by a competitively awarded contract for the certification phase. The certification phase will ensure that the designs fully meet the safety and performance requirements for NASA utilization.
NASA ANNOUNCES LAUNCH DATE AND MILESTONES FOR SPACEX FLIGHT
WASHINGTON -- NASA has announced the launch target for Space Exploration Technologies' (SpaceX) second Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) demonstration flight will be Feb. 7, 2012. Pending completion of final safety reviews, testing and verification, NASA also has agreed to allow SpaceX to send its Dragon spacecraft to rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS) in a single flight.
"SpaceX has made incredible progress over the last several months preparing Dragon for its mission to the space station," said William Gerstenmaier, NASA's associate administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. "We look forward to a successful mission, which will open up a new era in commercial cargo delivery for this international orbiting laboratory."
Gerstenmaier said, "There is still a significant amount of critical work to be completed before launch, but the teams have a sound plan to complete it and are prepared for unexpected challenges. As with all launches, we will adjust the launch date as needed to gain sufficient understanding of test and analysis results to ensure safety and mission success."
During the flight, Dragon will conduct a series of check-out procedures that will test and prove its systems in advance of the rendezvous with the station. The primary objectives for the flight include a fly-by of the space station at a distance of approximately two miles to validate the operation of sensors and flight systems necessary for a safe rendezvous and approach. The spacecraft also will demonstrate the capability to abort the rendezvous, if required.
Dragon will perform the final approach to the ISS while the station crew grapples the vehicle with the station's robotic arm. The capsule will be berthed to the Earth-facing side of the Harmony node. At the end of the mission, the crew will reverse the process, detaching Dragon from the station for its return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific off the coast of California. If the rendezvous and attachment to the station are not successful, SpaceX will complete a third demonstration flight in order to achieve these objectives as originally planned.
"SpaceX is on the forefront of demonstrating how a partnership between the government and private industry can lead to new capabilities and provide a large return on investment," said Alan Lindenmoyer, program manager for COTS at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
"SpaceX is excited to be the first commercial company in history to berth with the International Space Station. This mission will mark a historic milestone in the future of spaceflight," said SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell. "We appreciate NASA's continued support and their partnership in this process."
Begun in 2006, NASA's COTS program is investing financial and technical resources to stimulate efforts within the private sector to develop and demonstrate safe, reliable and cost-effective space transportation capabilities. In a multiphase strategy, the program is spurring the innovation and development of new spacecraft and launch vehicles from commercial industry, creating a new system of delivering cargo to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station.
Through Space Act Agreements, SpaceX will receive up to $396 million and Orbital Sciences Corp., NASA's other COTS partner, will receive up to $288 million for the successful completion of all milestones in the agreements. To date, SpaceX has received $376 million for completing 36 out of 40 milestones and Orbital has received $261.5 million for completing 23 out of 29 milestones.
For more information on SpaceX or the Dragon spacecraft, visit: www. spacex. com
November 26, 2011
Curiosity - The Next Mars Rover
This artist concept features NASA's Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover, a mobile robot for investigating Mars' past or present ability to sustain microbial live. In this picture, the rover examines a rock on Mars with a set of tools at the end of the rover's arm, which extends about 2 meters (7 feet). Two instruments on the arm can study rocks up close. Also, a drill can collect sample material from inside of rocks and a scoop can pick up samples of soil. The arm can sieve the samples and deliver fine powder to instruments inside the rover for thorough analysis.
The mast, or rover's "head," rises about 2.1 meters (6.9 feet) above ground level, about as tall as a basketball player. This mast supports two remote-sensing instruments: the Mast Camera, or "eyes," for stereo color viewing of surrounding terrain and material collected by the arm: and, the ChemCam Instrument, which is a laser that vaporizes material from rocks up to about 9 meters (30 feet) away and determines what elements the rocks are made of.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, manages the Mars Science Laboratory Project for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Washington.
NASA LAUNCHES MOST CAPABLE AND ROBUST ROVER TO EXPLORE MARS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA began a historic voyage to Mars with the Nov. 26 launch of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), which carries a car-sized rover named Curiosity. Liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard an Atlas V rocket occurred at 10:02 a. m. EST.
"We are very excited about sending the world's most advanced scientific laboratory to Mars," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "MSL will tell us critical things we need to know about Mars, and while it advances science, we'll be working on the capabilities for a human mission to the Red Planet and to other destinations where we've never been."
The mission will pioneer precision landing technology and a sky-crane touchdown to place Curiosity near the foot of a mountain inside Gale Crater on Aug. 6, 2012. During a nearly two-year prime mission after landing, the rover will investigate whether the region has ever offered conditions favorable for microbial life, including the chemical ingredients for life.
"The launch vehicle has given us a great injection into our trajectory, and we're on our way to Mars," said MSL Project Manager Peter Theisinger of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif. "The spacecraft is in communication, thermally stable and power positive."
The Atlas V initially lofted the spacecraft into Earth orbit and then, with a second burst from the vehicle's upper stage, pushed it out of Earth orbit into a 352-million-mile (567-million-kilometer) journey to Mars.
"Our first trajectory correction maneuver will be in about two weeks," Theisinger said. "We'll do instrument checkouts in the next several weeks and continue with thorough preparations for the landing on Mars and operations on the surface."
Curiosity's ambitious science goals are among the mission's many differences from earlier Mars rovers. It will use a drill and scoop at the end of its robotic arm to gather soil and powdered samples of rock interiors, then sieve and parcel out these samples into analytical laboratory instruments inside the rover. Curiosity carries 10 science instruments with a total mass 15 times as large as the science-instrument payloads on the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity. Some of the tools are the first of their kind on Mars, such as a laser-firing instrument for checking rocks' elemental composition from a distance, and an X-ray diffraction instrument for definitive identification of minerals in powdered samples.
To haul and wield its science payload, Curiosity is twice as long and five times as heavy as Spirit or Opportunity. Because of its one-ton mass, Curiosity is too heavy to employ airbags to cushion its landing as previous Mars rovers could. Part of the MSL spacecraft is a rocket-powered descent stage that will lower the rover on tethers as the rocket engines control the speed of descent.
The mission's landing site offers Curiosity access for driving to layers of the mountain inside Gale Crater. Observations from orbit have identified clay and sulfate minerals in the lower layers, indicating a wet history.
Precision landing maneuvers as the spacecraft flies through the Martian atmosphere before opening its parachute make Gale a safe target for the first time. This innovation shrinks the target area to less than one-fourth the size of earlier Mars landing targets. Without it, rough terrain at the edges of Curiosity's target would make the site unacceptably hazardous.
The innovations for landing a heavier spacecraft with greater precision are steps in technology development for human Mars missions. In addition, Curiosity carries an instrument for monitoring the natural radiation environment on Mars, important information for designing human Mars missions that protect astronauts' health.
The mission is managed by JPL for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The rover was designed, developed and assembled at JPL. NASA's Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida managed the launch. NASA's Space Network provided space communication services for the launch vehicle. NASA's Deep Space Network will provide spacecraft acquisition and mission communication.
NASA ADMINISTRATOR TOURS COMPANY ASSISTING WITH MARS ROVER LAUNCH
Highlights Local Firm on Eve of Small Business Saturday
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden toured Kegman Inc. of Melbourne, Fla., one company that supplied technology and engineering support to the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover.
Bolden's tour of Kegman coincided with the Second Annual Small Business Saturday, a day to support the local small businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country.
"On Saturday, NASA will be launching our most sophisticated science laboratory to date, the Mars Science Laboratory, and the work of dozens of small businesses helped make this happen," Bolden said. "Even in a project as expansive and with dramatic long-range impact, small businesses like Kegman and nearly two dozen other small businesses around the nation are playing a large role."
Kegman Inc. is an economically disadvantaged, woman-owned, veteran-owned small business. It monitors and analyzes the wind impact during launch preparations.
The data is used by the mission's weather officer to determine whether conditions are right to launch the Curiosity rover. The $2.5 billion laboratory will study past and present potentially habitable environments on Mars after it lands on the planet in August 2012.
NASA officials estimate more than 40 American companies, universities and organizations with over 5,000 workers in 31 states and nine countries contributed to the development and construction of Curiosity. Of those companies, at least two dozen are small businesses.
"Curiosity's mission is to get Mars to give up its secrets," Bolden said. "But we can't get Mars to talk without the contributions of companies like Kegman who contribute technology, innovation, component parts and know-how to the project."
For more information about the Mars Science Laboratory launch and mission, visit: www.nasa.gov/msl
NASA INVITES PUBLIC TO LEARN AND SEE SCIENTISTS IN ACTION ONLINE
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space enthusiasts are invited to view and participate in interactive webcasts starting this Wednesday through Saturday featuring a variety of NASA officials, scientists, engineers and educators discussing their work and aspirations about the agency's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover mission.
The webcasts, originating from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla., are scheduled to begin at noon to 5 p.m. EST, Wednesday, Nov. 23; 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25; 8:30 a.m. to launch and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26.
MSL is scheduled to lift off at 10:02 a.m. on Nov. 26 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
The webcasts are part of a NASA partnership with the National Institute of Aerospace, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS), and the Virginia Air and Space Center that is hosting the live, interactive Web-based broadcasts from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The webcasts complement the "Year of the Solar System" supported by NASA's Planetary Science Division, Washington, and the "Scientists in Action" distance-learning program at DMNS. The goal of the webcasts is to bring students and the general public together directly with scientists and engineers passionate about their scientific missions in a real-time, engaging way.
For information of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, visit: www.nasa.gov/msl
Nov. 21, 2011
NASA UPDATES PRELAUNCH EVENTS FOR MARS SCIENCE LAB MISSION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- MSL is scheduled to liftoff at 10:02 a.m. EST on Nov. 26 from Space Launch Complex 41 at nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS).
NASA Television's countdown launch commentary begins at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 26. That also is when a NASA blog will begin providing countdown updates. Originating from CCAFS Hangar AE, the blog is the definitive Internet source for information leading up to liftoff.
The Curiosity rover has 10 science instruments to search for evidence about whether Mars had environments favorable for microbial life, including the chemical ingredients for life. The rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release their gasses so its spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth.
Free wireless Internet access currently is not available at Kennedy's press site. Media representatives must bring their own equipment for wireless connectivity.
For NASA TV streaming video, scheduling and downlink information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For the latest information on NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, visit: www.nasa.gov/msl
Nov. 19, 2011
NASA'S MARS SCIENCE LABORATORY LAUNCH RESCHEDULED FOR NOV. 26
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V carrying NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) is being delayed one day to allow time for the team to remove and replace a flight termination system battery.
The launch is rescheduled for Saturday, Nov. 26 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The one hour and 43 minute launch window opens at 10:02 a.m. EST.
The rollout of MSL on the Atlas V to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-41 now will be on Friday, Nov. 25.
The Monday, Nov. 21 schedule of prelaunch tours and media briefing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center will remain unchanged. The rest of the week's briefings and events are being reevaluated, and a new prelaunch schedule will be issued on Monday.
The MSL Curiosity rover has 10 science instruments to search for evidence Mars had environments favorable for microbial life, including the chemical ingredients for life. The unique rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release their gasses so its spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth.
For the latest information on NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/msl
Nov. 18, 2011
NASA ANNOUNCES PRELAUNCH EVENTS FOR MARS SCIENCE LAB MISSION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- MSL is scheduled to lift off at 10:25 a.m. EST on Nov. 25 from Space Launch Complex 41 at nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
NASA Television's countdown launch commentary begins at 8 a.m. on Nov.
25. That also is when a NASA blog will begin providing countdown updates. Originating from the Air Force station's Hangar AE, the blog is the definitive Internet source for information leading up to liftoff.
The Curiosity rover has 10 science instruments to search for evidence Mars had environments favorable for microbial life, including the chemical ingredients for life. The unique rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release their gasses so its spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth.
For NASA TV streaming video, scheduling and downlink information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For the latest information on NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, visit: www.nasa.gov/msl
Nov. 8, 2011
NASA PROPOSES ORION SPACECRAFT TEST FLIGHT IN 2014
Agency Moves to Implement Deep Space Exploration Plan
WASHINGTON -- NASA plans to add an unmanned flight test of the Orion spacecraft in early 2014 to its contract with Lockheed Martin Space Systems for the multi-purpose crew vehicle's design, development, test and evaluation. This test supports the new Space Launch System (SLS) that will take astronauts farther into space than ever before, create U. S. jobs, and provide the cornerstone for America's future human spaceflight efforts.
"President Obama and Congress have laid out an ambitious space exploration plan, and NASA is moving out quickly to implement it," NASA Associate Administrator for Communications David Weaver said. "This flight test will provide invaluable data to support the deep space exploration missions this nation is embarking upon."
This Exploration Flight Test, or EFT-1, will fly two orbits to a high-apogee, with a high-energy re-entry through Earth's atmosphere. Orion will make a water landing and be recovered using operations planned for future human exploration missions. The test mission will be launched from Cape Canaveral, Fla., to acquire critical re-entry flight performance data and demonstrate early integration capabilities that benefit the Orion, SLS, and 21st Century Ground Systems programs. The agency has posted a synopsis explaining its intention on NASA's procurement website.
"The entry part of the test will produce data needed to develop a spacecraft capable of surviving speeds greater than 20,000 mph and safely return astronauts from beyond Earth orbit," Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier said. "This test is very important to the detailed design process in terms of the data we expect to receive."
NASA also intends to release several competitive solicitations to industry in the near future. One solicitation will request proposals for the design, development, test and evaluation of a new advanced liquid or solid booster capability for the SLS. Another future contract NASA intends to compete will be for the development of spacecraft, and payload adaptors and fairings for crew and cargo missions. The competition and award dates for these will be determined as missions are identified.
NASA is developing the Orion spacecraft to launch astronauts to asteroids, the moon, Mars and other destinations atop SLS, the agency's new heavy launch vehicle. An early orbital flight test such as EFT-1 will provide data needed to influence design decisions and serve as a pathfinder to validate innovative new approaches to space systems development. The goal is to reduce the cost and schedule risks of exploration missions.
NASA SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH SPACE FLORIDA TO REUSE KENNEDY FACILITIES
Boeing to Build Commercial Spacecraft at Kennedy, Create 550 Jobs
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In an innovative agreement that will create new jobs, NASA today announced a partnership with Space Florida to exclusively occupy, use and modify Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-3, the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility and Processing Control Center.
"The next era of space exploration won't wait, and so we can't wait for Congress to do its job and give our space program the funding it needs. That's why my Administration will be pressing forward, in partnership with Space Florida and the private sector, to create jobs and make sure America continues to lead the world in exploration and discovery," President Barack Obama said.
Space Florida, the aerospace economic development agency of the state of Florida, is leasing the Orbiter Processing Facility-3 to the Boeing Company to manufacture and test the company's Crew Space Transportation (CST-100) spacecraft, creating up to 550 jobs along the Space Coast. The 15-year use permit deal is the latest step Kennedy is making as the center transitions from a historically government-only launch complex to a multi-user spaceport.
"Neither NASA nor the Space Coast can afford to stand still. We must be aggressive in pursuing this next generation of space exploration -- and the jobs and innovation that will accompany it," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said.
"Kennedy continues working to bring new commercial space activities to the center," said Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana. "Partnering with Space Florida to enable commercial space operations at Kennedy will help NASA maintain facilities and assets while supporting our nation's space objectives and expanding opportunities for the U. S. economy."
In addition to the agreement Boeing is signing with Space Florida to reuse existing KSC facilities, the aerospace company announced it is locating it Commercial Crew Program headquarters at the center.
"We are extremely pleased that Boeing will locate its commercial crew headquarters here in Florida," said Frank DiBello, president of Space Florida. "This positions our state well for future growth and a leadership role in NASA's next-generation human space exploration initiatives. It is also a key factor in ensuring Florida's space-related economy continues to thrive."
The goal of NASA's Commercial Crew Program is to facilitate the development of a U. S. commercial crew space transportation capability by achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the International Space Station and future low Earth orbit destinations.
"We selected Florida for the commercial crew headquarters because of its close proximity to not only our NASA customer at Kennedy Space Center, but also because of outstanding facilities and an experienced space workforce," said John Elbon, vice president and program manager of Boeing's Commercial Crew Programs.
Boeing is developing the CST-100, a reusable capsule-shaped spacecraft that will consist of a crew module and service module for transporting up to seven people, or a combination of people and cargo to space.
NASA TO ANNOUNCE NEW AGREEMENT FOR KENNEDY FACILITIES MONDAY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- There will be a major announcement of a new partnership between NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and an outside organization that open NASA's facilities to U. S. commercial space launch service providers, create jobs and help American companies regain leadership in the global space economy. The announcement will take place on Monday, Oct. 31, at 10 a. m. EDT at NASA Kennedy's Orbiter Processing Facility-3 and will be carried live on NASA television.
The new partnership was developed following a Notice of Availability NASA issued in January. The notice was used to identify interest from industry for space processing and support facilities at Kennedy. These facilities have become available for space-related commercial use following the end of the Space Shuttle Program.
Audio of the teleconference also will be streamed over the Internet from NASA's website at: www.nasa.gov/newsaudio
For NASA TV downlink information, Video File schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
NASA LAUNCHES MULTI-TALENTED EARTH-OBSERVING SATELLITE
WASHINGTON -- NASA's newest Earth-observing satellite soared into space early today aboard a Delta II rocket after liftoff at 5:48 a. m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project, or NPP, successfully separated from the Delta II 58 minutes after launch, and the first signal was acquired by the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System. NPP's solar array deployed 67 minutes after launch to provide the satellite with electrical power. NPP is on course to reach its sun-synchronous polar orbit 512 miles (824 km) above Earth.
"NPP is critical to our understanding of Earth's processes and changes," said NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver. "Its impact will be global and builds on 40 years of work to understand our complex planet from space. NPP is part of an extremely strong slate of current and future innovative NASA science missions that will help us win the future as we make new discoveries."
NPP carries five science instruments, including four new state-of-the-art sensors, which will provide critical data to help scientists understand the dynamics of long-term climate patterns and help meteorologists improve short-term weather forecasts. The mission will extend more than 30 key long-term datasets NASA has been tracking, including measurements of the ozone layer, land cover, and ice cover.
NPP serves as a bridge mission between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) of satellites and the next-generation Joint Polar Satellite System, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) program that will also collect weather and climate data.
Scientists will use NPP data to extend and improve upon EOS data records. These satellites have provided critical insights into the dynamics of the entire Earth system, including clouds, oceans, vegetation, ice, solid Earth and atmosphere. NPP will allow scientists to extend the continuous satellite record needed to detect and quantify global environmental changes.
"The measurements from NPP will benefit science and society for many years to come," said Michael Freilich, director of NASA's Earth Science Division. "NPP will help improve weather forecasts, enable unique scientific insights, and allow more accurate global environmental predictions. I'm confident that the strong partnerships forged in the NPP program between NASA and NOAA, industry, and the research and applications communities will ensure the success of the mission."
The satellite will be operated from the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility in Suitland, Md. NASA will operate NPP for the first three months after launch while the satellite and instrument are checked out. NPP operations will then be turned over to NOAA and the JPSS program for the remainder of the mission.
NPP data will be transmitted once every orbit to a ground station in Svalbard, Norway, and to direct broadcast receivers around the world. The data will be sent back to the United States via fiber optic cable to the NOAA Suitland facility. NPP data is then processed into data records that NASA and NOAA will make available through various data archives.
The Delta II launch vehicle that delivered NPP into orbit also deployed auxiliary payloads within 98 minutes after launch. The five small "CubeSat" research payloads are the third in a series of NASA Educational Launch of Nanosatellite missions, known as ELaNa missions.
The NPP mission is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., for the Earth Science Division of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The Joint Polar Satellite System program provides the NPP ground system. NOAA will provide operational support for the mission. Launch management is the responsibility of the NASA Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA RELEASES THIRD STATUS REPORT ON COMMERCIAL PARTNER PROGRESS
WASHINGTON -- NASA's industry partners continue to meet their established milestones in developing commercial crew transportation capabilities that will ferry U. S. astronauts to and from the International Space Station, reducing the amount of time America has to depend on Russia for launch services. NASA has outlined an ambitious program moving forward that relies on U. S. private industry to assume transportation of cargo and crew to the International Space Station, while the agency focuses on deep space exploration.
NASA has posted the third status report on its Commercial Crew Development 2 (CCDev2) program to the agency's Commercial Space Transportation website. The report highlights the progress and accomplishments for the agency's commercial spaceflight development efforts. The bi-monthly report is targeted toward non-technical stakeholders and the American public, to keep them informed of NASA's achievements in regaining human spaceflight leadership through American-made access to space.
"There is a lot happening in NASA's commercial crew and cargo programs and we want to make sure the public and our stakeholders are informed about the progress industry is making," said Phil McAlister, NASA's director of commercial spaceflight development. "It's exciting to see these spaceflight concepts move forward."
NASA's Commercial Crew Development program is investing financial and technical resources to stimulate efforts within the private sector to develop and demonstrate safe, reliable, and cost-effective space transportation capabilities.
ANNUAL NASA-SPONSORED BUSINESS EXPO SET FOR OCT. 18
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Business leaders interested in learning more about government contracting and what local and national vendors have to offer should attend the "Business Opportunities Expo 2011" on Oct. 18. The expo runs 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. in Cruise Terminal 4 at Port Canaveral, Fla. Admission is free and open to the public.
The annual trade show is sponsored by NASA Kennedy Space Center's Prime Contractor Board and the 45th Space Wing and Canaveral Port Authority. It will feature about 175 business and government exhibitors from across the nation and Brevard County.
Exhibitors will include vendors from a variety of product and service areas, such as engineering services, computer technology, communication equipment and services, construction capabilities, safety products, and many others. Representatives from the 45th Space Wing, Kennedy prime contractors, NASA and other agencies and organizations will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.
Scheduled to provide welcoming remarks during the opening ceremonies will be Joe Matheny, chairman, Port Commission, Canaveral Port Authority; Col. Rory Welch, vice commander, 45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base; Kelvin Manning, associate director for Business Operations, Kennedy Space Center; Patrick Gavin, director of community relations, Office of Congressman Posey; and Glenn Delgado, associate administrator, Office of Small Business Programs, NASA Headquarters. Also speaking will be Larry Third, small business specialist at Kennedy, who will recognize the contractor-of-the-year award winners.
NASA's Central Industry Assistance Office provides support to small businesses that want to do business at Kennedy. This office works with the NASA Kennedy Prime Contractor Board, which consists of many of the center's prime contractors to help small businesses learn how to navigate in the world of government contracting. By co-sponsoring the expo, the board helps provide a one-stop shop for buyers and sellers.
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Oct. 13, 2011
NPP SATELLITE READY FOR LAUNCH OCT. 27
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The launch of the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 27. Liftoff from NASA's Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), Calif., is targeted during a nine-minute, 10 second launch window that opens at 2:48:01 a. m. PDT (5:48:01 a. m. EDT). The spacecraft's final circular polar orbit will be 512 miles (824 kilometers) at an inclination of 98 degrees.
NPP, a NASA Earth-observing satellite, represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of U. S. polar-orbiting climate and weather monitoring spacecraft. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions.
The second of NASA's Educational Launch of Nanosatellite, or ELaNa, missions also will be launched on the Delta II. These auxiliary payloads are small satellites called CubeSats. Each is designed and created by university and college students. Five satellites will be deployed on ELaNa-2.
Oct. 11, 2011
NASA ADMINISTRATOR VISITS THE KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden met with Space Coast community leaders, Kennedy Space Center employees and news media representatives during a Tuesday visit to Florida. He outlined recent steps the agency has taken toward missions to deep space and Florida's critical role in future exploration.
"As our nation looks for ways to compete and win in the 21st century, NASA continues to be an engine of job growth and economic opportunity," Bolden said. "From California to Florida, the space industry is strong and growing. The next generation of explorers will not fly a space shuttle, but they may be able to walk on Mars. And those journeys are starting at the Kennedy Space Center today."
Bolden met with several hundred Space Coast community leaders, business executives, educators, community organizers, and state and local government representatives to discuss their partnership with NASA to keep America the world leader in space exploration. He discussed jobs related to the agency's new Orion multipurpose crew vehicle and other activities the agency is pursuing to develop new capabilities, including the placement of the Commercial Crew program office at Kennedy.
The administrator also talked with reporters while touring the agency's new mobile launcher for the Space Launch System (SLS), the heavy-lift rocket that will propel astronauts into deep space. He outlined NASA's plans to use the launcher from Kennedy's Launch Complex 39 to send astronauts in the Orion spacecraft to asteroids, the moon and other destinations in the solar system. The new 6.75 million-ton mobile launcher is a tangible step on the agency's path forward to launching deep space missions.
Bolden met with Kennedy's work force and thanked them for their commitment to the American space program. He answered questions from workers about NASA's future and Kennedy's important role in implementing the bi-partisan vision for exploration agreed to by President Obama and Congress one year ago.
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Oct. 4, 2011
NASA RECEIVES AWARD FOR KENNEDY CRAWLERWAY EVALUATION PROJECT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) presented the Florida Project of the Year award on Tuesday to the crawlerway system evaluation team at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The Cape Canaveral branch of the ASCE nominated the team for its project, the Crawlerway Evaluation to Support a Heavy-Lift Program. The crawlerway is a 130-foot-wide, specialty-built roadway between Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), where rockets and spacecraft are prepared for flight, and Launch Pad 39A and 39B.
The team's more than two-year evaluation confirmed the crawlerway system would be able to support the weight of moving the agency's future heavy-lift rockets and potential commercial vehicles from the VAB to the launch pads.
"Putting all of the different entities together has resulted in an outstanding product that the center and the program can stand firmly on," said Justin Junod, project manager for the team.
The award honors the team's outstanding engineering efforts in research, design, construction and management, recognizing the complexity of multi-agency coordination and cost-effective engineering advances. For more information on the American Society of Civil Engineers, visit: http://www.asce.org
NASA AND EDC RENEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Kennedy Space Center and the Economic Development Commission (EDC) of Florida's Space Coast are formally renewing their economic development partnership. NASA and EDC managers signed a new five-year Space Act Agreement on Monday at Kennedy that outlines economic development cooperation aimed at supporting NASA's current and future missions.
"The Kennedy Space Center appreciates our relationship with the EDC of Florida's Space Coast and looks forward to continuing our strong partnership with this agreement," said Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana. "It's the people of the Space Coast that have made Kennedy a success over the decades, and it's our hope that working with the EDC and other partners will help us and the surrounding communities continue to be successful."
The agreement calls for NASA and EDC senior leadership to meet regularly to discuss economic development matters of mutual interest. Managers from Kennedy's Center Planning and Development Office will work with the EDC on potential business partnerships and meet with business leaders and committees to address space-related and high-tech economic development. They will also collaborate with the EDC on industry recruitment initiatives seeking targeted space-related and high-tech companies and on targeted industry outreach activities, such as trade shows.
EDC officials will assist NASA with disseminating information about potential partnership opportunities and space-related and high-tech economic development, and increase awareness of Kennedy's Engineering and Technology Directorate collaboration initiatives. They also will promote the commercial use of underutilized facilities at Kennedy.
"The continuation of this agreement further enhances the partnership between the EDC and Kennedy Space Center," said Bob Whelen, Chairman of the Board for the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast. "This agreement reinforces our joint goal of maintaining and enhancing Brevard County's vigorous activity in support of the nation's preeminent gateway to space."
NASA and the EDC entered into their first economic cooperation agreement in 2005.
For information about the Economic Development Commission (EDC) of Florida's Space Coast, visit: www.spacecoastedc.org
For information about how to partner and do business with NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: http://kscpartnerships.ksc.nasa.gov
NASA MODIFIES LAUNCH SERVICES CONTRACT TO ADD DELTA II ROCKET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA announced the modification of its NASA Launch Services (NLS) II contract with United Launch Services of Littleton, Colo., to add the Delta II rocket launch service in accordance with the contract's on-ramp provision. The modification will enable United Launch Services to offer as many as five Delta II rockets.
The NLS II contracts are multiple award, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contracts with ordering periods through June 2020. The NLS II on-ramp provision provides an opportunity annually for new launch service providers to compete for future missions and allows existing launch service providers to introduce launch vehicles not currently on their NLS II contracts.
The NLS II contracts provide for a minimum capability of delivering agency payloads weighing approximately 550 pounds or more to a minimum 124-mile-high circular orbit with a launch inclination of 28.5 degrees. The launch service providers also may offer a range of vehicles to NASA to meet higher payload mass and orbit requirements.
The NLS II contracts support the goals and objectives of the agency's Human Exploration and Operations and Science Mission Directorates. Under the contract, NASA also can provide launch services to other government agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Launch Services Program Office at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is responsible for program management. For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov.
Sept. 30, 2011
NASA AWARDS PROTECTIVE SERVICES CONTRACT AT KENNEDY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA selected Chenega Security & Support Solutions, LLC of Ashburn, Va., to provide protective services at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The new firm, fixed price contract begins Dec. 1 with a possible total performance period of four years, 10 months. Phase-in begins as soon as practicable. The maximum potential value of this contract is approximately $151.9 million. This new contract resulted from a competitive small business set-aside.
Chenega Security & Support Solutions, LLC will provide protective services at Kennedy including: physical security operations; personnel security; secure access, such as badging; 911 dispatch; firefighting, fire prevention and fire protection engineering; aircraft rescue and firefighting; advance life support ambulance services; emergency management and protective services training.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov.
Sept. 26, 2011
NASA AWARDS ARCHITECTURAL CONTRACT FOR BRIDGE WORK AT KENNEDY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has selected FIGG Bridge Engineers Inc. of Tallahassee, Fla., to provide architect engineer studies, designs and other professional services required for replacement bridges and rehabilitation of existing bridges at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
The new indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract begins Sept. 27, with a five-year base ordering period and potentially four, one-year options. The maximum potential value of this contract is $30 million.
FIGG Bridge Engineers will conduct a variety of field investigations and surveys, and prepare a number of reports and studies to support the project. The firm will develop complete design packages, detailed cost estimates, environmental permit applications, and environmental certificates of compliance. They also will provide planning studies, bridge modeling/renderings, permits, and contract documents for construction.
FIGG Bridge Engineers also will perform other professional and incidental services such as project management, construction management, and inspection services to support all phases of bridge work from design through construction. The company will provide designs with low environmental impact using sustainable materials.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
Sept. 26, 2011
NASA AWARDS ARCHITECTURAL CONTRACT FOR NEW COMPLEX AT KENNEDY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has selected Hunton Brady Architects, P.A. of Orlando, Fla., to provide design, engineering, and other professional services required to develop a Central Campus Complex at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Central Campus Complex involves consolidating multiple facilities through new construction, the progressive deconstruction of targeted facilities and the potential renovation of existing facilities.
The new indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract begins Sept. 27, with a five-year base ordering period and potentially five, one-year options. The maximum potential value of this contract is $25 million.
Hunton Brady Architects will provide project professional services, including conducting field investigations, topographical surveys, analysis of existing and planned work and support systems, preparing design packages, engineering studies and/or reports of recommended actions. The firm will develop complete design packages and provide studies, surveys, reports, environmental permit applications and environmental certificates of compliance.
Hunton Brady Architects also will perform other professional architectural and engineering services which include project management, construction management and inspection services, preparation of historical documentation, review of shop drawings and resolution of construction issues. The contract will create as-built drawings to support all phases of the work throughout design and construction.
The Central Campus Complex project will be designed to earn the U. S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) Silver status and strive for the highest achievable rating based on life cycle costs.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
Sept. 22, 2011
NASA 2012 LUNABOTICS COMPETITION OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
WASHINGTON -- NASA is accepting applications from teams of U. S. and international undergraduate and graduate students for the third annual Lunabotics Mining Competition. The event will be at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida May 21-26, 2012.
Participants in the competition will design and build a remote controlled or autonomous robot, which could be used for future exploration on the moon. During the competition, the teams' designs, known as lunabots, will go head-to-head to determine which one can excavate and deposit the most simulated lunar dirt within 10 minutes.
Students must submit applications, including a systems engineering paper and an educational outreach project, by Nov. 30. Registration is limited to one team for each university campus and 10 teams per country.
The competition is designed to engage and retain students in the science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, disciplines critical to NASA's missions.
NASA RELEASES COMMERCIAL CREW DRAFT RFP, ANNOUNCES CCDEV2 OPTIONAL MILESTONES
WASHINGTON -- NASA unveiled Monday an outline of its acquisition strategy to procure transportation services from private industry to carry U. S. astronauts to low Earth orbit and the International Space Station. The agency also announced the addition of optional milestones for the Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2) initiative.
"This is a significant step forward in America's amazing story of space exploration," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "It's further evidence we are committed to fully implementing our plan -- as laid out in the Authorization Act -- to outsource our space station transportation so NASA can focus its energy and resources on deep space exploration."
NASA's draft request for proposal (RFP) outlines a contract that will be awarded to multiple companies that provide a complete end-to-end design, including spacecraft, launch vehicles, launch services, ground and mission operations and recovery. The Integrated Design Contract (IDC) of up to $1.61 billion will run from July 2012 through April 2014.
"This IDC effort will bring us through the critical design phase to fully incorporate our human spaceflight safety requirements and NASA's International Space Station mission needs," said NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango. "We look forward to strong U. S. industry response."
Bolden also announced Monday at a speech to the Air Force Association's 2011 Air and Space Conference that NASA will fund optional milestones pre-negotiated as part of some of the original CCDev2 Space Act Agreements (SAA) to help accelerate development.
NASA amended Sierra Nevada Corp.' s SAA to include four optional milestones for a total of $25.6 million, bringing the potential value of Sierra Nevada's SAA to $105.6 million, if all milestones are completed successfully.
NASA also amended Boeing's SAA to include three optional milestones for a total of $20.6 million, bringing the potential value of Boeing's SAA to $112.9 million, if all milestones are reached.
"All four CCDev2 partners are performing very well and meeting their milestones," said Phil McAlister, director of NASA's Commercial Spaceflight Development. "These additional milestones were selected because they sufficiently accelerated the development of commercial crew transportation systems to justify additional NASA investment."
NASA PARTICIPATES IN SPACE FARM 7 MISSION AT THE ROCK RANCH, GA.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Educators from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., will travel to The Rock Ranch, Ga., on Sept. 24 to participate in the ranch's annual family fun day kickoff event.
The Rock Ranch was selected as a member of the Space Farm 7, a collaborative outreach project with NASA designed to celebrate the accomplishments of the U. S. space program through agri-tourism at seven farms throughout the nation.
The participating farms planted and designed NASA-themed corn mazes. The Rock Ranch design celebrates the 50th anniversary of human space exploration and features an astronaut image.
The kickoff event will include various educational activities, games, exhibits and a special appearance by an astronaut. The goal of the project is to educate children of all ages on NASA's space exploration efforts and achievements.
In addition to the Rock Ranch, the Space Farm 7 includes: Belvedere Plantation, Fredericksburg, Va. ; Cornbelly's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Fest, Lehi, Utah; Dell'Osso Family Farm, Lathrop, Calif. ; Dewberry Farm, Brookshire, Texas; Liberty Ridge Farm, Schaghticoke, N.Y. ; and Vala's Pumpkin Patch, Gretna, Neb.
NASA BEGINS COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIP WITH ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA and Alliant Techsystems (ATK) of Salt Lake City have agreed to collaborate on the development of the company's Liberty Launch System as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Development Round 2 activities.
The unfunded Space Act Agreement (SAA) through NASA's Commercial Crew Program will allow the agency and ATK to review and discuss Liberty system requirements, safety and certification plans, computational models of rocket stage performance, and avionics architecture designs. The agreement outlines key milestones including an Initial System Design review, during which ATK will present to NASA officials the Liberty systems level requirements, preliminary design, and certification process development.
"This agreement will provide the opportunity to look at the Liberty system to understand its design solution and risks, its capabilities and how it could be used to fly our NASA crew," said Ed Mango, NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager. The program is based at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA will provide feedback to ATK based on its human spaceflight experience for advancing crew transportation system capabilities and the agency's draft human certification requirements.
"With this SAA we believe NASA will benefit from gaining insight into the various systems we are developing, and we can benefit from the feedback," said Kent Rominger, vice president, strategy and business development for ATK Aerospace. "In the end, we hope to offer a commercial solution to NASA, the Department of Defense, and other commercial human spaceflight programs."
Sept. 10, 2011 NASA's Kennedy Space Center - Facebook
We're launching rockets here! Did you see GRAIL lift off on a Delta II this morning? Watch the launch footage on YouTube: GRAIL Launch -- www.youtube.com
NASA's Twin GRAIL spacecraft lift off at 9:08 a.m. EDT on Saturday, September 10, 2011, on a mission to explore the moon in unprecedented detail.
Sept. 10, 2011
NASA LAUNCHES MISSION TO STUDY MOON FROM CRUST TO CORE
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's twin lunar Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 9:08 a. m. EDT Saturday to study the moon in unprecedented detail.
GRAIL-A is scheduled to reach the moon on New Year's Eve 2011, while GRAIL-B will arrive New Year's Day 2012. The two solar-powered spacecraft will fly in tandem orbits around the moon to measure its gravity field. GRAIL will answer longstanding questions about the moon and give scientists a better understanding of how Earth and other rocky planets in the solar system formed.
"If there was ever any doubt that Florida's Space Coast would continue to be open for business, that thought was drowned out by the roar of today's GRAIL launch," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "GRAIL and many other exciting upcoming missions make clear that NASA is taking its next big leap into deep space exploration, and the space industry continues to provide the jobs and workers needed to support this critical effort."
The spacecraft were launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. GRAIL mission controllers acquired a signal from GRAIL-A at 10:29 a. m. GRAIL-B's signal was eight minutes later. The telemetry downlinked from both spacecraft indicates they have deployed their solar panels and are operating as expected.
"Our GRAIL twins have Earth in their rearview mirrors and the moon in their sights," said David Lehman, GRAIL project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif. "The mission team is ready to test, analyze and fine-tune our spacecraft over the next three-and-a-half months on our journey to lunar orbit."
The straight-line distance from Earth to the moon is approximately 250,000 miles (402,336 kilometers). NASA's Apollo moon crews needed approximately three days to cover that distance. However, each spacecraft will take approximately 3.5 months and cover more than 2.5 million miles (4 million kilometers) to arrive. This low-energy trajectory results in the longer travel time. The size of the launch vehicle allows more time for spacecraft checkout and time to update plans for lunar operations. The science collection phase for GRAIL is expected to last 82 days.
"Since the earliest humans looked skyward, they have been fascinated by the moon," said GRAIL principal investigator Maria Zuber from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. "GRAIL will take lunar exploration to a new level, providing an unprecedented characterization of the moon's interior that will advance understanding of how the moon formed and evolved."
JPL manages the GRAIL mission. It is part of the Discovery Program managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver built the spacecraft. Launch management for the mission is the responsibility of NASA's Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA and Alliant Techsystems (ATK) managers will announce an agreement that could accelerate the availability of U. S. commercial crew transportation capabilities at 3 p. m. EDT on Tuesday, Sept. 13. The announcement will occur at the Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The announcement participants are: -- Ed Mango, Commercial Crew Program manager, NASA -- Kent Rominger, vice president, Strategy and Business Development, ATK Aerospace -- John Schumacher, vice president, Space Programs, EADS North America
For NASA TV downlink information, Video File schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
NASA NAMES CASIS TO MANAGE SPACE STATION NATIONAL LAB RESEARCH
WASHINGTON -- NASA has finalized a cooperative agreement with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) to manage the portion of the International Space Station that operates as a U. S. national laboratory.
CASIS will be located in the Space Life Sciences Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The independent, nonprofit research management organization will help ensure the station's unique capabilities are available to the broadest possible cross section of U. S. scientific, technological and industrial communities.
"The station is the centerpiece of our human spaceflight activities for the coming years," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "This cooperative agreement allows us to expand the station's use and achieve its fullest potential so we can reach destinations farther in the solar system and improve life on Earth. CASIS will help NASA make the station available to a diverse national market that will use this unprecedented resource in innovative ways."
CASIS will develop and manage a varied research and development portfolio based on U. S. national needs for basic and applied research; establish a marketplace to facilitate matching research pathways with qualified funding sources; and stimulate interest in using the national lab for research and technology demonstrations and as a platform for science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. The goal is to support, promote and accelerate innovations and new discoveries in science, engineering and technology that will improve life on Earth.
NASA issued a cooperative agreement notice on Feb. 14 to seek a management partner for the portion of the station that was designated a national laboratory in 2005. The NASA Authorization Act of 2010, which extended station operations until at least 2020, also directed the agency to establish this organization. NASA began negotiations with CASIS on July 13. The cooperative agreement initially will have a value of up to $15 million per year.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex are hosting the annual NASA family education night Sept. 10 from 5 to 9 p. m. EDT at the U. S. Astronaut Hall of Fame near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, will focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, educational activities that will feature "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles.
The back-to-school event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Obama in 2009.
NASA INVITES 150 LUCKY TWITTER FOLLOWERS TO LAUNCH OF LUNAR SPACECRAFT
WASHINGTON -- NASA has invited 150 followers of the agency's Twitter account to a two-day launch Tweetup Sept. 7-8. The Tweetup is expected to culminate in the launch of the twin lunar-bound GRAIL spacecraft aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
The launch is targeted for 8:37 a. m. EDT on Sept. 8. The two GRAIL spacecraft will fly in tandem orbits around the moon for several months to measure its gravity field in unprecedented detail from crust to core. The mission also will answer longstanding questions about the moon and provide scientists with a better understanding of how Earth and other rocky planets in the solar system formed.
Tweetup participants were selected from more than 800 people who registered online. They will share their Tweetup experiences with their followers through the social networking site Twitter.
Participants represent the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Indonesia, Spain and the United Kingdom. Attendees from the U. S. come from 32 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
Beginning at 3 p. m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, NASA will broadcast a portion of the Tweetup when attendees talk with NASA Administrator Charles Bolden; Jim Adams, deputy director of planetary science at NASA Headquarters in Washington; Maria Zuber, GRAIL principal investigator at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge; Sami Asmar, GRAIL deputy project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. ; and Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and Frederick P. Rose Director at the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium in New York. To watch the broadcast, visit: www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-tweetup
Participants also will tour NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, including a close-up visit to the launch pad.
Reporters interested in interviewing Tweetup attendees should contact Stephanie Schierholz at 202-358-1100 or stephanie. schierholz@nasa.gov. Reporters interested in covering the afternoon program Sept. 7 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex must secure access through Andrea Farmer by 5 p. m. Sept. 6 at 321-449-4318 or afarmer@dncinc.com.
Previously, NASA invited groups to attend the launch of the Juno spacecraft on its way to Jupiter and to five space shuttle launches: Atlantis' STS-129, STS-132 and STS-135 missions, Discovery's STS-133 mission, and Endeavour's STS-134 mission.
To follow participants on Twitter as they experience the prelaunch events and GRAIL's liftoff, follow the #NASATweetup hashtag and the list of attendees at: www.twitter.com/nasatweetup/grail-launch
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., manages the mission. For more information about GRAIL, visit: www.nasa.gov/grail
To connect with NASA on Twitter and other social networking sites, visit: www.nasa.gov/connect
Aug. 23, 2011
GRAIL/DELTA II LAUNCH EVENTS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's GRAIL spacecraft is set to launch to the moon aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket on Sept. 8, 2011, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. There are two instantaneous (one second) launch windows at 8:37:06 a. m. and 9:16:12 a. m. EDT. The launch period extends through Oct. 19. The launch times occur approximately four minutes earlier each day.
GRAIL's primary science objectives are to determine the structure of the lunar interior, from crust to core, and to advance understanding of the thermal evolution of the moon.
NASA Television Coverage
NASA Television will carry the GRAIL prelaunch news conference beginning at 1 p. m. on Sept. 6 and the GRAIL mission science briefing on Sept. 7 at 10 a. m.
On Sept. 8, NASA Television coverage of the launch will begin at 6 a. m. and conclude after spacecraft separation from the Delta II has occurred 58 minutes, 45 seconds after launch. Live launch coverage will be carried on all NASA Television channels and on the agency's website.
A post-launch news conference will be held at Kennedy's Press Site at a time to be determined after launch. A post-launch news release also will be issued as soon as the state of health of GRAIL can be determined. Spokespersons also will be available at the Press Site to answer questions and for interviews.
For NASA Television downlink information, schedule information and streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
NASA Web Prelaunch and Launch Coverage
Extensive prelaunch and launch day coverage of the liftoff of the GRAIL spacecraft aboard the Delta II rocket will be available on NASA's home page on the Internet at: www.nasa.gov
A prelaunch webcast for the GRAIL mission will be streamed on the Web on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at noon. Live countdown coverage through NASA's Launch Blog begins at 6:30 a. m. on Sept. 8. Coverage features live updates as countdown milestones occur, as well as streaming video clips highlighting launch preparations and liftoff. For questions about countdown coverage, contact Jeanne Ryba at 321-867-7824.
To view the webcast and the blog or to learn more about the GRAIL mission, visit the mission home page at: www.nasa.gov/grail
The NASA News Twitter feed will be updated throughout the launch countdown. To access the NASA News Twitter feed, visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., manages the GRAIL mission for the principal investigator, Maria Zuber, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass. The GRAIL mission is part of the New Frontiers Program managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, built the spacecraft. Launch management for the mission is the responsibility of NASA's Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Aug. 5, 2011
NASA'S JUNO SPACECRAFT LAUNCHES TO JUPITER
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's solar-powered Juno spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 12:25 p. m. EDT Friday to begin a five-year journey to Jupiter.
Juno's detailed study of the largest planet in our solar system will help reveal Jupiter's origin and evolution. As the archetype of giant gas planets, Jupiter can help scientists understand the origin of our solar system and learn more about planetary systems around other stars.
"Today, with the launch of the Juno spacecraft, NASA began a journey to yet another new frontier," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "The future of exploration includes cutting-edge science like this to help us better understand our solar system and an ever-increasing array of challenging destinations."
After Juno's launch aboard an Atlas V rocket, mission controllers now await telemetry from the spacecraft indicating it has achieved its proper orientation, and that its massive solar arrays, the biggest on any NASA deep-space probe, have deployed and are generating power.
"We are on our way, and early indications show we are on our planned trajectory," said Jan Chodas, Juno project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif. "We will know more about Juno's status in a couple hours after its radios are energized and the signal is acquired by the Deep Space Network antennas at Canberra."
Juno will cover the distance from Earth to the moon (about 250,000 miles or 402,236 kilometers) in less than one day's time. It will take another five years and 1,740 million miles (2,800 million kilometers) to complete the journey to Jupiter. The spacecraft will orbit the planet's poles 33 times and use its collection of eight science instruments to probe beneath the gas giant's obscuring cloud cover to learn more about its origins, structure, atmosphere and magnetosphere, and look for a potential solid planetary core.
With four large moons and many smaller moons, Jupiter forms its own miniature solar system. Its composition resembles a star's, and if it had been about 80 times more massive, the planet could have become a star instead.
"Jupiter is the Rosetta Stone of our solar system," said Scott Bolton, Juno's principal investigator from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. "It is by far the oldest planet, contains more material than all the other planets, asteroids and comets combined and carries deep inside it the story of not only the solar system but of us. Juno is going there as our emissary -- to interpret what Jupiter has to say."
Juno's name comes from Greek and Roman mythology. The god Jupiter drew a veil of clouds around himself to hide his mischief, and his wife, the goddess Juno, was able to peer through the clouds and reveal Jupiter's true nature.
The NASA Deep Space Network, or DSN, is an international network of antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions and radio and radar astronomy observations for the exploration of the solar system and the universe. The network also supports selected Earth-orbiting missions.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., manages the Juno mission for the principal investigator, Scott Bolton, of Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. The Juno mission is part of the New Frontiers Program managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, built the spacecraft. Launch management for the mission is the responsibility of NASA's Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Juno set sail for Jupiter! The solar-powered spacecraft lifted
off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 12:25 p.m. EDT Friday.
August 4, 2011
Atlas V in Place for Launch of Spacecraft Juno
Launch Vehicle: Atlas V 551 (AV-029)
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Pad: Complex 41 Launch Date: Friday, Aug. 5, 2011
Launch Time: 11:34 a.m. - 12:43 p.m. EDT
This launch can be viewed from any of the Titusville launch viewing locations. It will rise from just south of the Shuttle launch complexes. Keep an eye on Tropical Storm Emily's track and the effect it might have on the launch.
Space View Park at 8 Broad Street in Titusville has the best views. After the Launch, stop by the US Space Walk of Fame Museum, a great place to see the history of Space Travel up close. Located at 4 Main Street in Titusville.
July 29, 2011
NASA AWARDS KENNEDY SPACE CENTER WATER SYSTEMS CONTRACT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has selected Speegle Construction II, Inc. of Cocoa, Fla., for the revitalization of Kennedy Space Center's Water and Wastewater Systems Project.
The total value of the firm-fixed price contract is $6.97 million. The performance period, which begins in August 2011, is 540 days. Speegle's scope of work will include, but is not limited to, replacement of existing asbestos cement water mains, water main valves and connections. Additional work to be performed consists of the installation of a 500,000 gallon pre-stressed concrete ground storage reservoir and a new water pump station.
The company will install and replace water quality analyzers, gravity sewer systems, sewer manhole linings and associated electrical and communications equipment. The project is scheduled to begin in fall 2011.
Speegle will have work spanning across Kennedy. It will include the industrial area near the center's headquarters building, the Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Pads 39A and 39B.
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
July 27, 2011
NASA'S JUPITER-BOUND JUNO SPACECRAFT MATED TO ITS ROCKET
Juno Above Jupiter
NASA's Juno spacecraft is shown in orbit above Jupiter's colorful clouds in this artist's rendering.
Launching from Earth in 2011, the Juno spacecraft will arrive at Jupiter in 2016 to study the giant planet from an elliptical, polar orbit. Juno will repeatedly dive between the planet and its intense belts of charged particle radiation, coming only 5,000 kilometers (about 3,000 miles) from the cloud tops at closest approach.
Juno's primary goal is to improve our understanding of Jupiter's formation and evolution. The spacecraft will spend a year investigating the planet's origins, interior structure, deep atmosphere and magnetosphere. Juno's study of Jupiter will help us to understand the history of our own solar system and provide new insight into how planetary systems form and develop in our galaxy and beyond.
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Juno spacecraft completed its last significant terrestrial journey on Wednesday, with a 15-mile (25-kilometer) trip from Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., to its launch pad at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The solar-powered, Jupiter-bound spacecraft was secured into place on top of its rocket at 10:42 a. m. EDT (7:42 a. m. PDT).
Juno will arrive at Jupiter in July 2016 and orbit its poles 33 times to learn more about the gas giant's interior, atmosphere and aurora. "We're about to start our journey to Jupiter to unlock the secrets of the early solar system," said Scott Bolton, the mission's principal investigator from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. "After eight years of development, the spacecraft is ready for its important mission."
Now that the Juno payload is atop the most powerful Atlas rocket ever made -- the United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551 -- a final flurry of checks and tests can begin and confirm that all is go for launch. The final series of checks begins Wednesday with an on-pad functional test. The test is designed to confirm that the spacecraft is healthy after the fueling, encapsulation and transport operations.
"The on-pad functional test is the first of seven tests and reviews that Juno and its flight team will undergo during the spacecraft's last 10 days on Earth," said Jan Chodas, Juno's project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif. "There are a number of remaining prelaunch activities that we still need to focus on, but the team is really excited that the final days of preparation, which we've been anticipating for years, are finally here. We are ready to go."
The launch period for Juno opens Aug. 5, 2011, and extends through Aug. 26. For an Aug. 5 liftoff, the launch window opens at 11:34 a. m. EDT and remains open through 12:43 EDT.
JPL manages the Juno mission for principal investigator Scott Bolton. The Juno mission is part of the New Frontiers Program managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Lockheed Martin Space Systems of Denver built the spacecraft. Launch management for the mission is the responsibility of NASA's Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. JPL is a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.
NASA SETS LAUNCH COVERAGE EVENTS FOR MISSION TO JUPITER
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Juno spacecraft is set to launch toward Jupiter aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on Aug. 5. The launch window extends from 11:34 a. m. to 12:33 p. m. EDT, and the launch period extends through Aug. 26.
The spacecraft is expected to arrive at Jupiter in 2016 on a mission to investigate the gas giant's origins, structure, atmosphere and magnetosphere. Juno's color camera will provide close-up images of Jupiter, including the first detailed views of the planet's poles.
NASA will host a prelaunch news conference in the News Center at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 1 p. m. EDT. Conference participants are: -- Colleen Hartman, assistant associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, Washington -- Omar Baez, NASA launch director at Kennedy -- Vernon Thorp, program manager, NASA Missions, United Launch Alliance, Denver -- Jan Chodas, Juno project manager, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. -- Tim Gasparini, Juno program manager, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver -- Clay Flinn, Atlas V launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
A Juno mission science briefing will follow the prelaunch news conference. Briefing participants are: -- Scott Bolton, Juno principal investigator, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio -- Toby Owen, Juno co-investigator, University of Hawaii -- Jack Connerney, Juno Instrument lead, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. -- Andy Ingersol, Juno co-investigator, Cal Tech, Pasadena -- Fran Bagenai, Juno co-investigator, University of Colorado, Boulder -- Candy Hansen, Juno co-investigator, Planetary Science Institute, Tucson
NASA Television Coverage On Aug. 3, NASA Television's Media and Education Channels will carry the Juno prelaunch news conference live beginning at 1 p. m. On Aug. 5, NASA TV coverage of the launch will begin at 9 a. m. and conclude after spacecraft separation from the Atlas V occurs approximately 53 minutes and 49 seconds after launch. For NASA TV downlink information, schedule information and streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv.
For extensive prelaunch and launch coverage online, visit: www.nasa.gov
A prelaunch webcast will be streamed at noon on Aug. 7. Live countdown coverage through NASA's Launch Blog begins at 9 a. m. on Aug. 5. Coverage features live updates as countdown milestones occur, as well as streaming video clips highlighting launch preparations and liftoff. For questions about countdown coverage, contact Jeanne Ryba at 321-867-7824.
To view the webcast and the blog or to learn more about the Juno mission, visit: www.nasa.gov/juno
The NASA News Twitter feed will be updated throughout the launch countdown at: www.twitter.com/nasa
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the Juno mission for the principal investigator, Scott Bolton. The Juno mission is part of the New Frontiers Program managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Lockheed Martin Space Systems built the spacecraft. Launch management for the mission is the responsibility of NASA's Launch Services Program at the Kennedy.
July 22, 2011
NASA ANNOUNCES LAUNCH TWEETUP FOR GRAIL MOON MISSION
WASHINGTON -- NASA will host a two-day launch Tweetup for 150 of its Twitter followers on Sept. 7-8 at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Tweetup is expected to culminate in the launch of the twin lunar-bound GRAIL spacecraft aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
The launch window opens at 8:37 a. m. EDT on Sept. 8. The two GRAIL spacecraft will fly in tandem orbits around the moon for several months to measure its gravity field, from its crust to core, in unprecedented detail. The mission also will answer longstanding questions about the moon and provide scientists with a better understanding of how Earth and other rocky planets in the solar system formed.
The Tweetup will provide NASA's Twitter followers with the opportunity to tour the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; speak with scientists and engineers from GRAIL and other upcoming missions; and, if all goes as scheduled, view the spacecraft launch. The event also will provide participants the opportunity to meet fellow tweeps and members of NASA's social media team.
2011 is one of the busiest ever in planetary exploration; GRAIL's liftoff is the third of four space missions launching this year under the management of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.
Aquarius launched June 10 to study ocean salinity; Juno will launch Aug. 5 to study the origins and interior of Jupiter; and the Mars Science Laboratory/Curiosity rover heads to the Red Planet no earlier than Nov. 25.
Tweetup registration opens at 9 a. m. on Tuesday, July 26, and closes at noon on Thursday, July 28. NASA will randomly select 150 participants from online registrations.
For more information and rules about the Tweetup and registration, visit: www.nasa.gov/tweetup
For information about more ways to connect and collaborate with NASA, visit: www.nasa.gov/connect
GRAIL's principal investigator is Maria Zuber of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., manages the mission. For more information about GRAIL, visit: http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/grail and http://moon.mit.edu/
July 21, 2011
NASA'S PROUD SPACE SHUTTLE PROGRAM ENDS WITH ATLANTIS LANDING
Agency Ushers In Next Era Of Exploration
Space shuttle Atlantis lands for the final time at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Wrapping up 30 years of unmatched achievements and blazing a trail for the next era of U. S. human spaceflight, NASA's storied Space Shuttle Program came to a "wheels stop" on Thursday at the conclusion of its 135th mission.
Shuttle Atlantis and its four-astronaut crew glided home for the final time, ending a 13-day journey of more than five million miles with a landing at 5:57 a. m. EDT at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It was the 26th night landing (20th night and 78th total landings at Kennedy) and the 133rd landing in shuttle history.
"The brave astronauts of STS-135 are emblematic of the shuttle program -- skilled professionals from diverse backgrounds who propelled America to continued leadership in space with the shuttle's many successes," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "This final shuttle flight marks the end of an era, but today, we recommit ourselves to continuing human spaceflight and taking the necessary - and difficult - steps to ensure America's leadership in human spaceflight for years to come."
Since STS-1 launched on April 12, 1981, 355 individuals from 16 countries flew 852 times aboard the shuttle. The five shuttles traveled more than 542 million miles and hosted more than 2,000 experiments in the fields of Earth, astronomy, biological and materials sciences.
The shuttles docked with two space stations, the Russian Mir and the International Space Station. Shuttles deployed 180 payloads, including satellites, returned 52 from space and retrieved, repaired and redeployed seven spacecraft.
The STS-135 crew consisted of Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim. They delivered more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, spare equipment and other supplies in the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module - including 2,677 pounds of food - that will sustain space station operations for the next year. The 21-foot long, 15-foot diameter Raffaello brought back nearly 5,700 pounds of unneeded materials from the station.
A welcome-home ceremony for the astronauts will be held Friday, July 22, in Houston. The public is invited to attend the 4 p. m. CDT event at NASA's Hangar 990 at Ellington Field. Gates to Ellington Field will open at 3:30 p. m. The ceremony will be broadcast live on NASA Television. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
STS-135 was the 135th and final shuttle flight, Atlantis' 33rd flight and the 37th shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance.
For information on NASA's future exploration activities, visit: www.nasa.gov/next
July 19, 2011
NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE SCHEDULED TO RETURN TO EARTH FOR FINAL TIME THURSDAY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The final flight of NASA's 30-year-old space shuttle program is scheduled to end on Thursday, July 21, when Atlantis and its STS-135 crew return to Earth. The landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida marks the completion of a 13-day mission to supply the International Space Station for the post-shuttle era.
Thursday's Kennedy landing opportunities are at 5:56 a. m. and 7:32 a. m. EDT. Atlantis' entry flight control team, led by Flight Director Tony Ceccacci, will evaluate weather conditions at the landing site before giving approval to Atlantis to return. If the shuttle is unable to come home Thursday, additional opportunities are available on Friday at Kennedy and at the backup landing site, Edwards Air Force Base in California. Recorded updates about landing are available at 321-867-2525.
If Atlantis lands Thursday, it will have spent 307 days in space and traveled nearly 126 million miles during its 33 flights. Atlantis launched on its first mission on Oct. 3, 1985. For the latest information about the STS-135 mission and accomplishments, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
The NASA News Twitter feed is updated throughout the shuttle mission and landing. To follow, visit: www.twitter.com/NASA
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about the space station and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/station
July 18, 2011
NASA BEGINS COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIP WITH UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE
DENVER -- Through a new agreement, United Launch Alliance (ULA) will provide technical information to NASA about using the Atlas V rocket to launch astronauts into space. The announcement was made Monday at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. "I am truly excited about the addition of ULA to NASA's Commercial Crew Development Program team," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "Having ULA on board may speed the development of a commercial crew transportation system for the International Space Station, allowing NASA to concentrate its resources on exploring beyond low Earth orbit."
NASA and ULA's unfunded Space Act Agreement requires ULA to provide data on the Atlas V, a flight-proven expendable launch vehicle used by NASA and the Department of Defense for critical space missions.
NASA will share its human spaceflight experience with ULA to advance crew transportation system capabilities and the draft human certification requirements. ULA will provide NASA feedback about those requirements, including providing input on the technical feasibility and cost effectiveness of NASA's proposed certification approach.
"This unfunded SAA will look at the Atlas V to understand its design risks, its capabilities, how it can be used within the context of flying our NASA crew and maturing ULA's designs for the Emergency Detection System and launch vehicle processing and launch architectures under a crewed configuration," said Ed Mango, NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager.
The majority of the work will be completed by the end of this year. As part of the agreement, NASA will:
participate in milestone and technical review briefings and provide technical feedback on milestone completion
assist in identification of risks and possible mitigation strategies
ULA will:
continue to advance the Atlas V CTS concept, including design maturation and analyses
conduct ULA program reviews as planned
perform a Design Equivalency Review
develop Hazard Analyses unique for human spaceflight
develop a Probabilistic Risk Assessment
document an Atlas V CTS certification baseline
conduct Systems Requirements Review
"We believe this effort will demonstrate to NASA that our systems are fully compliant with NASA requirements for human spaceflight," said George Sowers, ULA's vice president of business development. "ULA looks forward to continued work with NASA to develop a U. S. commercial crew space transportation capability providing safe, reliable, and cost effective access to and return from low Earth orbit and the International Space Station."
In 2010, NASA awarded $6.7 million to ULA to accompany its own $1.3 million investment to develop an Emergency Detection System prototype test bed. The EDS will monitor critical launch vehicle and spacecraft systems and issue status, warning and abort commands to crew during their mission to low Earth orbit. EDS is the sole significant element necessary for flight safety to meet the requirements to certify ULA's launch vehicles for human spaceflight.
For information on the United Launch Alliance, visit: www.ulalaunch.com
NASA SELECTS NONPROFIT TO MANAGE SPACE STATION NATIONAL LAB RESEARCH
WASHINGTON -- NASA has selected the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space Inc. (CASIS) to develop and manage the U. S. portion of the International Space Station that will be operated as a national laboratory. At the conclusion of successful negotiations, the independent, nonprofit research management organization will help ensure the station's unique capabilities are available to the broadest possible cross-section of the U. S. scientific, technological and industrial communities.
"The space station is the centerpiece of NASA's human spaceflight activities, and it is truly a national asset," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "This agreement helps us ensure the station will be available for broad, meaningful and sustained use."
CASIS will be located at the Space Life Sciences Laboratory near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida (not far out beyond the KSC Visitors Complex - webmaster). The organization will increase station use to maximize the public's return on its investment by managing its diversified research and development portfolio based on needs for basic and applied research in a variety of fields. CASIS will identify opportunities for non-NASA uses linking scientific review and economic value, and will match potential research and development opportunities with funding sources. The organization also will increase awareness among schools and students about using the station as a learning platform.
NASA issued a cooperative agreement notice on Feb. 14 to seek a management partner for the portion of the station designated a national laboratory in 2005. The NASA Authorization Act of 2010, which extended station operations until at least 2020, also directed NASA to establish this organization. The cooperative agreement initially will have a value of up to $15 million per year.
For more information about the International Space Station, visit: www.nasa.gov/station
NASA'S FINAL SPACE SHUTTLE MISSION BEGINS WITH ATLANTIS' LAUNCH
Space shuttle Atlantis lifts off the launch pad for the final space shuttle mission. Image credit: NASA TV
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Commander Chris Ferguson and his three crewmates are on their way to the International Space Station after launching from NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 11:29 a. m. EDT Friday. STS-135 is the final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program.
"With today's final launch of the space shuttle, we turn the page on a remarkable period in America's history in space, while beginning the next chapter in our nation's extraordinary story of exploration," Administrator Charles Bolden said. "Tomorrow's destinations will inspire new generations of explorers, and the shuttle pioneers have made the next chapter of human spaceflight possible."
The STS-135 crew consists of Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim. They will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module filled with more than 8,000 pounds of supplies and spare parts to sustain space station operations after the shuttles are retired.
"The shuttle's always going to be a reflection to what a great nation can do when it dares to be bold and commits to follow through," Ferguson said shortly before liftoff. "We're not ending the journey today -- we're completing a chapter of a journey that will never end."
The mission includes flying the Robotic Refueling Mission, an experiment designed to demonstrate and test the tools, technologies and techniques needed for robotic refueling of satellites in space, even satellites not designed for servicing. The crew also will return with an ammonia pump that recently failed on the station. Engineers want to understand why the pump failed and improve designs for future spacecraft.
Atlantis is on a 12-day mission and scheduled to dock to the station at 11:06 a. m. on Sunday.
STS-135 is the 135th shuttle flight, the 33rd flight for Atlantis and the 37th shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. NASA's Web coverage of STS-135 includes mission information, a press kit, interactive features, news conference images, graphics and videos.
Mission coverage, including the latest NASA Television schedule, is available on the main space shuttle website at: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
NASA is providing continuous television and Internet coverage of the mission. NASA TV features live mission events, daily status news conferences and 24-hour commentary. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
Live updates to the NASA News Twitter feed will be added throughout the mission and landing. To access the feed, go to the NASA.gov home page or visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
NASA'S PARTNERS MEET MILESTONES FOR DEVELOPING FUTURE COMMERCIAL SPACECRAFT
WASHINGTON -- NASA's industry partners have met all their initial milestones in developing commercial crew transportation capabilities to reduce the gap in U. S. human spaceflight capability.
NASA has posted its first status report on the agency's Commercial Crew Development 2 (CCDev2) program to its website. The report highlights the progress and accomplishments for the agency's commercial spaceflight development efforts. Designed to be a bi-monthly report, it is targeted toward the interested layperson and other non-technical stakeholders in order to keep them informed of our achievements.
"We're only 60 days into CCDev 2, and their progress is right on schedule," said Phil McAlister, NASA's acting director, commercial spaceflight development.
NASA's Commercial Crew Development program is investing financial and technical resources to stimulate efforts within the private sector to develop and demonstrate safe, reliable, and cost-effective space transportation capabilities.
NASA ANNOUNCES PRELAUNCH EVENTS AND COUNTDOWN DETAILS FOR FINAL SHUTTLE FLIGHT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- News conferences, events and operating hours for the news center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., are set for the final space shuttle launch.
Atlantis is scheduled to liftoff at 11:26 a. m. EDT on July 8, to begin the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station.
A NASA blog will provide countdown updates beginning at 6:30 a. m. on July 8. Originating from Kennedy's Launch Control Center, the blog is the definitive Internet source for information leading up to liftoff.
During the mission, visitors to NASA's shuttle website can read about the crew's progress. As Atlantis' flight concludes, the NASA blog will detail the spacecraft's return to Earth. For NASA's launch blog and continuous mission updates, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Detailed lists of countdown milestones, news briefing times and participants, and hours of operation for Kennedy's news center and media credentialing office are available at: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/news
The NASA News Twitter feed will be updated throughout the shuttle launch countdown, mission and landing. To follow, visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
Free wireless Internet access is provided at the Kennedy Press Site news center and annex. Instructions for wireless access will be available at the news center. Due to the volume of users, accessibility may be limited. Reporters should bring a backup.
For NASA TV streaming video, scheduling and downlink information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
June 28, 2011
NASA SETS LAUNCH DATE FOR FINAL SPACE SHUTTLE MISSION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis' Commander Chris Ferguson and his three crewmates are scheduled to begin a 12-day mission to the International Space Station with a launch at 11:26 a. m. EDT on July 8, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The STS-135 mission is the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program.
The launch date was announced Tuesday at the conclusion of a flight readiness review at Kennedy. During the meeting, senior NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle and station's equipment, support systems and personnel are ready.
Atlantis' STS-135 mission will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module filled with supplies and spare parts to sustain space station operations after the shuttles are retired.
The mission also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM), an experiment designed to demonstrate and test the tools, technologies and techniques needed to robotically refuel satellites in space - even satellites not designed to be serviced. The crew also will return an ammonia pump that recently failed on the station. Engineers want to understand why the pump failed and improve designs for future spacecraft.
The crew consists of Commander Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim. They are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy on Monday, July 4, for final launch preparations.
STS-135 is the 135th shuttle mission, Atlantis' 33rd flight and the 37th shuttle mission to the station.
This tribute to space shuttle Atlantis, OV-104, hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
It features, Atlantis soaring above Earth. Threaded through the design are the mission patches for each of Atlantis' flights. Atlantis' accomplishments include seven missions to the Russian space station Mir and several assembly, construction and resupply missions to the International Space Station. Atlantis also flew the last Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission on STS-125.
The planet Venus represents the Magellan probe being deployed during STS-30, and Jupiter represents the Galileo probe being deployed during STS-34. The inset photos illustrate various aspects of shuttle processing in addition to significant achievements, such as the glass cockpit and the first shuttle docking with Mir during STS-71.
The inset photo in the upper-left corner shows a rainbow over Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A and shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B. Endeavour was the assigned vehicle had Atlantis' STS-125 mission needed rescue. Also, this was the last time both launch pads were occupied at the same time.
The stars in the background represent the many people who have worked with Atlantis and their contributions to the vehicle's success.
Graphic design credit: NASA/Amy Lombardo
On April 12, 2011 NASA announced that "Atlantis, which will fly the last planned shuttle mission in June, will be displayed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida."
June 23, 2011
NASA ANNOUNCES EDUCATION RESEARCH PROGRAM AWARD RECIPIENTS
WASHINGTON -- NASA has awarded $20 million to colleges and universities nationwide to conduct research and technology development in areas important to the agency's mission. The awards also enable faculty development and support students.
The selections are part of NASA's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, or EPSCoR. The program helps develop partnerships between NASA research missions and programs, academic institutions and industry. It also helps states establish long-term academic research enterprises that will be self-sustaining and competitive and will contribute to the states' economic viability and development.
A total of 27 proposals were selected for funding in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming. Winning proposals were selected through a merit-based, peer-reviewed competition.
Two proposals were selected from each of the following colleges and universities:
Montana State University
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
University of Delaware
University of Nebraska, Omaha
University of North Dakota
Wichita State University
One proposal was selected from each of the following universities:
NASA MARS ROVER ARRIVES IN FLORIDA AFTER CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT
This artist concept features NASA's Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover, a mobile robot for investigating Mars' past or present ability to sustain microbial life. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- NASA's next Mars rover has completed the journey from its California birthplace to Florida in preparation for launch this fall.
The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover, also known as Curiosity, arrived Wednesday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center aboard an Air Force C-17 transport plane. It was accompanied by the rocket-powered descent stage that will fly the rover during the final moments before landing on Mars. The C-17 flight began at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, Calif., where the boxed hardware had been trucked from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif.
The rover's aeroshell -- the protective covering for the trip to the Red Planet -- and the cruise stage, which will guide it to Mars, arrived at Kennedy last month. The mission is targeted to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station between Nov. 25 and Dec. 18. The car-size rover will land on Mars in August 2012.
"The design and building part of the mission is nearly behind us now," said JPL's David Gruel, who has managed Mars Science Laboratory assembly, test and launch operations since 2007. "We're getting to final checkouts before sending the rover on its way to Mars."
The rover and other spacecraft components will undergo more testing before mission staff stack them and fuel the onboard propulsion systems. Curiosity should be enclosed in its aeroshell for the final time in September and delivered to Kennedy's Launch Complex 41 in early November for integration with a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.
Curiosity is about twice as long and more than five times as heavy as any previous Mars rover. Its 10 science instruments include two for ingesting and analyzing samples of powdered rock delivered by the rover's robotic arm. During a prime mission lasting one Martian year -- nearly two Earth years -- researchers will use the rover's tools to study whether the landing region has had environmental conditions favorable for supporting microbial life and favorable for preserving clues about whether life existed.
JPL built the rover and descent stage and manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Launch management for the mission is the responsibility of NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy.
NASA'S 'AGE OF AQUARIUS' DAWNS WITH LAUNCH FROM CALIFORNIA
WASHINGTON -- NASA's "Age of Aquarius" dawned Friday with the launch of an international satellite carrying the agency-built Aquarius instrument that will measure the saltiness of Earth's oceans to advance our understanding of the global water cycle and improve climate forecasts.
The Aquarius/SAC-D observatory rocketed into space from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California atop a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket at 7:20:13 a. m. PDT. Less than 57 minutes later, the observatory separated from the rocket's second stage and began activation procedures, establishing communications with ground controllers and unfurling its solar arrays.
Initial telemetry reports show the observatory is in excellent health. The SAC-D (Satelite de Aplicaciones Cientificas) observatory is a collaboration between NASA and Argentina's space agency, Comision Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE).
"Aquarius is a critical component of our Earth sciences work, and part of the next generation of space-based instruments that will take our knowledge of our home planet to new heights," said NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver. "The innovative scientists and engineers who contributed to this mission are part of the talented team that will help America win the future and make a positive impact across the globe."
Aquarius will make NASA's first space observations of the salinity or concentration of salt at the ocean surface, a key missing variable in satellite studies of Earth. Variations in salinity influence deep ocean circulation, trace the path of freshwater around our planet and help drive Earth's climate.
"Data from this mission will advance our understanding of the ocean and prediction of the global water cycle," said Michael Freilich, director of NASA's Earth Science Division in the Science Mission Directorate at agency headquarters in Washington. "This mission demonstrates the power of international collaboration and accurate spaceborne measurements for science and societal benefit. This would not be possible without the sustained cooperation of NASA, CONAE and our other partners."
In addition to Aquarius, the observatory carries seven instruments that will monitor natural hazards and collect a broad range of environmental data. Other mission partners include Brazil, Canada, France and Italy.
"This mission is the most outstanding project in the history of scientific and technological cooperation between Argentina and the United States," said CONAE Executive and Technical Director Conrado Varotto. "Information from the mission will have significant benefits for humankind."
Aquarius will map the global open ocean once every seven days for at least three years with a resolution of 93 miles (150 kilometers). The maps will show how ocean surface salinity changes each month, season and year. Scientists expect to release preliminary salinity maps later this year.
Aquarius will measure salinity by sensing thermal microwave emissions from the water's surface with three microwave instruments called radiometers. When other environmental factors are equal, these emissions indicate the saltiness of surface water. A microwave radar scatterometer instrument will measure ocean waves that affect the precision of the salinity measurement. Because salinity levels in the open ocean vary by only about five parts per thousand, Aquarius will be able to detect changes as small as approximately two parts per 10,000, equivalent to about one-eighth of a teaspoon of salt in a gallon of water.
During the next 25 days, the Aquarius/SAC-D service platform will be tested and maneuvered into its final operational, near-polar orbit 408 miles (657 kilometers) above Earth. Science operations will begin after the observatory's instruments are checked out. This commissioning phase may last up to 65 days.
Aquarius was built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., and the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. NASA's Launch Services Program, at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, managed the launch. JPL will manage Aquarius through its commissioning phase and archive mission data. Goddard will manage Aquarius mission operations and process science data. CONAE is providing the SAC-D spacecraft, optical camera, thermal camera with Canada, microwave radiometer, sensors from various Argentine institutions and the mission operations center. France and Italy also are contributing instruments. For more information about Aquarius/SAC-D, visit: =www.nasa.gov/aquarius and www.conae.gov.ar/eng/principal.html
June 8, 2011
NASA OFFERS GRANTS FOR 2012 UNIVERSITY COMPETITIONS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The NASA Minority Innovation Challenges Institute (MICI) is offering opportunities for minority serving institutions to apply for a $5,000 grant to enter the 2012 University Student Launch Initiative (USLI) or Lunabotics Mining Competition. Applications for both competitions are due June 30.
USLI challenges students to design, build and launch to an altitude of one mile a reusable rocket with a scientific or engineering payload. The project engages students in scientific research and real-world engineering processes with NASA engineers. The competition will take place at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., in April 2012.
The Lunabotics competition challenges students to design and build remote controlled robots that can excavate simulated lunar dirt. During the event, the teams' designs, known as lunabots, will go head-to-head to determine which one can collect and deposit the most dirt within 15 minutes. This competition will take place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in May 2012.
MICI is designed to inspire minority undergraduate students to pursue advanced degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines critical to NASA's future missions.
NASA ANNOUNCES LUNABOTICS MINING COMPETITION WINNERS
Cape Canaveral, Fla. -- Thirty-six teams of undergraduate and graduate students from around the globe tested their robot designs in a challenge at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida from May 26-28.
During the competition, teams remotely controlled excavators, called lunabots, to determine which could collect the most simulated lunar soil during a specified timeframe. The first place mining competition team was Laurentian University in Ontario, Canada. The Joe Kosmo Award for Excellence winner was the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.
Winners in other competition categories are:
On-Site Mining Award Winners: University of North Dakota and West Virginia University
Judges Innovation Design Award: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Ariz.
Arizona Communications Efficiency Award: Laurentian University
Team Spirit Award: University of Alabama
Slide Presentation Award: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Outreach Project Award: Montana Tech, University of Montana
Systems Engineering Paper Award: John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Ark.
The competition is designed to engage and retain students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines critical to NASA missions.
NASA'S SHUTTLE ATLANTIS AT LAUNCH PAD, LIFTOFF PRACTICE SET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After safely reaching its launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis awaits the next major milestone for its upcoming STS-135 mission to the International Space Station, the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program. The mission with four veteran astronauts is targeted to launch July 8.
Atlantis arrived at the pad early Wednesday morning on top of a giant crawler-transporter. The crawler-transporter left Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building at 8:42 p. m. EDT Tuesday, May 31, and travelled less than 1 mph during the 3.4-mile journey. The shuttle was secured on the launch pad at 3:29 a. m. Wednesday.
During the 12-day flight, Atlantis and its crew will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module filled with supplies and spare parts to sustain station operations once NASA's shuttle fleet is retired.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about the STS-135 mission and crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
June 1, 2011
SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR SAILS TO HOME PORT FOR FINAL TIME
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour and its six-astronaut crew sailed home for the final time, ending a 16-day journey of more than 6.5 million miles with a landing at 2:35 a. m. EDT on Wednesday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Space shuttle Endeavour makes its final landing at the Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, completing a 16-day mission to the International Space Station. -- Image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
After landing, Endeavour was towed back to the Orbiter Processing Facility to be prepared for its retirement.
STS-134 was the last mission for the youngest of NASA's space shuttle fleet. Since 1992, Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles.
"We are very proud of Endeavour's legacy, and this penultimate flight of the space shuttle program once again demonstrated the amazing skill and dedication of our astronauts and the entire workforce," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "As we begin the transition from the shuttle program to the commercial transportation of our crews and cargo, our ability to tackle big challenges remains steadfast and will ensure that NASA reaches even more destinations farther in the solar system."
Mark Kelly commanded the flight and was joined by Pilot Greg H. Johnson and Mission Specialists Mike Fincke, Drew Feustel, Greg Chamitoff and the European Space Agency's Roberto Vittori. Endeavour delivered the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), beginning a scientific voyage of discovery to our solar system and beyond from the International Space Station. By measuring cosmic rays, AMS is designed to help researchers understand the origin of the universe and search for evidence of dark matter, strange matter and antimatter.
Endeavour also delivered the Express Logistics Carrier-3, a platform carrying spare parts that will sustain space station operations once the shuttles are retired from service. The astronauts performed four spacewalks to maintain station systems and install new components.
These were the last scheduled spacewalks by shuttle crew members and brought the final number of shuttle excursions to 164. During 159 spacewalks for assembly and maintenance of the space station, astronauts and cosmonauts have spent a total of 1,002 hours and 37 minutes outside.
Fincke set a new record for time a U. S. astronaut has spent in space when he reached his 377th day on May 27, surpassing previous record holder Peggy Whitson. With today's landing, Fincke's record now is at 382 days in space.
A welcome ceremony for the astronauts will be held Thursday, June 2, in Houston. The public is invited to attend the 4 p. m. CDT event at Ellington Field's NASA Hangar 990. Gates to Ellington Field will open at 3:30 p. m. Highlights from the ceremony will be broadcast on NASA Television's Video File. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
STS-134 was the 134th shuttle flight and the 36th shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. With Endeavour and its crew safely home, the stage is set for the launch of shuttle Atlantis on its STS-135 mission, targeted to begin July 8.
Four veteran astronauts will deliver supplies and spare parts to the space station. The 12-day mission also will install an experiment designed to demonstrate and test the tools, technologies and techniques needed to refuel satellites in space robotically -- even satellites not designed to be serviced.
Chris Ferguson, a veteran of two previous shuttle missions, will command the flight. Doug Hurley will be the pilot, a role he filled on the STS-127 mission in 2009. Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim will be the mission specialists. Magnus spent four and a half months aboard the station beginning in November 2008. Walheim flew on the STS-110 mission in 2002 and the STS-122 mission in 2008.
STS-135 will be Atlantis' 33rd mission and the 37th shuttle flight dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. It will be the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program.
For more information about the STS-134 mission and the upcoming STS-135 flight, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
NASA'S TWIN CRAFT ARRIVE IN FLORIDA FOR MOON MISSION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's twin lunar probes have arrived in Florida to begin final preparations for a launch in late summer. The two Gravity Recovery And Interior Laboratory spacecraft (GRAIL) were shipped from Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, to the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., Friday, May 20. NASA's dynamic duo will orbit the moon to determine the structure of the lunar interior from crust to core and to advance understanding of the thermal evolution of the moon.
"NASA's lunar twins have arrived at Cape Canaveral," said Maria Zuber, GRAIL's principal investigator, based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in Cambridge. "We're only a few full moons away from a mission that will reveal clues not only into the history of the moon and Earth, but will provide important data for future lunar exploration."
The GRAIL twins, known as GRAIL-A and GRAIL-B, were removed from their shipping containers Monday, May 23. Later this week, they will begin functional testing to verify their state of health after their ride on an Air Force transport jet from Colorado. Over the next four months at the Astrotech facility, the spacecraft will undergo final testing, fueling and packaging in the shroud that will protect them as the Delta II launch vehicle lifts them into space. The spacecraft will then be transported to the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for installation atop the rocket that will carry them toward the moon.
GRAIL will be carried into space aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II Heavy rocket lifting off from Launch Complex-19 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch period opens Sept. 8, 2011, and extends through Oct. 19. For a Sept. 8 liftoff, the launch window opens at 8:37 a. m. EDT (5:37 a. m. PDT) and remains open through 9:16 a. m. EDT (6:16 a. m. PDT).
GRAIL-A and GRAIL-B will fly in tandem orbits around the moon for several months to measure its gravity field in unprecedented detail. The mission will also answer longstanding questions about Earth's moon, and provide scientists a better understanding of how Earth and other rocky planets in the solar system formed.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., manages the GRAIL mission. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, is home to the mission's principal investigator, Maria Zuber. The GRAIL mission is part of the Discovery Program managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, built the spacecraft. Launch management for the mission is the responsibility of NASA's Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. JPL is a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.
U. S. HONOR FLAG TO BE PRESENTED TO NASA FOR SHUTTLE ATLANTIS FLIGHT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A presentation ceremony of the U. S. Honor Flag to NASA will be held on Thursday, May 26, at 10:30 a. m. at the Astronaut Memorial Mirror at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The flag will be presented by James Loftus, director, Miami-Dade Police Department, to Robert Cabana, Kennedy Space Center director, to be transferred for preparation to fly aboard shuttle Atlantis on its final mission.
The U. S. Honor Flag has traveled throughout the world honoring heroes who lost their lives while serving their community and country to include police officers, firefighters, members of the Armed Forces and astronauts. More than 100 honor guard members will travel to the Space Coast to take part in the ceremony.
For information on the Astronaut Memorial Foundation, visit: www.amfcse.org
For more information on NASA and Atlantis' final mission, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
May 20, 2011
NASA ANNOUNCES TWEETUP FOR FINAL SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCH
WASHINGTON -- NASA will give 150 of its Twitter followers a front-row seat at the historic final space shuttle launch. The agency's fifth shuttle launch Tweetup is scheduled July 7-8 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Shuttle Atlantis is targeted to lift off from Kennedy on its mission to the International Space Station at about 11:40 a. m. EDT on July 8. The official launch date will be announced after a Flight Readiness Review meeting on June 28.
Those selected to participate in the Tweetup will tour the center, view the shuttle launch and speak with NASA managers, astronauts, shuttle technicians and engineers from across the agency.
"Inviting people to attend the last shuttle launch and share it with their friends, family and followers is one way NASA can enable more people to experience this historic event," said Stephanie Schierholz, social media manager at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "While the Space Shuttle Program is drawing to a close, the NASA Tweetup also will give our followers a broader view of the agency's diverse activities."
Tweetup registration opens at noon on Wednesday, June 1, and closes at noon on June 2. NASA will randomly select the 150 participants. For more information about the Tweetup and to sign up, visit: www.nasa.gov/tweetup
NASA'S ATLANTIS MOVES TO LAUNCH PAD MAY 31 FOR FINAL SHUTTLE LAUNCH
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis will begin moving to its launch pad at 8 p. m. EDT on May 31, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The six-hour rollout from Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building is a major milestone as Atlantis is prepared for the final shuttle launch targeted for July 8.
During the STS-135 flight to the International Space Station, Atlantis' four astronauts will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module filled with supplies and spare parts to sustain station operations once the shuttles are retired.
NASA Television will provide live coverage of the shuttle's rollout. Highlights of the move will air on NASA TV's Video File. For downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
NASA SETS LAUNCH DATE AND MEDIA CREDENTIAL DEADLINES FOR FINAL SHUTTLE FLIGHT
WASHINGTON -- NASA's final space shuttle flight is targeted to launch July 8 at about 11:40 a. m. EDT from the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Four veteran astronauts will fly aboard shuttle Atlantis to deliver supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station.
This date was targeted based on NASA's current planning. An official launch date will be announced following the June 28 Flight Readiness Review.
There are several non-standard activities, including a tanking test followed by an X-ray inspection of a section of the external fuel tank, which may affect Atlantis' processing. The tank consists of three sections. Mission managers want to X-ray aluminum support beams, known as stringers, located where the liquid hydrogen tank meets the intertank. Cracked intertank stringers were identified during shuttle Discovery's first launch attempt in November 2010 and delayed its launch until the problem was resolved. X-ray inspection of the intertank stringers provides additional confidence that there are no stringer cracks in Atlantis' tank. The stringers located where the liquid oxygen tank meets the intertank were modified with extra material to add strength and do not require inspection.
The 12-day mission also will deliver an experiment designed to demonstrate and test the tools, technologies and techniques needed to robotically refuel satellites in space -- even satellites not designed to be serviced. The crew also will return an ammonia pump that recently failed on the station. Engineers want to understand why the pump failed and improve designs for future spacecraft.
Chris Ferguson, a veteran of two previous shuttle missions, will command the flight. Doug Hurley will serve as the pilot, a role he filled on STS-127 in 2009. Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim will be the mission specialists. Magnus spent 4.5 months aboard the station beginning in November 2008. Walheim flew on STS-110 in 2002 and STS-122 in 2008.
STS-135 will be Atlantis' 33rd mission and the 37th shuttle flight dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. It will be the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program.
For information about the International Space Station, visit: www.nasa.gov/station
NASA'S SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR HEADS TO SPACE STATION ON ITS FINAL MISSION
Space shuttle Endeavour's main engines and solid rocket boosters burst to life lifting the shuttle from Launch Pad 39A Monday morning.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Commander Mark Kelly and his five crewmates are on their way to the International Space Station after launching from NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 8:56 a. m. EDT Monday. The STS-134 mission is the penultimate orbiter flight and the final one for shuttle Endeavour.
"This mission represents the power of teamwork, commitment and exploration," Commander Mark Kelly said shortly before liftoff. "It is in the DNA of our great country to reach for the stars and explore. We must not stop. To all the millions watching today including our spouses, children, family and friends, we thank you for your support."
The crew will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) and critical supplies to the space station, including two communications antennas, a high-pressure gas tank and additional parts for the Dextre robot. AMS is a particle physics detector designed to search for various types of unusual cosmic matter. The crew also will transfer Endeavour's orbiter boom sensor system to the station, where it could assist spacewalkers as an extension for the station's robotic arm.
"Today's final launch of Endeavour is a testament to American ingenuity and leadership in human spaceflight," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "As we look toward a bright future with the International Space Station as our anchor and new destinations in deep space on the horizon, we salute the astronauts and ground crews who have ensured the orbiter's successful missions. The presence of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords at the launch inspired us all, just as America's space program has done for the past 50 years."
Kelly's crewmates are Pilot Greg H. Johnson and Mission Specialists Mike Fincke, Drew Feustel, Greg Chamitoff and Roberto Vittori of the European Space Agency. This is the first shuttle flight for Fincke and Vittori. Vittori will be the last international astronaut to fly aboard a shuttle.
Endeavour is scheduled to dock to the station at 6:15 a. m. on Wednesday. The 16-day mission includes four spacewalks. After undocking to return to Earth, Kelly and Johnson will ease the shuttle back toward the station to test new sensor technologies that could facilitate the docking of future space vehicles to the station.
The shuttle's first landing opportunity at Kennedy is scheduled for 2:32 a. m. on June 1. STS-134 is the 134th shuttle flight, the 25th flight for Endeavour and the 36th shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance.
Mission coverage, including the latest NASA Television schedule, is available on the main space shuttle website at: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
NASA is providing continuous television and Internet coverage of the mission. NASA TV features live mission events, daily status news conferences and 24-hour commentary. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
Live updates to the NASA News Twitter feed will be added throughout the mission and landing. To access the feed, go to the NASA.gov home page or visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
NASA'S SHUTTLE ATLANTIS MOVES FROM PROCESSING HANGAR TO VAB
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis' final planned move from its processing hangar to the Vehicle Assembly Building, on Tuesday, May 17, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The first motion of Atlantis for rollover is scheduled for 8 a. m. EDT. Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, Endeavour will be attached to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters, which already are on a mobile launcher platform.
Highlights of the move will air on the NASA Television's Video File. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
The STS-135 mission will carry the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module with supplies, logistics and spare parts to the International Space Station to help sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired later this year.
NASA SETS MAY 16 FOR FINAL SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR LAUNCH
CAPE CANAVERAL -- NASA managers have set the liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour for 8:56 a. m. EDT on Monday, May 16. Launch attempts are available through May 26, except for May 21. The STS-134 mission to the International Space Station is the penultimate shuttle flight and the final one for Endeavour.
Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach announced the date at a news briefing Monday from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They also discussed the progress of repairs since Endeavour's launch postponement on April 29.
A short in the heater circuit associated with Endeavour's hydraulic system resulted in the launch postponement. Technicians determined the most likely failure was inside a switchbox in the shuttle's aft compartment and associated electrical wiring connecting the switchbox to the heaters. The heater circuits prevent freezing of the fuel lines providing hydraulic power to steer the vehicle during ascent and entry.
The faulty box was replaced May 4. Since Friday, Kennedy technicians installed and tested new wiring that bypasses the suspect electrical wiring and confirmed the heater system is working properly. They also are completing retests of other systems powered by the switchbox and are closing out Endeavour's aft compartment.
STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly and his five crewmates are set to arrive at Kennedy for prelaunch preparations on Thursday, May 12, at approximately 11 a. m. NASA Television will broadcast the crew's arrival live. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
The crew will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) and critical supplies to the space station, including two communications antennas, a high-pressure gas tank and additional parts for the Dextre robot. AMS is a particle physics detector designed to search for various types of unusual matter. The crew also will transfer Endeavour's orbiter boom sensor system to the station, where it could assist spacewalkers as an extension for the station's robotic arm. For the latest information about the shuttle mission and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
May 6, 2011
SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR TO LAUNCH NO EARLIER THAN MAY 16
CAPE CANAVERAL -- NASA managers have retargeted space shuttle Endeavour's launch to no earlier than Monday, May 16. After a meeting on Friday, they also extended the length of Endeavour's STS-134 mission to the International Space Station from 14 to 16 days. If Endeavour launches on May 16, liftoff would be at 8:56 a. m. EDT.
Kennedy technicians are continuing work to resolve an issue in a heater circuit associated with Endeavour's hydraulic system that resulted in the launch postponement. Technicians determined the failure was inside an aft load control assembly, which is a switchbox in the shuttle's aft compartment, and possibly its associated electrical wiring.
Although the root cause of the failure in the switchbox has not been found, technicians are replacing hardware that could have caused the problem. The faulty box was changed Wednesday, and a test of nine shuttle systems powered by the new box is under way.
This weekend, technicians will install and check out new wiring that bypasses the suspect electrical wiring connecting the switchbox to the heaters. They also will run the heaters for up to 30 minutes to verify they are working properly and complete retesting of the other systems powered by the switchbox.
The shuttle has three Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) that provide hydraulic power to steer the vehicle during ascent and entry. The hydrazine fuel lines on each APU have two heater circuits that prevent the fuel from freezing while the shuttle is in space. NASA launch commit criteria and flight rules require all APUs and heater circuits to be operational for launch. On Endeavour's first launch attempt, one of two heaters for APU-1's fuel line did not work. Engineers confirmed the circuit in the original switchbox that directed power to the heaters was shorted out.
Launch attempts are available through May 26. May 21 is the only day a launch is not an option because it would lead to a May 23 docking with the space station. May 23 is when three of the space station's Expedition 27 crew members undock and return home in their Soyuz spacecraft. Managers reviewed the STS-134 mission timeline and determined the Endeavour crew can accomplish all objectives even with the departure of the three station crew members.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
Endeavour's six astronauts will return to Kennedy on May 12. For the latest information about the shuttle mission and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Endeavour Launch No Earlier Than Monday, May 16
Fri, 06 May 2011 01:41:38 PM EDT
NASA managers met Friday afternoon and determined space shuttle Endeavour will launch no earlier than Monday, May 16 at 8:56 a.m. EDT. This weekend, technicians will continue to repair and retest electrical circuitry that caused a postponement of Endeavour's April 29 launch attempt. NASA will air a news conference Monday at 3 p.m., to discuss the status of the work. This afternoon, NASA will issue a news release with further details about the news conference and the work that will be performed this weekend.
May 4, 2011
NASA TV TO AIR 2011 U. S. ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME INDUCTION MAY 7
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Television will provide live coverage of the 2011 U. S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 3 p. m. EDT on Saturday, May 7. The ceremony will take place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.
Joining the hall of fame this year are former astronauts Karol J. "Bo" Bobko and Susan J. Helms. Their inductions bring the total number of space explorers enshrined to 79.
Bobko flew on three shuttle missions and logged more than 386 hours in space during his 19 years in the astronaut program. He served as pilot during the first voyage of shuttle Challenger aboard STS-6 in April 1983 and as commander during the maiden flight of shuttle Atlantis aboard STS-51J in October 1985.
Helms flew on the shuttle five times and logged 5,064 hours in space. While serving as a member of the second crew to live aboard the International Space Station in 2001, she performed the longest spacewalk ever at 8 hours and 56 minutes.
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, a 2006 Hall of Famer, will deliver remarks at the event. CNN reporter John Zarrella will serve as the host.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
FACEBOOK, 5/2/11, 6:30PM
NASA's Kennedy Space Center
NASA managers met Monday and determined that Tuesday, May 10 is the earliest Endeavour could be launched on the STS-134 mission. Plans are for managers to reconvene Friday to determine a more definite launch date after the box is removed and replaced and the retest of systems has been completed.
May 2, 2011
TWO EVENTS COMMEMORATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF U. S. HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT
WASHINGTON -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first U. S. manned spaceflight during two events this week around the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA Television will carry both events live.
On Wednesday, May 4, at 2 p. m. EDT, the U. S. Postal Service will unveil two new stamps at the Rocket Garden of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, located on State Road 405.
One stamp commemorates NASA's Project Mercury and Alan Shepard's historic launch on May 5, 1961, aboard the spacecraft Freedom 7. The second stamp honors NASA's MESSENGER, which reached Mercury in March to become the first spacecraft to orbit the planet. The two missions frame a remarkable 50-year period in which America advanced space exploration through more than 1,500 manned and unmanned flights.
Mercury astronaut Scott Carpenter and members of the Shepard family will join Bolden at the stamps' unveiling and at a 50th anniversary ceremony on Thursday, May 5, at 9 a. m., at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
The Thursday event includes a re-creation of Shepard's flight and recovery, as well as a tribute to his contributions as a moonwalker on the Apollo 14 lunar mission. KSC Director and former astronaut Bob Cabana and more than 200 workers from the original Mercury program also will be in attendance.
CAPE CANAVERAL -- NASA managers have determined space shuttle Endeavour will not launch before Sunday, May 8, but will not officially set a new launch date until early this week.
After Friday's launch scrub, Kennedy Space Center technicians searched for the cause of a failure in a heater circuit associated with Endeavour's hydraulic power system. The failure was found to be in a power circuit in a switchbox in the shuttle's aft compartment.
Managers and engineers are developing a schedule to remove and replace the switchbox and retest the new unit. That work will delay Endeavour's launch until at least May 8.
The shuttle has three Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) that provide hydraulic power to steer the vehicle during ascent and entry. The hydrazine fuel lines on each APU have two heater circuits that prevent the fuel from freezing while the shuttle is in space. NASA launch commit criteria and flight rules require all three APUs and heater circuits to be operational for liftoff.
Endeavour's six astronauts have returned to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston for several days of additional training. For the latest information about the shuttle mission and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
5/1/2011 - 11:00am
Space Shuttle Endeavour Launch Postponed
FACEBOOK: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Based on the amount of time needed to fix the issue, a new STS-134 launch attempt will not happen before the end of the week, at the soonest.
April 29, 2011
NASA RESETS SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR'S LAUNCH FOR NO EARLIER THAN MAY 2
WASHINGTON -- NASA managers met Friday to discuss the status of space shuttle Endeavour's launch to the International Space Station. The launch was postponed because of a heater issue associated with the shuttle's hydraulic power system. The next launch attempt will be no earlier than May 2.
The shuttle has three Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) that provide hydraulic power to steer the vehicle during ascent and entry. NASA launch commit criteria and flight rules require all three APUs to be fully operational for launch.
Endeavour's external fuel tank was drained of more than 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and oxygen so engineers can access the area Saturday and evaluate the issue with APU 1.
Possible launch day is Monday, May 2nd. Stay tuned.
FACEBOOK; NASA's Kennedy Space Center We have scrubbed today's STS-134 launch attempt because of an issue associated with Auxiliary Power Unit 1 heaters. There will be at least a 48-hour scrub turnaround while engineers assess the issue. "The engineering team did not understand how this problem occured and did not feel comfortable proceeding with a launch attempt," NASA Commentator George Diller said.
April 19, 2011
NASA SETS LAUNCH DATE FOR SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR MISSION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Commander Mark Kelly and his five crewmates are scheduled to begin a 14-day mission to the International Space Station with a launch at 3:47 p. m. EDT on Friday, April 29, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The STS-134 mission is shuttle Endeavour's final scheduled flight.
The launch date was announced Tuesday at the conclusion of a flight readiness review at Kennedy. During the meeting, senior NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle and station's equipment, support systems and personnel are ready.
The crew will deliver a particle physics detector, known as the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) to the station. AMS is designed to measure cosmic rays to search for various types of unusual matter, such as dark matter and antimatter. The instrument's experiments will help researchers study the formation of the universe. Endeavour also will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier 3, a platform that carries spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired from service. The mission will feature the last four spacewalks by a shuttle crew. The spacewalkers will do maintenance work, install new components, and perform a complex series of tasks to top off the ammonia in one of the station's photovoltaic thermal control system cooling loops.
The crew consists of Commander Kelly, Pilot Greg H. Johnson, NASA Mission Specialists Michael Fincke, Andrew Feustel and Greg Chamitoff and European Space Agency Mission Specialist Roberto Vittori. They are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy on Tuesday, April 26, for final launch preparations.
STS-134 is the 134th shuttle mission, Endeavour's 25th flight and the 36th shuttle mission to the station.
We're Behind You, Endeavour
Employees gather to hold up a banner to commemorate space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission, as it is moved from Orbiter Processing Facility-2 to the Vehicle Assembly Building.
Image credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller, Feb. 28, 2011
April 18, 2011
NASA AWARDS NEXT SET OF COMMERCIAL CREW DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
WASHINGTON -- NASA has awarded four Space Act Agreements in the second round of the agency's Commercial Crew Development (CCDev2) effort. Each company will receive between $22 million and $92.3 million to advance commercial crew space transportation system concepts and mature the design and development of elements of their systems, such as launch vehicles and spacecraft.
The selectees for CCDev2 awards are:
Blue Origin, Kent, Wash., $22 million
Sierra Nevada Corporation, Louisville, Colo., $80 million
Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), Hawthorne, Calif., $75 million
The Boeing Company, Houston, $92.3 million
"We're committed to safely transporting U. S. astronauts on American-made spacecraft and ending the outsourcing of this work to foreign governments," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "These agreements are significant milestones in NASA's plans to take advantage of American ingenuity to get to low-Earth orbit, so we can concentrate our resources on deep space exploration."
The goal of CCDev2 is to accelerate the availability of U. S. commercial crew transportation capabilities and reduce the gap in American human spaceflight capability. Through this activity, NASA also may be able to spur economic growth as potential new space markets are created. Once developed, crew transportation capabilities could become available to commercial and government customers.
"The next American-flagged vehicle to carry our astronauts into space is going to be a U. S. commercial provider," said Ed Mango, NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager. "The partnerships NASA is forming with industry will support the development of multiple American systems capable of providing future access to low-Earth orbit."
These awards are a continuation of NASA's CCDev initiatives, which began in 2009 to stimulate efforts within U. S. industry to develop and demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities. For more information about NASA's Commercial Crew Program, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration
April 12, 2011
NASA ANNOUNCES NEW HOMES FOR SHUTTLE ORBITERS AFTER RETIREMENT
WASHINGTON -- After 30 years of spaceflight, more than 130 missions, and numerous science and technology firsts, NASA's space shuttle fleet will retire and be on display at institutions across the country to inspire the next generation of explorers and engineers.
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden on Tuesday announced the facilities where four shuttle orbiters will be displayed permanently at the conclusion of the Space Shuttle Program. Shuttle Enterprise, the first orbiter built, will move from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York. The Udvar-Hazy Center will become the new home for shuttle Discovery, which retired after completing its 39th mission in March. Shuttle Endeavour, which is preparing for its final flight at the end of the month, will go to the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Atlantis, which will fly the last planned shuttle mission in June, will be displayed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.
"We want to thank all of the locations that expressed an interest in one of these national treasures," Bolden said. "This was a very difficult decision, but one that was made with the American public in mind. In the end, these choices provide the greatest number of people with the best opportunity to share in the history and accomplishments of NASA's remarkable Space Shuttle Program. These facilities we've chosen have a noteworthy legacy of preserving space artifacts and providing outstanding access to U. S. and international visitors."
NASA also announced that hundreds of shuttle artifacts have been allocated to museums and education institutions.
Various shuttle simulators for the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum of McMinnville, Ore., and Texas A&M's Aerospace Engineering Department. Full fuselage trainer for the Museum of Flight in Seattle Nose cap assembly and crew compartment trainer for the National Museum of the U. S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio Flight deck pilot and commander seats for NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston Orbital maneuvering system engines for the U. S. Space and Rocket Center of Huntsville, Ala., National Air and Space Museum in Washington, and Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
NASA also is offering shuttle heat shield tiles to schools and universities that want to share technology and a piece of space history with their students. Schools can request a tile at:gsaxcess.gov/NASAWel.htm
KSC Home to Shuttle Atlantis
Kennedy visitors will see shuttle Atlantis as it worked in space, with cargo bay doors open and arm extended. (Time: 5:03)
Administrator Bolden on the Shuttle's 30th Anniversary
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks on the 30th anniversary of the space shuttle program and announces the locations which will host the orbiters after retirement. (Time: 13:12)
April 11, 2011
NASA TO HOLD 30TH ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER AND ANNOUNCE PERMANENT SPACE SHUTTLE LOCATIONS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden will participate in a ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Tuesday, April 12, on the 30th anniversary of the first space shuttle launch. During the 1 p. m. EDT ceremony, Bolden and Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana will honor the shuttle work force's dedication, which has made it possible for NASA to take the next steps in exploration and retire the shuttle fleet later this year.
During the ceremony, which will feature an astronaut from the first shuttle mission, Bolden also will name the four institutions that will receive a shuttle orbiter for permanent display. The announcement and ceremony will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
The 1 p. m. ceremony is open to Kennedy employees and will take place outside the hangar for shuttle Atlantis, known as Orbiter Processing Facility-1. Atlantis is being prepared for its upcoming STS-135 mission to the International Space Station, the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program.
For more information about NASA's placement of the space shuttle orbiters, visit: www.nasa.gov/transition
NASA'S JUPITER-BOUND SPACECRAFT ARRIVES IN FLORIDA
PASADENA, Calif. -- NASA's Juno spacecraft has arrived in Florida to begin final preparations for a launch this summer. The spacecraft was shipped from Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, to the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., today. The solar-powered Juno spacecraft will orbit Jupiter's poles 33 times to find out more about the gas giant's origins, structure, atmosphere and magnetosphere.
"The Juno spacecraft and the team have come a long way since this project was first conceived in 2003," said Scott Bolton, Juno's principal investigator, based at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. "We're only a few months away from a mission of discovery that could very well rewrite the books on not only how Jupiter was born, but how our solar system came into being."
Next Monday, Juno will be removed from its shipping container, the first of the numerous milestones to prepare it for launch. Later that week, the spacecraft will begin functional testing to verify its state of health after the road trip from Colorado. After this, the team will load updated flight software and perform a series of mission readiness tests. These tests involve the entire spacecraft flight system, as well as the associated science instruments and the ground data system.
Juno will be carried into space aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifting off from Launch Complex-41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch period opens Aug. 5, 2011, and extends through Aug. 26. For an Aug. 5 liftoff, the launch window opens at 8:39 a. m. PDT (11:39 am EDT) and remains open through 9:39 a. m. PDT (12:39 p. m. EDT).
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., manages the Juno mission for the principal investigator, Scott Bolton, of Southwest Research Institute at San Antonio. The Juno mission is part of the New Frontiers Program managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, is building the spacecraft. The Italian Space Agency in Rome is contributing an infrared spectrometer instrument and a portion of the radio science experiment. Launch management for the mission is the responsibility of NASA's Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. JPL is a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.
Additional information about Juno is available at:
http://www.nasa.gov/juno
April 4, 2011
NASA RETARGETS SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR'S LAUNCH FOR APRIL 29
WASHINGTON -- Following discussions among the International Space Station partners on Sunday, NASA has targeted the launch of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission for 3:47 p. m. EDT on Friday, April 29. The delay removes a scheduling conflict with a Russian Progress supply vehicle scheduled to launch April 27 and arrive at the station April 29.
NASA managers will hold a Flight Readiness Review on Tuesday, April 19, to assess the team's readiness to support launch. An official launch date will be selected at the conclusion of the meeting.
The Progress 42 spacecraft will be delivering supplies to the station. Three more members of the Expedition 27 crew are scheduled to launch at 6:18 pm EDT on Monday, April 4, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Their arrival will return the station crew's size to six members. Russian cosmonauts Andrey Borisenko and Alexander Samokutyaev and NASA astronaut Ron Garan are scheduled to arrive at the station at 7:18 p. m., Wednesday, April 6, to join cosmonaut Expedition 27 Commander Dmitry Kondratyev, European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli and NASA astronaut Cady Coleman, who have been aboard the station since mid-December.
NASA PARTICIPATES IN BUSCH GARDENS PHYSICS DAY ON MARCH 24
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Educators from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., will travel to Busch Gardens in Tampa on March 24 to participate in one of the park's annual events, Physics Day.
The educators will provide four, 30-minute lessons focusing on what happens when physics and fun come together. The event is geared toward middle and high school students and designed to demonstrate how physics is encountered constantly. Topics covered during the sessions will include Newton's Third Law of action and reaction, combustion and propulsion, kinetic and potential energy, states of matter and phase change, inelastic collisions and sound waves.
It is part of NASA's strategy to engage students in the science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, disciplines critical to NASA's missions. Students from throughout the country can become a virtual member of the audience by tuning in to the live webcast at: http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/
NASA RELEASES FIRST-EVER HD FOOTAGE OF SRB RECOVERY SHIP MISSION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- For the first time, NASA has released high-definition video taken during the retrieval of solid rocket booster segments from the Atlantic Ocean. The solid rocket boosters provided 144 million pounds of thrust for the final launch of space shuttle Discovery on its STS-133 mission.
After each shuttle launch, crew members of the Liberty Star and Freedom Star retrieval ships pull the spent boosters out of the ocean and return them to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. After they are processed, the boosters are transported to Utah, where they are refurbished and stored, if necessary.
The video includes high-definition video footage from the recovery ships and time-lapse footage of recovery efforts on Freedom Star.
The footage was captured with a Panasonic HPX 3700 high-definition, cinema-style camera with 1080 progressive scanning at 24 frames per second.
The video will be broadcast on NASA Television's Video File. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
NASA'S SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR AT LAUNCH PAD, LIFTOFF PRACTICE SET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After safely reaching its launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 11, space shuttle Endeavour now awaits the next major milestone for its upcoming flight to the International Space Station.
Six astronauts are set to begin the STS-134 mission on April 19 for Endeavour's final scheduled flight before it is retired.
Endeavour arrived at the pad on top of a giant crawler-transporter after leaving Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building at 7:56 p. m. EST Thursday. It travelled less than 1 mph during the 3.4-mile journey and was secured on the launch pad at 3:49 a. m. Friday. TCDT will provide Endeavour's astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training.
The 14-day mission will be the 36th flight to the space station and the 25th flight for Endeavour. The STS-134 mission will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, a particle physics detector designed to search for various types of unusual matter by measuring cosmic rays. The STS-134 crew also will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, a platform that carries spare parts to sustain station operations once the shuttles are retired later this year.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about the STS-134 mission and crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
March 9, 2011
NASA NAMES MISHAP BOARD FOR TAURUS XL LAUNCH FAILURE INVESTIGATION
WASHINGTON -- NASA has selected the members of the board that will investigate the unsuccessful March 4 launch of the Glory spacecraft. Bradley C. Flick, director of the Research and Engineering Directorate at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif., will lead the mishap investigation board.
Flick is responsible for the technical and administrative management of the directorate's engineering workforce at Dryden. He also has served as Dryden's chief engineer and was responsible for providing independent technical guidance and oversight to flight projects.
The board has six other voting members:
LeRoy E. Cain, deputy manager, Space Shuttle Program, NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston
Daniel Dorney, supervisory aerospace engineer, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
Todd Hinkel, lead, Johnson Space Center Pyrotechnics Group
Stacey Nakamura, chair, Johnson Space Center Safety and Engineering Review Panel
Air Force Capt. Benjamin Califf, deputy chief, Space Launch Section, Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M.
Barbara Kanki, research psychologist, NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.
The ex-officio member is Christopher Nagy, safety and mission assurance manager at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The ex-officio member assures board activity conforms to NASA procedural requirements.
The board began its investigation Wednesday. Members will gather information, analyze the facts, identify the failure's cause or causes and identify contributing factors. The board will make recommendations to the NASA administrator to prevent similar incidents.
The Glory spacecraft failed to reach orbit after liftoff aboard a Taurus XL rocket on March 4 at 5:09 a. m. EST from Vandenberg Air Force Base in southern California.
For more information about the Glory Taurus XL launch and investigation, visit: www.nasa.gov/glory
March 9, 2011
NASA ANNOUNCES TWEETUP FOR SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR'S FINAL LIFT OFF
WASHINGTON -- NASA will give 150 of its Twitter followers an insider's look at the nation's space program and the opportunity to view a space shuttle launch in person. The fourth shuttle launch Tweetup, scheduled April 18-19, will be held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Attendees will tour the center, view the shuttle launch and speak with NASA managers, astronauts, shuttle technicians and engineers. NASA randomly will select the participants from online registrations. Shuttle Endeavour is targeted to lift off from Kennedy on its mission to the International Space Station at 7:48 p. m. EDT on April 19. It will be Endeavour's final mission and the penultimate mission before the shuttles are retired.
"As the Space Shuttle Program draws to a close, it is important to NASA that people have the opportunity to experience a launch and share it with their friends, family and followers," said Stephanie Schierholz, social media manager at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "This is our fourth and very well could be our final shuttle launch Tweetup, so we're excited about making it a special experience."
Registration opens at noon on Monday, March 14, and closes at noon on Tuesday, March 15. For more information about the Tweetup and to sign up, visit: www.nasa.gov/tweetup
SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY RETURNS HOME AFTER FINAL MISSION
Space shuttle Discovery lands at Kennedy Space Center in Florida to complete its 39th and final flight. Image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery and its six-astronaut crew ended a 13-day journey of more than five million miles and concluded the spacecraft's illustrious 27-year career with an 11:57 a. m. EST landing Wednesday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
STS-133 was the last mission for the longest-serving veteran of NASA's space shuttle fleet. Since 1984, Discovery flew 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited Earth 5,830 times and traveled 148,221,675 miles.
"Discovery is an amazing spacecraft and she has served her country well," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "The success of this mission and those that came before it is a testament to the diligence and determination of everyone who has worked on Discovery and the Space Shuttle Program, over these many years. As we celebrate the many accomplishments of this magnificent ship, we look forward to an exciting new era of human spaceflight that lies ahead."
Steve Lindsey commanded the flight and was joined by Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Steve Bowen, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott. Discovery delivered the Pressurized Multipurpose Module, or PMM, which was converted from the Multipurpose Logistics Module, Leonardo. The PMM can host experiments in fluid physics, materials science, biology, biotechnology and other areas.
STS-133 also brought critical spare components and the Express Logistics Carrier 4 to the International Space Station. Robonaut 2, or R2, became the first human-like robot in space and a permanent resident of the station. The mission's two spacewalks assisted in outfitting the truss of the station and completed a variety of other tasks designed to upgrade station systems.
A welcome ceremony for the astronauts will be held Thursday, March 10, in Houston. The public is invited to attend the 4 p. m. CST event at Ellington Field's NASA Hangar 276. Gates to Ellington Field will open at 3:30 p. m.
Highlights from the ceremony will be broadcast on NASA Television's Video File. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
STS-133 was the 133rd shuttle flight and the 35th shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. With Discovery and its crew safely home, the stage is set for the launch of shuttle Endeavour on its STS-134 mission, targeted to lift off on April 19.
Endeavour's flight will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) to the space station. AMS will use the unique environment of space to advance knowledge of the universe, leading to a better understanding of the universe's origin by searching for antimatter, dark matter and strange matter, and by measuring cosmic rays.
The AMS will be attached to the outside of the station on the starboard truss. The device is expected to remain active for 10 or more years. Endeavour also will fly the Express Logistics Carrier 3, a platform that carries a number of spare parts that will sustain space station operations after the shuttles are retired from service.
For more information about the STS-133 mission and the upcoming STS-134 flight, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
NASA ADMINISTRATOR TO GREET DISCOVERY CREW, TALK WITH STUDENTS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden will greet space shuttle Discovery's astronauts on Wednesday after the crew's planned landing at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Bolden will make brief remarks live on NASA Television from Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility about the final mission for the agency's longest-serving shuttle and its place in space exploration history. Discovery has two Kennedy landing opportunities Wednesday at 11:57 a. m. and 1:34 p. m. EST. The remarks will take place about an hour after landing, following the crew's traditional walk-around under Discovery on the shuttle runway.
Prior to his remarks at the shuttle runway, Bolden will meet with about 50 eighth-grade students from McNair Magnet Middle School in Rockledge, Fla., who will attend Discovery's landing. They will discuss the accomplishments of Discovery's final flight and the importance of careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about Discovery's final mission, STS-133, and crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
March 8, 2011
NASA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM 'INSPIRED' HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
WASHINGTON -- U. S. high school students are invited to participate in NASA's Interdisciplinary National Science Program Incorporating Research Experience, or INSPIRE, through an online learning community. INSPIRE is designed to encourage students in ninth through 12th grades to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Applications are being accepted through June 30. NASA will make selections for the program in September. The selected students and their parents will participate in an online learning community with opportunities to interact with peers, NASA engineers and scientists. The online community also provides appropriate grade-level educational activities, discussion boards and chat rooms for participants to gain exposure to careers and opportunities available at NASA.
Students selected for the program also will have the option to compete for unique grade-appropriate experiences during the summer of 2012 at NASA facilities and participating universities. The summer experience provides students with a hands-on opportunity to investigate education and careers in the STEM disciplines.
INSPIRE is part of NASA's education strategy to attract and retain students in the STEM disciplines critical to NASA's missions. For more information about INSPIRE, visit: www.nasa.gov/education/INSPIRE
SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY MAKES FINAL RETURN TO EARTH WEDNESDAY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to return to Earth for the final time on Wednesday, March 9, completing a 13-day mission to outfit the International Space Station. If Discovery lands Wednesday, it will have spent a total of 365 days in space and traveled more than 148 million miles during 39 flights. It launched on its first mission on Aug. 30, 1984.
Wednesday landing opportunities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are at 11:57 a. m. and 1:34 p. m. EST. NASA managers will evaluate weather conditions at Kennedy before permitting Discovery to land. If Discovery is unable to land Wednesday, additional opportunities are available on Thursday at Kennedy and at backup landing site Edwards Air Force Base in California. For recorded updates about landing, call 321-867-2525.
Approximately two hours after Discovery lands, NASA officials will hold a briefing to discuss the mission. The participants will be: - Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations - Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager - Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director
After touchdown, the astronauts will undergo routine physical examinations and meet with their families. The crew may participate in a post-landing news conference about 6.5 hours after landing. The news events will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency's website.
The NASA News Twitter feed is updated throughout the shuttle mission and landing. To follow, visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For the latest information about the STS-133 mission and accomplishments, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
For more information about the space station and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/station
March 4, 2011
NASA CREATES GLORY SATELLITE MISHAP INVESTIGATION BOARD
WASHINGTON -- NASA's Glory mission ended Friday after the spacecraft failed to reach orbit following its launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
NASA has begun the process of creating a Mishap Investigation Board to evaluate the cause of the failure. Telemetry indicated the fairing, a protective shell atop the satellite's Taurus XL rocket, did not separate as expected.
The launch proceeded as planned from its liftoff at 5:09 a. m. EST through the ignition of the Taurus XL's second stage. However, the fairing failure occurred during the second stage engine burn. It is likely the spacecraft fell into the South Pacific, although the exact location is not yet known.
NASA's previous launch attempt of an Earth science spacecraft, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory onboard a Taurus XL on Feb. 24, 2009, also failed to reach orbit when the fairing did not separate.
NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory Mishap Investigation Board reviewed launch data and the fairing separation system design, and developed a corrective action plan. The plan was implemented by Taurus XL manufacturer Orbital Sciences Corporation. In October 2010, NASA's Flight Planning Board confirmed the successful closure of the corrective actions.
The Glory Earth-observing satellite was intended to improve our understanding of how the sun and tiny atmospheric particles called aerosols affect Earth's climate.
March 4, 2011
NASA'S GLORY SATELLITE FAILS TO REACH ORBIT
WASHINGTON -- NASA's Glory mission launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California Friday at 5:09:45 a. m. EST failed to reach orbit.
Telemetry indicated the fairing, the protective shell atop the Taurus XL rocket, did not separate as expected about three minutes after launch.
A press briefing to discuss the Glory launch failure is planned at Vandenberg for approximately 8:00 a. m. EST. NASA Television will carry the press conference live at: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/digital.html
The new Earth-observing satellite was intended to improve our understanding of how the sun and tiny atmospheric particles called aerosols affect Earth's climate.
NASA AND FLORIDA TECH TO HOST SPACE STUDIES PROGRAM 2012
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Kennedy Space Center and the Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Fla., have been selected to host the International Space University's 25th annual Space Studies Program. The 9-week course, set for June 4-Aug. 3, 2012, is designed for post-graduate university students and professionals.
"Kennedy Space Center is looking forward to hosting the 2012 session of the ISU Space Studies Program in partnership with the Florida Institute of Technology," said Bob Cabana, Kennedy Space Center Director. "This is an amazing opportunity, not only for the students participating in the program, but for employees of the center to share their knowledge and experiences with an international network of leading space experts and professionals."
The International Space University, or ISU, headquartered in Strasbourg, France, provides an interdisciplinary education experience to support the development of future leaders in the world space community. The site of the Space Studies Program changes annually, enabling a unique educational and international experience. The program curriculum includes sessions in space physical sciences, space systems engineering, policy and law, business and management, space and society, satellite applications, space life sciences and human spaceflight.
For more information on the International Space University, visit: http://www.isunet.edu
NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR SET FOR FINAL TRIP TO LAUNCH PAD
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour will move from the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, to Launch Pad 39A on Wednesday, March 9, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Six astronauts are targeted to launch aboard the shuttle on April 19. The STS-134 mission to the International Space Station is the final scheduled flight for Endeavour before it is retired.
Endeavour's first motion out of the VAB is scheduled for 8 p. m. EST. NASA Television will provide live coverage of the rollout. NASA TV's Video File will broadcast highlights of the move. The shuttle's 3.4-mile journey atop a giant crawler-transporter is expected to take approximately six hours.
During the 14-day mission to the space station, Endeavour's astronauts will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, a particle physics detector designed to search for various types of unusual matter by measuring cosmic rays.
The crew also will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier 3, a platform that carries spare parts that will sustain station operations once the shuttles are retired later this year.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
NASA'S SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR MOVES FROM PROCESSING HANGAR TO VAB
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Media are invited to cover space shuttle Endeavour's final planned move from its processing hangar to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) on Monday, Feb. 28, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
The first motion of the shuttle on its rollover to the VAB is scheduled for 7 a. m. EST. Once inside the VAB, Endeavour will be attached to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters already on the mobile launcher platform. Media must arrive at Kennedy's News Center by 6 a. m. Monday for transportation to the viewing area.
STS-133 media credentials are valid for this photo opportunity. New media accreditation is closed. Any updates for this event will be available at 321-867-2525.
Highlights of the move will air on the NASA TV Video File. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
The STS-134 mission will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, a particle physics detector designed to search for various types of unusual matter by measuring cosmic rays. The STS-134 crew also will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier 3, a platform that carries spare parts that will sustain station operations once the shuttles are retired later this year.
NASA'S SHUTTLE DISCOVERY HEADS TO SPACE STATION ON ITS FINAL MISSION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The final flight of space shuttle Discovery lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 4:53 p. m. EST Thursday to deliver a new module and critical supplies to the International Space Station.
The STS-133 mission is delivering the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM), a facility created from the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module named Leonardo. The module can support microgravity experiments in areas such as fluid physics, materials science, biology and biotechnology. Inside the PMM is Robonaut 2, a dextrous robot that will become a permanent resident of the station. Discovery also is carrying critical spare components to the space station and the Express Logistics Carrier 4, an external platform that holds large equipment.
"With Discovery's mission, the United States once again reaches for new heights, pushes the boundaries of human achievement and contributes to our long-term future in space," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "Discovery's crew - including the first-ever dexterous robot crew member, Robonaut 2 - will continue America's leadership in human and robotic spaceflight, and support important scientific and technical research aboard the space station."
STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey will command the flight. He is joined on the mission by Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Steve Bowen, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott. Bowen replaced Tim Kopra as mission specialist 2 following a bicycle injury on Jan. 15 that prohibited Kopra from supporting the launch window. Bowen last flew on Atlantis in May 2010 as part of the STS-132 crew. Flying on the STS-133 mission will make Bowen the first astronaut ever to fly on consecutive missions.
The shuttle crew is scheduled to dock to the station at 2:16 p. m. on Saturday, Feb. 26. The mission's two spacewalks will focus on outfitting the station and storing spare components outside the complex.
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After completing the 11-day flight, the shuttle's first landing opportunity at Kennedy is scheduled for 12:44 p. m. on Monday, March 7. STS-133 is the 133rd shuttle flight, the 39th flight for Discovery and the 35th shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance.
NASA's Web coverage of STS-133 includes mission information, a press kit, interactive features, news conference images, graphics and videos. Mission coverage, including the latest NASA Television schedule, is available on the main space shuttle website at: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
NASA is providing continuous television and Internet coverage of the mission. NASA TV features live mission events, daily status news conferences and 24-hour commentary. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
Feb. 24, 2011
NASA ASSESSING NEW LAUNCH DATES FOR THE GLORY MISSION
WASHINGTON -- Preparations for the launch of NASA's Glory mission from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California have been suspended temporarily. Engineers continue to troubleshoot a malfunction in ground support equipment associated with the Taurus XL rocket.
On Feb. 23, a false indication was received about the rocket's status after commands were sent approximately 15 minutes before launch to activate the Taurus.
"We had an indication that a 'hold-fire' command was sent when indeed it had not," said Omar Baez, NASA launch director.
The commands originated from the Vehicle Interface Control Console in the mobile launch support van stationed a few miles from the launch pad. The problem has not yet been isolated, and troubleshooting continues. Managers are evaluating possible Glory launch opportunities in early to mid-March.
"The Glory spacecraft is doing fine," reported Bryan Fafaul, Glory project manager from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. "We are continuing to slow charge the battery until we have a new launch date."
The Glory satellite will be launched aboard a Taurus on a mission to improve our understanding of how the sun and tiny atmospheric particles called aerosols affect Earth's climate. Glory launch management is provided by NASA's Launch Service Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orbital Sciences Corp. is providing the Taurus XL launch vehicle and is responsible for spacecraft operations.
WASHINGTON -- The launch of NASA's Glory spacecraft from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California is currently planned for no earlier than Friday, Feb. 25, at 5:09 a. m. EST. Engineers from NASA and Orbital Sciences Corp. continue to troubleshoot a technical issue that arose during Wednesday's initial launch attempt. The target launch date also will ensure personnel get the required rest before entering another countdown.
The Glory satellite is being launched aboard an Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket on a mission to improve our understanding of how the sun and tiny atmospheric particles called aerosols affect Earth's climate.
For more information about NASA's Glory mission, visit: www.nasa.gov/glory
For NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming video information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
Feb. 23, 2011
NASA POSTPONES LAUNCH OF GLORY MISSION
WASHINGTON -- The launch of NASA's Glory spacecraft from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California has been postponed at least 24 hours.
During the final 15 minutes before Wednesday's scheduled launch of 5:09 a. m. EST, the vehicle interface control console, a ground interface with Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL rocket, gave an unexpected reading. The cause and potential effect of the reading was not fully understood. With a 48-second available launch window, there was insufficient time to analyze the issue causing the launch to be postponed. Members of the Taurus team are troubleshooting the issue.
The next launch attempt is no earlier than Thursday, Feb. 24, at 5:09 a. m. EST. NASA Television's coverage of the launch will begin at 3:30 a. m. EST.
Data to be collected by Glory will help scientists improve our ability to predict Earth's future environment and to distinguish human-induced climate change from natural climate variability.
The Glory mission is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., for the agency's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Launch management is provided by NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy. Orbital Sciences Corp., which provided the Taurus XL rocket, is responsible for Glory's spacecraft design, manufacture, payload integration and testing, as well as spacecraft operations.
For more information about NASA's Glory mission, visit: www.nasa.gov/glory
For NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming video information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
Feb. 18, 2011
NASA SETS LAUNCH DATE FOR SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY MISSION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to begin an 11-day mission to the International Space Station with a launch at 4:50 p. m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 24, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The STS-133 mission is Discovery's final scheduled flight.
Discovery's launch date was announced Friday at the conclusion of a flight readiness review at Kennedy. During the meeting, senior NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle and station's equipment, support systems and personnel are ready.
The six astronauts for the mission will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) to the station. The PMM was converted from the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo and will provide additional storage for the station crew. Experiments in such fields as fluid physics, materials science, biology and biotechnology may be conducted inside the module.
The PMM also carries Robonaut 2, the first human-like robot in space, which will become a permanent resident of the station. In addition, the flight will deliver critical spare parts and the Express Logistics Carrier 4, an external platform that holds large equipment.
STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and his crew are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy on Sunday, Feb. 20, for final launch preparations. Joining Lindsey are Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Steve Bowen, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott. Bowen and Drew will conduct two spacewalks to install new components and perform maintenance.
Discovery's launch will occur six hours after the planned docking of the European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle-2 "Johannes Kepler" to the space station.
STS-133 is the first mission planned for 2011. It is Discovery's 39th flight and 35th shuttle mission to the station. There are two other flights planned before the shuttle retires this year. For the schedule of upcoming missions to the International Space Station, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/stationflights
NASA AND PALM BEACH COUNTY PROVIDE UNIQUE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA is partnering with the South Florida Science Museum, West Palm Beach, Fla., and the school district of Palm Beach County to inspire and encourage underrepresented students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The event, in honor of African-American History month, will take place Feb. 15-18, 2011, at the museum and area elementary and middle schools. More than 1,000, fifth- and eighth-grade students will have the opportunity to interact with minority role-model speakers, participate in hands-on educational activities and view astronomy presentations in Kennedy Space Center's portable planetarium.
Educational outreach activities will take place at the South Florida Science Museum on Feb. 15 and will involve the following schools:
Bright Futures Academy, North Palm Beach, Fla.
Palmetto Elementary School, West Palm Beach, Fla.
Park Vista High School, Lake Worth, Fla.
Activities on the remaining dates will take place on-site at the following schools:
Galaxy Elementary School, Boynton Beach, Fla.
Glade View Elementary School, Belle Glade, Fla.
John F. Kennedy Middle School, Riviera Beach, Fla.
Lantana Community Middle School, Lantana, Fla.
Pahokee Middle School, Pahokee, Fla.
Westward Elementary International Magnet School, West Palm Beach, Fla.
WASHINGTON -- NASA has presented its Quality and Safety Achievement Recognition, or QASAR, award for 2010 to Patricia J. Stratton of Merritt Island, Fla.
The QASAR award recognizes individual government and contractor employees who have demonstrated exemplary performance in contributing to the quality or safety of products, services, processes, or management programs and activities.
A NASA contractor employee of United Space Alliance, or USA, of Houston, Stratton received the award for devising a work force retention program that has enabled space shuttle workers to maintain their focus on safety and quality as that NASA program draws to a close.
Through the initiatives developed by Stratton, who is USA's associate program manager for ground operations at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, employees can take advantage of educational, financial and emotional assistance; specialized recognition and award programs; compensation packages designed to make use of their critical skills until the last shuttle flies and then ease their transition into other employment; and skills training and certification.
"We are extremely proud of Patty," said Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana. "She continuously sets the highest standards in Safety and Quality and effectively provides the leadership for the USA work force to meet them. Her genuine concern for the workers has enabled employees to remain focused on meeting and exceeding NASA's quality and safety goals during a challenging time of transition."
Stratton was recognized along with four other award recipients Feb. 10 at the agency's eighth annual Project Management Challenge in Long Beach, Calif.
NASA'S GLORY CLIMATE SATELLITE READY FOR LAUNCH FEB. 23
VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. -- The launch of NASA's Glory spacecraft aboard an Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 23. Liftoff will be from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), Calif. Liftoff is targeted for 2:09:43 a. m. PST (5:09:43 a. m. EST) in the middle of a 48-second launch window. The spacecraft's final polar orbit will be 438 nautical miles (508 miles) at an inclination of 98.2 degrees.
Data from the Glory mission will allow scientists to better understand how the sun and tiny atmospheric particles called aerosols affect Earth's climate. Both aerosols and solar energy influence the planet's energy budget, which is the amount of energy entering and exiting Earth's atmosphere. An accurate measurement of these impacts is important in order to anticipate future changes to our climate and how they may affect human life.
The first of NASA's Educational Launch of Nanosatellite, or ELaNa, missions also will be launched on the Taurus XL. These auxiliary payloads are small satellites called CubeSats. Each is designed and created by university and college students. Three satellites will be deployed on ELaNa-1.
WEB COVERAGE: Launch coverage of Glory/Taurus XL countdown activities will be available on the NASA website by going to the home page at: http://www.nasa.gov
Feb. 1, 2011
NASA AND PINELLAS COUNTY PROVIDE UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA is partnering with the Pinellas Science Center, St. Petersburg, Fla., and the Pinellas County School System to inspire and encourage underrepresented students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The event, in honor of African-American History month, will take place Feb. 8-11, 2011, at the science center and area elementary and middle schools. More than 1,000 fifth- and eighth-grade students will have the opportunity to interact with minority role-model speakers, participate in hands-on educational activities and view astronomy presentations in Kennedy Space Center's portable planetarium.
Educational outreach activities will take place at the Pinellas Science Center on Feb. 10. Activities on the remaining dates will take place on-site at the following schools:
Academy Preparatory Middle School, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Azalea Elementary School, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Azalea Middle School, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Bay Point Middle School, St. Petersburg, Fla.
DePaul School, Clearwater, Fla.
Fairmont Park Elementary School, St. Petersburg, Fla.
NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY SET FOR FINAL TRIP TO LAUNCH PAD
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Discovery will move from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to Launch Pad 39A on Monday, Jan. 31, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Six astronauts are set to launch aboard the shuttle on Feb. 24. The STS-133 mission to the International Space Station is the final scheduled flight for Discovery before it is retired.
Discovery's first motion out of the VAB to the pad is scheduled for 8 p. m. EST. NASA Television will provide live coverage of the shuttle's rollout. NASA TV's Video File will broadcast highlights of the move.
The shuttle's 3.4-mile journey atop a giant crawler-transporter is expected to take approximately six hours. Activities include an 8 p. m. photo opportunity of the move followed by interview availability at 8:30 p. m. with Discovery Flow Director Stephanie Stilson. Media representatives must arrive at Kennedy's news center by 7:30 p. m. for the rollout photo opportunity.
The 11-day mission will be the 35th flight to the station and the 39th flight for Discovery. The mission will deliver and install the Permanent Multipurpose Module; critical spare components for the space station; and the Express Logistics Carrier 4 -- an external platform that holds large equipment. Discovery also will deliver Robonaut 2, or R2, to become a permanent resident of the station as the first human-like robot in space.
Discovery's first launch attempt on Nov. 5, 2010, was scrubbed because of a gaseous hydrogen leak at the external fuel tank's ground umbilical carrier plate. The spacecraft was rolled off of the launch pad and back into the VAB on Dec. 21, 2010, to allow technicians to perform X-ray type scans and repairs to Discovery's external tank.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about the STS-133 mission and crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Jan. 24, 2011
NASA EXPLORES POTENTIAL NEW USERS FOR SOME KENNEDY FACILITIES
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has released a formal Notice of Availability (NOA) and Request for Information (RFI) to identify interest from industry for space processing and support facilities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The facilities may become available for space-related commercial use following the end of the Space Shuttle Program.
The facilities that may become available are well-suited for entities operating or directly supporting government or commercial launches or space user services.
"Kennedy has been working for some time to enable commercial space activities at the center that are in line with NASA's mission," Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana said. "Partnering with the commercial space industry will help NASA meet its goals and help sustain facility assets to support our nation's space objectives."
The announcement groups facilities into four classes: space vehicle processing and launch facilities; off-line processing facilities; payload processing facilities; and miscellaneous facilities. Facilities listed in the announcement include: Launch Pads 39A and B, the Vehicle Assembly Building, Orbiter Processing Facilities and the Shuttle Landing Facility.
NASA reserves the right to subsequently remove facilities from this list if the agency determines it needs them for its own requirements. NASA also may pursue other options for disposition of the listed facilities if in the government's best interests.
NASA has received previous commercial interest in some of the facilities at the center. This notice is another step in efforts to build awareness with industry about potentially available center assets. It was issued to provide the widest notice about facilities and to ensure fairness to interested parties.
NASA OBSERVES DAY OF REMEMBRANCE, CHALLENGER ANNIVERSARY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center, Fla., will observe NASA's Day of Remembrance on Jan. 27 and the 25th anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger accident on Jan. 28.
On Jan. 27, media and the general public are invited to a wreath-laying at 10:30 a. m. EST at the Space Mirror Memorial at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Kennedy Center Director and former astronaut Bob Cabana will take part in the ceremony.
NASA's Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the astronaut crews of Apollo 1 and shuttles Challenger and Columbia.
On Jan. 28 at 9 a. m., NASA Television will provide live coverage of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation's remembrance service honoring Challenger's STS-51L crew. The ceremony also will be held at the Space Mirror Memorial and open to both media and the public.
Speakers at the memorial are: NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier; June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Commander Dick Scobee; Robert Cabana, former astronaut and Kennedy center director; Michael McCulley, former astronaut and chairman of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation; and Rick Soria, 2009 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award winner. The Astronauts Memorial Foundation President Stephen Feldman will moderate the service.
Media interested in covering either or both events should contact Andrea Farmer at 321-449-4318, Jillian McRae at 321-449-4273 or Brittany Englert at 321-449-4311. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will provide flowers for visitors throughout the day to place at the memorial. For more information, please call 877-313-2610. Kennedy contractors and civil servants will be allowed access to the Space Mirror Memorial on both days to pay their respects.
Video of the Jan. 27 and Jan. 28 services will air on NASA Television's Video File segment. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, a private, not-for-profit organization, built and maintains the Space Mirror Memorial. It was dedicated in 1991 to honor all astronauts who lost their lives on missions or during training and since has been designated a National Memorial by Congress.
ASTRONAUT STEVE BOWEN NAMED TO STS-133 SPACE SHUTTLE CREW
HOUSTON -- NASA selected astronaut Steve Bowen as a mission specialist on STS-133, the next space shuttle mission planned for launch on Feb. 24. Bowen replaces astronaut Tim Kopra, who was injured in a bicycle accident over the weekend. The agency will hold a media teleconference at 4:30 p. m. EST on Wednesday, Jan. 19, to discuss the change in crew personnel.
The teleconference panelists are: -- Bill Gerstenmaier, NASA associate administrator for Space Operations -- Peggy Whitson, chief of the Astronaut Office.
"Tim is doing fine and expects a full recovery; however, he will not be able to support the launch window next month," said Peggy Whitson, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "If for some unanticipated reason STS-133 slips significantly, it is possible that Tim could rejoin the crew."
The crew change should not affect the mission's target launch date.
"Steve is an ideal candidate, and we have complete confidence he'll contribute to a fully successful STS-133 mission," Whitson said. "He has performed five prior spacewalks. That extensive experience, coupled with some adjustments to the spread of duties among the crew, will allow for all mission objectives to be accomplished as originally planned in the current launch window."
Bowen will begin training this week with the STS-133 crew, which includes Commander Steve Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe, and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott. Bowen also will train to perform the two planned spacewalks of the mission. He will join Alvin Drew to move a failed ammonia pump and perform other external configurations to the station.
The STS-133 mission to the International Space Station will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, an external platform that holds large equipment and critical spare components for the station. The mission also will deliver Robonaut 2, or R2, the first human-like robot in space.
NASA UPDATES SHUTTLE TARGET LAUNCH DATES FOR TWO FLIGHTS
WASHINGTON -- NASA is targeting 4:50 p. m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 24, for the launch of space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. The liftoff of shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 flight is planned for 7:48 p. m. EDT on April 19, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The target dates were selected Thursday during the Space Shuttle Program's weekly Program Requirements Control Board meeting.
NASA sets official launch dates for each shuttle mission following agency Flight Readiness Reviews, which typically occur about two weeks prior to launches. All target launch dates are subject to change.
KENNEDY HOLDS CEREMONY FOR NASA'S GREENEST FACILITY ON JAN. 20
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center is having a ribbon-cutting ceremony for NASA's greenest building, Propellants North Administrative and Maintenance Facility, on Thursday, Jan. 20, at 10:30 a. m. EST.
Propellants North consists of two buildings, one to store cryogenic fuel transfer equipment and one to house personnel who support fueling spacecraft. The recently rebuilt buildings will be NASA's first carbon neutral facility, which means it will produce enough energy on site from renewable sources to offset what it requires to operate. The facility also will reach for the U. S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) Platinum status, which is the highest LEED rating.
In addition to its environmentally friendly features, such as a rainwater harvesting system for non-potable water irrigation and restroom use and more than 300 high-efficient solar panels on the roof, Propellants North has some very NASA Kennedy Space Center-specific touches. These include reusing deconstructed windows and framing from the historic Launch Control Center and landscaping mulch made from recycled crushed crawlerway rocks.
Video highlights of the facility's construction and ribbon-cutting event will air on NASA Television's Video File Thursday afternoon. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
NASA'S GLORY SATELLITE ARRIVES AT VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE FOR LAUNCH
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The latest Earth-observing satellite developed by NASA, called Glory, arrived Tuesday at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., in preparation for a Feb. 23 launch. Glory was transported by truck from Orbital Sciences Corporation's satellite design, production and testing facility in Dulles, Va.
Glory is NASA's next Earth-observing research mission that will improve our understanding of how the sun and airborne particles called aerosols affect Earth's climate. It will join the Afternoon Constellation or "A-train" of polar-orbiting satellites, a group that includes the Aqua and Aura satellites. Glory will carry two primary instruments, the Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor (APS) and the Total Irradiance Monitor (TIM). APS will measure aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere and will take advantage of the A-train orbit by gathering coincident data with other atmospheric science instruments. TIM will point towards the sun and continue the 32-year data record of the sun's brightness, or total solar irradiance.
"The scientific knowledge gained from Glory will have a significant impact on our understanding of natural and human influences on climate," said Hal Maring, Glory program scientist at NASA Headquarters, Washington.
On Jan. 18, Stage 0 of Orbital's Taurus XL 3110 four-stage rocket will be moved to the launch pad and hoisted into position. Stages 1, 2 and 3 will join stage 0 on the pad on Jan 25. The Glory spacecraft will be enclosed in the Taurus XL payload fairing on Feb. 4-5 and transported to the launch pad to be mated to the third stage of the rocket the following day. Once the spacecraft is integrated with stages 1, 2, and 3, the entire unit will be rotated to vertical and hoisted atop stage 0 on Feb. 15.
On Feb. 23, Glory is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex 576-E at 2:09 a. m. PST (5:09 a. m. EST). After launch, mission operators will conduct verification tests for 30 days and then begin normal data collection for a period of at least three years. Glory will fly in a low-Earth orbit of 438 miles (705 km) altitude, which is about the distance between Boston and Washington.
Glory is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Launch management is the responsibility of NASA's Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Orbital is responsible for the Glory satellite's design, manufacture, payload integration and testing, as well as spacecraft operations conducted from its Mission Operations Complex in Dulles, Va. Orbital is also responsible for the mission's launch service with its Taurus XL rocket. The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado provided and will operate the TIM instrument. Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems in El Segundo, Calif., provided the APS instrument, which will be operated by NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York City.
For more information about NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/goddard
Dec. 30, 2010
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER 2010 REVIEW, LOOK AHEAD
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Ð In 2010, NASA's Kennedy Space Center helped begin a new volume to the agency's space exploration book as the storied Space Shuttle Program entered into its final chapters.
Kennedy teams were involved in launching five missions this year; two on expendable launch vehicles and three on space shuttles. And on Dec. 8, SpaceX's successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The flight was the first for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which is developing commercial supply services to the International Space Station. It was also the first time a commercial company launched and returned a spacecraft to Earth.
Commercial companies going to low Earth orbit for both cargo and crewed missions was the focus of a new direction for NASA announced in February by the White House. That was followed up by a visit by President Obama to Kennedy on April 15 to outline details of his plans for the future of U. S. leadership in human spaceflight. The president committed NASA to a series of developmental goals leading to new spacecraft for reaching low Earth orbit and new technology for potential missions beyond the moon. The president's visit preceded NASA's Conference on the American Space Program for the 21st Century, held at the center's Operations and Checkout Building and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
NASA's Launch Services Program based at Kennedy started its year on Feb. 11 by sending the agency's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) into space aboard an Atlas V rocket Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. SDO is a first-of-its-kind mission to reveal the sun's inner workings in unprecedented detail.
Less than a month later, NASA's latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, or GOES-P, lifted off aboard a Delta IV rocket from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite joined four other similar spacecraft to improve weather forecasting and monitoring of environmental events.
Just three days before the Launch Services Program's first flight of 2010, NASA's Space Shuttle Program launched its first of three missions this year aboard shuttle Endeavour on Feb. 8. STS-130's six astronauts delivered the Tranquility node and cupola to the International Space Station during the two week flight.
On April 5, space shuttle Discovery launched on its STS-131 mission to deliver science experiments, equipment and supplies to the space station. Discovery and its seven astronaut crew landed at Kennedy 15-days later.
What turned out to be the final shuttle mission of the year, STS-132, lifted off on May 14. Shuttle Atlantis and its six astronauts deliver the Russian-built Mini Research Module, cargo and critical spare parts to the station. Atlantis touched down at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility after the 12-day mission.
STS-132 was the last scheduled space flight for Atlantis. Currently, it's planned to be used as the "launch on need," or potential rescue mission for the final scheduled shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission. Among the new directions in the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 passed by Congress in September and signed by President Obama in October was the approval to turn Atlantis' planned rescue mission into an actual flight to the space station in the summer of 2011. NASA intends to fly this flight pending resolution of funding considerations.
The last scheduled shuttle mission for the year was supposed to be Discovery's STS-133 mission to bring the final pressurized module to be added to the U. S. portion of the International Space Station. Now STS-133 will be the first flight of 2011. A hydrogen gas leak on Discovery's external fuel tank scrubbed a Nov. 5 launch attempt. Then engineers discovered that small cracks on the tops of two support beams, called stringers, on the tank formed during the Nov. 5 fueling process. Engineers spent the next month collecting and analyzing data before performing a tanking test on Dec. 10 where the external tank again was filled with super-cold propellants while sensors recorded its movements and temperatures in an effort to understand why the stringer cracks occurred in the first place.
On Dec. 22, Discovery was rolled off Launch Pad 39A and back into the Vehicle Assembly Building for more tank analysis and possible modifications, if the data indicates that's needed. Managers are planning to return Discovery to the pad in January to support another launch attempt in February.
Two very visual signs the Space Shuttle Program is retiring came in 2010. In May, the final shuttle solid rocket boosters segments arrived at Kennedy by rail. The segments will be used for Atlantis, whether it's a potential rescue flight or real mission to the space station. Then in September, the final external tank to be delivered to Kennedy arrived and began being prepared for Endeavour's STS-134 mission.
Even before the Obama Administration began taking NASA in a new direction for life after space shuttles, Kennedy management already was focusing on bringing new commercial companies to the space center. In June, the official groundbreaking ceremony for NASA and Space Florida's new technology and commerce park, known as Exploration Park at Kennedy was held outside the Space Life Sciences Laboratory. Exploration Park is designed to be a strategically located complex for servicing diverse tenants and uses that will engage in activities to support the space and space-related activities of NASA, other government agencies and the U. S. commercial space industry, as well as bring new aerospace work to the Space Coast.
Kennedy management also set up a new Center Planning and Development Office to enhance the economic vitality of Kennedy. Last spring, the office created a new web site aimed at making it easier to partner and do business with the space center, http://kscpartnerships.ksc.nasa.gov/.
After supporting its last space shuttle in 2009, Kennedy's Launch Pad 39B began being deconstructed this year to convert it from a shuttle launch pad to a commercial launch site that could host multiple types of spacecraft.
Phase one of NASA's new mobile launcher was completed this year. The 355 foot tall tower could be converted to support commercial launch vehicles or possibly even large heavy-lift rockets.
Four-years worth of upgrades to Kennedy's Launch Equipment Test Facility also were completed this summer. The LETF, which has fixtures that can simulate launch conditions, can support the Space Shuttle Program in its final months, as well as the Launch Services Program and commercial companies in the coming years.
To support the agency's new direction, the space transportation planning office was established at Kennedy to help develop a commercial capability to low-Earth orbit leading to astronaut launch services that NASA could buy to the International Space Station in the 2015 timeframe. The 21st Launch Complex program was established to help modernize Kennedy's infrastructure and facilities and transform them from a space shuttle launch port into a multi-purpose launch complex that could support many different companies. Kennedy also is working on technology demonstration spaceflight plans that will support NASA's new long-term exploration goals.
To help employees with the Space Shuttle Program retirement, Kennedy held two large-scale job fairs this year, one in May and the other in September, along with months of career-building courses and other work force support efforts. In June, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis announced that the U. S. Department of Labor awarded a $15 million grant to assist workers in Florida who will be affected by the end of the shuttle program.
Also this summer, the White House established the Presidential Task Force on Space Industry Work Force and Economic Development, which examined how to use a $40 million, multi-agency initiative for regional economic growth and help prepare space industry workers for future opportunities. The Federal Aviation Administration also began establishing an office at Kennedy this year to help support the commercial human launch services endeavor.
Kennedy also expanded its "green space" efforts in 2010. On April 8, NASA, Florida Power & Light (FPL) and political leaders commissioned FPL's Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center at Kennedy Space Center. The 10-megawatt solar-power facility will provide electricity to more than 1,000 Florida homes and reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by more than 227,000 tons. In December, Kennedy's new Propellants North Administration and Maintenance Facility was reopened for business. It will be one of NASA's "greenest" facility, expected to achieve the U. S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) Platinum status, the highest rating. And this summer, Kennedy helped with the unprecedented effort to save wildlife from the effects of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Hundreds of endangered sea turtle eggs were brought to a hatchery at Kennedy and then the baby turtles were released into the Atlantic Ocean off Kennedy's Central Florida coast.
Kennedy also hosted the first two forums for a new initiative designed to identify and support innovative work that will contribute to a sustainable future. Called Launch, NASA along with the other founder partners, the U. S. Agency for International Development, the U. S. State Department and Nike, brought experts together in March to focus on "water. " Then in October, Launch turned its attention to "health. " Launch plans other forums in 2011. On the education front, on May 28 NASA's first Lunabotics Mining Competition, hosted by Kennedy Space Center's Education Programs and University Research Division, drew more than 20 university teams to design and build remote controlled or autonomous excavators, called lunabots. The 2011 competition is expected to be even bigger.
On July 1, NASA helped welcome more than 100 people as new U. S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services administered the Oath of Allegiance to candidates representing 36 countries. This was the first time a NASA facility hosted a naturalization ceremony.
And as the Space Shuttle Program winds down and new programs start up, Kennedy Space Center looks forward to hosting many new "first time" events and milestones in the coming decade. For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Dec. 23, 2010
SANTA LOOKS TO FINAL RENDEZVOUS WITH NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLES
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Santa Claus is expected to make an unforgettable flyby of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida this Christmas Eve to see the three space shuttles as they are prepared for their final missions.
NASA granted the jolly ol' elf and his nine reindeer permission to fly over various Kennedy sites, including the Shuttle Landing Facility, the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), and orbiter processing facilities (OPF) where Discovery, Endeavour and Atlantis are being readied for launch.
The VAB is considered to be one of the few structures outside the North Pole that is big enough to hold Santa's giant sack of toys. Reaching 525 feet into the Florida Space Coast sky and covering eight acres, the VAB could hold more than 129 million typical toys.
Inside the VAB, Discovery's external fuel tank is being evaluated to make sure there are no cracks in 21-foot-long support beams, called stringers, on the outside of the tank's intertank region, before launching on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. Santa's leading reindeer, Rudolph, might even pick up some tips on how to spray foam insulation onto his coat, and nose, for future out-of-this-world, gift-giving journeys.
Mr. Claus also can sneak a peek inside Discovery's payload bay to check out a small shuttle replica, made entirely of LEGO building blocks. The toy shuttle is the beginning of a three-year partnership between NASA and the LEGO Group, and is meant to spark children's interest in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM.
Also going up with Discovery is a human-like robot called R2, which is short for Robonaut 2. The robot vaguely resembles "Eve" from the Disney movie "Wall-E" and is equipped with humanlike hands and arms and stereo vision to help astronauts with tasks aboard the orbiting laboratory.
Next, St. Nick can drop by OPF-2 to get an up-close view of Endeavour, which is being processed for the final scheduled shuttle mission, STS-134. He also can get a look at Endeavour's payload by stopping off at the Space Station Processing Facility where the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2, or AMS, is undergoing testing. The AMS will measure cosmic rays as they move through space and is expected to unlock more answers to the structure of the universe while raising more questions after it is installed on the outside of the space station next year.
Comet and Cupid could also pick up some horsepower tips from Atlantis, which just got its three main engines installed this month -- the last planned space shuttle main engine installation before the Space Shuttle Program retires in 2011.
And as is tradition, Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility will be available for Santa and his reindeer crew if they would like to make one last "touch-and-snow" while it is still an active space shuttle runway.
For up-to-date information on the final space shuttle missions, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Dec. 21, 2010
SHUTTLE DISCOVERY'S ROLL OFF LAUNCH PAD MOVES TO LATE TUESDAY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery's roll from Launch Pad 39A to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Dec. 21, now is targeted to start at 10 p. m. EST. Discovery is expected to be securely back in the VAB by 5 a. m. Wednesday.
As dates and times of this event are subject to change, updates are available by calling 321-867-2525.
The move, known as rollback, was delayed early Tuesday morning to allow technicians to resolve an issue with the leveling system on the crawler transporter.
Video highlights of the rollback will air on the NASA TV Video File segment Wednesday morning.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about Discovery's STS-133 mission and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Dec. 20, 2010
NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY ROLLS OFF LAUNCH PAD TUESDAY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to roll back from Launch Pad 39A to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for additional work related to its final scheduled mission. The first motion of the shuttle is targeted for 12:30 a. m. EST on Tuesday, Dec. 21.
In the VAB, technicians will scan below the foam insulation surrounding the intertank section of Discovery's external tank to look for any issues, such as cracks. They also will reapply foam after removing 89 sensors from the tank's aluminum skin following an instrumented tanking test on Dec. 17.
The sensors were used to measure changes in the tank as super-cold propellants were pumped in and drained out during the test. Data and analysis from the test will be used to determine what caused the tops of two, 21-foot-long support beams, called stringers, on the outside of the intertank to crack during fueling on Nov. 5.
Discovery's next launch attempt is no earlier than 1:37 a. m. on Feb. 3.
The fully assembled space shuttle, consisting of orbiter Discovery, the external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters, is mounted on a mobile launcher platform and will be returned to the VAB atop a crawler transporter. The crawler will travel slower than 1 mph during the 3.4-mile journey, which is expected to take about six hours.
Video highlights of the rollback will air on the NASA Television Video File segment Tuesday.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about Discovery's STS-133 mission and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Dec. 8, 2010
NASA ADMINISTRATOR BOLDEN'S STATEMENT ON FALCON 9 LAUNCH
WASHINGTON -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden issued the following statement about SpaceX's launch of the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule:
"While rocket launches from the Cape are considered a common occurrence, the historic significance of today's achievement by SpaceX should not be lost.
"This is the first in a new generation of commercial launch systems that will help provide vital support to the International Space Station and may one day carry astronauts into orbit. This successful demonstration flight is an important milestone in meeting the objectives outlined by President Obama and Congress, and shows how government and industry can leverage expertise and resources to foster a new and vibrant space economy.
"These new explorers are to spaceflight what Lindbergh was to commercial aviation."
The Falcon 9 launch is part of NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program. For more information, visit: www.nasa.gov/cots
NASA Television's Video File will air b-roll of the launch. For scheduling information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
DEMONSTRATION FLIGHT OF FALCON 9 ROCKET SET FOR WEDNESDAY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first demonstration flight of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program has been scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 8, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch window extends from 9 a. m. to 12:22 p. m. EST.
During a routine inspection this week, SpaceX engineers observed two small cracks in the rocket's second stage engine nozzle. SpaceX completed repairs to the cracked nozzle Tuesday.
Live coverage of the launch will air on NASA Television and the agency's website. For streaming information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
FALCON 9 LAUNCH POSTPONED TO NO EARLIER THAN WEDNESDAY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A demonstration launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program has been rescheduled for no earlier than Wednesday, Dec. 8. The delay is because of a crack in the engine nozzle on the rocket's second stage.
During a routine review of close-out photos of the rocket on Monday, SpaceX engineers discovered the crack, which measures about three inches long. Preparations continue on the rocket at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 in Florida.
SpaceX is considering several options, including repairing the crack or shipping a replacement part from California. More information on the launch schedule will be announced when available.
NASA TARGETS SHUTTLE DISCOVERY'S LAUNCH FOR NO EARLIER THAN FEB. 3
WASHINGTON -- NASA managers have targeted space shuttle Discovery's launch for no earlier than Feb. 3 at 1:34 a. m. EST. Shuttle managers determined more tests and analysis are needed before proceeding with the launch of the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station.
The Program Requirements Control Board met Thursday and reviewed engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the shuttle's external tank. NASA repaired the cracks and reapplied foam to the exterior of the stringers.
Managers decided the analysis and tests required to launch Discovery safely are not complete. They are planning to conduct an instrumented test on the external fuel tank and structural evaluations on stringer test articles to determine if the analysis is correct. Details and timelines for the tanking test are in work, but plans call for temperature and strain gauge measurements in the intertank region near the top of the tank during the test.
The test also will verify the integrity of repairs made earlier when two cracked stringer sections and foam were replaced. A team of engineers and technicians will inspect the tank for evidence of any foam cracking as it would on an actual launch day. The test also will verify the integrity of repairs to the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate, which leaked an unsafe amount of gaseous hydrogen during Discovery's Nov. 5 launch attempt. The date of the test is under evaluation, but likely will occur this month.
Engineers will continue to search for the root cause of the stringer cracks through data analysis and tests, including placement of manufacturing defects in separate stringers to demonstrate structural integrity in an effort to duplicate the same type of failure that occurred in November.
NASA will review and analyze the data from the tests before setting a launch date.
Because of Discovery's delayed launch, the earliest opportunity for the liftoff of the final scheduled shuttle mission, STS-134 on Endeavour, is April 1.
For continued STS-133 updates as well as crew and mission information, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Nov. 24, 2010
NASA SETS SHUTTLE DISCOVERY'S LAUNCH FOR NO EARLIER THAN DEC. 17
WASHINGTON -- NASA managers have targeted space shuttle Discovery's launch for no earlier than Dec. 17. Shuttle managers determined more tests and analysis are needed before proceeding with the STS-133 mission.
As a result, the launch status meeting planned for Monday, Nov. 29, has been postponed and will be rescheduled.
The Program Requirements Control Board (PRCB) reviewed on Wednesday repairs and engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the shuttle's external tank. Managers decided the analysis and tests required to launch Discovery safely are not complete. The work will continue through next week.
The next status review by the PRCB will be Thursday, Dec. 2. If managers clear Discovery for launch on Dec. 17, the preferred time is approximately 8:51 p.m. EST.
NASA RESCHEDULES SHUTTLE LAUNCH STATUS MEETING, DISCOVERY'S LAUNCH NO EARLIER THAN DEC. 3
HOUSTON -- NASA managers have postponed a launch status meeting and news conference planned for Monday, Nov. 22. The events were rescheduled after a Space Shuttle Program meeting Thursday determined more analysis is needed before proceeding toward the launch of space shuttle Discovery on its STS-133 mission.
The Program Requirements Control Board (PRCB) identified the analysis and repairs required to safely launch Discovery. This analysis will be done during the next five days and reviewed at a special PRCB on Wednesday, Nov. 24. Pending a successful review of the flight rationale at that meeting, a launch status briefing will be held with senior NASA managers on Monday, Nov. 29.
Work has been under way to fix a leaking hydrogen system that caused the initial delay, and to repair cracks atop two 21-foot-long support beams, called stringers, on the exterior of the shuttle's external fuel tank.
The Kennedy Space Center will begin the launch countdown no earlier than Nov. 30. That would support a launch attempt for Discovery no earlier than Dec. 3 at approximately 2:52 a. m. EST.
NASA AWARDS KENNEDY SPACE CENTER ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT
WASHINGTON -- NASA has selected QinetiQ North America of McLean, Va., to provide engineering services and products at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The new cost-plus-award-fee contract begins on March 1, 2011. It has a five-year base period with three, one-year option periods. The maximum potential value of the contract is approximately $1.959 billion.
Under the contract, QinetiQ North America will support an institutional capability for the engineering development of ground systems and equipment for handling, testing, servicing and other ground processing of launch vehicles, spacecraft and payloads.
The contract provides spaceflight systems engineering and analysis of launch vehicle and spacecraft-payload systems and subsystems. It also performs science and technology development to address Kennedy and the agency's future operational needs.
Additionally, it will provide maintenance and operations at assigned laboratories, developmental shops and crosscutting technical services.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
Nov. 15, 2010
NASA AWARDS LIQUID HYDROGEN CONTRACT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has selected Air Products and Chemicals Inc. of Allentown, Pa., for the follow-on contract for the agencywide acquisition of liquid hydrogen.
The fixed price, requirements follow-on contract begins Dec. 1, 2010. It has a one-year base performance period with a one-year option period. The maximum potential value of the contract is approximately $18 million, which is comprised of a $7 million base value and $11 million for the one-year option.
Air Products and Chemicals will supply approximately 10,860,000 pounds of liquid hydrogen to NASA's Stennis Space Center, Miss. ; Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. ; and Kennedy Space Center, Fla., in support of the agency's Space Operations Mission Directorate and Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. Liquid hydrogen, when combined with liquid oxygen, acts as fuel in cryogenic rocket engines.
Kennedy Space Center in Florida is responsible for the acquisition of liquid hydrogen on behalf of the agency.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has postponed the launch of space shuttle Discovery to no earlier than 4:05 a. m. EST on Nov. 30. The delay will allow engineers and technicians time to diagnose and repair a hydrogen gas leak detected while filling the external tank Friday morning. They also will assess a foam crack on the external fuel tank's liquid oxygen intertank flange. The crack was discovered during de-tanking operations.
The leak was at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate, an attachment point between the external tank and a 7-inch pipe that carries gaseous hydrogen safely away from Discovery to the flare stack, where it is burned off.
"We always place safety first," said NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier. "It is essential we repair this hardware before we fly the mission, and we will take the time to properly understand and fix the failure before we launch."
The six astronauts for Discovery's 11-day STS-133 mission will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module to the International Space Station. The PMM was converted from the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo. It can hold microgravity experiments in areas such as fluid physics, materials science, biology and biotechnology. Inside the PMM is Robonaut 2, which will become a permanent resident of the station. R2 will be used to test how dexterous robots behave in space. STS-133 also is carrying critical spare components to the space station and the Express Logistics Carrier 4. ELC 4 is an external platform that holds large equipment. The mission will feature two spacewalks to do maintenance work and install new components.
Commander Steve Lindsey leads the veteran crew, which consists of pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Tim Kopra, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott.
STS-133 is the final shuttle mission planned for 2010, Discovery's 39th and final scheduled flight, and the 35th shuttle mission to the station.
For information about NASA and other agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
Updates
Space Shuttle Discovery launch postponed
FACEBOOK -- Ca: 12:45am November 5, 2010 NASA's Kennedy Space Center
NASA managers have decided to postpone the next launch attempt for Discovery to no earlier than Nov. 30 at 4:05 a.m. EST.
FACEBOOK -- Ca: 9:00am November 5, 2010 NASA's Kennedy Space Center
The launch team has gone into a 72 hour scrub turnaround. The next attempt is still TBD, but it will be no earlier than Monday. We will update here as soon as the decision is made.
FACEBOOK -- Ca: 8:20am November 5, 2010 NASA's Kennedy Space Center
Space shuttle managers have scrubbed Discovery's launch attempt for today due to a hydrogen leak a the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate, or GUCP (pronounced GUP).
Nov. 5, 2010
NASA POSTPONES LAUNCH OF SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY
STS-133: Final Flight of Discovery
Space shuttle Discovery awaits its payload as the STS-133 payload canister is lifted into the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Workhorse, ambassador, scientist and equal opportunity emissary. Space shuttle Discovery has fulfilled all those roles over the course of its 352 days in space, thus far. More information.
Image credit: NASA/Troy Cryder.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA postponed space shuttle Discovery's launch to the International Space Station due to a hydrogen gas leak detected while filling the external tank. The next launch attempt could be no earlier than Monday, Nov. 8, at 12:53 p. m. EST.
The leak, detected early Friday morning while the shuttle's external fuel tank was being loaded, was at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate, or GUCP, an attachment point between the external tank and a 17-inch pipe that carries gaseous hydrogen safely away from Discovery to the flare stack, where it is burned off.
NASA's mission managers will hold a meeting at 11 a. m. Friday to discuss the repair options and Discovery's launch opportunities. A news conference will air on NASA Television and the agency's website no earlier than 1 p. m. with Mike Moses, Space Shuttle Program launch integration manager, and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.
If a Monday launch is not possible, the next window for Discovery's liftoff is Nov. 30 through Dec. 5. The 11-day STS-133 mission will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) to the station. The PMM, which was converted from the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, will provide additional storage for the station crew and experiments may be conducted inside it, such as fluid physics, materials science, biology and biotechnology.
The flight also will transport critical spare parts and the Express Logistics Carrier 4 (ELC4) to the station. ELC4 is an external platform that holds large equipment. Robonaut 2, or R2, will be the first human-like robot in space when it flies on Discovery inside the PMM to become a permanent resident of the station. The mission will feature two spacewalks to do maintenance work and install new components.
Commander Steve Lindsey leads the veteran crew, which includes Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Tim Kopra, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott.
STS-133 is the final shuttle mission planned for 2010, Discovery's 39th flight and the 35th shuttle mission to the station.
For information about NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
The shuttle weather team is calling for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions for space shuttle Discovery on Friday. They are watching for high winds in the wake of a cold front moving through Central Florida. Discovery is on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Friday's launch time is 3:04 p.m. EDT. There are no scheduled STS-133 news conferences on NASA Television today and no planned Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team meetings today. The shuttle team will convene at 5 a.m. Friday to assess the weather before giving a "go" or "no-go" decision to fill Discovery's external tank.
If Discovery launches Friday, it will dock with the International Space Station at 10:55 a.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 7. The mission's two spacewalks will occur on Tuesday Nov. 9 and Thursday Nov. 11. Undocking will occur at 4:21 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, and landing at Kennedy Space Center will take place at 9:16 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16.
Update
FACEBOOK -- Ca: 8:00pm November 3, 2010 NASA's Kennedy Space Center
The MMT decided to resume the countdown for Discovery's STS-133 launch. The clock will begin ticking backward at 11:04 p.m. EDT today, for a targeted launch of 3:29 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 4. The shuttle team will convene at 5:30 a.m. and assess the weather before loading Discovery's external fuel tank for launch. Current weather forecasts show a 80 percent chance it would prohibit launch. http://www.facebook.com/NASAKennedy
MMT to Meet Wednesday on Electrical Issues
Tue, 02 Nov 2010 07:21:01 PM EDT
The Prelaunch Mission Management Team wants to give engineers more time to look deeply into two electrical issues from a main engine computer controller that cropped up this morning. Therefore, the launch of space shuttle Discovery on STS-133 has been delayed until at least Thursday. Mike Moses, chair of the MMT, said the problems are believed to be tied to a circuit breaker in the shuttle's cockpit.
Rather than rush the shuttle launch team through an analysis and launch cycle quickly, Moses said he opted to let the engineers work throughout the night on the issue without having to worry about an early morning tanking and Wednesday afternoon launch. The MMT will meet again Wednesday at 2 p.m. EDT and then decide whether to try to launch Thursday. A liftoff Thursday would be at 3:29 p.m.
"There is Excitement in the Air"
Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:05:49 AM EDT
Countdown activities continue to pick up as space shuttle Discovery is a day away from its final launch. Technicians are inspecting the external tank liquid oxygen feedline today. The onboard and ground communications systems will be activated this afternoon and preparations are being made to move the rotating service structure away from the shuttle this evening.
"There is excitement in the air," said NASA Test Director Steve Payne. "People are putting their game faces on."
This mission is the last spaceflight for Discovery, NASA's oldest active shuttle. Its history includes deployment of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and two successful Return to Flight missions, STS-26 and STS-114.
"When she goes, she's going to take a little bit of everyone of us and we're ready," Payne said.
The weather forecast is holding steady with a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time Wednesday. Liftoff is scheduled for 3:52 p.m. EDT.
NASA AND THE LEGO GROUP PARTNER TO INSPIRE CHILDREN TO BUILD AND EXPLORE THE FUTURE
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A LEGO space shuttle headed to orbit helps mark the Tuesday signing of a Space Act Agreement between NASA and The LEGO Group to spark children's interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
To commemorate the beginning of this partnership, the small LEGO shuttle will launch with the crew of the space shuttle Discovery on its STS-133 mission, targeted to launch Wednesday, Nov. 3, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The partnership marks the beginning of a three-year agreement that will use the inspiration of NASA's space exploration missions and the appeal of the popular LEGO bricks to spur children's interest in STEM. The theme of the partnership is "Building and Exploring Our Future."
The LEGO Group will release four NASA-inspired products in their LEGO CITY line next year. The space-themed products will vary in terms of complexity, engaging audiences from young children to adult LEGO fans. Each product release will contain NASA-inspired education materials.
"Partnering with The LEGO Group is a perfect fit. We have taken the excitement of NASA's missions and coupled that with kids' love of creating things with the iconic LEGO bricks," said Leland Melvin, NASA's associate administrator for Education. "These projects not only foster creativity but also instill in the young builders a real sense of the engineering and design principles that NASA uses every day. Fun learning activities like these can help inspire kids to become the next generation of explorers."
As part of the Space Act Agreement, NASA will send special LEGO sets to the International Space Station aboard shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission in February 2011. The sets will be assembled by astronauts on-orbit and by children and student groups across the country. The construction process and activities with the sets will demonstrate the challenges faced when building things in the microgravity environment of space.
"The LEGO Group's purpose is to inspire children to think creatively, reason systematically and release their potential to shape their own future," said Stephan Turnipseed, president of LEGO Education North America. "The partnership with NASA provides us a unique opportunity to fulfill our purpose while expanding the imaginations of children around the world. A child who plays with LEGO bricks today can become the NASA astronaut or engineer of tomorrow."
As part of the NASA-The LEGO Group partnership kick-off, a 40-feet by 70-feet activity tent will be set up Wednesday at the shuttle launch viewing site on the NASA Causeway in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Children of all ages will be invited to get creative and build their vision of the future with LEGO bricks as they await Discovery's launch. To see images of STS-133 prelaunch activities, visit: www.LEGOspace.com
Currently, the site has galleries featuring images of prelaunch activities and will add games and other activities leading up to the release of the complete line of LEGO Space City games, activities and products on March 1.
NASA's Office of Education in Washington seeks partnerships that help the agency promote student interest in STEM studies and careers. For more information about NASA's partnership with LEGO and other education programs, visit: www.nasa.gov/education
Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:30:53 AM EDT
MMT Gives "Go" for Discovery to Launch Wednesday
The Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team voted unanimously to proceed toward Discovery's targeted liftoff at 3:52 p.m. Wednesday. Mike Moses, chair of the Prelaunch Mission Management team, said there are no technical issues in work.
"The mission's in great shape," Moses said.
The weather forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. Those odds fall to 40 percent for Thursday. The launch window extends until Sunday. Discovery is headed to the International Space Station for an 11-day mission to deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module and its host of supplies and equipment to the orbiting outpost.
At the launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians will load super-cold oxygen and hydrogen into Discovery's onboard tanks this morning. The hyroden and oxygen are going into Discovery's power reactant storage and distribution system that supplies the shuttle with electrical power during the mission. The process is often abbreviated to "PRSD load."
NASA CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPACE STATION WITH CREW NEWS CONFERENCE AND NEW WEB CONTENT
WASHINGTON -- The International Space Station partner agencies will mark a major milestone on Nov. 2 with the 10-year anniversary of people living permanently aboard the space station. NASA will commemorate the event with a news conference featuring the six crew members currently in orbit.
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden will begin the event, speaking live to the station crew at 9:30 a. m. EDT from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. His remarks and the following news conference will be broadcast live on NASA Television.
The news conference will begin immediately after the administrator's conversation with the crew and be open to participation from accredited media representatives at participating NASA or international partner locations.
Expedition 25, the 25th crew to live and work aboard the station, consists of Commander Doug Wheelock; his fellow NASA astronauts Scott Kelly and Shannon Walker; and Russian cosmonauts Fyodor Yurchikhin, Alexander Kaleri and Oleg Skripochka.
The crew is awaiting the launch of space shuttle Discovery's six astronauts on the STS-133 mission to deliver supplies, spare parts and a permanent cargo module to the station. STS-133 is scheduled to lift off at 3:52 p. m. EDT on Nov. 3 from Kennedy.
"As we look forward to the next 10 years, taking us through 2020, the space station will serve many roles," said Mike Suffredini, International Space Station program manager. "With its permanent human presence, it will serve as a foothold for long-term exploration into space, being an integral part of testing human endurance, equipment reliability and processes essential for space exploration."
Since the Expedition 1 crew arrived at the station, humans have continuously occupied the orbiting laboratory. More than 196 people have visited the complex, and by the exact time of the anniversary (5:21 a. m., Nov. 2, 2000), the station will have completed 57,361 orbits of the Earth, traveling some 1.5 billion miles.
Representatives of the five international agencies that built and operate the station have agreed in principle to continuing its use for another decade. The governments of the 15 participating nations in the station partnership are in the process of formally endorsing that plan. More than 600 different research and technology development experiments have been conducted on the station, many of which are producing advances in medicine, recycling systems and a fundamental understanding of the universe.
In addition to the crew news conference, NASA is updating the content of the International Space Station section of its website in recognition of the 10th anniversary. The update supports the on-going transition from station assembly to utilization. The website now will focus on the research in the unique microgravity environment of low-Earth orbit.
The updated section of the NASA website incorporates an improved organization system to help visitors find what they are looking for with regard to research and technology development, crews and expeditions, international cooperation and the new capabilities of the station as a U. S. national laboratory.
The new space station section also provides better linkages with social media applications, including a new International Space Station Program scientist blog, and Twitter accounts for astronauts aboard the station and the National Laboratory. For more information, visit: www.nasa.gov/station
Julie Robinson, space station program scientist, is sponsoring an inside look at how research is conducted on the station through a new blog. The blog will bring to the public the stories of the researchers and their discoveries as they unfold.
For NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming video information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
October 30, 2010 - 10:00am
NASA's Kennedy Space Center - from FACEBOOK
NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding said this morning the launch team is confident that repairs to quick-disconnect fittings in the system used to pressurize Discovery's right Orbital Maneuvering System will allow the shuttle to launch Wednesday, Nov. 3. The targeted launch time is 3:52 p.m. "Right now we're in a good path to get there," Spaulding said.
October 29, 2010
Discovery Targeted to Launch Tuesday at 4:17 p.m.
The launch of space shuttle Discovery is targeted for Tuesday, Nov. 2, at 4:17 p.m. EDT.
Managers are meeting to discuss the plan to repair helium and nitrogen leaks in the pressurization portion of space shuttle Discovery's right-hand Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pod. The leaks must be fixed before launch and the decision was made to delay picking up the launch countdown by at least a day.
Since the scheduled launch day fell close to election day, NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding said the launch team members have been encouraged to take advantage of early voting or absentee ballot options so they could take part in the elections.
During space shuttle Discovery's final spaceflight, the STS-133 crew members will take important spare parts to the International Space Station along with the Express Logistics Carrier-4.
Oct. 26, 2010
NASA ANNOUNCES STS-133 PRELAUNCH EVENTS AND COUNTDOWN DETAILS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The spacecraft's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station is set to lift off at 4:40 p. m. EDT on Monday, Nov. 1.
A NASA blog will update the countdown beginning at 11:15 a. m. Nov. 1. Originating from Kennedy's Launch Control Center, the blog is the definitive Internet source for information leading up to launch. During the mission, visitors to NASA's shuttle website may read about the crew's progress and watch the mission's two spacewalks live.
As Discovery's flight concludes, the NASA blog will detail the spacecraft's return to Earth. For NASA's launch blog and continuous mission updates, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
The NASA News Twitter feed will be updated throughout the shuttle launch countdown, mission and landing. To follow, visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
NASA astronaut and STS-133 Mission Specialist Nicole Stott will be tweeting about her prelaunch preparations and is expected to provide updates to her Twitter account during the shuttle mission. Stott can be followed at: www.twitter.com/Astro_Nicole
NASA is offering the public two ways to play a small role in the last shuttle flights. Visitors to the "Face in Space" website can upload their portrait to fly with the astronauts aboard shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission. Almost 150,000 photos already have been submitted. The deadline for your image to fly on Discovery is 6 p. m. Nov. 1. NASA will continue to accept images to fly on shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission, which currently is scheduled for February 2011. To submit your image, visit: https://faceinspace.nasa.gov
NASA also is inviting the public to choose songs to wake up the astronauts during the upcoming shuttle missions. Visit the "Wakeup Song Contest" website to select songs from a list of the top 40 previous wakeup calls or to submit original tunes for consideration. More than 2.1 million votes have been cast for songs for STS-133. Voting will end when Discovery lifts off on Nov. 1. The deadline to submit original compositions for consideration as a wakeup song for STS-134 is Jan. 10. To submit a song or vote on a wakeup tune, visit: https://songcontest.nasa.gov
For NASA TV streaming video, scheduling and downlink information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
Oct. 25, 2010
NASA SETS LAUNCH DATE FOR SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY MISSION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to begin an 11-day mission to the International Space Station with a launch at 4:40 p. m. EDT on Monday, Nov. 1, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The STS-133 mission is Discovery's final scheduled flight.
Discovery's launch date was announced Monday at the conclusion of a flight readiness review at Kennedy. During the meeting, senior NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle and station's equipment, support systems and personnel are ready.
The six astronauts for the mission will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) to the station. The PMM was converted from the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo and will provide additional storage for the station crew. Experiments in such fields as fluid physics, materials science, biology and biotechnology may be conducted inside the module. The PMM also carries Robonaut 2, the first human-like robot in space, which will become a permanent resident of the station. In addition, the flight will deliver critical spare parts and the Express Logistics Carrier 4, an external platform that holds large equipment.
STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and his crew are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy on Thursday, Oct. 28, for final launch preparations. Joining Lindsey are Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Tim Kopra, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott. Drew and Kopra will conduct two spacewalks to install new components and do some maintenance work. STS-133 is the fourth and final shuttle mission planned for 2010. It is Discovery's 39th flight and 35th shuttle mission to the station.
NASA TO MARK 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIFE ON SPACE STATION
WASHINGTON -- NASA will commemorate the 10th anniversary of human life, work and research on the International Space Station (ISS) with an Oct. 27 series of roundtable discussions. The events at three NASA centers and headquarters in Washington will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website www.nasa.gov/ntv.
The events will feature former space station residents, key leaders and team members who have guided the station through its first 10 years. Panelists at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida; Johnson Space Center in Houston; Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. ; and NASA Headquarters in Washington will discuss the challenges and accomplishments of the station's first decade of assembly and research and consider the promise of the upcoming decade of microgravity research.
On Nov. 2, 2000, Expedition 1 Commander Bill Shepherd and Flight Engineers Sergei Krikalev and Yuri Gidzenko became the first residents of the space station. Since then, 200 explorers have visited the orbiting complex, 15 nations have contributed modules and hardware, and more than 600 experiments have been conducted aboard the station.
The Oct. 27 schedule is at Kennedy Space Center from 11:30 a. m. - 12:30 p. m. Participants: - Bob Cabana, director, Kennedy Space Center - Josie Burnett, director, ISS and spacecraft processing - Bill Dowdell, deputy director, ISS and spacecraft processing - David Bethay, director, program management development, The Boeing Company.
Johnson Space Center: 1 - 2 p.m.
Marshall Space Flight Center: 2 - 3 p.m.
NASA Headquarters: 3 - 4 p.m.
Oct. 21, 2010
NASA AWARDS LAUNCH SERVICES CONTRACT FOR MAVEN MISSION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has selected United Launch Services, LLC of Littleton, Colo., to launch the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution spacecraft known as MAVEN. MAVEN will launch in November 2013 aboard an Atlas V 401 rocket from Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
The total cost value for the MAVEN launch service is approximately $187 million. This estimated cost includes the task ordered launch service for the Atlas plus additional services under other contracts for payload processing; launch vehicle integration; mission unique launch site ground support; and tracking, data and telemetry services.
MAVEN is a Mars orbiter that will greatly enhance our understanding of Mars' climate history by providing a comprehensive picture of the planet's upper atmosphere, ionosphere, solar energy drivers and atmospheric losses.
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., manages the MAVEN project. MAVEN's principal investigator is based at the University of Colorado at Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics. The Launch Services Program at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is responsible for launch vehicle program management of the Atlas V launch services. United Launch Alliance provides the launch services for United Launch Services.
For more information about NASA and its missions, visit: www.nasa.gov
Oct. 14, 2010
ANNUAL NASA-SPONSORED BUSINESS EXPO SET FOR OCT. 19
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Business leaders interested in learning more about government contracting and what local and national vendors have to offer should attend the "Business Opportunities Expo 2010" on Oct. 19. The expo runs 9 a. m. to 3 p. m., in Cruise Terminal 3 at Port Canaveral, Fla. Admission is free and open to the public.
The annual trade show is sponsored by NASA Kennedy Space Center's Prime Contractor Board and the 45th Space Wing and Canaveral Port Authority. It will feature about 175 business and government exhibitors from across the nation and Brevard County.
Exhibitors will include vendors from a variety of product and service areas, such as computer technology, engineering services, communication equipment and services, and construction and safety products, to name a few. Representatives from the 45th Space Wing, Kennedy prime contractors, NASA and many more agencies and organizations will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.
During the opening ceremonies, scheduled to provide welcoming remarks will be Rep. Bill Posey of Florida; Glenn Delgado, associate administrator, Office of Small Business Programs at NASA Headquarters; Russell Romanella, associate director, Engineering and Technical Operations at Kennedy Space Center; Bruce Deardoft, port commissioner, Canaveral Port Authority; and Col. Loretta Kelemen, commander, 45th Mission Support Group at Patrick Air Force Base. Also speaking will be Larry Third, small business specialist at Kennedy, who will recognize the contractor-of-the-year award winners.
NASA's Central Industry Assistance Office provides support to small businesses that want to do business at Kennedy. This office works with the NASA Kennedy Prime Contractor Board, which consists of many of the center's prime contractors to help small businesses learn how to navigate in the world of government contracting. By co-sponsoring the expo, the board helps provide a one-stop shop for buyers and sellers.
NASA ADMINISTRATOR THANKS PRESIDENT OBAMA AND CONGRESS FOR AGENCY'S NEW DIRECTION SUPPORT
WASHINGTON -- The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden in support of President Obama's signing of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 on Monday, Oct. 11, 2010:
"Earlier today, President Obama signed into law the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010. It is important bipartisan legislation that charts a new course for space exploration, science, technology development, and aeronautics. We are grateful for the President's forward-thinking plan and the hard work members of Congress put into this framework that will guide us for the coming three years.
"This legislation supports the president's ambitious plan for NASA to pioneer new frontiers of innovation and discovery. With this direction, we will extend operations on the International Space Station through at least 2020.
"We will foster a growing commercial space transportation industry that will allow NASA to focus our efforts on executing direction in the act to start work on a heavy-lift architecture to take astronauts beyond low-Earth orbit and to develop a multipurpose crew vehicle for use with our new space launch systems.
"Also, we will continue to invest in green aviation and other technologies that make air travel safer and more efficient.
"In collaboration with our international partners, industry, and academia, we will build and launch observatories and robotic missions to explore our solar system and peer through new windows into our amazing universe, as well as help us better understand our own home planet with a robust plus-up in our Earth Science program. Our education programs will build on all of this to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers.
"We have been given a new path in space that will enable our country to develop greater capabilities, transforming the state of the art in aerospace technologies. We will continue to maintain and expand vital partnerships around the world. It will help us retool for the industries and jobs of the future that will be vital for long-term economic growth and national security.
"Our workers have been steadfast in their dedication to safety and success through this time of transition, and we salute their hard work and continued professional excellence. They will continue to be our most vital resource as we implement these plans.
"As the 2011 appropriations process moves forward, there is still a lot of hard work ahead of us in collaboration with the Congress. We are committed to work together with the continued wide public support for NASA, and the bipartisan backing of Congress. Today's vote of confidence from the president ensures America's space program will remain at the forefront of a bright future for our nation."
For more information about NASA, visit: www.nasa.gov
Oct. 1, 2010
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS UPDATE SPACE STATION LAUNCH MANIFEST
WASHINGTON -- NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) agreed on Friday to update the International Space Station launch schedule.
The target launch dates for the last planned space shuttle flight, STS-134 on Endeavour, will be Feb. 27, 2011, and the Automated Transfer Vehicle-2 (ATV-2) will be Feb. 15. Roscosmos will continue to look at Soyuz launch and landing options to provide manifest robustness.
The agencies agreed to the changes during discussions at the International Astronautical Conference in Prague. Arianespace, whose Ariane 5 rocket will launch ATV-2 into orbit from French Guiana, has confirmed its commitment to launch on Feb. 15.
The STS-134 flight will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) to the station. The AMS is a state-of-the-art cosmic ray particle physics detector designed to examine fundamental issues about matter, and the origin and structure of the universe. The flight will include three spacewalks and the installation of the AMS to the exterior of the space station using both the shuttle and station arms.
ATV-2, dubbed Johannes Kepler, is scheduled to dock on Feb. 26 to the station. The cargo craft is designed to deliver more than seven tons of experiments, fuel, water, food and other supplies to the space station. While docked, ATV-2 will use its thrusters to periodically boost the station's orbit, which decays with time. It also can be used for emergency maneuvers, such as those required if a piece of space debris is predicted to hit the station. This capability saves critical attitude control propellant for the station.
After about 3.5 months, the ATV-2 will undock from the station and burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere over an uninhabited area of the Pacific Ocean. The first ATV, Jules Verne, was launched in March 2008 and reentered the atmosphere in September 2008.
HOUSTON -- Discovery is targeted to launch Nov. 1 on the 11-day STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. The shuttle will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM), which was converted from the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo. The PMM will provide additional storage for the station crew, and experiments may be conducted inside it. Discovery also will carry critical spare components and the Express Logistics Carrier 4, an external platform that holds large equipment that can only be transported using the unique capability of the shuttle. Robonaut 2, or R2, will be the first human-like robot in space when it flies on Discovery inside the PMM to become a permanent resident of the station.
Astronaut Steve Lindsey will command Discovery. Eric Boe is the pilot. They will be joined by Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Tim Kopra, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott. Kopra and Drew are scheduled to perform two spacewalks to do maintenance work and install new components.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For the latest information about the STS-133 mission and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
v
For more information about the space station and its crew, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/station
Sept. 24, 2010
NASA AWARDS CONTRACT TO REVITALIZE POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has selected MIL-CON Electric Company of Jacksonville, Fla., to revitalize the high and medium electric voltage power distribution systems throughout NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The value of the contract is approximately $6.1 million.
MIL-CON's scope of work includes modifications to the systems providing high voltage utility power service at Kennedy. This work will span the space center from the Industrial Area to Launch Complex 39 and will significantly improve electrical systems reliability. In addition, the contract will include substation improvement work, installation of new medium and low voltage switch equipment, and replacement of power cables approaching the end of their service life. A major electrical rehabilitation to Complex 39 launch pads and the Vehicle Assembly Building will be undertaken to support future launch programs.
The project is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2010 and will take two years to complete.
For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
Sept. 23, 2010
NASA AWARDS POLY PICOSATELLITE ORBITAL DEPLOYERS CONTRACT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has announced the award of the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployers, or P-POD, service contract to CaliforniaPolytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Calif. This new contract is an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity award for five years with a maximumcumulative potential value of $5 million. The award will provide a broad range of P-POD services for NASA's CubeSat program.
CubeSats are a class of research spacecraft called nanosatellites. The cube-shaped satellites are approximately four inches long, have a volume of about one quart and weigh less than 2.2 pounds.
NASA has adapted the P-POD system for a series of small university-class, student-built satellite missions as part of the Educational Launch of Nanosatellites program. This is intended to advance the objectives of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs within educational institutions.
The first launch is planned aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., in October 2011, on a mission to launch a polar-orbiting weather and environmental satellite.
NASA's Launch Services Program office at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida is responsible for management of the P-POD contract.
For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
Sept. 21, 2010
NASA'S SHUTTLE DISCOVERY AT LAUNCH PAD, LIFTOFF PRACTICE SET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After safely reaching its launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery awaits the next major milestone for its upcoming and final mission to the International Space Station, STS-133.
Discovery arrived at the pad early Tuesday morning on top of a giant crawler-transporter. The crawler-transporter left Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building at about 7:23 p. m. Monday and travelled less than 1 mph during the 3.4-mile journey. The shuttle was secured on the launch pad at 1:49 a. m. Tuesday.
The TCDT will provide Discovery's astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training.
The 11-day mission will be the 35th flight to the station and the 39th flight for Discovery. The mission will deliver and install the Permanent Multipurpose Module, the Express Logistics Carrier 4 -- an external platform that holds large equipment -- and critical spare components for the space station. Discovery also will deliver Robonaut 2, or R2, to become a permanent resident of the station as the first human-like robot in space.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about the STS-133 mission and crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Sept. 16, 2010
NASA AWARDS LAUNCH SERVICES CONTRACTS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has announced the awards for the NASA Launch Services (NLS) II Contract. The award will provide a broad range of launch services for NASA's planetary, Earth-observing, exploration and scientific satellites.
NASA has the ability to order a maximum of 70 launch services missions with a maximum cumulative potential contract value of $15 billion. The NLS II contracts are multiple award indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, spanning a 10-year period.
NASA selected four companies for awards: Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company of Denver; Orbital Sciences Corporation of Dulles, Va. ; Space Exploration Technologies of Hawthorne, Calif. ; and United Launch Services, LLC of Littleton, Colo.
The NLS contracts provide for a minimum capability of delivering agency payloads weighing approximately 550 pounds or more to a minimum 124-mile-high circular orbit with a launch inclination of 28.5 degrees. The launch service provider also may offer a range of vehicles to NASA to meet higher payload weight and orbit requirements. In addition, there is an annual opportunity for additional providers and incumbents to submit proposals introducing launch services not available at the time of award, if they meet the minimum contract requirements.
The NLS II contracts support the goals and objectives of the agency's Science Mission Directorate, Space Operations Mission Directorate and Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. Under the contract, NASA also will provide launch services to other government agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NASA's Launch Services Program Office at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida is responsible for program management.
For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov/
Sept. 14, 2010
NASA SELECTS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR INSPIRE EDUCATION PROGRAM
WASHINGTON -- NASA has selected 1,895 high school students to participate in the agency's Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience, or INSPIRE. The INSPIRE project is designed to encourage students in grades nine through 12 to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The selectees are from 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U. S. Virgin Islands. They were chosen based on their academic achievement and demonstrated interest in pursuing a STEM education.
The students will have access to an online learning community that allows them to interact with their peers, NASA engineers and scientists. The community also provides appropriate grade-level educational activities, discussion boards and chat rooms to learn about NASA career opportunities. The students may also be selected to participate in 2011 summer workshops or internships at NASA facilities and participating universities.
The INSPIRE project is part of NASA's education efforts to engage and retain students in disciplines critical to the agency's missions.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Brevard Workforce are partnering to host a job fair with private sector companies, as well as federal employers, both locally and across the country.
The first day of the fair will be at Kennedy, similar to the two-day job fair held in June. More than 40 employers are expected to take part in next week's fair - Sept. 16.
As the Space Shuttle Program comes to an end, Kennedy's Human Resources Office is helping employees with future planning and placement. Along with this job fair, human resources also has hosted workshops, seminars and other events to prepare employees as much as possible for future opportunities.
For more information about NASA Kennedy's workforce support efforts, visit: http://kscvoice.com
For updates about ongoing activities at Kennedy, visit the NASA Kennedy News Twitter feed at: www.twitter.com/nasakennedy
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Sept. 7, 2010
NASA INVITES COLLEGE STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Minority Innovation Challenges Institute is hosting an academic year kick-off virtual conference at 2 p. m. EDT, Wednesday, Sept. 8. The session will feature a message from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden that includes an inspirational account of his career path from an undergraduate student majoring in electrical engineering to becoming NASA Administrator.
The MICI sessions focus on NASA technical challenges and competitions, teaching students how to apply and participate in various competitions, such as the agency's Centennial Challenges Program, the NASA University Student Launch Initiative, and the Great Moonbuggy Race. The program is designed to inspire minority undergraduate students to pursue advance degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, disciplines critical to NASA's future missions.
MICI is managed for NASA by Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Fla., through the agency's Minority University Research and Education Programs Small Programs project.
NASA SUPPORTS NEW FAA COMMERICAL SPACE TRANSPORTATION CENTER
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will support the new Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation (COE), a university-led consortium sponsored and announced Wednesday by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The new center will perform research and development to help build a safe and strong U. S. commercial space industry.
The nationwide team selected by the FAA and based at New Mexico State University will lead other core university members to establish and operate the new Center of Excellence (COE). Those universities include the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne and the Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion (FCAAP) in Tallahassee, which is a consortium of other Florida universities. Kennedy provided support for the COE during the development of proposals submitted to the FAA, along with a number of other industry and government affiliates.
"Kennedy Space Center is pleased to participate in the FAA's new Center of Excellence and to support this winning team," said Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana. "We look forward to active involvement in these research and development initiatives. This collaborative effort initiated by the FAA aligns perfectly with NASA's evolving relationship and support for a vital U. S. commercial space industry and with our vision of a 21st Century Space Launch Complex."
Kennedy is prepared to serve as a flight test center for COE research efforts as they evolve through cooperative agreements among the partner institutions. The COE's research and development will be targeted on focus areas defined by the FAA.
"The FAA's new Center of Excellence will help build the nation's future space transportation capabilities," said Jim Ball, Kennedy's program manager for Strategic Partnerships.
SPACE COAST TASK FORCE DELIVERS ECONOMIC STRATEGIES REPORT
WASHINGTON -- The President's Task Force on Space Industry Workforce and Economic Development, co-chaired by NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, Jr. and U. S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, today released its report to President Barack Obama with recommendations to enhance economic development strategies along Florida's Space Coast.
The task force was charged with developing a plan for how best to invest $40 million in transition assistance from the federal government in the Space Coast region as the space shuttle program winds down.
Bolden, Locke, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and several other senior administration officials visited the region several times since the creation of the task force to meet with area workers and experts.
"Over the past few months, we have worked diligently with local government officials, economic development agencies and affected corporations and employees to develop a comprehensive plan that will create high-skill, high-wage jobs and a strong economic base in the Space Coast," Locke said. "Space is a key driver of the 21st century American economy, and that's why the president believes so strongly in empowering NASA to pursue new avenues of discovery."
After review of the Space Coast's economic assets, employment needs, and development priorities, as well as suggestions submitted through a public website, the task force developed four key recommendations for the president:
1. To sustain regional investments already underway including: -- Retraining resources for displaced workers --The Space Shuttle Transition Liaison Office -- Recovery Act funding for the region, and other government programs
2. To spur immediate opportunity by:
-- Launching a new Commercial Spaceflight Technical Center -- Investing $600,000 of the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) and Small Business Administration FY 2010 budget to support small businesses and industry clusters -- Holding a federal government job fair for the highly skilled displaced workers -- Facilitating a technology export exposition hosted by the Department of Commerce to increase access to international markets for small- and medium-sized businesses
3. To invest in smart economic growth initiatives through a new competitive fund by:
-- Establishing a fast-track competitive grant process through the EDA
4. To build lasting infrastructure for success by:
-- Engaging a public-private partnership between the federal government, venture capitalists, and corporations to catalyze new, long-term business creation along the Space Coast
The majority of the $40 million investment will be dedicated to a fast-track competitive grant process through Commerce's EDA. Thirty-five million dollars in grants will be awarded to the most promising job creation and economic development programs, with competition announced Sept. 1. The additional $5 million will fund a new Commercial Spaceflight Technical Center to support commercial space launch and reentry activities.
"For decades, the dedicated members of the Space Coast workforce have used their wide-ranging talents to safely create, launch, and maintain some of the world's most complex aerospace and technical systems," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "As we transition to a new era in our national space policy, President Obama has made it a top priority to foster innovation and create job opportunities for those who helped make America the leader in international space exploration. The investments we're making with these Task Force recommendations are investments in our nation's most important asset -- our skilled workforce."
In addition to funding set aside in President Obama's 2011 budget for the Space Coast, another $60 million was set aside for other areas across the country that will be impacted by changes to the nation's space policy, including $45 million for economic development through EDA and another $15 million for job training activities through the Department of Labor. Earlier this year, President Obama announced a new, ambitious space initiative that includes a budget increase of $6 billion over five years to support a bold new path of innovation and discovery that will create thousands of jobs at Kennedy Space Center, on the Space Coast, and nationwide.
And in May, he established the Task Force on Space Industry Workforce and Economic Development to lead the initiative to coordinate and implement a plan to grow the region's economy and prepare its workers for the opportunities of tomorrow as the shuttle program comes to a close. The $40 million, multi-agency initiative builds on and complements ongoing local and federal economic and workforce development efforts.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
Aug. 5, 2010
NASA MOVES SPACE STATION REPAIR SPACEWALK TO SATURDAY
HOUSTON -- The first of two spacewalks by NASA astronauts to replace a failed ammonia pump on the International Space Station has been moved to Saturday, Aug. 7. A second spacewalk is planned for Wednesday, Aug. 11, to complete the repairs.
Teams of flight controllers, engineers, and spacewalk experts have made significant progress in preparing for the first spacewalk, but need an additional day to get ready. The additional time allows for final procedures to be sent late Thursday to the station, giving the crew a full day to review the plans developed by Mission Control. Managers also moved the second spacewalk to Wednesday to give the crew more time to rest and prepare.
Expedition 24 Flight Engineers Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson are scheduled to perform the spacewalks, which will air on NASA Television. Coverage will begin at 6 a. m. EDT. The spacewalks are scheduled to begin at 6:55 a. m. Saturday's spacewalk will be the fourth for Wheelock and the first for Caldwell Dyson.
Approximately two hours after the conclusion of each spacewalk, NASA TV will broadcast a briefing from NASA's Johnson Space Center. The briefing participants will be Mike Suffredini, International Space Station program manager; Courtenay McMillan, Expedition 24 spacewalk flight director; and David Beaver, Expedition 24 spacewalk officer.
Johnson's newsroom will be open for credentialed reporters to attend the briefing. Johnson also will operate a telephone bridge for reporters with valid media credentials issued by a NASA center. Journalists planning to use the service must contact the Johnson newsroom at 281-483-5111 no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of a briefing. Phone bridge capacity is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Engineers and flight controllers continue to review data on the July 31 pump failure, which caused the loss of one of two cooling loops aboard the station. This failure resulted in a power down and required adjustments to maintain as much redundancy as possible for the station systems. The systems are stable, and the station's six crew members are not in any danger.
For NASA TV streaming video, schedules and downlink information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Kennedy Space Center is helping with the unprecedented effort to save wildlife from the effects of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first group of hatchlings from endangered sea turtle eggs brought from beaches along the northern U.S. Gulf Coast are being released into the Atlantic Ocean off NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Jane Provancha, Kennedy's lead biologist at the hatchery, is heading-up the project. The release and relocation work is part of an effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the National Park Service, NOAA, FedEx and conservationists to help minimize the risk to this year's sea turtle hatchlings from impacts of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This plan involves carefully moving an anticipated 700 nests deposited on Florida Panhandle and Alabama beaches during the next several months. Note: The photos were shot using a red filter to protect the hatchlings. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
The first group of hatchlings from endangered sea turtle eggs brought from beaches along the northern U. S. Gulf Coast was released into the Atlantic Ocean off Kennedy's central Florida coast on July 11. Twenty-two Kemp's ridley turtles were set free on a Kennedy Space Center beach, which is part of the Canaveral National Seashore.
After being collected on June 26, the Kemp's ridley nest from Walton County, Fla., was packed in a Styrofoam box with sand and transported by a specially-equipped FexEx truck to a secure, climate-controlled facility at Kennedy where it was monitored until incubation was complete. Most of the nests that will be collected are from loggerhead turtles, but nests from leatherback and green turtles, in addition to Kemp's ridley, may be brought to the Kennedy hatchery.
Video of the hatchery at Kennedy, the nest and release of the first group of hatchlings is airing on NASA Television's Video File segment. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
In an effort to have a minimal impact on the initial incubating eggs and hatchling releases, there are no opportunities currently planned for news media to visit the Kennedy hatchery or view a turtle release. However, as the ocean release process is refined, it is expected media opportunities will be scheduled. Media who want to be added to a notification list for opportunities should contact Pat Behnke at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The release and relocation work is part of an environmental endeavor by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the National Park Service, NOAA, FedEx and conservationists to help minimize the risk to this year's sea turtle hatchlings from impacts of the oil spill. During the next several months, this plan involves carefully moving an anticipated 700 nests to Kennedy that have been laid on Florida Panhandle and Alabama beaches.
The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 as an overlay of Kennedy Space Center, where it shares the land with space shuttle launch pads, rockets and research and development facilities. As part of the Deepwater Horizon Response, six brown pelicans, four laughing gulls and one common tern also were released at Kennedy on June 6.
The complete turtle relocation plan, along with other wildlife related plans and recommended wildlife protocols, is available at: www.fws.gov/northflorida
GOOD INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION SIGHTING OPPORTUNITY ON JULY 15
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Central Florida will have a good opportunity to see the International Space Station pass overhead on Thursday, July 15, at about 9:27 p.m. EDT, weather permitting.
The station with its six-person Expedition 24 crew, including NASA astronauts Tracy Caldwell Dyson, Shannon Walker and Doug Wheelock, is about 225 miles above Earth.
The station will approach from the north/northwest and for about two
minutes will be two-thirds of the way up in the sky as it moves to
the east/southeast.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The National Space Grant Foundation is the recipient of NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) Space Grant Cooperative Agreement.
The agreement began July 1, 2010 and runs until June 30, 2013. The $1.8 million award will be used for ESMD Space Grant internships, senior design projects, faculty fellowships, faculty workshops, course developments and student competitions.
The program is designed to encourage college students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM. It is part of NASA's education strategy to attract and retain students in STEM disciplines.
Formed in 2006, the ESMD Space Grant project has provided opportunities for students and faculty through individual grants to each of the 52 Space Grant Consortia. The agreement will enable a more efficient and streamlined process for NASA and the Consortia.
The National Space Grant Foundation supports the Space Grant Consortia in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico by implementing education, research, and public outreach activities in STEM and additional fields, related to space, aeronautics, aviation, and Earth systems science.
For more information about the National Space Grant Foundation, visit: www.spacegrant.org/
EXTERNAL FUEL TANK FOR LAST SHUTTLE FLIGHT TO ARRIVE AT KENNEDY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Media are invited to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, July 14 for the arrival of the last space shuttle external fuel tank scheduled to fly. ET-138 is designated for Endeavour's STS-134 mission, the last scheduled flight for the Space Shuttle Program.
The tank departed NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana aboard the Pegasus barge on a six-day, 900-mile journey to Kennedy on July 8. Depending on conditions at sea, the barge will arrive at Kennedy on July 13 or 14, but will not be taken off the barge until July 14.
Video highlights of the move will air on the NASA TV Video File Wednesday afternoon. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
Endeavour's STS-134 mission is targeted to launch to the International Space Station on Feb. 26, 2011. For more information about the Space Shuttle Program and missions, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
July 1, 2010
NASA UPDATES SHUTTLE TARGET LAUNCH DATES FOR FINAL TWO FLIGHTS
WASHINGTON -- NASA is targeting approximately 4:33 p.m. EDT on Nov. 1 for the launch of space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission and 4:19 p.m. EST on Feb. 26, 2011, for the liftoff of shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 flight from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The target dates were adjusted because critical payload hardware for STS-133 will not be ready in time to support the previously planned Sept. 16 launch. With STS-133 moving to November, STS-134 cannot fly as planned, so the next available launch window is in February 2011.
NASA will schedule the official launch date for each mission following the agency's Flight Readiness Reviews, which typically occur about two weeks prior to launches. All target launch dates are subject to change.
For more information about the shuttle missions and their crews, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
NASA KENNEDY SPACE CENTER HOSTS NATURALIZATION CEREMONY JULY 1
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA will help welcome more than 100 people as new U. S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla., on July 1 at 9 a. m. EDT.
U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will administer the Oath of Allegiance at Kennedy to a group of candidates representing 36 countries in honor of the upcoming Independence Day holiday. An estimated 3,800 candidates will become citizens at 55 special ceremonies, including the one at Kennedy, held across the country and around the world from July 1-6. This will be the first time a naturalization ceremony will be held at a NASA facility.
For more information about Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit: www.kennedyspacecenter.com
Images of the ceremony will be posted on Kennedy's Media Gallery at: mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov
For more information about U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, visit: www.uscis.gov
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
June 25, 2010
NASA & SPACE FLORIDA BREAK GROUND ON NEXT-GEN SCI-TECH PARK
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Work on a next-generation science and technology commerce park is under way at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. NASA, Space Florida, and local, state and Congressional leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday for Exploration Park at Kennedy's Space Life Sciences Laboratory (SLSL), adjacent to where the park will be built.
The SLSL will be the anchor facility for Exploration Park, which is expected to open its first new facility in early 2012. The park will host diverse aerospace-related research and development activities for interested commercial, civil and military tenants, and bring new work to Central Florida.
"Exploration Park will provide opportunities for enhancing commercial space capabilities to support NASA's mission, as well as the benefit of space commerce to the economy of this entire nation," said Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana. "I believe Exploration Park will play a very key role in helping Kennedy take advantage of new opportunities emerging from the transition we have begun and it will help facilitate the center's future, where we are the world's premiere spaceport, supporting a diversity of space transportation services and home to world-leading research and technology in space and space-related fields."
"Today's groundbreaking is a tremendous milestone in the transformation of Florida's $8 billion-a-year space industry and will enable the Sunshine State to tap into a greater share of the $250-billion global space marketplace," said Florida Gov. Charlie Crist.
"Exploration Park is building on Kennedy Space Center's rich history of innovation," said Florida Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp. "The types of cutting-edge businesses that will operate from Exploration Park will play a significant role in growing Florida's innovation economy. On behalf of the State of Florida, we look forward to watching Exploration Park grow to become a leading research and technology campus for our state."
Phase 1 of Exploration Park currently is expected to include eight new buildings totaling 315,000 sq. ft. NASA signed a 60-year land-use lease with Space Florida to develop 60 acres on Kennedy property for the park, which also will incorporate the SLSL and facilitate other new laboratory and high bay capabilities. To date, six Letters of Intent have been signed by potential tenants of Phase 1 facilities. These companies cannot be identified at this time as they currently are protected under Non-Disclosure Agreements with Space Florida. Tenant announcements are anticipated in the near future.
In November 2009, NASA and Florida Power & Light, Florida's largest utility, announced plans for a new research and development facility to support continual improvement of solar renewable energy that would be established by SunPower and FPL's other partners at Exploration Park. The dedicated R&D facility could result in at least 50 high-salary science and engineering positions permanently established at Kennedy by SunPower and FPL's other partners, a potential for solar panel manufacturing located nearby and new construction jobs.
"We are thankful to our State legislators for leading the charge on attracting increased commercial opportunities to our state's space industry," noted Space Florida President Frank DiBello. "More than 1,700 jobs are possible within Phase 1 of this park, and we look forward to working with a wide variety of innovative companies to establish and grow their operations here."
For information about Space Florida and Exploration Park, visit: www.spaceflorida.gov
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Exploration Park is adjacent to the world-class Space Life Sciences Laboratory at Kennedy Space Center. Known for its first-rate laboratory environments, SLSL has facilitated vital research for NASA's astronaut and International Space Station programs. Exploration Park tenants will be in close proximity to this innovative facility, as well as the historic launch complexes and processing infrastructure located at KSC and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
SPACE ECONOMIC TASK FORCE SEEKS FLORIDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
WASHINGTON -- The Task Force on Space Industry Workforce and Economic Development has launched an interactive Web site to encourage public comment on ways to promote economic growth and sustainability in Florida's Space Coast region as it adapts to changes in America's space program.
The site offers valuable information about the work the administration is doing to create jobs in the region by fostering a more supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
"We consider the new interactive Web site an important tool to understand public concerns and challenges about the economic growth and well being of Florida's Space Coast," said Woodrow Whitlow, NASA's associate administrator for the Mission Support Directorate in Washington. "This tool and our other outreach efforts will help the task force prepare recommendations for the president that reflect the greatest needs and concerns of both the public and the area's aerospace-related industries."
On May 3, President Obama issued a presidential memorandum establishing the task force. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke are co-chairing the effort.
"President Obama is committed to helping Florida's Space Coast adapt and thrive in the years ahead," said U. S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "The work of the task force adds to this administration's unprecedented level of transparency, and ensures public trust, participation and confidence. Our efforts depend on the participation of local stakeholders who will ultimately devise and implement a bottom-up, regionally driven strategic plan."
The task force's mission is to develop an interagency strategic action plan to enhance economic development along Florida's Space Coast and related areas. Plans will include recommendations to ensure the region is equipped to adapt to changes in local economies resulting from developments in America's space program.
Among these recommendations will be a strategic investment plan for $40 million in new federal funding for the Space Coast region that the president included in his 2011 budget request. The task force will present the plan to the president by Aug. 15.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
June 22, 2010
NASA AWARDS LAUNCH SERVICES CONTRACT FOR OCO-2 MISSION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has selected Orbital Sciences Corp. of Dulles, Va., to launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) mission. The spacecraft will fly in February 2013 aboard a Taurus XL 3110 rocket launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
The total cost of the OCO-2 launch services is approximately $70 million. The estimated cost includes the task-ordered launch service for a Taurus XL 3110 rocket, plus additional services under other contracts for payload processing, OCO-2 mission-unique support, launch vehicle integration, and tracking, data and telemetry support.
OCO-2 is NASA's first mission dedicated to studying atmospheric carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is the leading human-produced greenhouse gas driving changes in the Earth's climate. OCO-2 will provide the first complete picture of human and natural carbon dioxide sources and "sinks," the places where the gas is pulled out of the atmosphere and stored. It will map the global geographic distribution of these sources and sinks and study their changes over time. The OCO-2 spacecraft will replace OCO-1, lost during a launch vehicle failure in 2009.
The OCO-2 project is managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. NASA's Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida is responsible for launch vehicle program management of the Taurus XL 3110 rocket.
For more information about NASA and agency missions, visit:
www.nasa.gov
June 21, 2010
NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT JUNE 26
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex are hosting the first-ever NASA family education night June 26 from 6 to 10 p. m. EDT at the U. S. Astronaut Hall of Fame near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, will focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, educational activities that will feature "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles.
The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months, when many students experience what is known as the "summer slide," a loss of skills acquired during the school year. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama last November.
TO EXPLORATION PARK 'GROUNDBREAKING' EVENT AT KENNEDY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A groundbreaking ceremony for NASA and Space Florida's new technology and commerce park, known as "Exploration Park" at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., June 25 at 10 a.m. EDT. It will take place outside the Space Life Sciences Laboratory (SLSL).
Exploration Park is designed to be a strategically located complex, adjacent to the SLSL, for servicing diverse tenants and uses that will engage in activities to support the space and space-related activities of NASA, other government agencies and the U.S. commercial space industry, as well as bring new aerospace work to the Space Coast.
Scheduled speakers at the event include Florida Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, Space Florida President Frank DiBello and executives from The Pizzuti Companies, Exploration Park's Master Developer.
Video highlights of the June 25 event and supporting video b-roll will air that afternoon on the NASA TV Video File. For NASA TV schedules, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
Images of the event will be posted that afternoon on the Kennedy Media Gallery at: mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
June 15, 2010
NASA ANNOUNCES EDUCATION RESEARCH PROGRAM AWARD RECIPIENTS
WASHINGTON -- NASA has awarded $16.8 million to colleges and universities nationwide to conduct research and technology development in areas of importance to the agency's mission. In addition to the research and technology development, the awards enable faculty development and higher education student support.
The selections are part of NASA's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, or EPSCoR. The program is designed to assist states in establishing an academic research enterprise directed toward a long-term, self-sustaining and competitive capability that will contribute to the states' economic viability and development. EPSCoR assists in developing partnerships between NASA research assets, academic institutions and industry.
A total of 24 proposals were selected for funding in Puerto Rico and the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wyoming. Winning proposals were selected through a merit-based, peer-reviewed competition.
Two proposals were selected from each of the following colleges, universities and organizations:
College of Charleston; University of Alaska, Fairbanks; University of Idaho; Vanderbilt University; West Virginia University Research Corporation
One proposal was selected from each of the following universities and organizations:
Brown University; Louisiana Board of Regents; Maine Space Grant Consortium; Montana State University System; Nevada System of Higher Education; South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; University of Alabama in Huntsville; University of Hawaii Systems; University of Kentucky; University of Mississippi; University of Northern Iowa; University of Puerto Rico; University of Wyoming; University System of New Hampshire
For additional information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
June 15, 2010
NASA ANNOUNCES SYSTEMS ENGINEERING COMPETITION WINNERS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass., are the 1st place winners of NASA's systems engineering paper competition. The winning paper, "Cathode/Anode Satellite Thruster for Orbital Repositioning" earned the team a $3,500 scholarship and an invitation to view a future launch at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
The competition, sponsored by NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, asked teams of undergraduate and graduate students to submit a paper on an Exploration Systems mission topic. A total of 11 papers from students throughout the country were submitted.
The 2nd place award of $2,500 was presented to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va., and 3rd place of $1,500 was awarded to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. Both teams will also receive invitations to view a future launch.
The competition is designed to engage students in the science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, disciplines critical to NASA's missions.
NASA AWARDS LAUNCH SERVICES CONTRACT FOR IRIS MISSION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has selected Orbital Sciences Corporation of Dulles, Va., to launch the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph spacecraft known as IRIS. The spacecraft will fly in December 2012 aboard a Pegasus XL rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
The total cost of the IRIS launch services is approximately $40 million. This estimated cost includes the task ordered launch service for a Pegasus XL, plus additional services for launch site support, integrated services, and support unique to the mission.
IRIS will make detailed measurements of the flow of energy and plasma through the sun's atmosphere and heliosphere. The IRIS mission will open a window of discovery into a crucial gap in current solar observational capabilities.
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., manages the IRIS project. NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center is responsible for program management of the launch services.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
June 8, 2010
NASA RELEASES FIRST-EVER INSIDE VIEW OF SHUTTLE AFTER LANDING
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has released the first-ever up close, high-definition video taken from inside a space shuttle during "towback" following a landing.
Shuttle Atlantis touched down at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on May 26 after 12 days in space, completing its STS-132 mission to the International Space Station.
Following every shuttle landing, about 150 trained workers assist the crew out and prepare the shuttle for towing atop a large diesel-driven tractor to its processing hangar.
The video, which includes views of Atlantis' hatch opening and closing from the inside, shows United Space Alliance employees inside Atlantis' crew compartment working through an extensive checklist to "safe" the spacecraft for towback from Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility runway to Orbiter Processing Facility-1. Inside the facility, Atlantis will be prepared for the unlikely event it is needed as a rescue spacecraft for the final planned shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission.
The video will be broadcast on NASA Television's Video File. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about the Space Shuttle Program, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
June 4, 2010
NASA ADMINISTRATOR'S STATEMENT ON FIRST FALCON 9 LAUNCH
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The following is a statement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden regarding Friday's launch of Space Exploration Technologies' Falcon 9 rocket.
"Congratulations to Space X on today's launch of its Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Space X's accomplishment is an important milestone in the commercial transportation effort and puts the company a step closer to providing cargo services to the International Space Station.
"Preparations are proceeding for the first NASA-sponsored test launch under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services project later this year. COTS is a vital development and demonstration partnership to create a commercial space transportation system capable of providing cargo to the station.
"This launch of the Falcon 9 gives us even more confidence that a resupply vehicle will be available after the space shuttle fleet is retired."
NASA AND COMMERCE PRESENT UPDATE ON SPACE INDUSTRY TASK FORCE
WASHINGTON -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke will present an update about the Presidential Task Force on Space Industry Work Force and Economic Development..
The event will be carried live on NASA Television and also available online.
The administration recently launched a $40 million, multi-agency initiative for regional economic growth and to prepare space industry workers for future opportunities. Task force activities will complement local and federal economic and workforce-development efforts.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
June 1, 2010
KENNEDY VISITOR COMPLEX ANNOUNCEMENT JUNE 2
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will host Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis Wednesday, June 2, for a major announcement to assist NASA workers who will be dislocated as a result of the impending retirement of the Space Shuttle Program.
NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver will open the event, which will include Rep. Suzanne Kosmas of Florida, Brevard Workforce President Lisa Rice and other community leaders.
NASA TV AIRING U.S. ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME INDUCTION ON JUNE 5
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Television will provide live coverage of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame 2010 induction ceremony on Saturday, June 5, at 2:30 p.m. EDT. The ceremony will take place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.
Joining the hall of fame this year are former astronauts Guy Bluford Jr., the first African-American to fly in space; Ken Bowersox, pilot of the first maintenance mission to restore NASA's Hubble Space Telescope; Frank Culbertson Jr., commander of the first space shuttle night landing at Kennedy; and Kathy Thornton, a mission specialist during the first three-person spacewalk flight.
Jon Cryer, Emmy Award-winning comedian in the TV series "Two and a Half Men," is hosting the event. NASA Administrator and former astronaut Charles Bolden will introduce one of the inductees.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
May 28, 2010
NASA RELEASES FIRST-EVER HIGH-DEF FOOTAGE OF SHUTTLE "ICE TEAM"
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Ð NASA has released the first-ever up close, high-definition video of Kennedy Space Center's Final Inspection Team walkdown in the final hours before a space shuttle launch. The footage was shot on May 14 at Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A during the countdown for shuttle Atlantis' STS-132 mission.
The six-member inspection team, also known as the "Ice Team," walks on every level of the launch pad's fixed service structure and mobile launcher platform base, inspecting the shuttle, external fuel tank, solid rocket boosters, pad structure and ground equipment for signs of ice buildup, debris or anything else that might be amiss prior to launch. As part of the inspection, photos are taken and transmitted to the launch team for review.
A NASA videographer was included on the team for Atlantis' launch to document this important and hazardous process. The footage was captured with a Panasonic HPX 3700 high definition, cinema-style camera with 1080 progressive scanning at 24 frames per second.
The video will be broadcast in standard definition on NASA Television's Video File. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about Atlantis' STS-132 mission and the Space Shuttle Program, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
May 26, 2010
SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS RETURNS HOME AFTER ITS FINAL PLANNED MISSION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis and six astronauts ended a 12-day journey of more than 4.8 million miles with an 8:48 a. m. EDT landing Wednesday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The third of five shuttle missions planned for 2010, this was the last scheduled flight for Atlantis. The mission, designated STS-132, delivered the Russian-built Mini Research Module-1 to the International Space Station. Also known as Rassvet ("dawn" in Russian), the module provides additional storage space and a new docking port for Russian Soyuz and Progress spacecraft.
Ken Ham commanded the flight and was joined by Pilot Tony Antonelli and Mission Specialists Garrett Reisman, Michael Good, Steve Bowen and Piers Sellers.
The mission's three spacewalks focused on replacing and installing components outside the station, including replacing six batteries, installing a communications antenna and adding parts to the Canadian Dextre robotic arm. A welcome ceremony for the astronauts will be held Thursday, May 27, in Houston. The public is invited to attend the 4 p. m. CDT event at Ellington Field's NASA Hangar 990.
Highlights from the ceremony will be broadcast on NASA Television's Video File. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
STS-132 was the 132nd shuttle flight, the 32nd flight for Atlantis and the 34th shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance.
With Atlantis and its crew safely home, the stage is set for the launch of shuttle Discovery on its STS-133 mission, targeted to lift off in September 2010. Discovery's flight will deliver the Leonardo Permanent Multipurpose Module to house experiments. STS-133 also will bring critical spare components and a cargo carrier to the station. Robonaut 2, or R2, will be the first human-like robot in space when it flies on Discovery to become a permanent resident of the station.
For more information about the STS-132 mission and the upcoming STS-133 flight, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
NASA KICKS OFF VIRTUAL EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA will provide college students from across the country with the opportunity to participate in virtual interactive educational sessions focusing on NASA technical challenges and competitions. The agency's new Minority Innovation Challenges Institute, or MICI, will kick off a series of year-round sessions with a virtual conference at 3 p. m. EDT Monday, May 24.
The sessions will teach students how to apply and participate in various competitions, such as the agency's Centennial Challenges Program, the NASA University Student Launch Initiative, and the Great Moonbuggy Race. The online program is free.
The MICI is designed to inspire minority undergraduate students to pursue advanced degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, disciplines critical to NASA's future missions.
"The Minority Innovation Challenges Institute will be a great asset to NASA, as we strive to build the pipeline of future scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians," said Carl Person, NASA's Minority University Research and Education Programs manager. "It will help us educate and inspire more underrepresented and underserved students, not only to participate in NASA challenges and competitions, but also to pursue advanced STEM degrees and NASA-related careers."
MICI is managed for NASA by Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Fla., through the agency's Minority University Research and Education Programs Small Programs project.
For more information and to register for the kickoff, visit: www.NASAMICI.com
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
May 25, 2010
SPACE SHUTTLE CREW SET TO RETURN TO EARTH WEDNESDAY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis and its six-member crew are expected to return to Earth on Wednesday, May 26, after a 12-day mission. NASA managers will evaluate weather conditions at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida before permitting Atlantis to land.
Wednesday landing opportunities at Kennedy are at 8:48 a. m. and 10:22 a. m. EDT. If Atlantis is unable to land Wednesday, additional opportunities are available at Kennedy on Thursday at 9:13 a. m. and 10:48 a. m. There are opportunities Friday at Kennedy and backup landing site Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. For recorded updates about landing, call 321-867-2525.
After touchdown, the astronauts will undergo routine physical examinations and meet with their families. The crew will participate in a post-landing news conference approximately four and a half hours after landing. The news events will be broadcast live on NASA Television and streamed on the agency's Web site.
The NASA News Twitter feed is updated throughout the shuttle mission and landing. To follow, visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For the latest information about the STS-132 mission and accomplishments, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
For more information about the space station and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/station
May 25, 2010
INAUGURAL LUNABOTICS MINING COMPETITION GOES LIVE WITH NASA EDGE
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA EDGE, an award-winning agency talk show, will host a live webcast from the Lunabotics Mining Competition at 11 a.m. EDT on May 28 from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's Astronaut Hall of Fame.
More than 20 university teams from around the country built remote-controlled or autonomous excavators, called lunabots, for the competition. NASA EDGE will take viewers behind the scenes as the teams prepare their robots for lunar excavation.
The mining competition is a NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate project designed to engage and retain students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, fields. It also provides a competitive environment that may result in innovative ideas and solutions that could be applied to actual lunar excavation for NASA.
Video highlights of the setup, practice and competition will air on the NASA TV Video File. For downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about the competition and a list of participating teams, visit: www.nasa.gov/lunabotics
May 14, 2010
NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS LIFTS OFF TO PUT FINISHING TOUCHES ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - One of the final space shuttle visits to the International Space Station began at 2:20 p. m. Friday with the launch of Atlantis and six astronauts from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission will deliver cargo, critical spare parts and a Russian laboratory to the station.
The third of five shuttle missions planned for 2010, this was the last planned launch for Atlantis. The Russian-built Mini Research Module-1 is inside the shuttle's cargo bay. Also known as Rassvet (dawn in Russian), it will provide additional storage space and a new docking port for Russian Soyuz and Progress spacecraft. The laboratory will be attached to the bottom port of the station's Zarya module.
Ham is joined on the STS-132 mission by Pilot Tony Antonelli and Mission Specialists Garrett Reisman, Michael Good, Steve Bowen, and Piers Sellers, all veteran space fliers. Good and Sellers rode Atlantis into orbit on their first space missions in 2009 and 2002, respectively.
The shuttle crew is scheduled to dock to the station at 10:27 a. m. EDT on Sunday, May 16. The mission's three spacewalks will focus on storing spare components outside the station, including six batteries, a communications antenna and parts for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm.
After completing the 12-day STS-132 mission, the shuttle's first landing opportunity at Kennedy is scheduled for 8:44 a. m. on Wednesday, May 26. STS-132 is the 132nd shuttle flight, the 32nd flight for Atlantis and the 34th shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance.
Mission coverage, including the latest NASA Television schedule, is available on the main space shuttle Web site at: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
NASA is providing continuous television and Internet coverage of the mission. NASA TV features live mission events, daily status news conferences and 24-hour commentary. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
Live updates to the NASA News Twitter feed will be added throughout the mission and landing. To access the feed, go to the NASA.gov homepage or visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
NASA ENABLES STUDENTS TO LAUNCH VIRTUAL SPACE SHUTTLE
WASHINGTON - As NASA prepares to launch a space shuttle on Friday, May 14, the agency is offering the ABCs of 3,2,1 liftoff to students and educators throughout the nation. A new computer simulation program will allow them to take on the roles of NASA engineers and launch the shuttle from their own classrooms.
The program is based on software used for training at the shuttle Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Kennedy Launch Academy Simulation System, or KLASS, gives students the chance to monitor important shuttle systems during a launch countdown and decide whether they are "go" for liftoff. They will work together as a team and learn about the different responsibilities behind-the-scenes of a shuttle launch.
KLASS was designed for sixth- through 10th-grade students to develop their science, technology, engineering and math skills.
In addition to the launch simulation software, KLASS is offering 40 hours of lesson plans and interactive resources for teachers. These materials can be used for one-day lessons or one-year curriculums.
NASA ANNOUNCES SHUTTLE PRELAUNCH COUNTDOWN DETAILS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Atlantis' STS-132 mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to lift off at 2:20 p. m. EDT on Friday, May 14. The mission is the last scheduled flight for Atlantis. Including STS-132, there are only three remaining shuttle missions scheduled before the fleet is retired. Detailed lists of countdown milestones are available at: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/news
A NASA blog will provide countdown updates beginning at 9 a. m. on May 14. Originating from Kennedy, the blog is the definitive Internet source for information leading up to launch. During the mission, visitors to NASA's shuttle Web site can read about the crew's progress and watch the mission's three spacewalks live.
As Atlantis' flight concludes, the NASA blog will detail the spacecraft's return to Earth. For NASA's launch blog and continuous mission updates, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
NASA will make live updates to the NASA News Twitter feed throughout the shuttle launch countdown, mission and landing. To access the feed, go to the NASA.gov home page or visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
For NASA Television streaming video, scheduling and downlink information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
President Obama and Advisers Visit Space center
President Barack Obama, left, exits of Air Force One with, from left, Representative US Representative Suzanne M. Kosmas (D - FL), U.S Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Apollo 11 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin after landing at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010. Obama visited Kennedy to deliver remarks on the bold new course the administration is charting to maintain U.S. leadership in human space flight.
Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
STS-132 Space Shuttle Atlantis Launch
Scheduled for Friday, May 14, 2010 at 2:19 p.m. ET.
NASA Causeway and Visitor Complex viewing tickets on sale Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. ET.
Atlantis embarks on its final voyage. Witness Commander Ken Ham and the
STS-132 crew launch to the International Space Station on the last scheduled mission for the orbiter Atlantis. Launch time and date subject to change.
*Virtual waiting room opens at 8:45 a.m. ET.
Launch tickets go on sale at 9:00 a.m. ET.
Please review STS-132 ticket options and sales information.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2010, 2:55 P.M. EDT
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
ON SPACE EXPLORATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Merritt Island, Florida
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, everybody. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you so much. Thank you, everybody. Please have a seat. Thank you.
I want to thank Senator Bill Nelson and NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden for their extraordinary leadership. I want to recognize Dr. Buzz Aldrin as well, who's in the house. (Applause.) Four decades ago, Buzz became a legend. But in the four decades since he's also been one of America's leading visionaries and authorities on human space flight.
Few people -- present company excluded -- can claim the expertise of Buzz and Bill and Charlie when it comes to space exploration. I have to say that few people are as singularly unimpressed by Air Force One as those three. (Laughter.) Sure, it's comfortable, but it can't even reach low Earth orbit. And that obviously is in striking contrast to the Falcon 9 rocket we just saw on the launch pad, which will be tested for the very first time in the coming weeks. Click here for SpaceX (Falcon 9) information.
A couple of other acknowledgments I want to make. We've got Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee from Texas visiting us, a big supporter of the space program. (Applause.) My director, Office of Science and Technology Policy -- in other words my chief science advisor -- John Holdren is here. (Applause.) And most of all I want to acknowledge your congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas, because every time I meet with her, including the flight down here, she reminds me of how important our NASA programs are and how important this facility is. And she is fighting for every single one of you and for her district and for the jobs in her district. And you should know that you've got a great champion in Congresswoman Kosmas. Please give her a big round of applause. (Applause.)
I also want to thank everybody for participating in today's conference. And gathered here are scientists, engineers, business leaders, public servants, and a few more astronauts as well. Last but not least, I want to thank the men and women of NASA for welcoming me to the Kennedy Space Center, and for your contributions not only to America, but to the world.
Here at the Kennedy Space Center we are surrounded by monuments and milestones of those contributions. It was from here that NASA launched the missions of Mercury and Gemini and Apollo. It was from here that Space Shuttle Discovery, piloted by Charlie Bolden, carried the Hubble Telescope into orbit, allowing us to plumb the deepest recesses of our galaxy. And I should point out, by the way, that in my private office just off the Oval, I've got the picture of Jupiter from the Hubble. So thank you, Charlie, for helping to decorate my office. (Laughter.) It was from here that men and women, propelled by sheer nerve and talent, set about pushing the boundaries of humanity's reach.
That's the story of NASA. And it's a story that started a little more than half a century ago, far from the Space Coast, in a remote and desolate region of what is now called Kazakhstan. Because it was from there that the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth, which was little more than a few pieces of metal with a transmitter and a battery strapped to the top of a missile. But the world was stunned. Americans were dumbfounded. The Soviets, it was perceived, had taken the lead in a race for which we were not yet fully prepared.
But we caught up very quick. President Eisenhower signed legislation to create NASA and to invest in science and math education, from grade school to graduate school. In 1961, President Kennedy boldly declared before a joint session of Congress that the United States would send a man to the Moon and return him safely to the Earth within the decade. And as a nation, we set about meeting that goal, reaping rewards that have in the decades since touched every facet of our lives. NASA was at the forefront. Many gave their careers to the effort. And some have given far more.
In the years that have followed, the space race inspired a generation of scientists and innovators, including, I'm sure, many of you. It's contributed to immeasurable technological advances that have improved our health and well-being, from satellite navigation to water purification, from aerospace manufacturing to medical imaging. Although, I have to say, during a meeting right before I came out on stage somebody said, you know, it's more than just Tang -- and I had to point out I actually really like Tang. (Laughter.) I thought that was very cool.
And leading the world to space helped America achieve new heights of prosperity here on Earth, while demonstrating the power of a free and open society to harness the ingenuity of its people.
And on a personal note, I have been part of that generation so inspired by the space program. 1961 was the year of my birth -- the year that Kennedy made his announcement. And one of my earliest memories is sitting on my grandfather's shoulders, waving a flag as astronauts arrived in Hawaii. For me, the space program has always captured an essential part of what it means to be an American -- reaching for new heights, stretching beyond what previously did not seem possible. And so, as President, I believe that space exploration is not a luxury, it's not an afterthought in America's quest for a brighter future -- it is an essential part of that quest.
So today, I'd like to talk about the next chapter in this story. The challenges facing our space program are different, and our imperatives for this program are different, than in decades past. We're no longer racing against an adversary. We're no longer competing to achieve a singular goal like reaching the Moon. In fact, what was once a global competition has long since become a global collaboration. But while the measure of our achievements has changed a great deal over the past 50 years, what we do -- or fail to do -- in seeking new frontiers is no less consequential for our future in space and here on Earth.
So let me start by being extremely clear: I am 100 percent committed to the mission of NASA and its future. (Applause.) Because broadening our capabilities in space will continue to serve our society in ways that we can scarcely imagine. Because exploration will once more inspire wonder in a new generation -- sparking passions and launching careers. And because, ultimately, if we fail to press forward in the pursuit of discovery, we are ceding our future and we are ceding that essential element of the American character.
I know there have been a number of questions raised about my administration's plan for space exploration, especially in this part of Florida where so many rely on NASA as a source of income as well as a source of pride and community. And these questions come at a time of transition, as the space shuttle nears its scheduled retirement after almost 30 years of service. And understandably, this adds to the worries of folks concerned not only about their own futures but about the future of the space program to which they've devoted their lives.
But I also know that underlying these concerns is a deeper worry, one that precedes not only this plan but this administration. It stems from the sense that people in Washington -- driven sometimes less by vision than by politics -- have for years neglected NASA's mission and undermined the work of the professionals who fulfill it. We've seen that in the NASA budget, which has risen and fallen with the political winds.
But we can also see it in other ways: in the reluctance of those who hold office to set clear, achievable objectives; to provide the resources to meet those objectives; and to justify not just these plans but the larger purpose of space exploration in the 21st century.
All that has to change. And with the strategy I'm outlining today, it will. We start by increasing NASA's budget by $6 billion over the next five years, even -- (applause) -- I want people to understand the context of this. This is happening even as we have instituted a freeze on discretionary spending and sought to make cuts elsewhere in the budget.
So NASA, from the start, several months ago when I issued my budget, was one of the areas where we didn't just maintain a freeze but we actually increased funding by $6 billion. By doing that we will ramp up robotic exploration of the solar system, including a probe of the Sun's atmosphere; new scouting missions to Mars and other destinations; and an advanced telescope to follow Hubble, allowing us to peer deeper into the universe than ever before.
We will increase Earth-based observation to improve our understanding of our climate and our world -- science that will garner tangible benefits, helping us to protect our environment for future generations.
And we will extend the life of the International Space Station likely by more than five years, while actually using it for its intended purpose: conducting advanced research that can help improve the daily lives of people here on Earth, as well as testing and improving upon our capabilities in space. This includes technologies like more efficient life support systems that will help reduce the cost of future missions. And in order to reach the space station, we will work with a growing array of private companies competing to make getting to space easier and more affordable. (Applause.)
Now, I recognize that some have said it is unfeasible or unwise to work with the private sector in this way. I disagree. The truth is, NASA has always relied on private industry to help design and build the vehicles that carry astronauts to space, from the Mercury capsule that carried John Glenn into orbit nearly 50 years ago, to the space shuttle Discovery currently orbiting overhead. By buying the services of space transportation -- rather than the vehicles themselves -- we can continue to ensure rigorous safety standards are met. But we will also accelerate the pace of innovations as companies -- from young startups to established leaders -- compete to design and build and launch new means of carrying people and materials out of our atmosphere.
In addition, as part of this effort, we will build on the good work already done on the Orion crew capsule. I've directed Charlie Bolden to immediately begin developing a rescue vehicle using this technology, so we are not forced to rely on foreign providers if it becomes necessary to quickly bring our people home from the International Space Station. And this Orion effort will be part of the technological foundation for advanced spacecraft to be used in future deep space missions. In fact, Orion will be readied for flight right here in this room. (Applause.)
Next, we will invest more than $3 billion to conduct research on an advanced "heavy lift rocket" -- a vehicle to efficiently send into orbit the crew capsules, propulsion systems, and large quantities of supplies needed to reach deep space. In developing this new vehicle, we will not only look at revising or modifying older models; we want to look at new designs, new materials, new technologies that will transform not just where we can go but what we can do when we get there. And we will finalize a rocket design no later than 2015 and then begin to build it. (Applause.) And I want everybody to understand: That's at least two years earlier than previously planned -- and that's conservative, given that the previous program was behind schedule and over budget.
At the same time, after decades of neglect, we will increase investment -- right away -- in other groundbreaking technologies that will allow astronauts to reach space sooner and more often, to travel farther and faster for less cost, and to live and work in space for longer periods of time more safely. That means tackling major scientific and technological challenges. How do we shield astronauts from radiation on longer missions? How do we harness resources on distant worlds? How do we supply spacecraft with energy needed for these far-reaching journeys? These are questions that we can answer and will answer. And these are the questions whose answers no doubt will reap untold benefits right here on Earth.
So the point is what we're looking for is not just to continue on the same path -- we want to leap into the future; we want major breakthroughs; a transformative agenda for NASA. (Applause.)
Now, yes, pursuing this new strategy will require that we revise the old strategy. In part, this is because the old strategy -- including the Constellation program -- was not fulfilling its promise in many ways. That's not just my assessment; that's also the assessment of a panel of respected non-partisan experts charged with looking at these issues closely. Now, despite this, some have had harsh words for the decisions we've made, including some individuals who I've got enormous respect and admiration for.
But what I hope is, is that everybody will take a look at what we are planning, consider the details of what we've laid out, and see the merits as I've described them. The bottom line is nobody is more committed to manned space flight, to human exploration of space than I am. (Applause.) But we've got to do it in a smart way, and we can't just keep on doing the same old things that we've been doing and thinking that somehow is going to get us to where we want to go.
Some have said, for instance, that this plan gives up our leadership in space by failing to produce plans within NASA to reach low Earth orbit, instead of relying on companies and other countries. But we will actually reach space faster and more often under this new plan, in ways that will help us improve our technological capacity and lower our costs, which are both essential for the long-term sustainability of space flight. In fact, through our plan, we'll be sending many more astronauts to space over the next decade. (Applause.)
There are also those who criticized our decision to end parts of Constellation as one that will hinder space exploration below [sic] low Earth orbit. But it's precisely by investing in groundbreaking research and innovative companies that we will have the potential to rapidly transform our capabilities -- even as we build on the important work already completed, through projects like Orion, for future missions. And unlike the previous program, we are setting a course with specific and achievable milestones.
Early in the next decade, a set of crewed flights will test and prove the systems required for exploration beyond low Earth orbit. (Applause.) And by 2025, we expect new spacecraft designed for long journeys to allow us to begin the first-ever crewed missions beyond the Moon into deep space. (Applause.) So we'll start -- we'll start by sending astronauts to an asteroid for the first time in history. (Applause.) By the mid-2030s, I believe we can send humans to orbit Mars and return them safely to Earth. And a landing on Mars will follow. And I expect to be around to see it. (Applause.)
But I want to repeat -- I want to repeat this: Critical to deep space exploration will be the development of breakthrough propulsion systems and other advanced technologies. So I'm challenging NASA to break through these barriers. And we'll give you the resources to break through these barriers. And I know you will, with ingenuity and intensity, because that's what you've always done. (Applause.)
Now, I understand that some believe that we should attempt a return to the surface of the Moon first, as previously planned. But I just have to say pretty bluntly here: We've been there before. Buzz has been there. There's a lot more of space to explore, and a lot more to learn when we do. So I believe it's more important to ramp up our capabilities to reach -- and operate at -- a series of increasingly demanding targets, while advancing our technological capabilities with each step forward. And that's what this strategy does. And that's how we will ensure that our leadership in space is even stronger in this new century than it was in the last. (Applause.)
Finally, I want to say a few words about jobs. Suzanne pointed out to me that the last time I was here, I made a very clear promise that I would help in the transition into a new program to make sure that people who are already going through a tough time here in this region were helped. And despite some reports to the contrary, my plan will add more than 2,500 jobs along the Space Coast in the next two years compared to the plan under the previous administration. So I want to make that point. (Applause.)
We're going to modernize the Kennedy Space Center, creating jobs as we upgrade launch facilities. And there's potential for even more jobs as companies in Florida and across America compete to be part of a new space transportation industry. And some of those industry leaders are here today. This holds the promise of generating more than 10,000 jobs nationwide over the next few years. And many of these jobs will be created right here in Florida because this is an area primed to lead in this competition.
Now, it's true -- there are Floridians who will see their work on the shuttle end as the program winds down. This is based on a decision that was made six years ago, not six months ago, but that doesn't make it any less painful for families and communities affected as this decision becomes reality.
So I'm proposing -- in part because of strong lobbying by Bill and by Suzanne, as well as Charlie -- I'm proposing a $40 million initiative led by a high-level team from the White House, NASA, and other agencies to develop a plan for regional economic growth and job creation. And I expect this plan to reach my desk by August 15th. (Applause.) It's an effort that will help prepare this already skilled workforce for new opportunities in the space industry and beyond.
So this is the next chapter that we can write together here at NASA. We will partner with industry. We will invest in cutting-edge research and technology. We will set far-reaching milestones and provide the resources to reach those milestones. And step by step, we will push the boundaries not only of where we can go but what we can do.
Fifty years after the creation of NASA, our goal is no longer just a destination to reach. Our goal is the capacity for people to work and learn and operate and live safely beyond the Earth for extended periods of time, ultimately in ways that are more sustainable and even indefinite. And in fulfilling this task, we will not only extend humanity's reach in space -- we will strengthen America's leadership here on Earth.
Now, I'll close by saying this. I know that some Americans have asked a question that's particularly apt on Tax Day: Why spend money on NASA at all? Why spend money solving problems in space when we don't lack for problems to solve here on the ground? And obviously our country is still reeling from the worst economic turmoil we've known in generations. We have massive structural deficits that have to be closed in the coming years.
But you and I know this is a false choice. We have to fix our economy. We need to close our deficits. But for pennies on the dollar, the space program has fueled jobs and entire industries. For pennies on the dollar, the space program has improved our lives, advanced our society, strengthened our economy, and inspired generations of Americans. And I have no doubt that NASA can continue to fulfill this role. (Applause.) But that is why -- but I want to say clearly to those of you who work for NASA, but to the entire community that has been so supportive of the space program in this area: That is exactly why it's so essential that we pursue a new course and that we revitalize NASA and its mission -- not just with dollars, but with clear aims and a larger purpose.
Now, little more than 40 years ago, astronauts descended the nine-rung ladder of the lunar module called Eagle, and allowed their feet to touch the dusty surface of the Earth's only Moon. This was the culmination of a daring and perilous gambit -- of an endeavor that pushed the boundaries of our knowledge, of our technological prowess, of our very capacity as human beings to solve problems. It wasn't just the greatest achievement in NASA's history -- it was one of the greatest achievements in human history.
And the question for us now is whether that was the beginning of something or the end of something. I choose to believe it was only the beginning.
So thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America. Thank you. (Applause.)
END 3:21 P.M. EDT
April 12, 2010
THE WHITE HOUSE
PRESIDENT OBAMA TO DELIVER REMARKS AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
WASHINGTON - On the afternoon of Thursday, April 15 President Barack Obama will visit Cape Canaveral, Florida and deliver remarks on thebold new course the Administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human space flight.
Air Force One will arrive and deparg from the Shuttle Landing Facility. His presentation will be at the NASA Operations and Checkout Building.
Air Force One Scheduled Arrival: 1:30 PM.
Air Force One Scheduled Departure: 3:45 PM.
The event will be streamed at: www.nasa.gov/ntv.
April 20, 2010
SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY CREW RETURNS TO EARTH AFTER FORTIFYING INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION SCIENCE
Space Shuttle Mission: STS-131
Space shuttle Discovery lands at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Tuesday, April 20, 2010. Discovery and the STS-131 mission crew, Commander Alan Poindexter, Pilot James P. Dutton Jr. and Mission Specialists Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Rick Mastracchio, Stephanie Wilson, Clayton Anderson and Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki returned from their mission to the International Space Station. Image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery and seven astronauts ended a 15-day journey of more than 6.2 million miles with a 9:08 a. m. EDT landing Tuesday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The STS-131 mission to the International Space Station delivered science racks, new crew sleeping quarters, equipment and supplies. During three spacewalks, the crew installed a new ammonia storage tank for the station's cooling system, replaced a gyroscope for the station's navigation system and retrieved a Japanese experiment from outside the Kibo laboratory for examination on Earth.
Alan Poindexter commanded the flight and was joined by Pilot Jim Dutton and Mission Specialists Rick Mastracchio, Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, Stephanie Wilson, Clay Anderson, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Naoko Yamazaki. Lindenburger is the last of three teachers selected as mission specialists in the 2004 Educator-Astronaut class to fly on the shuttle.
A welcome ceremony for the astronauts will be held Wednesday, April 21, in Houston. The public is invited to attend the 4 p. m. CDT event at Ellington Field's NASA Hangar 990.
Highlights from the ceremony will be broadcast on NASA Television's Video File. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
With Discovery and its crew safely home, the stage is set for launch of shuttle Atlantis on its STS-132 mission, targeted to lift off May 14. Atlantis' 12-day flight will deliver the Russian-built Mini Research Module to the station along with six new batteries to store power gathered by the Port 6 solar arrays. Shuttle mission STS-132 is the final scheduled flight of Atlantis. Following STS-132, two more shuttle flights are scheduled before the fleet is retired.
For more information about the STS-131 mission and the upcoming STS-132 flight, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Two STS-131 crew members, Clay Anderson and Naoko Yamazaki, used the social medium Twitter to discuss the mission. For their Twitter feeds and other NASA social media websites, visit: www.nasa.gov/connect
Educational activities on the STS-131 mission focused on robotics and promoting careers in science, technology, engineering and math. For NASA's teacher and student resources and activities related to robotics, visit: www.nasa.gov/education/robotics
NASA HOSTS LAUNCH AND MISSION TWEETUPS FOR NEXT SPACE SHUTTLE MISSION
WASHINGTON - During the next space shuttle mission, NASA will host two Tweetups to give the public an insider's look at the nation's space program.
For a second time, NASA Twitter followers are invited to view a shuttle launch in person at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA is hosting the special Tweetup May 13-14. Shuttle Atlantis is targeted to launch at 2:19 p. m. EDT May 14 on its STS-132 mission to the International Space Station.
Once the mission has launched, NASA will host an additional Tweetup at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston that will provide a different perspective of mission operations. This also will be the second mission Tweetup at Johnson.
"We're inviting the public to share in the excitement of human spaceflight during one of the last three scheduled space shuttle missions," said Stephanie Schierholz, social media manager at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "NASA is providing this behind-the-scenes access to give our Twitter followers an understanding and appreciation of all the work that goes into a successful shuttle launch and mission."
For the launch Tweetup May 13-14, NASA will randomly select 150 people from those who sign up on the Web. Registration opens at 10 a. m. on Monday, April 19, and closes at 10 a. m. Tuesday, April 20. To sign up and for more information about the Tweetup, visit:
www.nasa.gov/tweetup
At Kennedy, NASA Twitter followers will take a tour of the center, view the shuttle launch, and speak with shuttle technicians, managers, engineers and astronauts.
After Atlantis' launch, registration for the STS-132 mission Tweetup at Johnson Space Center will be announced on NASA's Twitter account: www.twitter.com/nasa
NASA Twitter followers at the Johnson Tweetup will tour the center, view mission control and astronauts' training facilities, and speak with managers, flight directors, trainers and astronauts.
Both Tweetups will include a "meet and greet" session to allow participants to mingle with fellow Tweeps and the staff behind the tweets on @NASA.
NASA ANNOUNCES CONFERENCE ON THE AMERICAN SPACE PROGRAM FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
WASHINGTON - NASA will hold a conference following President Obama's remarks about the bold new course the administration is charting for NASA and the future of U. S. leadership in human spaceflight on Thursday, April 15, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
A diverse group of senior officials, space leaders, academic experts, industry leaders and others who have specific expertise or interests related to the topics of discussion will attend the conference and participate in four concurrent sessions on different aspects of the President's new direction for NASA.
Following the President's remarks, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden will host a conference overview, beginning at 3:45 p. m. EDT, with Norm Augustine, chair, Review of U. S. Human Spaceflight Plans Committee, and John Holdren, assistant to the President for science and technology and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The conference overview and the four concurrent conference sessions, beginning at 4:25 p. m., will take place in both the Operations and Checkout Building and in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden will host a conference wrap-up with the four panel moderators at 5:40 p. m. in the Visitor Complex's Astronaut Encounter Theater.
Conference Session Topics:
Increasing Access to and Utilization of the International Space Station
Jumpstarting the New Technologies to Take Us Beyond
Expanding our Reach into the Solar System
Harnessing Space to Expand Economic Opportunity
The President's remarks and all four conference sessions will be streamed live on the agency's Web site at: www.nasa.gov
April 9, 2010
NASA'S SHUTTLE ATLANTIS MOVES TO LAUNCH PAD, LIFTOFF PRACTICE SET
Rollout currently is scheduled for 12:01 a. m. EDT on Tuesday, April 20, but could move to 8 p. m. on Monday, April 19. The Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, and related training are scheduled from April 20-23. All times listed below are for an April 20 rollout.
Atlantis' astronauts and ground crews will participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test related training starting April 20. TCDT provides each shuttle crew with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Media events associated with the test and badge pickup information will be announced at a later date.
The six astronauts for Atlantis' STS-132 mission will deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and the Russian-built Mini Research Module-1 to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for May 14 at 2:19 p. m. EDT.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
SOLAR POWER PLANT AT KENNEDY SUPPLYING ELECTRICITY TO FLORIDIANS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A newly constructed solar power facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., officially is providing electricity to Florida homes. NASA, Florida Power & Light, or FPL, and political leaders commissioned FPL's Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center on Thursday.
The 10-megawatt solar plant was built by FPL, Florida's largest utility. It will feed FPL's electric grid, generating energy for more than 1,000 homes and reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions by more than 227,000 tons.
FPL built a separate 1-megawatt solar power facility at Kennedy as part of this unique public-private partnership between NASA and FPL. That facility has been supplying the space center with electricity since late 2009.
"NASA is a pioneer in the use of solar power for space exploration, so it's fitting that we're working with FPL to expand the use and R&D of that renewable energy source at Kennedy where many of those missions were launched," said Bob Cabana, director of the Kennedy Space Center. "This type of commercial partnership with NASA helps provide Florida residents, and America's space program, with new sources of green power that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and improve the environment."
"Florida is poised to be a leader in America's growing clean-energy economy, which naturally includes solar power," said Rep. Suzanne Kosmas of Florida. "Bringing new clean-energy jobs to our communities is one of my top priorities. This joint effort between NASA and FPL is an example of how we can create jobs while investing in common-sense solutions to the economic, environmental and national security challenges we face today."
The 10-megawatt facility features approximately 35,000 highly efficient solar photovoltaic panels from SunPower Corporation on 60 acres at Kennedy. The panels are 50 percent more efficient than conventional solar panels.
"Like NASA, FPL is looking beyond the horizon. FPL's Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center is an important part of our state's clean-energy future, but large-scale solar projects like this one also have a very positive impact on the economy today," said FPL President and CEO Armando J. Olivera. "Projects like this and our Next Generation Solar Energy Centers in Martin and DeSoto give Florida the opportunity to create and attract clean-energy jobs and produce millions of dollars in new revenue for local governments while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting the effects of climate change at the same time."
Plans also are being discussed to expand the 10-megawatt facility's generating capacity to 100-megawatts at another Kennedy location. This expansion of the solar facilities is contingent on regulatory support and the passage of renewable energy legislation at the state level. If proven environmentally and economically feasible, an expansive field of photovoltaic solar panels will be constructed in phases on 500 or more acres of fallow Kennedy agricultural land and integrated into the utility's grid. A dedicated research and development facility to support continual improvement of solar renewable energy also would be established by SunPower and FPL's other partners at Kennedy's upcoming business complex, Exploration Park.
The proposed projects are being pursued under a five-year Memorandum of Understanding entered into by Kennedy and FPL in 2007 to promote jointly developed projects in renewable technologies.
For information about Florida Power & Light and its programs, visit: www.fpl.com
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
April 5, 2010
NASA'S SHUTTLE DISCOVERY HEADS TO STATION AFTER PREDAWN LAUNCH
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Discovery lit up Florida's Space Coast sky about 45 minutes before sunrise Monday with a 6:21 a. m. EDT launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The launch began a 13-day flight to the International Space Station and the second of five shuttle missions planned for 2010.
Space shuttle Discovery lifts off. Image credit: NASA TV
Discovery is scheduled to dock to the space station at 3:44 a. m. on Wednesday, April 7. The shuttle will deliver science experiments, equipment and supplies to the station. The flight will include three spacewalks to switch out a gyroscope on the station's truss, or backbone, install a spare ammonia storage tank, and retrieve a Japanese experiment from the station's exterior.
Inside the shuttle's cargo bay is the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, a pressurized "moving van" that will be attached to the station temporarily on April 7 and returned to the shuttle's cargo bay Thursday, April 15. The module is filled with supplies, new crew sleeping quarters and science racks that will be transferred to the station's laboratories. This is the final compliment of laboratory facilities that will complete the station's overall research capabilities.
"The crew of STS-131 is really honored to represent the thousands of dedicated people that make up the entire NASA, JAXA and contractor workforces," Commander Alan Poindexter said shortly before liftoff.
Poindexter's fellow crew members are Pilot Jim Dutton and Mission Specialists Rick Mastracchio, Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, Stephanie Wilson, Clay Anderson and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Naoko Yamazaki. Dutton, Lindenburger and Yamazaki are making their first spaceflights. These three astronauts are the last rookies that will fly aboard the shuttle before its planned retirement.
Lindenburger will be the last of three teachers selected as mission specialists in the 2004 Educator-Astronaut class to fly on the shuttle. The educational activities on the STS-131 mission will focus on robotics and promoting careers in science, technology, engineering and math. For NASA's teacher and student resources and activities related to robotics, visit: www.nasa.gov/education/robotics
Discovery's first landing opportunity at Kennedy is scheduled for 8:30 a. m. on Sunday, April 18. The STS-131 mission will be Discovery's 38th flight and the 33rd shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance.
NASA's Web coverage of STS-131 includes mission information, a press kit, interactive features, news conference images, graphics and videos. Mission coverage, including the latest NASA TV schedule, is available on the main space shuttle Web site at: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
NASA is providing continuous television and Internet coverage of the mission. NASA Television features live mission events, daily status news conferences and 24-hour commentary. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
Anderson and Yamazaki are sending updates about their training to their Twitter accounts and plan to tweet from orbit during the mission. They can be followed at: www.twitter.com/Astro_Clay and www.twitter.com/Astro_Naoko
Live updates to the NASA News Twitter feed will be added throughout the shuttle mission and landing. To access the feed, go to the NASA.gov homepage or visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to begin a 13-day flight to the International Space Station with a launch at 6:21 a.m. EDT on April 5 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Discovery's launch date for the STS-131 mission was announced Friday at the conclusion of a flight readiness review at Kennedy. During the meeting, senior NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle's equipment, support systems and procedures are ready.
STS-131 is the second of five shuttle missions planned for 2010, with the last flight targeted for a September launch.
Discovery will deliver science and supplies to the station. Inside the shuttle's cargo bay is the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, a pressurized "moving van" that will be temporarily attached to the station. The module is filled with supplies, a new crew sleeping quarters and science racks that will be transferred to the station's laboratories. The flight will include three spacewalks to switch out a gyroscope on the station's truss, or backbone, install a spare ammonia storage tank and return a used one, and retrieve a Japanese experiment from the station's exterior.
Commander Alan Poindexter and his crew are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy at approximately 7 a.m. on Thursday, April 1 for final launch preparations. Joining Poindexter are Pilot Jim Dutton, Mission Specialists Rick Mastracchio, Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, Stephanie Wilson, Clay Anderson and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Naoko Yamazaki. This mission is the first trip into space for Dutton, Lindenburger and Yamazaki.
STS-131 will be Discovery's 38th mission and the 33rd shuttle flight dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. For more information about STS-131, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Anderson and Yamazaki are sending updates about their training to their Twitter accounts and plan to tweet from orbit during the mission. They can be followed, respectively, at: www.twitter.com/Astro_Clay
NASA OPENS NEW FRONT DOOR TO PARTNERSHIPS WITH KENNEDY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Kennedy Space Center is using a new Web site aimed at making it easier to partner and do business with the space center.
The site details general partnership criteria, opportunities and benefits. It includes an online partnership interest request form, highlights success stories, answers frequently asked questions and lists the center's area development managers who are the primary interfaces with customers.
The site also provides access to some of the resumes of the center's highly-trained, highly-skilled employees, who may become available for new work as the Space Shuttle Program is retired. These workers possess many skills that are transferable to industries both within the aerospace community and beyond, including experience in engineering, technology, sciences, program/project management, construction, hardware integration and administrative fields.
The Web site is part of a broader effort by Kennedy management to enhance the economic vitality of the center. To help with that goal, Kennedy's Center Planning and Development Office recently was established. Through new and innovative partnerships, the office is set up to provide more concentrated management of Kennedy institutional resources in response to space shuttle transition and retirement and increased focus on enabling commercial space transportation. The office serves as Kennedy's "front door" for accepting proposals for businesses and partnerships, management of Kennedy property and primary interaction with industry partners and other entities wanting to engage in new business ventures.
For updates about ongoing activities at Kennedy, visit the NASA Kennedy News Twitter feed at: www.twitter.com/nasakennedy
NASA AWARDS CIVIL DESIGN, ENGINEERING AND SERVICES CONTRACT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA has selected Jones Edmunds & Associates Inc. of Gainesville, Fla., to provide civil and environmental design, engineering and other professional services. Services will be provided at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, and overseas emergency space shuttle landing sites. The work will rehabilitate, modernize or provide new facilities and systems at these locations.
This new indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract begins in March 2010 with a five year ordering period. The maximum potential value of this contract is approximately $25 million.
Jones Edmunds & Associates will provide services for the design of sewage treatment facilities, road repair and development, and parking facilities. The company also will be responsible for the design of new and reconfigured structures and facilities, building envelope, interior finishes, and site development. The work includes storm water management and utilities as well as facility equipment designed to process and condition hazardous and industrial waste products. Additional work involved includes HVAC and plumbing, industrial and institutional electrical systems, grounding, lighting, lightning protection, fire alarm and detection systems, and construction management.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
March 12, 2010
NASA ANNOUNCES SYSTEMS ENGINEERING STUDENT COMPETITION
WASHINGTON - NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate is inviting teams of undergraduate and graduate students throughout the country to participate in the fourth annual Systems Engineering Paper Competition. Participants in the competition will submit a paper on an Exploration Systems mission topic.
The deadline to register for the competition is April 16. Papers are due April 23. The winning teams will be announced in May. Awards include up to $3,500 in cash scholarships and VIP invitations to attend a future space shuttle or rocket launch at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The competition is designed to engage students in the science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, disciplines critical to NASA's missions.
NASA HOSTS FIRST-EVER WATER SUSTAINABILITY FORUM MARCH 16-18
WASHINGTON - NASA today announced its founding partnership of Launch, an initiative to identify, showcase and support innovative approaches to sustainability challenges through a series of forums. The first forum, "Launch: Water," will take place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida from March 16-18.
"NASA is perfectly positioned to host a conversation with experts about potential solutions to the world's most perplexing sustainability problems," said NASA's Deputy Administrator Lori Garver, the host of the forum. "NASA offers a culture of problem-solving, deep technical expertise on sustainable systems such as the International Space Station, and a unique capacity to capture and analyze data about our home planet."
Other founding partners are the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. State Department and Nike. The event will bring together 10 entrepreneurs from around the world who have proposed solutions to water shortages and 40 council members who represent business, policy, engineering, science, communications and sustainability sectors. During the two-and-a-half-day forum, the invited innovators and the Launch Council will participate in sessions designed to identify challenges and discuss future opportunities for their innovations.
Launch is a global initiative to identify and support innovative work that will contribute to a sustainable future. Organizers have begun a global search for visionaries, whose innovative world-class ideas, technologies or programs show great promise in making tangible impacts on society. Through a series of forums focused on key challenge areas including water, air, food, energy, mobility and sustainable cities, Launch will give thought leaders a forum to present innovative ideas among peers and join in collaborative, solution-driven discussions.
To learn about the 10 innovators and their proposed solutions, and for a list of the 40 council members, visit: www.launchorg.com
March 4, 2010
NASA AND NOAA'S GOES-P SATELLITE SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, or GOES-P, lifted off Thursday aboard a Delta IV rocket at 6:57 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 37 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite joins four other similar spacecraft to improve weather forecasting and monitoring of environmental events.
Approximately four hours and 21 minutes after liftoff, the spacecraft separated from the launch vehicle. The NASA Deep Space Network tracking site in Canberra, Western Australia, monitored the spacecraft separation.
"It's a great day for NASA and NOAA, as this last launch completes the spacecraft in the GOES N-P series," said Andre Dress, the NASA GOES Deputy Project Manager. "It means the hard work and dedication from this team during the past 12-plus years all has been worth it. Our review of the spacecraft and launch vehicle data shows that GOES-P is in a nominal transfer orbit with all spacecraft systems functioning properly."
GOES-P is the third and final spacecraft in the GOES N Series of geostationary environmental weather satellites. On March 13, GOES-P is scheduled to be placed in its final orbit and renamed GOES-15.
NOAA has two operational GOES satellites hovering 22,300 miles above the equator -- GOES-12 in the east and GOES-11 in the west. Each provides continuous observations of environmental conditions in North, Central and South America and the surrounding oceans. GOES-13 is being moved to replace GOES-12, which will be positioned to provide coverage for South America as part of the Global Earth Observing System of Systems, or GEOSS.
NASA contracted with Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems of Seal Beach, Calif., to build and launch the GOES-P spacecraft. Approximately 20 days after launch, Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems will turn engineering control over to NASA. About five months later, NASA will transfer operational control of GOES-15 to NOAA. The satellite will be checked out and stored on-orbit. It will be available for activation should one of the operational GOES satellites degrades or exhausts its fuel.
NOAA manages the GOES program, establishes requirements, provides all funding and distributes environmental satellite data for the United States. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., procures and manages the design, development and launch of the satellites for NOAA on a cost reimbursable basis. NASA's Launch Services Program at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida supported the GOES-P launch in an advisory role.
For more information about the GOES-P mission and program, visit: www.nasa.gov/goes-p
For more information about NOAA, visit: www.noaa.gov
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
March 1, 2010
SHUTTLE DISCOVERY'S ROLLOUT TO LAUNCH PAD MOVES TO MARCH 3
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Due to possible rain and lightning, NASA managers at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., now are targeting shuttle Discovery's move from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A for 12:01 a. m. EST on Wednesday, March 3.
Live coverage of the move will be shown on NASA Television beginning at 6:30 a. m. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about the STS-131 mission and crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Feb. 23, 2010
NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY ROLLS TO LAUNCH PAD; LIFTOFF PRACTICE SET
Atop of a giant crawler-transporter, Discovery's first motion on its rollout to the pad is scheduled for Tuesday at 12:01 a. m. EST. The 3.4-mile journey is expected to take approximately six hours. Activities include a 6:30 a. m. photo opportunity, followed by an 8:30 a. m. interview availability with Discovery Flow Director Stephanie Stilson. Reporters must arrive at Kennedy's news center by 6 a. m. for transportation to the viewing area.
Beginning March 2, Discovery's astronauts and ground crews will participate in a launch dress rehearsal, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. The test provides each shuttle crew with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training.
Discovery's STS-131 crew members are Commander Alan Poindexter, Pilot James P. Dutton Jr., Mission Specialists Rick Mastracchio, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Stephanie Wilson, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Naoko Yamazaki and Clayton Anderson. The seven astronauts will deliver science racks to be transferred to laboratories on the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for 6:27 a. m. EDT on April 5.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about the STS-131 mission and crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Feb. 22, 2010
GOES-P WEATHER SATELLITE SCHEDULED FOR LAUNCH ON MARCH 2
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-P, or GOES-P, is scheduled for launch aboard a Delta IV rocket on Tuesday, March 2, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The one-hour launch window extends from 6:19 to 7:19 p. m. EST.
If the launch is postponed 24 hours, the launch window on March 3 is 6:18 to 7:18 p. m. EST, one minute earlier.
GOES-P is the last of three in the current series of geostationary weather and environmental satellites built for NASA by Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. It will be launched into orbit for NASA by Boeing Launch Services aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket. The spacecraft will be checked out by Boeing and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center before being turned over to NOAA for operational use.
Live countdown coverage on NASA's launch blog begins at 4 p. m., on March 2. Coverage features real-time updates of countdown milestones, as well as streaming video and a podcast of launch. To access these features, go to NASA's GOES-P mission Web site at: www.nasa.gov/goes-p
GOES-P will provide expanded capability for the space and solar environment-monitoring instruments. Forecasts and warnings for solar disturbances will be enhanced. GOES-P data will protect investments of billions of dollars by the government and private sector for assets on the ground and in space.
GOES-P will feature a highly stable pointing platform, which will improve the performance of its Imager and Sounder that are important instruments for creating daily weather-prediction models and for hurricane forecasting. Data from GOES-P will be valuable for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Ocean Service, which provides oceanographic circulation models and forecasts for U. S. coastal communities.
As with all of NOAA's geostationary and polar-orbiting weather satellites, GOES-P will be able to relay distress signals detected from emergency locator beacons on the ground and at sea in support of the international search and rescue system.
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland is responsible for designing and developing the spacecraft and its instruments for NOAA.
For further information about the GOES-P launch, contact the NASA News Center at Kennedy at 321-867-2468 or visit:
www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Feb. 21, 2010
SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR CREW RETURNS TO EARTH AFTER DELIVERING THE LAST MAJOR U. S. PORTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Endeavour and six astronauts ended a 14-day journey of more than 5.7 million miles with a 10:20 p. m. EST landing Sunday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The STS-130 mission to the International Space Station included three spacewalks and the installation of the Tranquility node, a module that provides additional room for crew members and many of the space station's life support and environmental control systems. Attached to Tranquility is a cupola with seven windows that offers a panoramic view of Earth, celestial objects and visiting spacecraft. Tranquility and its cupola are the final major U. S. portions of the station. The orbiting laboratory now is approximately 90 percent complete in terms of mass.
George Zamka commanded the flight and was joined on the mission by Pilot Terry Virts and Mission Specialists Kathryn Hire, Stephen Robinson, Nicholas Patrick and Robert Behnken. A welcome ceremony for the astronauts will be held Monday, Feb. 22, in Houston. The public is invited to attend the 4 p. m. CST event at Ellington Field's NASA Hangar 990.
Highlights from the ceremony will be broadcast on NASA Television's Video File. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
With Endeavour and its crew safely home, the stage is set for launch of shuttle Discovery on its STS-131 mission, targeted to lift off April 5. Discovery's 13-day flight will deliver supplies, a new crew sleeping quarters and science racks that will be transferred to the station's laboratories.
For more about the STS-130 mission and the upcoming STS-131 flight, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Two STS-131 crew members, NASA astronaut Clay Anderson and Naoko Yamazaki of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, are tweeting about preparing for their mission. For their Twitter feeds and other NASA social media Web sites, visit: www.nasa.gov/connect
For information about the International Space Station, visit: www.nasa.gov/station
Feb. 19, 2010
SPACE SHUTTLE CREW "ENDEAVOURS" A RETURN TO EARTH SUNDAY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Endeavour and its six-member crew are expected to return to Earth on Sunday, Feb. 21, after a 14-day mission. NASA managers will evaluate weather conditions at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida before permitting Endeavour to land.
Sunday landing opportunities at Kennedy are at 10:16 p. m. and 11:51 p. m. EST. There are additional opportunities at 1:20 a. m. and 2:55 a. m. EST Monday at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., a backup landing site. For recorded updates about landing, call 321-867-2525.
If Endeavour lands Sunday in Florida as scheduled, NASA officials will hold a briefing to discuss the mission no earlier than midnight. The participants will be: -Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager -Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director
After touchdown, the astronauts will undergo routine physical examinations and meet with their families. Because of the late hour, the crew will not participate in a post-landing news conference, but a crew statement from the runway is expected. The news events will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency's Web site.
The Kennedy news center will open for landing activities at 6 p. m. Sunday and remain open through Monday.
The STS-130 media badges are in effect through landing. The media accreditation building on State Road 3 will be open Sunday from 5:30 p. m. to 8 p. m. The last bus will depart from the news center for the Shuttle Landing Facility one hour before landing.
If the landing is diverted to Edwards, news media should call the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center public affairs office at 661-276-3449. Dryden has limited facilities available for previously accredited journalists.
The NASA News Twitter feed is updated throughout the shuttle mission and landing. To follow, visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For the latest information about the STS-130 mission and accomplishments, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
For more information about the space station and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/station
Feb. 19, 2010
NASA PREVIEW APRIL FLIGHT OF SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY
HOUSTON - The STS-131 mission, targeted for launch April 5, will be shuttle Discovery's next-to-last flight and deliver critical spare parts and cargo to the International Space Station. A multipurpose logistics module will be carried inside the shuttle's payload bay and temporarily attached to the station during the mission. The cargo carrier will be brought back with the shuttle. Following STS-131, only three more shuttle flights are scheduled.
Alan Poindexter will serve as the mission commander and James Dutton as the pilot. They will be joined by Mission Specialists Rick Mastracchio, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Clayton Anderson, Stephanie Wilson and Naoko Yamazaki of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Dutton, Metcalf-Lindenburger and Yamazaki will be making their first trips into space. Metcalf-Lindenburger is a member of the cadre of former educators trained as mission specialists and the last of that group scheduled to fly on the shuttle.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For the latest information about the STS-131 mission and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
For more information about the space station and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/station
Feb. 17, 2010
NASA'S NEXT SHUTTLE LAUNCH NOW TARGETED FOR APRIL 5
WASHINGTON - NASA is targeting Monday, April 5, for the launch of the next space shuttle from the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Shuttle Discovery's seven crew members had planned to lift off on March 18 to begin the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station. However, cold weather in Florida has delayed Discovery's move to the Vehicle Assembly Building to complete the shuttle's processing, which has delayed the rollout to the launch pad.
The Space Shuttle Program has specific rules against transporting the shuttle when temperatures are below a certain level for extended periods. The vehicle has thrusters with seals that could leak under cold temperatures.
Two STS-131 crew members, NASA astronaut Clay Anderson and Naoko Yamazaki of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, are tweeting about preparing for their mission. They can be followed at: www.twitter.com/Astro_Clay
and www.twitter.com/Astro_Naoko
For information about the International Space Station, visit: www.nasa.gov/station
Feb. 12, 2010
NASA AWARDS CONCESSION AGREEMENT FOR KENNEDY VISITOR COMPLEX
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA has selected Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Inc., of Buffalo, N.Y., to provide concession services for the operation of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.
The new concession agreement begins May 1, 2010. It has a 10-year base period with one five-year option and five, one-year options.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has operated for more than 43 years as a commercially viable, self-sufficient concession activity. As such, no appropriated dollars are received for its development, operation or maintenance. All revenues are generated through the sale of admission, food, retail and education programs without cost to the federal budget.
Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts will be responsible for the management and operation of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The principle objective of concession activities is to provide access for visitors to NASA's Kennedy Space Center and to communicate the NASA mission and activities, past, present and future.
SHUTTLE DISCOVERY'S ROLLOVER FROM PROCESSING HANGAR MOVES
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA managers at Kennedy Space Center in Florida now are targeting the start of space shuttle Discovery's move to from its processing hangar to the Vehicle Assembly Building for no earlier than 5 p. m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 14. The move was previously planned for Friday.
The delay is due to concerns over expected cold temperatures in the area. Temperatures cannot be below 45 degrees for more than four hours because Discovery will not be attached to any heating purges to protect it from potential damage from the cold. Teams will meet daily to evaluate the weather to determine the best date and time to move the shuttle and attach its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters.
(02/11/2010) --- CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A United Launch Alliance Atlas V with NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory launches from its Space Launch Complex-41 launch pad at 10:23 a.m. EST here today. SDO is the first satellite of NASA's Living with a Star (LWS) program. Its purpose is to examine the sun, the source of all space weather. Photo by Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, lifted off Thursday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 41 on a first-of-a-kind mission to reveal the sun's inner workings in unprecedented detail. The launch aboard an Atlas V rocket occurred at 10:23 a. m. EST.
The most technologically advanced of NASA's heliophysics spacecraft, SDO will take images of the sun every 0.75 seconds and daily send back about 1.5 terabytes of data to Earth -- the equivalent of streaming 380 full-length movies.
"This is going to be sensational," said Richard R. Fisher, director of the Heliophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "SDO is going to make a huge step forward in our understanding of the sun and its effects on life and society."
The sun's dynamic processes affect everyone and everything on Earth. SDO will explore activity on the sun that can disable satellites, cause power grid failures, and disrupt GPS communications. SDO also will provide a better understanding of the role the sun plays in Earth's atmospheric chemistry and climate.
SDO is the crown jewel in a fleet of NASA missions to study our sun. The mission is the cornerstone of a NASA science program called Living With A Star. This program will provide new understanding and information concerning the sun and solar system that directly affect Earth, its inhabitants and technology.
The SDO project is managed at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center managed the payload integration and launch.
ORBITING SPACE SHUTTLE ASTRONAUTS ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM STUDENTS NATIONWIDE
WASHINGTON - Students in elementary and middle schools nationwide will have their questions about space answered live on Feb. 14 by space shuttle astronauts orbiting 220 miles above Earth.
The students, who attend nine NASA Explorer Schools nationwide, submitted their questions to NASA via video. Space shuttle Pilot Terry Virts and Mission Specialist Kathryn Hire will answer the students' questions on NASA TV. The call is targeted for 10:34 p. m. to 10:54 p. m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 14, but could take place five to 15 minutes earlier or later. Viewers should consult the NASA TV schedule to confirm timing. Any questions the astronauts do not answer will be answered later by subject-matter experts during an event on NASA's Digital Learning Network.
Virts and Hire launched to space Monday, Feb. 8, aboard space shuttle Endeavour from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During their 13-day mission, Endeavour's crew are conducting three spacewalks and delivering the Tranquility node and a cupola to expand the space station.
The NASA Explorer Schools that submitted video questions are:
Phenix City Intermediate School in Phenix City, Ala.
Edward Harris Jr. Middle School in Elk Grove, Calif.
Sequoia Middle School in Portersville, Calif.
Vintage Math, Science and Technology Magnet School in North Hills, Calif.
Goldsboro Elementary Magnet School in Sanford, Fla.
Stewart Magnet Middle School in Tampa, Fla.
Vance Elementary School in Asheville, N.C.
Vernon School in Portland, Ore.
John B. Cary Elementary School in Richmond, Va.
The NASA Explorer Schools project establishes a three-year partnership between NASA and schools in diverse communities to address local challenges in science, technology, and mathematics education. The goal is to bring educators, administrators, students, and families together in sustained involvement with NASA's education programs.
The event is part of a series with educational organizations in the U. S. and abroad to improve teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The in-orbit call is part of Teaching From Space, a NASA project that uses the unique environment of human spaceflight to promote learning opportunities and build partnerships with the kindergarten through 12th grade education community.
NASA Television will air video of Virts and Hire during the downlink. For NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming video information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
LAUNCH OF NASA'S SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR SPARKS EARLY MONDAY SUNRISE
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Endeavour lit up the predawn sky above Florida's Space Coast on Monday with a 4:14 a. m. EST launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The shuttle's last scheduled night launch began a 13-day flight to the International Space Station and the final year of shuttle operations.
Endeavour's STS-130 mission will include three spacewalks and the delivery of the Tranquility node, the final major U. S. portion of the station. Tranquility will provide additional room for crew members and many of the space station's life support and environmental control systems.
Attached to Tranquility is a cupola with seven windows, which houses a robotic control station. The windows will provide a panoramic view of Earth, celestial objects and visiting spacecraft. After the node and cupola are added, the orbiting laboratory will be approximately 90 percent complete.
Shortly before liftoff, Commander George Zamka said, "Thanks to the great team that got Tranquility, cupola and Endeavour to this point. And thanks also to the team that got us ready to bring Node 3 and cupola to life. We'll see you in a couple of weeks. It's time to go fly."
Zamka is joined on the flight by Pilot Terry Virts and Mission Specialists Kathryn Hire, Stephen Robinson, Nicholas Patrick and Robert Behnken. Virts is making his first trip to space.
Endeavour's first landing opportunity at Kennedy is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 20, at 10:01 p. m. The STS-130 mission will be Endeavour's 24th flight and the 32nd shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance.
NASA's Web coverage of STS-130 includes mission information, interactive features, news conference images, graphics and videos. Mission coverage, including the latest NASA TV schedule, is available on the main space shuttle Web site at: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
NASA is providing continuous television and Internet coverage of the mission. NASA Television features live mission events, daily status news conferences and 24-hour commentary. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
Patrick, who holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, plans to tweet from orbit during the mission. He can be followed at: www.twitter.com/Astro_Nicholas
Live updates to the NASA News Twitter feed will be added throughout the shuttle mission and landing. To access the NASA News Twitter feed, visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
Time exposure of Space Shuttle Endeavour's night launch on February 8, 2010.
Endeavour Launch Rescheduled
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:45:38 AM EST
Managers officially have scheduled space shuttle Endeavour's next launch attempt for Monday, Feb. 8 at 4:14 a.m. EST.
The Mission Management Team will meet at 6:15 p.m. Sunday to give the "go" to fill Endeavour's external fuel tank with propellants. Tank loading would begin at 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 3, 2010
GLOW-IN-THE-DARK PLANTS ARE HIGHLIGHT OF INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION SCIENCE BRIEFING
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA will shed light on plant investigations aboard the International Space Station in a briefing at 12 p. m. EST, Friday, Feb. 5. The briefing from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will be broadcast live on NASA Television.
The upcoming shuttle mission, planned to launch Feb. 7, will continue assembling the space station so it can be used for continuous scientific research as a national and multinational laboratory.
Microgravity plant growth experiments conducted aboard the station will help prepare for long-duration spaceflights of the future. The use of miniaturized green fluorescent proteins that glow in the dark, and associated compact imaging systems, may be used to help monitor crop conditions on Earth.
NASA has published a new Web feature that provides examples of space station research dividends such as those related to cancer treatment delivery, food poisoning vaccine development, air purification, remote ultrasound tests and more.
For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about the upcoming shuttle mission, designated
STS-130, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Feb. 1, 2010
NASA SETS SOLAR DYNAMICS OBSERVATORY LAUNCH COVERAGE EVENTS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is set to launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on Feb. 9. There is a one-hour launch window that extends from 10:30 to 11:30 a. m. EST. Should the launch be postponed for 24 hours, the launch time on Feb. 10 is 10:26 to 11:26 a. m.
The Solar Dynamics Observatory is the first mission that will be launched for NASA's Living With a Star program and is designed to understand the causes of solar variability and how space weather results from that variability. SDO will take a closer look at the Sun and help develop the ability to better understand the Sun's influence on Earth and Near-Earth space by studying the solar atmosphere. SDO will perform several measurements that will help characterize the interior of the Sun, the Sun's magnetic field, the hot plasma of the solar corona, and the density of radiation that creates the ionosphere of the planets. By better understanding the Sun and how it works, scientists will be able to better predict and better forecast the "weather out in space" providing earlier warning to protect our aircraft, satellites, and astronauts when working in space.
Jan. 29, 2010
NASA ANNOUNCES INNOVATION INITIATIVES WITH FISCAL YEAR 2011 BUDGET
WASHINGTON -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden will brief reporters about the agency's fiscal year 2011 budget at 3 p. m. EST on Monday, Feb. 1. The news conference will take place in the James E. Webb Memorial Auditorium at NASA Headquarters, located at 300 E St. S.W., in Washington.
NASA Chief Financial Officer Beth Robinson will join Bolden. The news conference will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency's Web site. Questions will be taken from media representatives at headquarters and participating field centers, including Kennedy Space Center.
To watch the budget news conference online, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
NASA budget and supporting information will be available at 12:30 p. m., Feb. 1, at: www.nasa.gov/budget
Jan. 28, 2010
NASA SETS SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR PRELAUNCH EVENTS AND COUNTDOWN DETAILS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- News conferences, events and operating hours for the news center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are set for the upcoming launch of space shuttle Endeavour.
The shuttle's STS-130 mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to lift off at 4:39 a. m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 7. STS-130 is the final scheduled shuttle night launch.
A NASA blog will provide countdown updates beginning at 11:30 p. m. on Saturday, Feb. 6. Originating from Kennedy, the blog is the definitive Internet source for information leading up to launch. During the mission, visitors to NASA's shuttle Web site can read about the crew's progress and watch the mission's three spacewalks live. As Endeavour's flight concludes, the NASA blog will detail the spacecraft's return to Earth. For NASA's launch blog and continuous mission updates, visit: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html
The NASA News Twitter feed will be updated during the launch countdown, mission and landing. To follow, visit: www.twitter.com/NASA
STS-130 astronaut Nicholas Patrick will be tweeting about his pre-launch preparations and providing updates to his Twitter account during the shuttle mission. Follow Patrick at: www.twitter.com/Astro_Nicholas
Endeavour's flight begins the final year of shuttle operations. Five missions are planned in 2010, with the final flight targeted for launch in September.
Jan. 27, 2010
NASA GIVES 'GO' FOR FEB. 7 AS FINAL SPACE SHUTTLE NIGHT LAUNCH
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Endeavour is set to begin a 13-day flight to the International Space Station with a Feb. 7 launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff is planned for 4:39 a. m. EST, making this the final scheduled space shuttle night launch.
Endeavour's launch date was announced Wednesday at the conclusion of a flight readiness review at Kennedy. During the meeting, senior NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle's equipment, support systems and procedures are ready.
Endeavour's flight will begin the final year of space shuttle operations. Five shuttle missions are planned in 2010, with the last flight currently targeted for launch in September.
Endeavour's mission will include three spacewalks and the delivery of the Tranquility node, the final module of the U. S. portion of the space station. Tranquility will provide additional room for crew members and many of the space station's life support and environmental control systems. Attached to the node is a cupola, which houses a robotic control station and has seven windows to provide a panoramic view of Earth, celestial objects and visiting spacecraft. After the node and cupola are added, the orbiting laboratory will be about 90 percent complete.
Commander George Zamka and his crew of five astronauts are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy at approximately 10 p. m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2, for final launch preparations. Joining Zamka on STS-130 are Pilot Terry Virts and Mission Specialists Kathryn Hire, Stephen Robinson, Nicholas Patrick and Robert Behnken. Virts will be making his first trip to space.
STS-130 will be Endeavour's 24th mission and the 33rd shuttle flight dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. For more information about STS-130, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Patrick, who holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is sending updates about his training to his Twitter account. He plans to tweet from orbit during the mission. He can be followed at: www.twitter.com/Astro_Nicholas
NASA CUES UP UNIVERSITY CUBESATS FOR GLORY LAUNCH THIS FALL
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA will launch small research satellites for several universities as part of the agency's Educational Launch of Nanosatellite, or ELaNA, mission. The satellites are manifested as an auxiliary payload on the Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA's Glory mission, planned for liftoff in late November.
The satellites, called CubeSats because of their shape, come from Montana State University, the University of Colorado and Kentucky Space, a consortium of state universities. The University of Florida was selected as an alternate in case one of the three primary spacecraft cannot fly.
CubeSats are in a class of small research spacecraft called picosatellites. They have a size of approximately four inches, a volume of about one quart, and weigh no more than 2.2 pounds.
To place these satellites into orbit by an agency expendable launch vehicle, NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is adapting the Poly-Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or PPOD. This deployment system, designed and manufactured by the California Polytechnic State University in partnership with Stanford University, has flown previously on Department of Defense and commercial launch vehicles.
Montana State designated its satellite as Explorer 1 Prime, or E1P. The name honors the launch and scientific discoveries of the Explorer-1 mission, which detected the Van Allen radiation belts more than 50 years ago. E1P will carry a miniature Geiger tube to measure the intensity and variability of the electrons in the Van Allen belts.
Colorado's satellite is named Hermes. Its mission is to improve CubeSat communications through the on-orbit testing of a high data-rate communication system that will allow the downlink of large quantities of data.
The Kentucky vehicle is called KySat-1. It includes a camera to support a scientific outreach program intended for, but not limited to, Kentucky students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The satellite also has a 2.4-gigahertz industrial, scientific and medical band radio, which will be used to test high-bandwidth communications in the license-free portion of the S-band.
The satellites will hitch a ride to space with the Taurus rocket's primary payload, NASA's Glory spacecraft. The Glory climate mission, developed by NASA's Science Mission Directorate, will extend the nearly 30-year record of precise measurements of the sun's energy output. It also will obtain first-ever, global measurements of the distribution of tiny airborne aerosol particles. Aerosols represent one of the greatest areas of uncertainty in understanding Earth's climate system.
The ELaNA project is managed by NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy. For more information about the program, visit:
www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Jan. 26, 2010
NASA DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER JAN. 29
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., will pay tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA colleagues, during the agency's Day of Remembrance observance on Friday, Jan. 29.
Media and the general public are invited to a wreath-laying at 11 a. m. EST at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Kennedy Center Director and former astronaut Bob Cabana will take part in the ceremony.
NASA's Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will provide flowers for visitors throughout the day to place at the memorial. For more information, please call 321-449-4400.
Kennedy contractors and civil servants will be allowed access to the Space Mirror Memorial throughout the day to pay their respects.
The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, a private, not-for-profit organization, built and maintains the Space Mirror Memorial. It was dedicated in 1991 to honor all astronauts who lost their lives on missions or during training and since has been designated a National Memorial by Congress.
Video of the service will air on NASA Television's Video File segment. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-P, or GOES-P
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - GOES-P, which becomes GOES-15 when it reaches orbit, is the last of three geostationary weather and environmental satellites in the current series built for NASA by Boeing. GOES-N was launched in 2006, GOES-O was launched in 2009, and GOES-P is now being prepared for its upcoming launch in early March. The launch is currently scheduled for no earlier than March 1 at the opening of a one hour launch window that occurs between 6:19 - 7:19 p. m. EST.
The Delta IV rocket will be launched by United Launch Alliance for Boeing Launch Services under an FAA commercial license. It now is being prepared for liftoff at Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The rocket is being hoisted into the launcher on the launch pad this week.
GOES-P will feature a highly stable pointing platform, which will improve the performance of the Imager and Sounder that are important instruments for creating daily weather-prediction models and for hurricane forecasting. For NOAA's National Ocean Service, data from GOES-P will be valuable for oceanographic circulation models and forecasts for U. S. coastal communities.
GOES-P will also provide expanded capability for the space and solar environment-monitoring instruments. Forecasts and warnings for solar disturbances will be enhanced. This will protect investments of billions of dollars by the private sector and the government in assets on the ground and in space. As with all of NOAA's geostationary and polar-orbiting weather satellites, GOES-P also will be able to relay distress signals detected from emergency locator beacons on the ground and at sea.
Boeing's GOES-P contract with NASA calls for a "delivery on orbit." The satellite will be turned over to NASA after a successful on-orbit checkout has been completed by Boeing. Approximately six months after completion of post-launch testing, the spacecraft will be turned over to NOAA. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center is responsible for designing and developing the spacecraft and its instruments.
For information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center and the programs and missions it supports, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Jan. 14, 2010
NASA INVESTIGATES ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE FOUND IN SHUTTLE HANGAR
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA has launched an extensive investigation after a small amount of cocaine was found in a restricted area of the processing hangar for shuttle Discovery at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. There are no indications the incident has impacted Discovery's readiness for its planned launch in March.
"This is a rare and isolated incident, and I'm disappointed that it happened, but it should not detract from the outstanding work that is being done by a dedicated team on a daily basis," Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana said. "We are conducting an investigation and working with center security and law enforcement officials to get to the bottom of it. We have multiple checks and balances in place to ensure the work on the orbiter is done correctly, and I have no concern for Discovery's fitness for flight."
While there are no indications anyone who was working on Discovery was under the influence of any illegal substances, drug testing of personnel who were in that area has been conducted. There were about 200 NASA and contractor personnel who were around the facility at the time the drug was found.
Extensive efforts are being made to ensure flight hardware and equipment that will be used by astronauts on Discovery's upcoming STS-131 mission are completely safe.
"We have processes that will ensure the integrity of the shuttle," Cabana said. "There is no reason whatsoever to believe this incident will have any impact on Discovery's upcoming launch."
Meticulous records are kept on all work that is performed. Shuttle safety and quality assurance teams have the capability to trace individuals' work in detail. In addition, most work tasks are reviewed and approved by one, and sometimes two, quality inspectors and specialists who verify proper work was done on critical flight hardware.
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Jan. 6, 2010
NASA SHUTTLE AT LAUNCH PAD FOR FINAL SCHEDULED NIGHT LAUNCH; CREW SET TO ARRIVE FOR PRACTICE LIFTOFF
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After reaching its launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida Wednesday, space shuttle Endeavour now awaits its next major milestone for the upcoming STS-130 mission.
Endeavour arrived at Launch Pad 39A at 8:45 a. m. EST Wednesday on top of a giant crawler-transporter. The crawler-transporter left Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building at 4:13 a. m, traveling less than 1 mph during the 3.4-mile journey. The shuttle was secured on the pad at 10:37 a. m.
With Endeavour on the pad, the STS-130 astronauts and ground crews can participate in the practice countdown and related training starting Jan. 19. The rehearsal provides each shuttle crew with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training.
The six astronauts for Endeavour's STS-130 mission will deliver a third connecting module, the Tranquility node, to the International Space Station. Endeavour's Feb. 7 target liftoff is at 4:39 a. m., making it the final scheduled space shuttle night launch.
NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about the space station and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/station
For more information about the STS-130 mission and crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Dec. 31, 2009
NASA KENNEDY SPACE CENTER 2009 REVIEW AND LOOK AHEAD
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Kennedy Space Center in Florida helped NASA return to the moon in 2009 and look beyond.
Information
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Kennedy teams were involved in launching 14 missions in 2009 -- eight on expendable launch vehicles, five on space shuttles and the first new rocket to liftoff from Kennedy in more than a quarter of a century, the Ares I-X.
The expendable launch vehicle mission that received the highest public attention was NASA's first moon flight in 10 years, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, or LRO/LCROSS. It launched June 18 aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. LRO is designed to orbit the moon and relay the most detailed data about the lunar surface and environment. LCROSS' mission was to impact into the lunar surface to confirm the presence of frozen water in a permanently shadowed crater at the moon's south pole, which it did in October. In March, NASA's exploration eyes looked deep into space with the launch of the Kepler mission aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral. Kepler is designed to find the first Earth-size planets orbiting stars at distances where water could pool on the surface.
Kennedy helped the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with two launches in 2009. First in February, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft launched from NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California aboard a Delta II rocket. The new polar-orbiting satellite will improve weather forecasting and climate research. Then in June, the latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, GOES-O, soared into space on a Delta IV rocket from the Cape. NOAA's GOES-O satellite will improve weather forecasting and monitor environmental events around the world. NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy also supported two launches for the U. S. Missile Defense Agency, the Space Tracking and Surveillance System-Advanced Technology Risk Reduction spacecraft, or STSS-ATRR in May from Vandenberg and the STSS-Demo mission in September from Cape Canaveral.
On Feb. 24, NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, failed to reach orbit after its liftoff aboard a Taurus XL launch vehicle from Launch Pad 576-E at Vandenberg. An investigation concluded the OCO mission was lost when the payload fairing of the Taurus failed to separate during ascent. Kennedy ended the year with the successful launch of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, spacecraft aboard a Delta II on Dec. 14 from Vandenberg. WISE will survey the entire sky in infrared light, picking up the glow of millions of objects never seen before, including the coolest stars, most luminous galaxies and darkest near Earth asteroids and comets.
Kennedy sent five shuttles safely and successfully on their way in 2009. First on March 15, space shuttle Discovery and its seven-member crew lifted off from Launch Pad 39A on the STS-119 mission to deliver the final set of large power-generating solar array wings and a new crew member to the International Space Station.
Then on May 11, shuttle Atlantis and its seven-member crew lifted off on the fifth and final shuttle mission to repair and upgrade NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, leaving the world-famous orbiting observatory in better shape than ever before and extending its life at least five more years. This also was the last shuttle mission scheduled to fly to a destination other than the International Space Station before the fleet is retired.
Two months later in July, shuttle Endeavour and its seven-member STS-127 crew launched on a 16-day mission to deliver the final segment of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and a new crew member to the space station. On Aug. 28, shuttle Discovery and its seven-member crew launched on the STS-128 mission to deliver supplies, equipment and a new crew member to the station.
The final shuttle mission of 2009, STS-129, began on Nov. 16 with shuttle Atlantis launching with its six crew members. They delivered critical spare parts and equipment the space station will need after shuttles stop flying. Kennedy also held its first "Tweet up" event during the STS-129 launch, bringing in 101 Tweeters from 21 states and four countries with an estimated 150,000 followers. Atlantis brought back Expedition 21 Flight Engineer and Florida native Nicole Stott, the last station astronaut scheduled to return from or launch to the orbiting laboratory aboard a space shuttle.
Bad weather kept two shuttle missions from ending at Kennedy, Atlantis' STS-125 flight and Discovery's STS-128. Both landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California and had to be flown back on top of NASA's modified 747 aircraft. One special passenger aboard Discovery's ferry flight to Florida was Disney's toy astronaut Buzz Lightyear. The space toy was returned to Walt Disney World in Orlando for an Oct. 2 event that was the launching point for new NASA educational efforts to encourage students to pursue studies in science, technology and mathematics. NASA and Disney Parks had collaborated to fly the 12-inch-tall action figure aboard the International Space Station for more than 15 months.
Currently, there are only five scheduled shuttle missions left for NASA before the program's scheduled retirement in 2010, with the first one targeted for February and the last in September.
In April and May for what was expected to be the last time for the agency's Space Shuttle Program, two shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis, stood poised on both Launch Complex 39 launch pads. Atlantis was on pad 39A for the STS-125 mission. Endeavour was on pad 39B as the STS-125 rescue spacecraft, if required. After being cleared from its possible rescue assignment, Endeavour was moved to pad A and then on May 31, pad B officially was transferred from the Space Shuttle Program to the Constellation Program for the Ares I-X flight test. Pad B already had been undergoing modifications for first flight of the new program. Three, 600-foot-tall lightning towers were assembled this year at the pad to accommodate the taller Ares next-generation rockets, including I-X, changing Kennedy's landscape.
Going from the drawing board to the launch pad in just a few years, NASA's Ares I-X rocket lifted off Launch Pad 39B on Oct. 28. The flight test lasted about six minutes from launch until splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean. Among the systems tested, the rocket's more than 700 sensors will provide ascent data for future flights. Other work at Kennedy for the Constellation Program included ongoing construction of a new, lighter and taller mobile launcher, renovations on Kennedy's historic Operations and Checkout Building high bay for use as the final assembly facility for the Orion crew exploration vehicle, and a test in April under real and simulated weather conditions off the coast of Kennedy that used a full-scale mock-up of the Orion spacecraft.
Kennedy continued to expand its environmentally friendly and recycling initiatives this year. Five facilities are qualifying for the U. S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification. The Life Support Facility already earned silver certification in 2009, and the Propellants North Facility is expected to receive the highest rating, platinum, when it is complete in the summer of 2010. There are about 145 platinum-rated facilities in the United States with only one other in Florida.
In May, NASA and Florida Power and Light, or FPL, held a groundbreaking ceremony for new solar power facilities at Kennedy. FPL will build and maintain two solar photovoltaic power generation systems on Kennedy property, a one-megawatt solar farm for Kennedy's use and a 10-megawatt one for Florida residents. The one-megawatt facility officially was commissioned in November and has been providing power to Kennedy for several months. The 10-megawatt facility is set to be complete in April 2010. At the November commissioning ceremony, Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana announced plans to pursue a new renewable energy research and development facility at Kennedy's under development business center, Exploration Park. Plans also were announced to expand the electrical generating capacity of the 10-megawatt solar facility to 100-megawatts.
In October, NASA announced it was partnering with Starfighters Inc. of Tarpon Springs, Fla., to use the space shuttle runway at Kennedy to help support the development of the commercial space industry. Kennedy and the aerospace company signed a cooperative Space Act Agreement enabling Starfighters to become a tenant at Kennedy where it will launch a new business venture with a fleet of privately operated Lockheed F-104 Starfighter aircraft. The new venture also is enabled by Space Florida, which has entered into separate agreements with Starfighters to use a state-built hangar at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility and to provide other business assistance.
In July, Kennedy helped celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch to and first steps on the moon with a ceremony at the center's visitor complex. Several Apollo astronauts attended the event, which featured the opening of the Apollo Treasures Gallery.
On July 30, Kennedy helped support a public meeting in Cocoa Beach, Fla., of the Review of U. S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee, led by Norm Augustine. The blue-ribbon panel was requested by President Barack Obama's administration to conduct an independent review of America's human spaceflight plans and programs, as well as alternatives. The committee's report was issued in October to the White House and NASA. While final decisions about future space exploration plans, including the Space Shuttle and Constellation programs, haven't been announced, NASA's Kennedy Space Center and its work force are expected to be a vital part of those endeavors in 2010, into the next decade and beyond.
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Dec. 22, 2009
NASA EXTENDS HOLIDAY 'GREENINGS' TO SANTA CLAUS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA is putting a little more emphasis this year on the "green" part of the traditional red and green colors for Santa Claus' flyby of Florida's Kennedy Space Center on Dec. 24.
Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility, with its 15,000 feet of runway nestled in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, should be a familiar sight along the Space Coast for Santa. Like many other government agencies, NASA grants Santa permission to fly over Kennedy's airspace during his globetrotting flight, so there will be no mistaking mistletoe for missiles.
Kennedy is becoming more environmentally friendly and is happy to show off the center's green spaces to the jolly old fellow this year. So for one night, the LC-39 area temporarily will become the SC-39 area -- as in the Santa Claus-39 area.
It is obvious St. Nick is no stranger to using an alternative-fuel vehicle. He has been using reindeer-powered propulsion, or in NASA acronym terms RPP, for centuries. But if Dasher or Comet need a little rest while traveling over Central Florida, Santa might consider borrowing one of Kennedy's more than 900 alternative-fuel vehicles. Perhaps he'll get behind the wheel of an electric car, which can travel about 100 miles for less than $2.00. The center is planning to have its entire fleet of automobiles running on substances other than gasoline within a decade.
If Santa is looking to expand his toy workshop at the North Pole, he might want to adopt some green principles from the construction folks at Kennedy. Five facilities are qualifying for the U. S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification. The Life Support Facility already earned silver certification, and the Propellants North Facility is expected to receive the highest rating, platinum, when it is complete next summer. There are about 145 platinum-rated facilities in the United States with only one other in Florida. The green features at the Propellants North Facility will include high-efficiency walls, a roof constructed of recycled metal covered with a rainwater harvesting system to supply restroom fixtures, air conditioning with energy recovery technology, and landscaping that will use native species and recycled crushed crawlerway rock for mulch.
Even though Santa will be flying by the light of a half-moon Christmas Eve, he will get to see for the first time Kennedy's new solar power facilities. A one-megawatt solar farm inside the center has been supplying the spaceport with clean, renewable energy for several months. A 10-megawatt facility outside Kennedy's gates along State Road 3 is set to be complete in the spring and will supply electricity to Florida Power & Light customers. There are even plans to increase that solar farm's generating capacity to 100 megawatts.
If Santa has any plastic milk jugs he wants to recycle after visiting houses and eating cookies in the area, he can take advantage of Kennedy's growing recycling program. In 2009, employees collected about 496 tons of office paper and cardboard, 1,364 tons of metal, and 15 tons of plastic, glass and aluminum. Also, about 30,000 tons of recycled concrete was used in this year's NASA Causeway seawall repair project. The proceeds from recycling activities are used to fund additional recycling, green purchasing and pollution-prevention efforts.
In case anyone gets concerned Santa will be so influenced by seeing all the eco-friendly and recycling initiatives at Kennedy that it will affect his present-giving strategies, NASA officials are confident Mr. Claus will not start "regifting."
GOES-P SATELLITE ARRIVES AT KENNEDY FOR FINAL PRELAUNCH TESTING
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, GOES, developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), called GOES-P, arrived on Thursday, Dec. 17, on a C-17 military cargo aircraft at the Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility from its manufacturing plant in El Segundo, Calif.
The GOES-P satellite is targeted to launch on Feb. 25 onboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV expendable launch vehicle. Once in geosynchronous orbit, GOES-P will be designated GOES-15, and NASA will provide on-orbit checkout and then transfer operational responsibility to NOAA. GOES-P will be placed in on-orbit storage as a replacement for an older GOES satellite.
After arriving, the satellite was transported to Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., where final testing of the imaging system, instrumentation, communications and power systems will be performed. These tests will take approximately six weeks to complete. Then the spacecraft will be fueled with the propellant necessary for orbit maneuvers and the attitude control system. When the fueling is completed, the spacecraft is encapsulated in the Delta IV nose fairing and prepared for transport to the launch pad.
GOES-P is the third and last spacecraft to be launched in the GOES N-P series of geostationary environmental weather satellites. The GOES satellites continuously provide observations of 60 percent of the Earth including the continental United States, providing weather monitoring and forecast operations, as well as a continuous and reliable stream of environmental information and severe weather warnings.
GOES-P carries an advanced attitude control system using star trackers and Hemispherical Inertial Reference Units. The imager and sounder instruments are mounted on a stable optical bench, which provides enhanced instrument pointing performance for improved image navigation and registration. This means better location of severe storms and other events important to the NOAA National Weather Service. The Imager on GOES-P, as on the GOES-O before it, has improved resolution from previous GOES missions in the 13 micron channel from 8 km to 4 km. The finer spatial resolution allows improved estimates of horizontal distribution of cloud-top, height of atmospheric motion vectors, and volcanic ash detection. Similarly to the GOES-O mission, the GOES-P image navigation accuracy of about 2 km from an orbit altitude of about 22,300 miles, or 35,700 km, is superior compared to the previous series of GOES satellites. GOES-P only differs from GOES-O in the channel configuration for the solar Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) telescope. The EUV will be the same 5 channel configuration that flew on GOES-N/13.
The multi-mission GOES N-P series of satellites are vital contributors to weather, solar, and space operations and future science improvements with weather prediction and remote sensing. These satellites aid in severe storm warnings, resource management, search and rescue, emergency managers, and likely lead to additional advances in environmental sciences and multifaceted data applications of remotely sensed phenomena. GOES-P data will add to the global climate change databases of knowledge, embracing many civil and government environmental forecasting organizations that work to benefit people everywhere and help save lives.
A United Launch Alliance Delta IV expendable launch vehicle will be erected in early January at Space Launch Complex 37-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. NOAA manages the operational environmental satellite program and establishes requirements, provides all funding and distributes operational environmental satellite data for the United States. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., procures and manages the development and launch of the satellites for NOAA on a cost-reimbursable basis.
United Launch Alliance will conduct the commercial launch with a Federal Aviation Administration launch license. They will also oversee launch service duties that include oversight of the launch vehicle processing activities, integration of the GOES-P spacecraft with the Delta IV rocket, and the launch countdown activities.
ENDEAVOUR - THE FIRST OF FIVE REMAINING SHUTTLE FLIGHTS
HOUSTON - Space shuttle Endeavour will deliver the final module of the U. S. portion of the International Space Station on the STS-130 mission, now targeted to launch Feb. 7.
Endeavour's flight will begin the final year of space shuttle operations. Five shuttle missions are planned in 2010, with the final flight currently targeted for launch in September.
Endeavour's 13-day flight will include three spacewalks and the delivery of the Tranquility node, a connecting module that will increase the International Space Station's interior space. Tranquility will provide additional room for crew members and many of the space station's life support and environmental control systems. Attached to the node is a cupola, which is a robotic control station and has seven windows to provide a panoramic view of Earth, celestial objects and visiting spacecrafts. After the node and cupola are added, the space station will be about 90 percent complete.
George Zamka will command Endeavour. He will be joined by Pilot Terry Virts and Mission Specialists Kay Hire, Steve Robinson, Nicholas Patrick and Bob Behnken. Virts will be making his first trip to space.
For NASA TV streaming video, schedules, and downlink information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For the latest information about the STS-130 mission and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
NASA'S WISE EYE ON THE UNIVERSE BEGINS ALL-SKY SURVEY MISSION
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, lifted off over the Pacific Ocean this morning on its way to map the entire sky in infrared light.
A Delta II rocket carrying the spacecraft launched at 9:09 a. m. EST from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The rocket deposited WISE into a polar orbit 326 miles above Earth.
"WISE thundered overhead, lighting up the pre-dawn skies," said William Irace, the mission's project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. "All systems are looking good, and we are on our way to seeing the entire infrared sky better than ever before."
Engineers acquired a signal from the spacecraft via NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System just 10 seconds after the spacecraft separated from the rocket. Approximately three minutes later, WISE reoriented itself with its solar panels facing the sun to generate its own power. The next major event occurred about 17 minutes later. Valves on the cryostat, a chamber of super-cold hydrogen ice that cools the WISE instrument, opened. Because the instrument sees the infrared, or heat, signatures of objects, it must be kept at chilly temperatures -- its coldest detectors are less than minus 447 degrees Fahrenheit.
"WISE needs to be colder than the objects it's observing," said Ned Wright of UCLA, the mission's principal investigator. "Now we're ready to see the infrared glow from hundreds of thousands of asteroids, and hundreds of millions of stars and galaxies."
With the spacecraft stable, cold and communicating with mission controllers at JPL, a month-long checkout and calibration is under way.
WISE will see the infrared colors of the whole sky with sensitivity and resolution far better than the last infrared sky survey, performed 26 years ago. The space telescope will spend nine months scanning the sky once, then one-half the sky a second time. The primary mission will end when WISE's frozen hydrogen runs out, about 10 months after launch.
Just about everything in the universe glows in infrared, which means the mission will catalog a variety of astronomical targets. Near-Earth asteroids, stars, planet-forming disks and distant galaxies all will be easy for the mission to see. Hundreds of millions of objects will populate the WISE atlas, providing astronomers and other space missions, such as NASA's planned James Webb Space Telescope, with a long-lasting infrared roadmap.
JPL manages the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The mission was competitively selected under the Explorers Program, managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The science instrument was built by the Space Dynamics Laboratory in Logan, Utah, and the spacecraft was built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. in Boulder, Colo. Science operations and data processing take place at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. NASA's Launch Services Program at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., managed the payload integration and the launch service.
More information about the WISE mission is available online at: \www.nasa.gov/wise
Dec. 11, 2009
LAUNCH OF NASA'S WISE SPACECRAFT DELAYED UNTIL DEC. 14
WASHINGTON - The launch of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, spacecraft aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California has been rescheduled for Monday, Dec. 14. The launch window extends from 9:09 to 9:23 a.m. EST. The first launch attempt scheduled for Dec. 11 was delayed because of a problem with the motion of a booster steering engine.
Mission managers have implemented a plan to resolve the issue. This plan includes removing and replacing a suspect component today. The current weather forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of acceptable weather at launch time on Monday.
NASA TV coverage of the countdown and WISE launch will begin at 7 a.m. on Dec. 14 and also will be available on the NASA Web site at: http://www.nasa.gov
For more information about the WISE mission, visit: www.nasa.gov/wise
Dec. 7, 2009
NASA'S WISE SKY SURVEYING SPACECRAFT READY FOR LAUNCH DEC. 11
WASHINGTON - The launch of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, aboard a Delta II rocket is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 11, between 9:09 a. m. and 9:23 a. m. EST from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NASA will provide television and Internet coverage of prelaunch activities and liftoff of the agency's latest space science mission.
After launch, WISE will scan the entire sky in infrared light with a sensitivity hundreds of times greater than ever before, picking up the glow of hundreds of millions of objects and producing millions of images. The mission will uncover objects never seen before, including the coolest stars, the universe's most luminous galaxies and some of the darkest near-Earth asteroids and comets.
A prelaunch news conference will be held Dec. 9 at 4 p. m. at the NASA Vandenberg Resident Office and broadcast on NASA Television. The briefings will be webcast at: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
A WISE webcast with launch and mission managers is scheduled for noon Dec. 10. To access WISE features, visit NASA's WISE Web site at:
www.nasa.gov/wise
On Dec. 11, NASA TV coverage of the countdown and launch will begin at 7 a. m. Launch coverage of countdown activities also will be available on the NASA Web site at: http://www.nasa.gov
Audio of the prelaunch news conference and launch coverage will be available by dialing 321-867-1220/1240/1260. This is a listen-only audio system. Mission audio of countdown activities without NASA launch commentary will be carried on 321-867-7135 beginning at 6 a. m.
Live countdown coverage on NASA's launch blog starts at 7 a. m. The coverage will feature real-time updates of countdown milestones, as well as streaming video clips highlighting launch preparations and liftoff.
The WISE mission news center is operational at the NASA Vandenberg Resident Office. Reporters should call 805-605-3051 for launch information. Recorded status reports also are available by dialing 805-734-2693.
Nov. 27, 2009
SPACE SHUTTLE CREW RETURNS HOME AFTER 11-DAY MISSION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis and its crew of seven astronauts ended an 11-day journey of nearly 4.5 million miles with a 9:44 a. m. EST landing Friday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The mission, designated STS-129, included three spacewalks and the installation of two platforms to the International Space Station's truss, or backbone. The platforms hold large spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired. The shuttle crew delivered about 30,000 pounds of replacement parts for systems that provide power to the station, keep it from overheating, and maintain a proper orientation in space.
STS-129 Commander Charlie Hobaugh was joined on Atlantis' STS-129 mission by Pilot Barry Wilmore and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Bobby Satcher. Atlantis returned with station resident Nicole Stott, who spent 91 days in space. This marks the final time the shuttle is expected to rotate station crew members.
A welcome ceremony for the astronauts will be held Monday, Nov. 30, in Houston. The public is invited to attend the 4 p. m. CST event at Ellington Field's NASA Hangar 990. Highlights from the ceremony will be broadcast on NASA Television's Video File. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
With Atlantis and its crew safely home, the stage is set for launch of shuttle Endeavour on its STS-130 mission, targeted to begin in February. Endeavour will deliver a pressurized module, known as Tranquility, which will provide room for many of the space station's life support systems. Attached to the node is a cupola, a robotic control station with six windows around its sides and another in the center that provides a 360-degree view around the station.
STS-129 crew members Melvin, Satcher and Stott are providing mission updates on Twitter. For their Twitter feeds and other NASA social media Web sites, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/connect
SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS CREW SET TO LAND IN FLORIDA FRIDAY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis and its seven-member crew are expected to return to Earth on Friday, Nov. 27, after an 11-day mission. The two landing opportunities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are at 9:44 a. m. and 11:19 a. m. EST.
NASA will evaluate weather conditions at Kennedy before permitting Atlantis and its crew to land. If bad weather prevents a return to Florida on Friday or Saturday, both Kennedy and the backup landing site at Edwards Air Force Base in California will be activated for consideration on Sunday. For recorded updates about the shuttle landing, call 321-867-2525.
After touchdown in Florida, the astronauts will undergo physical examinations and meet with their families. They are expected to make brief remarks at the runway and hold a news conference approximately six hours after landing. The news events will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency's Web site.
The NASA News Twitter feed is updated throughout the shuttle mission and landing. To access the feed, visit: http://www.twitter.com/nasa
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
For the latest information about the STS-129 mission and accomplishments, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Nov. 25, 2009
WIDE-FIELD INFRARED SURVEY EXPLORER READY FOR LAUNCH DEC. 9
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - The launch of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 9.
Liftoff will be from NASA's Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The launch window is approximately 14 minutes in duration, extending from 6:09:33 to 6:23:51 a. m. PST (9:09:33 to 9:23:51 a. m. EST). The spacecraft's final circular polar orbit will be 326 miles (525 kilometers), orbiting the earth 15 times a day.
WISE will scan the entire sky in infrared light with sensitivity hundreds of times greater than ever before possible, picking up the glow of hundreds of millions of objects and producing millions of images. The mission will uncover objects never seen, including the coolest stars, the universe's most luminous galaxies and some of the darkest near-Earth asteroids and comets.
The voluminous quantity of images WISE can generate will help scientists answer fundamental questions about the origins of planets, stars and galaxies, and provide data for astronomers for decades to come. During the nine-month survey mission, snapshots can be taken as frequently as every 11 seconds.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, or JPL, Pasadena, Calif., manages WISE for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. The mission's principal investigator, Edward "Ned" Wright, is at UCLA. The mission was competitively selected under NASA's Explorers Program, managed by the Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. The science instrument was built by the Space Dynamics Laboratory, Logan, Utah, and the spacecraft was built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., Boulder, Colo.
Science operations and data processing take place at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena which manages JPL for NASA. The launch is the responsibility of NASA's Launch Services Program, headquartered at the Kennedy Space Center. The Delta II launch service is being provided to Kennedy by United Launch Alliance, Denver, Colo.
Nov. 19, 2009
NASA REAPS BENEFITS FROM SOLAR FARM AND PLANS NEW ENERGY PROJECT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The electricity that's being used at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., now is partly supplied by the space agency's first large-scale solar power generation facility. Representatives from NASA, Florida Power & Light Company and SunPower Corporation formally commissioned a one-megawatt facility Thursday and used the occasion to announce plans to pursue a new research, development and demonstration project at Kennedy to advance America's use of renewable energy.
The facility is the first element of a major renewable energy project currently under construction at Kennedy. The completed system features a fixed-tilt, ground-mounted solar power system designed and built by SunPower, along with SunPower solar panels. A 10-megawatt solar farm, which SunPower is building on a nearby Kennedy property, will supply power to FPL's customers when it's completed in April 2010.
At Thursday's commissioning ceremony, Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana and FPL Vice President and Chief Development Officer Eric Silagy announced plans to establish a permanent renewable energy research and development center at Kennedy along with a new solar facility that would expand the 10-megawatt generating capability up to 100-megawatts. This expansion of the solar facilities is contingent on regulatory support and the passage of renewable energy legislation at the state level.
If proven environmentally and economically feasible, an expansive field of photovoltaic solar panels will be constructed in phases on 500 or more acres of fallow Kennedy agricultural land and integrated into the utility's grid. A dedicated research and development facility to support continual improvement of solar renewable energy would be established by SunPower and FPL's other partners at Kennedy's business complex, Exploration Park.
"Both our current projects are nearing completion, and this proposed expanded collaboration with FPL directly responds to the president's recent executive order directing NASA and other federal agencies to expand their use of renewable power and enable renewable projects on agency lands," said Cabana. "We are pleased to be taking a leadership role in supporting this important national goal aimed at increasing America's energy independence while improving the planet's environment."
"FPL is a national leader in the development of clean, renewable energy, and we are committed to growing the renewable power industry here in Florida, which will spur the local economy and create jobs," said Silagy. "These solar projects are an important part of Florida's clean-energy future and we are proud to be at the forefront of powering the space program. Like NASA, FPL is looking beyond the horizon. We are prepared and excited about the prospect of building more emissions-free solar power with the quality of life of our children and grandchildren in mind."
"We congratulate NASA and FPL for their commitment to the development of solar technologies, and for making solar energy a key part of the nation's economic recovery and the protection of the environment for future generations," said Howard Wenger, president, global business units for SunPower. "Solar power systems can be built quickly anywhere and at any scale, and we are pleased to partner with NASA and FPL on these important projects."
The dedicated R&D facility proposed for Exploration Park could result in at least 50 high-salary science and engineering positions permanently established at Kennedy by SunPower and FPL's other partners, a potential for solar panel manufacturing located nearby and as many as 1,000 new construction jobs. FPL and Kennedy have initiated environmental studies and a plan to support the next project, which could be initiated before the end of 2010.
The proposed project will be pursued under a five-year Memorandum of Understanding entered into by Kennedy and FPL in 2007 to promote jointly developed projects in renewable technologies. Implementation will require completion of the environmental and business assessments, the development of a formal partnering agreement, renewable energy legislation at the state level and a constructive regulatory framework.
The current agreement to construct two solar energy projects totaling 11 megawatts recently won the 2009 General Services Administration Award for Asset Management. The public-private partnership for solar power facilities at Kennedy was selected by the GSA judges for its innovative use of federal land, and published as a "best practice" example by GSA's Office of Government-wide Policy.
For information about Florida Power & Light and its programs, visit: www.fpl.com
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Nov. 16, 2009
NASA'S SHUTTLE ATLANTIS HEADED FOR DELIVERY STOP AT SPACE STATION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis and its six-member crew began an 11-day delivery flight to the International Space Station on Monday with a 2:28 p.m. EST launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The shuttle will transport spare hardware to the outpost and return a station crew member who spent more than two months in space.
Atlantis is carrying about 30,000 pounds of replacement parts for systems that provide power to the station, keep it from overheating, and maintain a proper orientation in space. The large equipment can best be transported using the shuttle's unique capabilities.
"We appreciate all the effort making this launch attempt possible. We are excited to take this incredible vehicle for a ride to another incredible vehicle, the ISS," Commander Charlie Hobaugh said shortly before launch.
The flight will include three spacewalks and the installation of two platforms to the station's truss, or backbone. The platforms will store the spare parts needed to sustain station operations after the shuttle fleet is retired.
Hobaugh is joined on Atlantis' STS-129 mission by Pilot Barry E. Wilmore and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Bobby Satcher. Atlantis will return with station resident Nicole Stott, marking the final time the shuttle is expected to rotate station crew members. Wilmore, Bresnik and Satcher are first-time space fliers.
Atlantis' first landing opportunity at Kennedy is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 27, at 9:43 a.m. This mission is the 129th space shuttle flight, the 31st to the station, the 31st for Atlantis and the fifth in 2009.
NASA is providing continuous television and Internet coverage of Atlantis' mission. NASA Television features live mission events, daily mission status news conferences and 24-hour commentary. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
NASA's Web coverage of STS-129 includes mission information, interactive features, news conference images, graphics and videos. Mission coverage, including the latest NASA TV schedule, is available on the main space shuttle Web site at: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Melvin, Satcher and Stott are providing mission updates on Twitter. For their Twitter feeds and other NASA social media Web sites, visit: www.nasa.gov/connect
Live updates to the NASA News Twitter feed will be added throughout the shuttle mission and landing. To access the NASA News Twitter feed, visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
Nov. 9, 2009
NASA AWARDS INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT FOR KENNEDY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA has selected C&C International Computers and Consultants Inc. of Hollywood, Fla., to provide institutional support services at the agency's Kennedy Space Center.
The new indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract with time and material type task orders begins Dec. 1, 2009. It has a 10-month base period with two one-year option periods. The maximum potential value of the contract is approximately $31.5 million, which is comprised of an $11.5-million base value and $10 million for each one-year option.
C&C International Computers and Consultants will provide administrative support services personnel including accountants, accounting clerks, administrative assistants, personnel assistants, procurement specialists and analysts, program analysts, resource analysts, secretaries and general clerks. Programs supported under the contract include the space shuttle, International Space Station, Constellation, launch services, engineering, external relations and the Office of the Center Director.
Launch Vehicle: Ares I-X
Launched: Oct. 28
Launch Pad: 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Upcoming Key Milestones
Dec. -- 30 day update briefing
Ares I-X Flight Hardware
Booster was delivered to Hanger AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for inspections and processing
Batteries disconnected
Data recorder and high speed video camera removed
Thrust Vector Control depressurized
Parachutes are being evaluated
Development Flight Instrumentation evaluations complete
Ares I-X Ground Support Equipment
At Launch Pad 39B, post launch evaluations completed
The Ares I-X flight test will provide NASA an early opportunity to check and prove hardware, analysis and modeling methods, and facilities and ground operations needed to develop the NASA's next crew launch vehicle.
Atlantis' Payload is Delivered; Astronauts Return to Kennedy
At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the cargo for space shuttle Atlantis' mission to the International Space Station was moved to Launch Pad 39A overnight and will be installed into the shuttle's payload bay.
Technicians will finish testing Atlantis' waste collection system, or toilet, this weekend and ground teams are getting ready for the final part of launch dress rehearsal known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT.
Today, the STS-129 mission's six astronauts are involved in their final bench review of flight hardware at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, and they will conduct contingency abort simulation training in the motion base simulator.
The crew will fly to Kennedy Monday afternoon for the completion of TCDT. During their two-days at Kennedy they will participate in a simulated launch countdown where they practice liftoff procedures inside the shuttle. Before returning to Johnson on Tuesday, crew members will practice emergency pad evacuation.
On Oct. 29, NASA managers announced the official launch date and time of Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST for Atlantis' flight to the space station. The only deviation to this date would be if the planned Nov. 14 launch of an Atlas V rocket from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is delayed. Since the Atlas team has reserved the Eastern Range for Nov. 14 and 15, this means the shuttle's liftoff will move to no earlier than 2:02 p.m. on Nov. 17.
Oct. 29, 2009
NASA GIVES GO FOR SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS LAUNCH ON NOV. 16
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's space shuttle Atlantis is targeted to begin an 11-day flight to the International Space Station with a Nov. 16 launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff is scheduled for 2:28 p.m. EST.
Atlantis' launch date was announced Thursday at the conclusion of a flight readiness review at Kennedy. During the meeting, senior NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle's equipment, support systems and procedures are ready.
The Nov. 16 target date depends on the planned Nov. 14 launch of an Atlas V rocket from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Atlas has reserved the Eastern Range on Nov. 14 and 15. If the Atlas launch is delayed to Nov. 15, the shuttle's liftoff will move to no earlier than 2:02 p.m. on Nov. 17.
The STS-129 mission will focus on storing spare hardware on the exterior of the space station. The flight will include three spacewalks and install two platforms on the station's truss, or backbone. The platforms will hold spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttle fleet is retired.
Commander Charlie Hobaugh and his crew of five astronauts are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy at approximately 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, for final launch preparations. Joining Hobaugh on STS-129 will be Pilot Barry Wilmore and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Bobby Satcher. Nicole Stott, an astronaut who currently resides on the station, will return home with the Atlantis crew after living in space for more than two months. Her return on the shuttle is slated to be the final time it is used to rotate space station crew members.
STS-129 will be Atlantis' 31st mission and the 31st shuttle flight dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. For more information about STS-129, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Mission Specialist Bobby Satcher, an orthopedic surgeon, now is sending updates about his training to his Twitter account, Astro_Bones. He can be followed at: www.twitter.com/Astro_Bones
NASA'S ARES I-X ROCKET COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL FLIGHT TEST
The stars and stripes on the American flag reflect NASA's commitment to teamwork as the Constellation Program's Ares I-X test rocket roars off Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Image credit: NASA/Jim Grossman
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Ares I-X test rocket lifted off at 11:30 a.m. EDT Wednesday from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a two-minute powered flight. The test flight lasted about six minutes from its launch from the newly modified Launch Complex 39B until splash down of the rocket's booster stage nearly 150 miles down range.
"This is a huge step forward for NASA's exploration goals," said Doug Cooke, associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Ares I-X provides NASA with an enormous amount of data that will be used to improve the design and safety of the next generation of American spaceflight vehicles -- vehicles that could again take humans beyond low Earth orbit."
The 327-foot tall Ares I-X test vehicle produced 2.6 million pounds of thrust to accelerate the rocket to nearly 3 g's and Mach 4.76, just shy of hypersonic speed. It capped its easterly flight at a suborbital altitude of 150,000 feet after the separation of its first stage, a four-segment solid rocket booster.
Parachutes deployed for recovery of the booster and the solid rocket motor will be recovered at sea for later inspection. The simulated upper stage, Orion crew module, and launch abort system will not be recovered.
"The most valuable learning is through experience and observation," said Bob Ess, Ares I-X mission manager. "Tests such as this -- from paper to flight -- are vital in gaining a deeper understanding of the vehicle, from design to development."
Wednesday's flight offered an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities, and ground operations - important data for future space vehicles. During the flight, a range of performance data was relayed to the ground and also stored in the onboard flight data recorder. The 700 sensors mounted on the vehicle provide flight test engineering data to correlate with computer models and analysis. The rocket's sensors gathered information in several areas, including assembly and launch operations, separation of the vehicle's first and second stages, controllability and aerodynamics, the re-entry and recovery of the first stage and new vehicle design techniques.
The Ares I-X efforts are led by the Ares I-X mission management office of the Constellation Program, based at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, and NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate in Washington. NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland designed and built the vehicle's upper stage mass simulator. NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., provided aerodynamic characterization, flight test vehicle integration and the crew module/launch abort system mass simulator. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., with contractor support, provided management for the development of Ares I-X avionics, roll control, and first stage systems. The Kennedy Space Center provided operations and associated ground activities and launch operations.
Contractors for Ares I-X include Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, of Salt Lake City for the first stage solid rocket booster and Teledyne Brown Engineering of Huntsville for the roll control system. Jacobs Engineering of Tullahoma, Tenn., supported by Lockheed Martin of Denver, provided the avionics systems. United Space Alliance of Houston and ATK Launch Systems support the ground systems and launch operations.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Ð Go Ares I-X! A banner on the perimeter fence of Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida reflects the excitement building in Kennedy's work force in anticipation of the flight test of the towering 327-foot-tall Ares I-X rocket. The test rocket left the Vehicle Assembly Building at 1:39 a.m. EDT on its 4.2-mile trek to the pad and was "hard down" on the pad's pedestals at 9:17 a.m. A Flight Test Readiness Review, a meeting to assess preparations for the flight test, is scheduled for Oct. 23. The flight test is targeted for Oct. 27. The transfer of the pad from the Space Shuttle Program to the Constellation Program took place May 31. Modifications made to the pad include the removal of shuttle unique subsystems, such as the orbiter access arm and a section of the gaseous oxygen vent arm, along with the installation of three 600-foot lightning towers, access platforms, environmental control systems and a vehicle stabilization system. Part of the Constellation Program, the Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I. For information on the Ares I-X vehicle and flight test, visit www.nasa.gov/aresIX.
Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Oct. 27, 2009
NASA'S ARES I-X LAUNCH RESCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA mission managers canceled Tuesday's scheduled launch of the Ares I-X flight test because of weather concerns at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Another launch attempt is targeted for Wednesday. A four-hour launch window opens at 8 a.m. EDT.
The launch was delayed for 24 hours because of winds at the launch pad that exceeded the 20-knot limit and concerns about clouds with moisture that could have caused static build-up on the rocket and led to communication issues. Forecasters predict a 60 percent chance of favorable weather Wednesday.
The Ares I-X is part of a larger flight test program that will provide data for future launch vehicles and give NASA an opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
Oct. 23, 2009
NASA GIVES 'GO' FOR THE ARES I-X TEST ROCKET LAUNCH ON OCT. 27
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA has completed a review of the Ares I-X development rocket's readiness for its flight test and selected Tuesday, Oct. 27, as the official launch date. Liftoff is scheduled for 8 a.m. EDT from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The Ares I-X launch date was announced after a flight test readiness review at Kennedy. During the meeting, senior NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the test and determined the rocket, support systems and procedures are ready for launch.
"I am proud of the work this team has done to ready this test rocket for launch," said Doug Cooke, associate administrator for NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. "This is the first time in more than 30 years that NASA has built a vehicle in a new configuration so this has been a valuable learning experience.
"This test will yield important data to support the nation's next steps in exploration. There is no substitute for hard data - flight testing clarifies the distinction between imagined outcomes and real flight experience."
The 28-mile high, two-minute flight of the Ares I-X, an uncrewed development rocket, will provide NASA with an opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations, while gathering critical data for the Ares I rocket and future launch vehicles.
For more information about Ares I-X and NASA's next-generation spacecraft, visit: www.nasa.gov/aresIX
Oct. 22, 2009
NASA AND STARFIGHTERS MAKE AGREEMENT ON SHUTTLE RUNWAY USE
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA and Starfighters, Inc., of Tarpon Springs, Fla., are partnering to use the space shuttle runway at Kennedy Space Center to help support the development of the commercial space industry. Kennedy and the aerospace company have signed a cooperative space act agreement enabling Starfighters to become a tenant at Kennedy where it will launch a new business venture with a fleet of privately-operated Lockheed F-104 Starfighter aircraft.
The new venture also is enabled by Space Florida, which has entered into separate agreements with Starfighters to use a state-built hangar at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, and to provide other business assistance.
Under the agreement, Starfighters will be permitted to use the SLF on a regular basis to conduct flight operations supporting the test, development, and training activities associated with the emerging commercial space launch industry, and to advance aerospace and space-related technology. It also will be permitted to house and perform maintenance on its aircraft at the SLF and will reimburse NASA costs associated with its operations at the center.
"This agreement with Starfighters aligns well with NASA's mission and national space policy direction to support and enable the U.S. commercial space industry," said Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana. "This activity also will help diversify our uses at the SLF in a manner compatible with NASA's operations, and help us sustain the SLF as a unique asset supporting horizontal space launch and recovery after the shuttle retires."
Starfighters plans to operate its aircraft to simulate suborbital vehicle trajectories and provide both training and technology development for the reusable launch vehicle industry. In addition, the firm may provide flight test services to NASA and other government users, for other spaceflight and aviation test activities and other uses approved by NASA pursuant to the agreement. Starfighters recently was awarded a blanket purchase agreement from NASA's Airborne Science Program from the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.
The company plans to relocate all operations to Brevard County and expects to employ as many as approximately 20 highly-skilled workers to assist and develop its operations at Kennedy.
Starfighters responded to Kennedy's 2005 request to industry for interest in use of the SLF, and previously flew several test flights from the SLF as a demonstration project, which included testing of a NASA-developed range safety system and an investigation of the sonic boom characteristics to be anticipated from suborbital vehicles taking off from and returning to the SLF.
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Oct. 20, 2009
NASA'S ARES I-X ROCKET ARRIVES AT LAUNCH PAD IN FLORIDA
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - For the first time in more than a quarter century, a new vehicle is sitting at Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ares I-X flight test vehicle arrived at the pad atop of a giant crawler-transporter at approximately 7:45 a.m. EDT Tuesday.
The crawler-transporter left Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building at 1:39 a.m., traveling less than 1 mph during the 4.2-mile journey. The rocket was secured on the launch pad at 9:17 a.m.
The vehicle is scheduled to launch at 8 a.m. on Oct. 27. This test flight of the Ares I-X rocket will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, models, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I launch vehicle.
The Ares I rocket is being designed to carry astronauts to space in the Orion crew exploration vehicle. The Ares I-X test flight also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the vehicle's integrated stack, which includes the Ares I with a simulated upper stage, Orion and launch abort system. Data collected from more than 700 sensors throughout the rocket will begin to confirm the vehicle as a whole is safe and stable in flight before astronauts begin traveling into orbit.
"With the arrival of Ares I-X at the pad, this milestone demonstrates NASA's world-class ability to conceptually design, build and process a new launch vehicle in just under four years," said Bob Ess, mission manager for Ares I-X at Kennedy. "Nearly 2,000 NASA and contractor employees located throughout the United States worked together in an unprecedented fashion, resulting in the new vehicle ready for flight."
During the week before launch, technicians at the pad will perform a variety of electrical and mechanical checks to ready the vehicle for flight, including hydraulic power unit hot fire, steering tests and internal power verifications using flight batteries.
United Space Alliance of Houston is NASA's prime contractor for the ground processing of the Ares I-X rocket.
"Processing for the Ares I-X test flight in parallel with space shuttle operations has been a true challenge involving people and hardware from across the country, and we're very proud of what the team has accomplished," said Mark Nappi, vice president of Launch and Recovery Systems for United Space Alliance.
ATK Space Systems of Magna, Utah, is NASA's prime contractor for the first stage of the rocket.
"The NASA and contractor teamwork displayed over the last four years has been the catalyst that brought us to this important milestone today," said Bob Herman, ATK's vice president of Exploration Systems for Kennedy Space Center Operations. "As the Ares I first stage provider, we are looking forward to receiving invaluable data during the flight test."
At the Flight Test Readiness Review on Oct. 23, mission managers will finalize the launch date and provide the team with a final "go" or "no go" for launch.
Ares I-X is an uncrewed, suborbital development test in a modified Ares I configuration. Ares I-X is the first developmental flight test of the Constellation Program, which includes the Ares I and V rockets, Orion and the Altair lunar lander.
NASA UPDATES SHUTTLE ATLANTIS TARGET LAUNCH DATE, CREW REHEARSAL
WASHINGTON -- NASA is targeting Nov. 16 for the launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission from the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Managers for NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate and Exploration Systems Mission Directorate met Monday and decided to adjust Atlantis' target launch date to optimize the agency's ability to launch both Ares I-X and Atlantis before the end of the year. The same launch team at Kennedy is supporting both the shuttle and the flight test of the Ares I-X rocket, which is targeted to lift off on Oct. 27. Ares I-X is scheduled to roll out to its launch pad at 12:01 a.m. EDT Tuesday.
Atlantis' new target launch date will give Ares I-X launch opportunities Oct. 27, 28 and 29. NASA has yet to schedule Atlantis' new target liftoff date on the Eastern Range.
The change to Atlantis' targeted launch will affect the launch countdown dress rehearsal for the shuttle's six astronauts. The astronauts arrived at Kennedy on Monday for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test and related training. The simulated countdown has been rescheduled to Nov. 3. The astronauts will practice emergency escape and other related training while they are at Kennedy this week and return there Nov. 2 to conclude their rehearsal work.
The agency's Flight Readiness Review meeting for STS-129 is set for Oct. 29. NASA will schedule an official launch date for Atlantis following that meeting.
For more information about the STS-129 mission and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Oct. 18, 2009
NASA RESCHEDULES ROLLOUT OF ARES I-X
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has rescheduled to Tuesday, Oct. 20, the rollout of the Ares I-X rocket to Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The first motion of the Ares I-X out of Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building is targeted for 12:01 a.m. EDT. The 4.2-mile journey is expected to last about seven hours.
Live NASA Television coverage with commentary will start at 11:45 p.m., Oct. 19, and 7 a.m., Oct. 20. Video highlights of the move will air on NASA Television's Video File.
The rollout of Ares I-X originally was set for Monday, Oct. 19. During testing on Oct. 14, engineers detected a nitrogen gas leak in an accumulator located in the aft skirt of the rocket. The accumulator, which absorbs hydraulic pressure spikes as the system operates, was replaced and successfully retested. Management is assessing what effect, if any, this delayed rollout will have on the targeted Oct. 27 launch date.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
Launch Vehicle: Ares I-X
Launch Date: Oct. 27
Launch Pad: 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Upcoming key milestones:
No earlier than Oct. 20 - Rollout to Launch Pad 39B targeted for 12:01 a.m. EDT
Oct. 21 - Satellite live shot campaign at Launch Pad 39B from 6-9 a.m. EDT
Oct. 23 - L-4 Flight Test Readiness Review followed by a news conference on NASA TV targeted for 5 p.m. EDT
Oct. 24 - L-3 Media briefing on NASA TV at 10 a.m. EDT
Oct. 25 - L-2 Launch Status Briefing on NASA TV at 10 a.m. EDT
Oct. 26 - Prelaunch News Conference on NASA TV at 1 p.m. EDT
Oct. 27 (target) - Ares I-X flight test launch at 8 a.m. EDT
Ares I-X Flight Hardware
- The rollout of the Ares I-X flight test vehicle scheduled for Monday, Oct. 19, is being rescheduled by at least 24 hours. This will allow time for the launch team to remove and replace a hydraulic accumulator.
During testing late on Oct. 14, hydraulics engineers detected a gaseous nitrogen leak in the accumulator, which is located in the aft skirt of the rocket. The pressurized nitrogen is leaking past a seal and into the area of the accumulator containing hydraulic fluid. The accumulator absorbs hydraulic pressure spikes as the system operates. The accumulator is being removed and replaced today, and the retest will begin on Friday.
The same problem has occurred in the past on space shuttle flight hardware, most recently on STS-117 in March 2007.
What effect this will have on the Ares I-X targeted Oct. 27 launch date, if any, is being assessed by management and will be based on when the rollout is finally scheduled to occur.
This week's milestones include:
Upper Stage, Interstage, Frustrum and RoCS closeouts for flight are complete, and the installation of the flight door is in work
Power up testing is in work
First Stage closeouts continue
Upcoming milestones:
Rollout
Ares I-X Ground Support Equipment
At Launch Pad 39B, modifications are complete
The Ares I-X flight test will provide NASA an early opportunity to
check and prove hardware, analysis and modeling methods, and
facilities and ground operations needed to develop the NASA's next
crew launch vehicle.
For more information about the Ares I-X flight test, visit: www.nasa.gov/aresIX
NASA LAUNCHES TWEETUP FOR SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS LIFTOFF IN FLORIDA
WASHINGTON - For the first time, NASA Twitter followers are invited to view a space shuttle launch in person at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA is hosting this unique Tweetup on Nov. 11 and 12. Space shuttle Atlantis is targeted to launch at 4:04 p.m. EST, Nov. 12, on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station.
"This will be NASA's fifth Tweetup for our Twitter community," said Michael Cabbage, director of the News Services division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Each event has provided our followers with inside access to NASA personnel, including astronauts. The goal of this particular Tweetup is to share the excitement of a shuttle launch with a new audience."
NASA will accommodate the first 100 people who sign up on the Web. An additional 50 registrants will be added to a waitlist. Registration opens at noon EDT on Friday, Oct. 16. To sign up and for more information about the Tweetup, visit: www.nasa.gov/tweetup
The two-day event will provide NASA Twitter followers with the opportunity to take a tour of NASA's Kennedy Space Center, view the space shuttle launch and speak with shuttle technicians, engineers, astronauts and managers. The Tweetup will include a "meet and greet" session to allow participants to mingle with fellow Tweeps and the staff behind the tweets on @NASA.
For more information about space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission,
visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Oct. 13, 2009
ANNUAL NASA-SPONSORED BUSINESS EXPO SET FOR OCT. 20
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Business leaders interested in learning more about government contracting and what local and national vendors have to offer should attend the "Business Opportunities Expo 2009" on Oct. 20. The expo will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Cruise Terminal 3 at Port Canaveral, Fla. Admission is free and open to the public.
The annual trade show, sponsored by the NASA Kennedy Space Center's Prime Contractor Board, 45th Space Wing and Canaveral Port Authority, is in its 20th year. It will feature more than 175 business and government exhibitors from throughout the nation and across Brevard County.
Exhibitors will include vendors from a variety of product and service areas, such as computer technology, engineering services, communication equipment and services, and construction and safety products, to name a few. Representatives from the 45th Space Wing, Kennedy prime contractors, NASA and many more agencies and organizations will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.
During the opening ceremonies, welcoming remarks will be provided by a representative from U.S. Congressman Tom Posey's office and U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas's office.
Also speaking will be NASA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Small Business Programs Glenn Delgado; Kennedy's Associate Director Mike Wetmore; Kennedy's procurement officer Dudley R. Cannon Jr.; Col. Andre L. Lovett, vice commander, 45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base; and Tom Goodson, commissioner, Canaveral Port Authority. Larry Third, Kennedy small business specialist, will recognize the contractor-of-the-year award winners.
NASA's Central Industry Assistance Office provides support to small businesses that want to do business at Kennedy. This office works with the NASA Kennedy Prime Contractor Board, which consists of many of the center's prime contractors to help small businesses learn how to navigate in the world of government contracting. By co-sponsoring the expo, the Board helps provide a one-stop environment for buyers and sellers.
For more information, please visit the expo Web site at: expo.ksc.nasa.gov
NASA ADJUSTS SHUTTLE ATLANTIS' LAUNCH PAD MOVE TO OCT. 14
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA now is targeting Wednesday, Oct. 14, to move space shuttle Atlantis to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
First motion of Atlantis from Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building to the pad is targeted for 12:01 a.m. EDT. The move is known as "rollout." The 3.4 mile journey is expected to take approximately six hours.
Live video coverage of the move will be shown on NASA Television starting at 6:30 a.m. Video highlights of the move will air on NASA TV Video File.
Atlantis' original rollout date was Oct. 13. The shuttle was towed Tuesday from its hangar, Orbiter Processing Facility 1, to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, in preparation for its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station. However, an issue with a crane that was being used to transfer Atlantis for attachment to its external fuel tank and two solid rocket boosters caused a delay in operations. That in turn caused additional workload on teams in the VAB who also are working on preparing NASA's Ares I-X rocket for rollout to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39B on Oct. 19. Ares I-X is targeted to launch on its flight test on Oct. 27. Shuttle managers added a day to Atlantis' rollout preparations to provide relief to the work force.
The one-day change to the rollout still will allow managers to target Atlantis' launch for Nov. 12. It also does not affect the practice countdown, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test, and associated training for Atlantis' six astronauts and ground teams, which is set to begin Oct. 19.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about the STS-129 mission and crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Oct. 9, 2009
ARES I-X STATUS REPORT
Launch Vehicle: Ares I-X
Launch Date: Oct. 27
Launch Pad: 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Upcoming key milestones:
Oct. 14 - Launch Pad 39B modifications media event at 2 p.m. EDT
Oct. 19 - Rollout to Launch Pad 39B targeted for 12:01 a.m. EDT
Oct. 21 - Satellite live shot campaign at Launch Pad 39B from 6-9 a.m. EDT
Oct. 23 - L-4 Flight Test Readiness Review followed by a news conference on NASA TV targeted for 5 p.m. EDT
Oct. 24 - L-3 Launch Status briefing on NASA TV at 10 a.m. EDT
Oct. 25 - L-2 Launch Status Briefing on NASA TV at 10 a.m. EDT
Oct. 26 - Prelaunch News Conference on NASA TV at 1 p.m. EDT
Oct. 27 (target) - Ares I-X flight test launch at 8 a.m. EDT
Ares 1-X Rocket
Ares I-X Flight Hardware
This week's milestones include:
Launch Readiness Review was held at Kennedy
At the conclusion of the review, KSC management determined that there are no major launch processing or engineering issues, and the team should proceed toward the scheduled rollout on October 19.
Launch Vehicle Readiness Testing was successfully completed
This test ran the vehicle through a series of simulated pre and post launch events to ensure all systems operate properly before rolling out to the launch pad
Thermal Excursion testing
This test determined the temperature sensitive avionics can operate safely without purge for a 4-hour launch countdown window
Launch Abort System and Crew Module simulator closeouts
Upper Stage closeouts have begun
Final Hydraulic System closeouts
Upcoming milestones:
Rollout
Ares I-X Ground Support Equipment
At Launch Pad 39B, modifications are complete
The Ares I-X flight test will provide NASA an early opportunity to check and prove hardware, analysis and modeling methods, and facilities and ground operations needed to develop the NASA's next crew launch vehicle.
For more information about the Ares I-X flight test, visit: www.nasa.gov/ares
NASA SELECTS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR INSPIRE EDUCATION PROGRAM
WASHINGTON -- NASA has selected 1,732 high school students from 48 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to participate in its Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience, also known as INSPIRE. The INSPIRE project is designed to encourage students in grades nine through 12 to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The selectees will participate in an online learning community in which students and parents have the opportunity to interact with their peers and NASA engineers and scientists. It also provides appropriate grade-level educational activities, discussion boards and chat rooms for participants and their families to gain exposure to the many career opportunities at NASA.
The selected students will have the option to compete for workshops and internships at NASA facilities and participating universities throughout the nation during the summer of 2010. The summer experience provides students a hands-on opportunity to investigate careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The INSPIRE project is part of NASA's education efforts to engage and retain students in disciplines critical to the agency's missions.
NASA'S SHUTTLE ATLANTIS MOVES TO LAUNCH PAD, PRACTICE LIFTOFF SET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Atlantis is targeted to launch to the International Space Station Nov. 12 on an 11-day cargo flight.
Atlantis was moved from its hangar on Tuesday to Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building. There it will be attached to its external fuel tank and two solid rocket boosters before its move next week to Launch Pad 39A.
The first motion of Atlantis from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the pad is targeted for 12:01 a.m. EDT on Oct. 13. The 3.4 mile journey is expected to take approximately six hours.
Atlantis' astronauts and ground crews will participate in the practice countdown, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test. The test provides each shuttle crew with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training.
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about the STS-129 mission and crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Oct. 5, 2009
NASA KENNEDY'S COVERAGE OF LCROSS LUNAR IMPACT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., will provide an interview opportunity and a potentially unique view of the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, or LCROSS, and Centaur rocket's impact on the moon Oct. 9.
On Friday, Oct. 9, at approximately 7:30 a.m., the LCROSS spacecraft and Centaur rocket will impact the moon's southern pole. The collision is designed to send up a plume of debris that may include water ice that will be monitored by various telescopes, including NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.
For the impact itself at 7:30 a.m., three tracking cameras used by Kennedy Space Center to observe space shuttle launches - one infrared and two high-definition - also will be focused on the moon to try to record the plume.
For NASA TV Video File downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
NASA LAUNCHES NEW EDUCATION INITIATIVES WITH DISNEY'S BUZZ LIGHTYEAR
WASHINGTON -- NASA and Disney Parks, which collaborated to carry toy space ranger Buzz Lightyear into orbit, are launching new efforts to encourage students to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Buzz Lightyear aboard the International Space Station
The 12-inch-tall action figure spent more than 15 months aboard the International Space Station and returned to Earth on Sept. 11. On Friday, Oct. 2, a ticker-tape parade at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Fla., will officially welcome Lightyear home.
"Buzz's historic spaceflight is a great example of spreading the excitement of space exploration with students around the world," said Joyce Winterton, NASA's assistant administrator for Education at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "We hope our space station crews and Buzz will continue to spark student interest in the space station and its scientific potential."
NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, the station commander from October 2008 to April 2009, is spending the day at the Magic Kingdom to tell students about two new educational design challenges and a new online game.
Mission Patch Design Challenge: Students ages 6-12 will have the opportunity to design a patch to commemorate Lightyear's mission and his accomplishment of being the longest serving space ranger. The student with the most creative mission patch and 100-word essay will win a tour of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and a trip to Walt Disney World Resort. NASA will fly the winning patch into space, then present it to the contest winner.
Kids in Micro-g Experiment Challenge: Students in the fifth through eighth grades are encouraged to devise experiments to be conducted aboard the space station. The 12 winning experiments will be performed by the end of the school year and videotaped for the winning schools.
NASA and Disney Parks are launching a new online game as part of the Space Ranger Education Series. The series includes fun educational games for students and materials for educators to download and integrate into classroom curricula. In the newest game, "Putting It All Together," players can build the entire station using all of the real modules.
"We can't thank our partners at NASA enough for bringing Buzz Lightyear home from space to his family, friends and fans here at Disney Parks -- after all, this was his dream come true," said Duncan Wardle, vice president of Disney Parks.
NASA Television will air highlights of Finke's meeting with students and the Buzz Lightyear parade. For streaming video, schedules and downlink information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA is extending the Life Science Services contract at Kennedy Space Center held by Dynamac Corporation of Rockville, Md., for an additional one year, three months and increasing its value.
The potential estimated increase value of the cost-plus-fixed-fee contract is $9.7 and begins Oct. 1. The base extension value is $8.1 million with three, one month options totaling about $1.6 million.
The contract's additional period of performance allows Dynamac Corporation to continue to provide a space experiment and processing laboratory at Kennedy, known as the Space Life Sciences Lab, maintain and operate this laboratory, conduct critical life sciences and technology development tasks and perform biological payload integration and processing in support of the Space Shuttle, International Space Station and Constellation Programs.
Some of the effort under the existing contract is expected to transition to the Medical and Environmental Services Contract on Oct. 1. However, the remainder of the requirements being supported under this contract will not be transitioned until the Exploration Ground Launch Services contract and the Engineering Services Contract are awarded in the fall of 2010.
The original period of performance for the Life Science Services contract was seven years, nine months, which ends Sept. 30. The total original contract value was $123.6 million. The revised potential contract value is $133.3 million.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
Oct. 1, 2009
NASA SPONSORS STUDENT WATER RECYCLING COMPETITION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA is inviting fifth through eighth grade students to participate in a waste limitation management and recycling design challenge. Participants in the competition will design and test water recycling systems that could be used for future exploration of the moon. The top three teams will receive awards, and the first place team will receive an expense-paid trip to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Teams of up to six students and one teacher or mentor should submit their proposals and results to NASA for evaluationby Feb. 1, 2010. Schools in the United States and its territories, science museums, science centers and home school groups may host teams.
The winning teams will be announced in May 2010. During the winning team's visit to Kennedy, students will gain first-hand knowledge about NASA's missions, receive behind-the-scenes tours of NASA's launch facilities, and learn about future aerospace and engineering careers.
The competition is designed to engage and retain students in the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines critical to NASA's missions.
Launch Vehicle: Ares I-X
Launch Date: Oct. 27
Launch Pad: 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Upcoming key milestones:
Oct. 9 – Launch Readiness Review at Kennedy
Oct. 15 – Launch Pad 39B modifications media event at 10 a.m. EDT
Oct. 19 – Rollout to Launch Pad 39B targeted for 12:01 a.m. EDT
Oct. 21 – Satellite live shot campaign at Launch Pad 39B from 6-9 a.m. EDT
Oct. 23 – L-4 Flight Test Readiness Review followed by a news conference on NASA TV
Oct. 24 – L-3 Launch Status briefing on NASA TV at 10 a.m. EDT
Oct. 25 – L-2 Launch Status Briefing on NASA TV at 10 a.m. EDT
Oct. 26 – Prelaunch News Conference on NASA TV at 1 p.m. EDT
Oct. 27 (target) – Ares I-X flight test launch at 8 a.m. EDT
Ares I-X Flight Hardware
Last week's milestones include:
Launch Team countdown simulation from the firing room
Full-up Development Flight Instrumentation system testing
Flight control actuator testing
This week's milestones include:
Powered up testing continues
Launch Vehicle Readiness Test
Tests the rocket's systems to assure responds correctly to both pre-launch aborts and in-flight failures
Super Stack 5 closeouts
Upcoming milestones:
Launch pad readiness review
Ares I-X Ground Support Equipment
At Launch Pad 39B, modifications are ongoing
Vehicle Stabilization System final checkouts
Environmental Control System (ECS) validation testing
Fixed Service and Rotating Service Structures walk downs
The Ares I-X flight test will provide NASA an early opportunity to check and prove hardware, analysis and modeling methods, and facilities and ground operations needed to develop NASA's next crew launch vehicle.
For more information about the Ares I-X flight test, visit: www.nasa.gov/ares
DELTA II NASA LAUNCH FOR MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY SUCCESSFUL
STSS Demonstrators Program is a midcourse tracking technology demonstrator and is part of an evolving ballistic missile defense system. Owned by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the payload's two satellites were successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a Delta II rocket Sept. 25, 2009 at 8:20 a.m.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Services Program lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Thursday with two spacecraft for the United States Missile Defense Agency. The Space Tracking and Surveillance System Demonstrator mission, or STSS Demo, lifted off from Pad B at Launch Complex 17 at 8:20 a.m. EDT.
The launch vehicle was a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7920-10c. The final spacecraft separation for the second of two satellites occurred 55 minutes after liftoff.
"With confirmation of the payload's delivery into the correct orbit, the launch is a success," said Omar Baez, launch director for the NASA Launch Services Program headquartered at Kennedy Space Center.
The STSS Demo mission is a space-based sensor component of the Ballistic Missile Defense System. The two spacecraft will use sensors capable of detecting visible and infrared light to provide timely and accurate acquisition and tracking of potentially threatening ballistic missiles. The satellites have a two-year mission life and four-year design life.
NASA also managed the launch of another mission for the Missile Defense Agency aboard a Delta II rocket in May from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
STSS DEMO LAUNCH POSTPONED UNTIL NO EARLIER THAN SEPT. 25
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The launch of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's Space Tracking and Surveillance System Demonstration mission, or STSS Demo, is postponed until no earlier than Friday, Sept. 25. Teams are working to correct a technical issue with some ground equipment on the pad at Space Launch Complex 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
A Friday liftoff of the Delta II rocket carrying the STSS Demo spacecraft would be at 8 a.m. EDT in a one hour launch window.
Following Wednesday morning's weather launch scrub, teams detected a small leak in a flange in the fuel transfer system under the launch pad. Both the Delta II and STSS spacecraft have no technical issues.
Teams plan to assess the fuel leak and determine what steps to take to support the next launch attempt.
NASA's Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla., is responsible for the launch of STSS Demo. United Launch Alliance is conducting the launch service for NASA. For more information about NASA's Launch Services Program visit: www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/launchingrockets/index.html
Sept. 22, 2009
NASA SETS TARGET DATE FOR ARES I-X ROCKET'S TEST LAUNCH
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA is targeting Tuesday, Oct. 27, for the flight test of the Ares I-X rocket, pending successful testing and data verification. Senior managers made the decision after a meeting Monday at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
The Oct. 27 target date has been confirmed with the Air Force's Eastern Range. The launch window will extend from 8 a.m. to noon EDT. There is another launch opportunity on Oct. 28. The date will be finalized at a Flight Test Readiness Review scheduled for Oct. 23 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Technicians at Kennedy have completed the stacking, or assembly, of the rocket on a mobile launch platform. This week, Ares I-X team members are conducting a launch countdown simulation and conducting final checks of the rocket's systems. The checks will begin with the launch abort system simulator atop the rocket and continue down to its aft skirt. The rocket is targeted to roll out to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39B on Oct. 19.
The launch will provide NASA with an opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations, while gathering critical data for the Ares I rocket and future launch vehicles. To follow Ares I-X processing on Twitter, visit: www.twitter.com/NASA_Ares_I_X
For more information about Ares I-X and NASA's next-generation spacecraft, visit: www.nasa.gov/ares
Sept. 21, 2009
DELTA II DEFENSE DEPARTMENT LAUNCH RESCHEDULED FOR SEPT. 23
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - To accommodate spacecraft readiness, launch of the Missile Defense Agency's Space Tracking and Surveillance System Demonstration mission, or STSS Demo, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23, from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The launch window opens at 8 a.m. EDT and is one hour long.
STSS Demo is an element of the STSS Program, a space-based sensor component of a layered Ballistic Missile Defense System designed for the overall mission of detection, tracking and discrimination of ballistic missiles.
NASA's Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla., is responsible for the launch of STSS Demo aboard a Delta II 7920-10c rocket. United Launch Alliance is conducting the launch service for NASA. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is in charge of the STSS Demo mission. The STSS Demo satellites were built for MDA by Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.
NASA Web Prelaunch and Launch Coverage
NASA's home on the Internet, www.nasa.gov, will provide countdown and liftoff coverage of the STSS Demo launch.
Live coverage through NASA's Launch Blog begins at 6 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23. The coverage features real-time updates as countdown milestones occur, as well as streaming video clips highlighting launch preparations and liftoff.
NASA BRINGS THE ARES I-X FLIGHT TEST ROCKET TO LIFE
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Ares I-X team at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida has reached a significant milestone with the first electrical power-up of the test rocket on Sept. 11. Ares I-X and its simulated crew module and launch abort system are assembled on a mobile launcher platform at Kennedy in preparation for its targeted Oct. 31 flight test.
Power-up is the first application of power to all of the electronics boxes, including avionics, sensors and thrust vector control system, since the rocket segments arrived and were stacked at Kennedy. Testing ran for three days and concluded Sept. 14. The boxes were all powered up individually in Denver, but had not been tested since installation in the rocket with actual flight cabling.
"Powering up a new vehicle and having all of the systems 'talking' to each other is always a challenge. The power-up was a tremendous success, with all of the systems functioning nominally," said Bob Ess, Ares I-X mission manager.
The Ares I-X is wired with more than 700 sensors to gather data during the two-and-a-half minute flight test. The launch will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations. The data collected during the launch will allow NASA to gather critical data for Ares I and future launch vehicles.
For more information about Ares I-X and NASA's next-generation spacecraft, visit: www.nasa.gov/ares
Sept. 15, 2009
NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY SET TO RETURN TO FLORIDA
EDWARDS, Calif. -- After landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Sept. 11, space shuttle Discovery is about to start its cross-country journey back to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Following the successful STS-128 mission to the International Space Station, Discovery was mounted on a modified Boeing 747 shuttle carrier aircraft. Discovery is expected to begin its journey from NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif., to Kennedy as early as Friday, Sept. 18. The exact date and time of departure have yet to be set because of changing weather conditions and the fluid nature of preparing Discovery for the flight.
Live status updates will be added periodically to the NASA News Twitter feed during the flight. To access the feed, visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
NASA Television will provide live coverage of Discovery's departure and arrival. For the NASA TV downlink, the schedule of ferry flight coverage and streaming video information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
Sept. 14, 2009
DEFENSE DEPARTMENT MISSION TO LAUNCH ABOARD DELTA II SEPT. 19
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Launch of the Missile Defense Agency's Space Tracking and Surveillance System Demonstration mission, or STSS Demo, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The launch window opens at 8 a.m. EDT and is one hour in duration.
STSS Demo is an element of the STSS Program, a space-based sensor component of a layered Ballistic Missile Defense System designed for the overall mission of detection, tracking and discrimination of ballistic missiles.
NASA's Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla., is responsible for the launch of STSS Demo aboard a Delta II 7920-10c rocket. United Launch Alliance is conducting the launch service for NASA. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is in charge of the STSS Demo mission. The STSS Demo satellites were built for MDA by Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.
Sept. 11, 2009
SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY RETURNS TO EARTH AFTER SUCCESSFUL MISSION
Space shuttle Discovery lands at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Credit: NASA TV
EDWARDS, Calif. -- Space shuttle Discovery and its crew of seven astronauts ended a 14-day journey of more than 5.7 million miles with a 5:53 p.m. PDT landing Friday at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The mission, designated STS-128, delivered two refrigerator-sized science racks to the International Space Station. One rack will be used to conduct experiments on materials such as metals, glasses and ceramics. The results from these experiments could lead to the development of better materials on Earth. The other rack will be used for fluid physics research. Understanding how fluids react in microgravity could lead to improved designs for fuel tanks, water systems and other fluid-based systems.
STS-128 Commander Rick Sturckow was joined on the mission by Pilot Kevin Ford, Mission Specialists Pat Forrester, Jose Hernandez, Danny Olivas and European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang. NASA astronaut Nicole Stott flew to the complex aboard Discovery to begin a nearly three-month mission as a station resident, replacing Tim Kopra, who returned home on Discovery.
Weather concerns prevented the crew from returning to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the primary end-of-mission landing site. In seven to 10 days, Discovery will be transported approximately 2,500 miles from California to Florida on the back of a modified 747 jumbo jet. Once at Kennedy, Discovery will be separated from the aircraft to begin processing for its next flight, targeted for March 2010.
A welcome ceremony for the crew's return to Houston will be held at Ellington Field's NASA Hangar 990 at 4 p.m. CDT on Saturday, Sept. 12. The public is invited to attend.
In addition to carrying a new station crew member, Discovery and the crew also delivered a new sleeping compartment, an air purification system and a treadmill named after comedian Stephen Colbert. The mission included three spacewalks that replaced experiments outside the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory and an empty ammonia storage tank. Ammonia is needed to move excess heat from inside the station to the radiators located outside.
Disney's toy astronaut Buzz Lightyear also returned from the space station aboard Discovery. He flew to the station in May 2008 on shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission and served as the longest tenured "crew member" in space. While on the station, Buzz supported NASA's education outreach by creating a series of online educational outreach programs.
The crew's return will be broadcast on NASA Television's video file. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
With Discovery and its crew safely home, the stage is set for the launch of shuttle Atlantis on its STS-129 mission. Atlantis' liftoff currently is targeted for Nov.12, although shuttle and station teams are assessing Nov. 9 as a potential launch date. The flight will focus on storing important spare hardware on the station's exterior. The 11-day flight will include three spacewalks and the installation of two platforms to the station's truss, or backbone. Atlantis also will bring Stott back to Earth.
Stott and STS-128 astronaut Hernandez are providing updates on Twitter. To connect to their Twitter feeds and other NASA social media, visit: www.nasa.gov/collaborate
For more about the STS-128 mission and the upcoming STS-129 flight, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
Kennedy Landings Waved Off, Discovery to Land at Edwards
Mission Control has decided to target Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., for today's landing since the weather at Kennedy is unstable. The deorbit burn is timelined to begin at 7:47 p.m. EDT for an 8:53 p.m. landing at Edwards. The burn lasts three to four minutes, slowing Discovery enough to begin its descent.
Sept. 11, 2009
NASA EXERCISES PAYLOAD PROCESSING CONTRACT OPTION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA is exercising its final option in the Checkout, Assembly and Payload Processing Services contract, known as CAPPS.
The option is the second of two on the cost-plus-award-fee CAPPS contract awarded to Boeing Space Operations Company of Titusville, Fla., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company. The option's performance period is from Oct. 1, 2009, through Sept. 30, 2012, with a maximum potential value of approximately $156.5 million.
The contract provides management and technical services in support of payload processing requirements at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the International Space Station, space shuttle, expendable launch vehicle, Constellation and other payload programs. Boeing performs all aspects of payload processing, including planning, safety and mission assurance, payload processing ground systems support, space shuttle integration, launch and post-landing activities.
Option 1 on the CAPPS contract began in October 2006 with a value of $308.8 million. The base contract began in October 2002 with a value of $359.4 million. The total maximum potential value of the CAPPS contract with both options is approximately $824.8 million.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
Sept. 8, 2009
NASA AWARDS HELIUM CONTRACT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has selected five companies to provide liquid and gaseous helium for 17 agency locations, including centers and facilities.
This new fixed-price requirements contract with economic price adjustment is for the acquisition of approximately 12.5 million liters of liquid helium and 235.7 million standard cubic feet of gaseous helium during a five-year period of performance starting Oct. 1. It has a maximum potential value of approximately $56.5 million. The awardees are:
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., of Allentown, Pa., has been awarded about $18.7 million of the base contract plus options.
Linde LLC, of Murray Hill, N.J., has been awarded $80,000 of the base contract plus options.
Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc., of Basking Ridge, N.J., has been awarded $3.8 million of the base contract plus options.
Praxair Distribution, Inc., of Austin, Texas, has been awarded $553,000 of the base contract plus options.
Praxair, Inc., of Danbury, Conn., has been awarded $33.4 million of the base contract plus options.
NASA uses helium as a cryogenic agent for cooling various materials, precision welding applications, lab use, as an inert purge gas for hydrogen systems, and as a pressurizing agent for the space shuttle's ground and flight fluid systems.
The total period of performance for all awards is five years, with a three-year base period plus two one-year options. The base contract period ends Sept. 30, 2012. Option 1 would extend the contract from Oct. 1, 2012, to Sept. 30, 2013. Option 2 would extend the contract from Oct. 1, 2013, to Sept. 30, 2014.
NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is responsible for the acquisition of helium on behalf of the agency.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
Sept. 8, 2009
SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY CREW SET TO RETURN TO EARTH THURSDAY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery and its seven-member crew are expected to return to Earth Thursday after a 13-day mission. Two landing opportunities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are available at 7:05 p.m. and 8:42 p.m. EDT.
NASA will evaluate weather conditions at Kennedy before permitting Discovery and its crew to land. If bad weather prevents a return on Thursday, both Kennedy and the backup landing site at Edwards Air Force Base in California will be activated for consideration on Friday.
After touchdown in Florida, the astronauts will undergo physical examinations and meet with their families. They are expected to make brief remarks at the runway. The news events will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency's Web site.
The NASA News Twitter feed is updated throughout the shuttle mission and landing. To access the feed, visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For the latest information about the STS-128 mission and accomplishments, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Sept. 4, 2009
ARES I-X STATUS REPORT
Launch Vehicle: Ares I-X Launch Date: Targeted for Oct. 31
Launch Pad: 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Ares I-X Flight Hardware
This week's milestones include:
Launch Team countdown simulation from the firing room
First vehicle power up preparations ongoing
Electrical cable run installations continue in support of power up
Upcoming milestones:
Vehicle power up
Ares I-X Ground Support Equipment
At Launch Pad 39B, modifications are ongoing
Environmental Control System (ECS) final hardware installations
Installation of the Vehicle Stabilization System
The Ares I-X flight test will provide NASA an early opportunity to check and prove hardware, analysis and modeling methods, and facilities and ground operations needed to develop NASA's next crew launch vehicle.
For more information about the Ares I-X flight test, visit: www.nasa.gov/ares
Launch Vehicle: Ares I-X Launch Date: Targeted for Oct. 31
Launch Pad: 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Ares I-X Flight Hardware
Last week's milestones include:
Modal testing of the flight test vehicle complete
A series of sensors strategically located throughout the stack will measure the amount and direction of movement, as the electro-mechanical shakers impose random loads to determine the rocket segment's first several bending modes
Development flight instrumentation testing is now complete
This week's milestones include:
Launch Team simulation from the firing room
First vehicle power up
Upcoming milestones:
Installation of the Vehicle Stabilization System
Ares I-X Ground Support Equipment
At Launch Pad 39B, modifications are ongoing
The Ares I-X flight test will provide NASA an early opportunity to check and prove hardware, analysis and modeling methods, and facilities and ground operations needed to develop NASA's next crew launch vehicle.
For more information about the Ares I-X flight test, visit: www.nasa.gov/ares
NASA'S SHUTTLE DISCOVERY LAUNCHES TO ENHANCE SPACE STATION SCIENCE
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery, with its seven-member crew, launched at 11:59 p.m. EDT Friday from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The shuttle will deliver supplies, equipment and a new crew member to the International Space Station.
Inside the shuttle's cargo bay is the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, a pressurized "moving van" that will be temporarily installed to the station. The module will deliver storage racks; materials and fluids science racks; a freezer to store research samples; a new sleeping compartment; an air purification system; and a treadmill named after comedian Stephen Colbert. The name "Colbert" received the most entries in NASA's online poll to name the station's Node 3. NASA named the node Tranquility.
Shortly before liftoff, Commander Rick Sturckow said, "Thanks to everyone who helped prepare for this mission. Let's go step up the science on the International Space Station!"
The 13-day flight will include three spacewalks to replace experiments outside the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory, install a new ammonia storage tank and return the used one. Ammonia is needed to move excess heat from inside the station to the radiators located outside.
Sturckow is joined on the STS-128 mission by Pilot Kevin Ford, Mission Specialists Pat Forrester, Jose Hernandez, Danny Olivas and European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang. NASA astronaut Nicole Stott will fly to the complex aboard Discovery to begin a three-month mission as a station resident. She replaces NASA's Tim Kopra, who will return home on Discovery. Ford, Hernandez and Stott are first-time space fliers.
The mission marks the start of the transition from assembling the space station to using it for continuous scientific research. Assembly and maintenance activities have dominated the available time for crew work. As completion nears, additional facilities and the crew members to operate them will enable a measured increase in time devoted to research as a national and multinational orbiting laboratory.
Discovery's first landing opportunity at Kennedy is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, at 7:09 p.m. EDT. This mission is the 128th space shuttle flight, the 30th to the station, the 37th for Discovery and the fourth in 2009.
NASA is providing continuous television and Internet coverage of Discovery's mission. NASA Television features live mission events, daily mission status news conferences and 24-hour commentary. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
NASA's Web coverage of STS-128 includes mission information, interactive features, news conference images, graphics and videos. Mission coverage, including the latest NASA TV schedule, is available on the main space shuttle Web site at: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Hernandez and Stott are providing mission updates on Twitter. For their Twitter feeds and other NASA social media Web sites, visit: www.nasa.gov/collaborate
Live updates to the NASA News Twitter feed will be added throughout the shuttle mission and landing. To access the NASA News Twitter feed, visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
Aug. 27, 2009
NASA DELAYS SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY LAUNCH
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA managers postponed Friday's 12:22 a.m. EDT launch of space shuttle Discovery to allow engineers more time to develop plans for resolving an issue with a valve in the shuttle's main propulsion system. Launch now is targeted for no earlier than 11:59 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
During loading of the shuttle's external fuel tank for Wednesday's launch attempt, a liquid hydrogen fill and drain valve located in Discovery's aft compartment failed to provide the proper indication when it was commanded to close. Engineers cycled the valve five times Wednesday evening to collect data on the valve and its associated actuator and position indicator.
NASA managers decided Thursday that more time is needed to analyze the test data and develop alternative procedures for confirming that the valve is closed if the valve fails to provide the proper closed indication during Discovery's next launch attempt.
Discovery's 13-day STS-128 flight to the International Space Station will deliver storage racks; materials and fluids science racks; a freezer to store research samples; a new sleeping compartment; an air purification system; and a treadmill named after comedian Stephen Colbert.
For the latest information about the STS-128 mission and its crew,
visit:www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Aug. 25, 2009
NASA SETS NEW TARGET LAUNCH DATE FOR SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has targeted the next launch attempt for space shuttle Discovery for no earlier than 12:22 a.m. EDT Friday, Aug. 28, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Wednesday's launch attempt was postponed after an indication that a valve in the shuttle's main propulsion system failed to perform as expected during fueling of the shuttle's external fuel tank.
NASA managers officially postponed Wednesday's launch attempt because of uncertainty about whether a valve that was commanded to be closed actually was closed. The valve is associated with the fill and drain plumbing of the main propulsion system within the shuttle's aft compartment.
The space shuttle mission management team will meet at noon on Thursday, Aug. 27, to discuss the troubleshooting results and decide whether to continue with a launch attempt. The tanking weather briefing will follow at 2:15 p.m.
Discovery's 13-day STS-128 flight to the International Space Station will deliver storage racks, materials and fluids science racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment, an air purification system, and a treadmill named after comedian Stephen Colbert.
For the latest information about the STS-128 mission and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
NASA Television is providing coverage of Discovery's mission. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
August 25, 2009, ca: 10:20pm Twitter from Andrea Farmer, PR for KSCVC
"Discovery's launch is now targeted for Friday (Aug. 28) at 12:22am ET from KSC pending a review of analysis on the valve issue."
Aug. 21, 2009
NASA TO AIR STEPHEN COLBERT MESSAGE ON EVE OF SHUTTLE LAUNCH
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA will broadcast a special message from comedian Stephen Colbert on Monday, Aug. 24, as the space shuttle Discovery prepares to deliver the COLBERT treadmill to the International Space Station.
The message will air on NASA Television after the shuttle's fueling commentary concludes at approximately 7:15 p.m. EDT.
The name Colbert received the most entries in NASA's online poll to name the station's Node 3 module, so NASA named its new space station treadmill the Combined Operational Load Bearing External Resistance Treadmill, or COLBERT. NASA named the module Tranquility.
Colbert, the host of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report," took an interest in the poll and urged his viewers to suggest his name, which received the most entries.
Discovery and its seven-member crew are set to launch at 1:36 a.m. EDT Tuesday, Aug. 25, on a 13-day mission to deliver scientific experiments, equipment and supplies to the station.
For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
NASA ANNOUNCES SHUTTLE PRELAUNCH EVENTS AND COUNTDOWN DETAILS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The shuttle's STS-128 mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to lift off at 1:36 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
NASA will provide continuous STS-128 online updates, including a webcast and a blog at: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
On launch day, a blog will update the countdown beginning on Monday, Aug. 24, at 8:30 p.m. Originating from Kennedy, the blog is the definitive Internet source for information leading up to launch. During the mission, visitors to NASA's shuttle Web site can read about the crew's progress and watch the spacewalks live. As Discovery's flight wraps up, NASA will offer a blog detailing the spacecraft's return to Earth.
The NASA News Twitter feed will be updated throughout the shuttle launch countdown, mission and landing. To access the NASA News Twitter feed, visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
For NASA TV streaming video, scheduling and downlink information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
Aug. 19, 2009
NASA GIVES 'GO' FOR SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY LAUNCH ON AUG. 25
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has completed a two-day review of space shuttle Discovery's readiness for flight and selected Aug. 25 as the official launch date for the STS-128 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff is scheduled for 1:36 a.m. EDT from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Discovery's launch date was announced after a flight readiness review at Kennedy. During the meeting, senior NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle's equipment, support systems and procedures are ready for launch pending the resolution of one remaining issue. An orbiter power controller that failed to operate properly was replaced, and an analysis was completed. The issue is expected to be closed when final data from the analysis is presented at the mission management team meeting on Aug. 23.
The readiness review included a thorough discussion about foam insulation that covers the shuttle's external fuel tank. The foam helps prevent ice from developing when super-cold propellants are loaded prior to launch. During shuttle Endeavour's liftoff on July 15, foam separated from the intertank area and the liquid oxygen tank's ice frost ramps. The foam loss led to a detailed examination that determined Discovery is acceptable to fly.
"There was an excellent discussion on foam loss that included input from multiple teams including our NASA safety and engineering communities," said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations at NASA Headquarters in Washington, who chaired the day and a half meeting. "After examining the foam releases on recent flights and completing a lot of testing and analysis to improve our understanding of the relative risks, we concluded that we're ready to go fly. The teams are continuing to learn about foam and have planned additional tests and analysis to continue to improve our understanding of foam loss mechanisms and risks."
The 13-day flight will deliver science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment, an air purification system and a treadmill named after comedian Stephen Colbert. The name Colbert received the most entries in NASA's online poll to name the station's Node 3. NASA named the node Tranquility.
Astronaut Rick Sturckow will command Discovery. He will be joined by Pilot Kevin Ford and Mission Specialists Pat Forrester, Jose Hernandez, Danny Olivas and European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang. NASA astronaut Nicole Stott will fly to the complex aboard Discovery to begin a three-month mission as a station resident. She replaces NASA's Tim Kopra, who will return home on Discovery.
STS-128 will be Discovery's 37th mission and the 30th shuttle flight dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. For more information about STS-128, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Space Shuttle Discovery Continues Launch Preparations
While space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 launch preparations continue at Florida's Kennedy Space Center, the astronaut crew completed its final planned integrated ascent training in Houston at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Launch is targeted for 1:58 a.m. EDT on Monday, Aug. 24.
On Friday, shuttle managers approved 18 additional plug pull tests on the orbiter side of the external fuel tank to ensure there are no issues with its intertank region. Engineers at the tank's manufacturing plant in New Orleans are assessing high-tech X-ray data to ensure protective foam ramps on the tank slated for November's STS-129 mission show no defects.
The ice-frost ramps (IFR) protect brackets along the external tank from development of ice when super-cold liquid oxygen and hydrogen are loaded prior to launch. Foam loss during the last two shuttle launches from one particular IFR high up on the liquid oxygen tank has led to a detailed examination to determine if it is acceptable to launch Discovery without further work.
Meanwhile, the STS-128 crew Friday conducted its final launch training session integrated with Mission Control before heading into quarantine Monday. They will fly to Kennedy on Wednesday to prepare for launch.
Aug. 14, 2009
NASA COMPLETES ASSEMBLY OF ARES I-X TEST ROCKET
Ares I-X in the VAB. Credit: NASA
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- For the first time in more than a
quarter-century, a new space vehicle stands ready in NASA's Kennedy
Space Center Vehicle Assembly Building. The Ares I-X rocket, its
simulated crew module and launch abort system are assembled on a
mobile launch platform at Kennedy in preparation for launch this fall.
The final segments of the Ares I-X were stacked on Aug. 13, completing
the 327-foot launch vehicle and providing the first look at the
finished rocket's distinctive shape. The Ares I-X flight test is
targeted for Oct. 31.
"More than three years of hard work with the NASA and contractor team
has brought us to this historic moment," said Bob Ess, Ares I-X
mission manager. "This flight test is a critical step in continuing
our design process for the Ares vehicle and the first flight for the
Constellation Program."
The Ares I-X is wired with more than 700 sensors to gather data during
the two-and-a-half minute flight test. The launch will provide NASA
an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and
ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. The
data collected during the launch will allow NASA to gather critical
data during ascent of the integrated Orion spacecraft and the Ares I
rocket.
Now that the Ares I-X is assembled, numerous evaluations will be run
on all the rocket systems, including complex instruments that will
constantly measure the vehicle's movements as it launches and the
first stage separates. The evaluations include a process called
"modal testing," which will shake the stack slightly to test
stiffness of the rocket, including the pinned and bolted joints.
Video B-roll of the Ares I-X will be available on NASA Television's
Video File feed. For NASA TV streaming video, schedules and downlink
information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about the Ares I-X and NASA's next-generation spacecraft, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ares
Aug. 11, 2009
NASA ASSIGNS CREW FOR STS-134 SHUTTLE MISSION, CHANGE TO STS-132
WASHINGTON -- NASA has assigned the crew for space shuttle mission STS-134 to the International Space Station. The flight will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, or AMS, to the station. The AMS is a state-of-the-art cosmic ray particle physics detector designed to examine fundamental issues about matter and the origin and structure of the universe.
Navy Capt. Mark Kelly will command the STS-134 mission. Retired Air Force Col. Gregory H. Johnson will serve as the pilot. Mission Specialists are Air Force Col. Michael Fincke, Greg Chamitoff and Andrew Feustel. European Space Agency astronaut and Italian Air Force Col. Roberto Vittori also will serve as a mission specialist.
The flight will include three spacewalks and the installation of the AMS to the exterior of the space station using both the shuttle and station arms. The AMS will be attached to the right side of the station's truss, or backbone.
NASA also has named Air Force Col. Michael Good to replace Karen Nyberg on shuttle Atlantis' STS-132 mission, targeted to launch in May 2010. Nyberg is being replaced due to a temporary medical condition. Nyberg will be assigned to a technical role while she awaits a future assignment.
Kelly previously served as the pilot of STS-108 in 2001 and STS-121 in 2006, and commander for STS-124 in 2008. He was born in Orange, N.J., and considers West Orange, N.J., to be his hometown. Kelly has a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, King's Point, N.Y., and a master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif.
Johnson previously flew as a pilot on STS-123 in 2008. He was born in South Ruislip, Middlesex, United Kingdom, but graduated from Park Hills High School in Fairborn, Ohio. Johnson has a bachelor's from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and master's degrees from Columbia University and the University of Texas, Austin.
Fincke is a veteran of two long-duration missions aboard the space station. He served as the NASA science officer and flight engineer on Expedition 9, and commander for Expedition 18. He was born in Pittsburgh and considers Emsworth, Pa., his hometown. He has an Associate Science degree from El Camino College in Torrance, Calif., two bachelor's degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and master's degrees from Stanford University and the University of Houston - Clear Lake.
Chamitoff, also a veteran of a long-duration spaceflight, served as NASA science officer and a flight engineer on Expeditions 17 and 18. He was born in Montreal and grew up in San Jose, Calif. He holds a bachelor's degree from California Polytechnic State University, a master's degree from the California Institute of Technology, a second master's degree from UHCL and a doctorate from MIT.
STS-134 is the second mission for Feustel, who flew as a mission specialist on STS-125 in May. He has an Associate Science degree from Oakland Community College, Mich., a bachelor's and a master's degree from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., and a doctorate from Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Feustel considers Lake Orion, Mich., his hometown.
Vittori is a veteran of two prior spaceflights to the space station aboard the Russian Soyuz spacecraft. He was born in Viterbo, Italy. He received his bachelor's degree from the Italian Air Force Academy and earned master's degrees from the University of Naples and University of Perugia.
This will be the second mission for Good, who flew on STS-125. He was born in Parma, Ohio, and considers Broadview Heights, Ohio, to be his hometown. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Notre Dame.
Video of the STS-134 crew members will air on NASA Television's Video File. For downlink and scheduling information and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For more information about NASA's Space Shuttle Program, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Launch Vehicle: Ares I-X
Launch Date: Oct. 31, pending final NASA Headquarters approval
Launch Pad: 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Ares I-X Flight Hardware
This week's milestones include:
Super Stack 2 was lifted and mated to Super Stack 1 on MLP 1 in VAB HB3
Ballasts, or weights, were placed into Super Stack 2
Super Stack 3 lift and mate to Super Stack 2 on MLP 1 in VAB HB3
Next processing milestones:
Super Stack 4 lift and mate to Super Stack 3 on MLP 1 in VAB HB3
Super Stack 5 lift and mate to Super Stack 4 on MLP 1 in VAB HB3, completing the stacking of the rocket
Ares I-X Ground Support Equipment
At Launch Pad 39B, modifications are ongoing.
The Ares I-X flight test will provide NASA an early opportunity to check and prove hardware, analysis and modeling methods, and facilities and ground operations needed to develop the Ares I, which is NASA's next crew launch vehicle. The test also will allow NASA to gather critical data during the ascent of the integrated stack, which will help inform the design of the Ares I rocket and the Orion crew exploration vehicle. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling in it to the International Space Station and moon.
For more information about the Ares I-X flight test, visit: www.nasa.gov/ares
NASA ANNOUNCES LUNAR EXPLORATION COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate is accepting proposals from teams of undergraduate and graduate students for the inaugural Lunabotics Mining Competition. The event will be held at the Astronaut Hall of Fame near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., May 25-28, 2010.
Full competition proposals can include a request for up to $5,000 to cover designing, building, and travel expenses. NASA anticipates funding the first 10 approved team requests.
Participants in the competition will design and build excavation systems that could be used for future lunar exploration. Teams will test their designs in a "head to head" challenge to see which design can excavate the most simulated lunar regolith, or dirt, over a specific timeframe. The competition also involves submittal of a systems engineering paper, as well as an educational outreach project.
The competition is designed to engage and retain students in the science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, disciplines critical to NASA's missions.
Launch Vehicle: Ares I-X
Launch Date: Oct. 31, pending final NASA Headquarters approval
Launch Pad: 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Ares I-X Flight Hardware
Last week's milestones include:
Super Stack 1 lift and mate to the RSRM on MLP 1 in Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 3 (VAB HB3)
Electrical instrumentation testing
Next processing milestones:
Super Stack 2 lift and mate to Super Stack 1 on MLP 1 in VAB HB3
Ballasts, or weights, will be placed into Super Stack 2
Super Stack 3 lift and mate to Super Stack 2 on MLP 1 in VAB HB3
Ares I-X Ground Support Equipment
At Launch Pad 39B, modifications are ongoing.
The Ares I-X flight test will provide NASA an early opportunity to check and prove hardware, analysis and modeling methods, and facilities and ground operations needed to develop the Ares I, which is NASA's next crew launch vehicle. The test also will allow NASA to gather critical data during the ascent of the integrated stack, which will help inform the design of the Ares I rocket and the Orion crew exploration vehicle. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling in it to the International Space Station and moon.
For more information about the Ares I-X flight test, visit: www.nasa.gov/ares
SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR GLIDES HOME AFTER SUCCESSFUL MISSION
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour and its crew of seven astronauts ended a 16-day journey of more than 6.5 million miles with a 10:48 a.m. EDT landing Friday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During the flight, Endeavour delivered the final piece of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and a new crew member to the International Space Station.
Endeavour's mission included five spacewalks and installation of two platforms outside the Japanese module. One platform remained on the station and serves as a type of porch for experiments that require direct exposure to space. The other was an experiment storage pallet that returned aboard the shuttle. During the mission, Kibo's robotic arm transferred three experiments from the palette to the platform. The station now is 83 percent complete and has a mass of more than 685,000 pounds.
Mark Polansky commanded the flight and was joined by Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Christopher Cassidy, Tom Marshburn, Dave Wolf, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette and Tim Kopra. Kopra remained aboard the station, replacing Flight Engineer and Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata, who returned to Earth on Endeavour after more than four months on the station.
When Endeavour's seven astronauts joined the six resident Expedition 20 crew members aboard the space station, a record number of 13 people were aboard the orbiting laboratory. All five partner agencies were represented.
A welcome ceremony for the crew's return to Houston will be held at Ellington Field's NASA Hangar 990 at 5 p.m. EDT on Saturday, Aug. 1. The public is invited to attend. The crew's return will be broadcast on NASA Television's video file Monday.
With Endeavor and its crew safely home, the stage is set for the launch of STS-128, which is targeted for Aug. 25. Discovery's 13-day flight will deliver a new crew member and 33,000 pounds of equipment to the station. The equipment includes science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill.
For more about the STS-127 mission and the upcoming STS-128 flight, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
July 29, 2009
SPACE SHUTTLE CREW SET TO RETURN TO EARTH FRIDAY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour and its seven-member crew are scheduled to return to Earth on Friday after a 16-day mission. There are two landing opportunities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 10:48 a.m. and 12:23 p.m. EDT.
NASA will evaluate weather conditions at Kennedy before permitting Endeavour and its crew to land. If weather prevents a return to Kennedy on Friday, the backup landing site at Edwards Air Force Base in California will be activated Saturday for consideration as well.
After touchdown in Florida, the astronauts will undergo physical examinations and meet with their families. The crew is expected to hold a news conference at approximately 3:15 p.m. Both news events will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency's Web site.
The NASA News Twitter feed is updated throughout the shuttle mission and landing. To access the feed, visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For the latest information about the STS-127 mission and accomplishments, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
July 28, 2009
NASA HONORS APOLLO ASTRONAUT AL WORDEN WITH MOON ROCK
WASHINGTON -- NASA will honor Apollo astronaut Al Worden with the presentation of an Ambassador of Exploration Award for his contributions to the U.S. space program.
Worden will receive the award during a ceremony Thursday, July 30, at 4 p.m. EDT. The ceremony will be held at the Apollo Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, where the moon rock will be displayed.
NASA is giving the Ambassador of Exploration Award to the first generation of explorers in the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs for realizing America's goal of going to the moon. The award is a moon rock encased in Lucite, mounted for public display. The rock is part of the 842 pounds of lunar samples collected during six Apollo expeditions from 1969 to 1972. Those astronauts who receive the award will then present the award to a museum of their choice, where the moon rock will be placed for public display.
Worden served as command module pilot for the Apollo 15 mission, which set several moon records for NASA, including the longest lunar surface stay time, the longest lunar extravehicular activity and the first use of a lunar roving vehicle. Worden spent 38 minutes in a spacewalk outside the command module and logged a total of 295 hours, 11 minutes in space during the mission.
Worden was born in Jackson, Mich. He received a bachelor of military science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 1955, and Master of Science degrees in astronautical and aeronautical engineering and instrumentation engineering from the University of Michigan in 1963.
NASA Television will broadcast a Video File of the event. For NASA TV streaming video, schedules and downlink information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
Launch Vehicle: Ares I-X
Launch Date: October 31
Launch Pad: 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Ares I-X Flight Hardware
Last week's milestones include:
New launch date The Constellation Program has recommended setting Oct. 31, 2009, as the new target launch date for the Ares I-X test flight. This change is the result of a detailed schedule assessment performed as follow-on to the Ares I-X Mate Review, which was conducted June 30 - July 1. The purpose of the mate review was to evaluate readiness to begin stacking major vehicle components on the mobile launch platform. The complexity of all known work and challenges ahead to achieve a successful test flight were identified, as well as logistics and personnel constraints. This data was then used to determine an aggressive yet achievable new launch date. The date change is currently being reviewed by NASA Headquarters, with formal determination expected by the end of July.
Electrical instrumentation testing
Recent milestones completed include:
Forward center motor segment stacking
Final of four motor segments stacking
Stack 1 modal test A series of sensors strategically located throughout the stack measured the amount and direction of movement, as the electro-mechanical shakers imposed random loads to determine the rocket segment's first several bending modes.
Next processing milestones:
7/29: Super Stack 1 lift and mate to the RSRM on MLP 1 in Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 3
Flight instrumentation testing ongoing
Ares I-X Ground Support Equipment
At Launch Pad 39B, modifications are ongoing.
The Ares I-X flight test will provide NASA an early opportunity to check and prove hardware, analysis and modeling methods, and facilities and ground operations needed to develop the Ares I, which is NASA's next crew launch vehicle. The test also will allow NASA to gather critical data during the ascent of the integrated stack, which will help inform the design of the Ares I rocket and the Orion crew exploration vehicle. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling in it to the International Space Station and moon.
HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT REVEIW COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES MEETING AGENDAS
WASHINGTON -- The Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee will hold public meetings July 28, 29, 30, Aug. 5 and 12. The meetings are open to news media representatives. No registration is required, but seating is limited to the location's capacity. Agenda times are approximate and subject to change.
The first meeting will be July 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT at the South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center, 2500 South Shore Blvd. in League City, Texas.
The agenda is:
10 a.m.: Committee chairman Norm Augustine opening remarks
10:30 a.m.: Mike Coats, director, NASA's Johnson Space Center
11 a.m.: Congressional perspective (presenters TBD)
Noon: Lunch break
12:30 p.m.: NASA Constellation projects managed at Johnson
1:30 p.m.: International Space Station/space shuttle subgroup (Sally Ride, moderator)
3:30 - 4: p.m.: Public comment period
The second session will be July 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT at the Davidson/U.S. Space and Rocket Center, 1 Tranquility Base, in Huntsville, Ala.
The agenda is:
8 a.m.: Robert Lightfoot, director, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center
8:30 a.m.: Low Earth Orbit Access subgroup briefing (Bo Bejmuk, moderator)
10 a.m.: NASA Constellation projects managed at Marshall
11a.m.: Congressional perspective (presenters TBD)
Noon: Lunch break
1 p.m.: NASA Constellation projects continued
2 p.m.: Integration subgroup briefing (Lester Lyles, moderator)
3:30 - 4 p.m.: Public comment period
The third public session will be July 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Grand Ballroom, 1550 North Atlantic Ave., in Cocoa Beach, Fla.
The agenda is:
8 a.m.: Bob Cabana, director, NASA's Kennedy Space Center
8:30 a.m.: Exploration Beyond Low Earth Orbit subgroup (Ed Crawley, moderator)
11 a.m.: Congressional perspective (presenters TBD)
Noon: Lunch break
1 p.m.: NASA Constellation projects managed at Kennedy
2:30 p.m.: Public comment period
3 - 4 p.m.: Committee public deliberations
Following each meeting, committee chairman Norman Augustine will be available to answer questions from reporters. NASA Television will carry the meetings and news conferences live on the agency's media channel. The events also can be viewed on NASA's Web site.
The committee is planning two public meetings in Washington on Aug. 5 and 12. The Aug. 5 meeting is planned from 8 a.m. to noon EDT at the Carnegie Institution for Science, 1530 P St. NW.
The Aug. 12 session is expected to be the committee's final public meeting. It is planned from 1 to 5 p.m. EDT at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Agendas will be released when finalized.
To watch the events online, select the NASA TV media channel at: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For committee information, agendas, charter, biographies and
schedules, visit: hsf.nasa.gov
For information about NASA and agency activities, visit: www.nasa.gov
July 22, 2009
SPACE SHUTTLE TO CONSTELLATION WORKFORCE TRANSITION REPORT ISSUED
WASHINGTON -- NASA is issuing the third edition of the Workforce Transition Strategy, which details the agency's plan to minimize job losses while transitioning from the Space Shuttle Program to the Constellation Program.
The initial report was submitted to Congress on March 31, 2008, followed by the second report on Oct. 8, 2008. The fourth edition will be submitted to Congress this fall.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
July 20, 2009
ARES I-X STATUS REPORT
Launch Vehicle: Ares I-X Launch Date: No earlier than August 30, 2009
Launch Pad: 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Ares I-X Flight Hardware This past week's milestones include:
Forward center motor segment stacking
Final of four motor segments stacking
Stack 1 modal test
A series of sensors strategically located throughout the stack will measure the amount and direction of movement, as the electro-mechanical shakers impose random loads to determine the rocket segment's first several bending modes.
Instrumentation testing Last week milestones completed include:
Super Stack 1 assembly complete.
Stack one is made up of eight individual pieces: interstages 1 and 2, the frustum, the forward skirt extension, the forward skirt and the aft, center and forward segments of the fifth segment simulator. It also includes two internal elements, the roll control system and the first stage avionics module.
Aft center motor segment was moved from the Rotation Processing and Surge Facility to the Vehicle Assembly Building and attached to the aft assembly in High Bay 3.
Camera installed on the upper stage simulator
Artist cocept of Ares I and AresV. Image Credit: NASA
Next processing milestones:
Forward segment stacking
Flight instrumentation testing ongoing
Ares I-X Ground Support Equipment
At Launch Pad 39B, modification are ongoing.
The vehicle stabilization system is being built at the base of the launch pad.
The Ares I-X flight test will provide NASA an early opportunity to check and prove hardware, analysis and modeling methods, and facilities and ground operations needed to develop the Ares I, which is NASA's next crew launch vehicle. The test also will allow NASA to gather critical data during the ascent of the integrated stack, which will help inform the design of the Ares I rocket and the Orion crew exploration vehicle. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling in it to the International Space Station and moon.
For more information about the Ares I-X flight test, visit: www.nasa.gov/ares
NASA'S SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR LAUNCHES TO COMPLETE JAPANESE MODULE
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour and its seven-member crew launched at 6:03 p.m. EDT Wednesday from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission will deliver the final segment to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and a new crew member to the International Space Station.
Endeavour's 16-day mission includes five spacewalks and the installation of two platforms outside the Japanese module. One platform is permanent and will allow experiments to be directly exposed to space. The other is an experiment storage pallet that will be detached and returned with the shuttle. During the mission, Kibo's robotic arm will transfer three experiments from the pallet to the exposed platform. Future experiments also can be moved to the platform from the inside of the station using the laboratory's airlock.
Shortly before liftoff, Commander Mark Polansky thanked the teams that helped make the launch possible.
"Endeavour has patiently waited for this," said Polansky. "We're ready to go, and we're going to take all of you with us on a great mission."
Polansky is joined on STS-127 by Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Christopher Cassidy, Tom Marshburn, Dave Wolf, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette and Tim Kopra. Kopra will replace space station crew member Koichi Wakata, who has been aboard the station for more than three months. Kopra will return to Earth during the next station shuttle mission, STS-128, targeted to launch in August 2009. Hurley, Cassidy, Marshburn and Kopra are first-time space fliers.
Endeavour's first landing opportunity at Kennedy is scheduled for Friday, July 31, at 10:45 a.m. STS-127 is the 127th space shuttle flight, the 29th to the station, the 23rd for Endeavour and the third in 2009.
NASA is providing continuous television and Internet coverage of Endeavour's mission. NASA Television features live mission events, daily mission status news conferences and 24-hour commentary. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
NASA's Web coverage of STS-127 includes current mission information, interactive features, news conference images, graphics and videos. Mission coverage, including the latest NASA TV schedule, also is available on the main space shuttle Web site at: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Polansky will send updates about the mission from space to his Twitter account, Astro_127. He can be followed at: www.twitter.com/Astro_127
Live updates to the NASA News Twitter feed will be added throughout the shuttle mission and landing. To access the NASA News Twitter feed, visit: www.twitter.com/nasa
Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:41:26 PM EDT
Endeavour Launch Rescheduled for Wednesday
Liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission has been rescheduled for Wednesday, July 15 at 6:03 p.m. EDT.
Monday's attempt was canceled due to poor weather conditions within the launch area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Anvil clouds and storm cells containing lightning flared up toward the end of the countdown, violating stringent launch safety rules.
"Technically, we've been really clean the last two days with our vehicle," Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses said of Endeavour's launch attempts on Sunday and Monday. "It's just been the weather scenario that got us."
The outlook is better on Wednesday, with only a 40 percent chance of weather conditions prohibiting liftoff.
STS-127 Mission Overview
The 16-day mission will feature five spacewalks and complete construction of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. Astronauts will attach a platform to the outside of the Japanese module that will allow experiments to be exposed to space.
The STS-127 crew members are Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Dave Wolf, Christopher Cassidy, Tom Marshburn, Tim Kopra and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette. Kopra will join the space station crew and replace Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata. Wakata will return to Earth on Endeavour to conclude a three-month stay at the station.
NASA will provide continuous STS-127 online updates, including a webcast and a blog at: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
July 14, 2009
U.S. HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT REVIEW COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES PUBLIC MEETINGS
WASHINGTON -- The Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee will hold three public meetings July 28-30. The meetings are open to news media representatives. No registration is required, but seating is limited to location capacity.
The first meeting will be July 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT at the South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center, 2500 South Shore Blvd. in League City, Texas. Agenda topics include NASA's Johnson Space Center operations, NASA's Constellation program, committee sub-group reports and public comments.
The second session will be July 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT at the Davidson/U.S. Space and Rocket Center, 1 Tranquility Base, in Huntsville, Ala. Agenda topics include NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center operations, committee sub-group reports, NASA's Constellation program and public comments.
The third public session will be July 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Grand Ballroom, 1550 North Atlantic Avenue, in Cocoa Beach, Fla. Agenda topics will include NASA's Kennedy Space Center operations, committee sub-group reports, NASA's Constellation program and public comments.
Following each meeting, committee chairman Norman Augustine will be available to answer questions from reporters. NASA Television will carry the meetings and news conferences live on the agency's media channel. The events also can be viewed on the agency's Web site.
To watch the events online, select the NASA TV media channel at: www.nasa.gov/ntv
For committee information, agendas, charter, biographies and schedules, visit: hsf.nasa.gov
For information about NASA and agency activities, visit: www.nasa.gov
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:03:28 PM EDT
Endeavour's Launch "No Go" Due to Weather
Officials at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida have called off today's liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour due to inclement weather. Cumulus clouds and lightning violated rules for launching Endeavour because of weather near the Shuttle Landing Facility. The runway would be needed in the unlikely event that Endeavour would have to make an emergency landing back at Kennedy.
Endeavour's next launch attempt is 6:51 p.m. EDT Monday. NASA TV coverage will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Space shuttle Endeavour's NASA TV launch coverage will begin tomorrow at 1:30pm ET. www.nasa.gov/ntv -- 14 minutes ago from web
The weather conditions violate rules for launching. Endeavour's next launch attempt is 6:51pm ET tomorrow. -- 16 minutes ago from web
Forecasters at NASA say current conditions violate rules for launching Endeavour. We will continue to monitor.about -- 1 hour ago from web
Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:42:20 AM EDT
Endeavour's Launch Delayed 24-Hours
Space shuttle Endeavour's launch has been delayed 24 hours to allow technical teams additional time to evaluate lightning strikes at Launch Pad 39A that occurred during Friday's thunderstorm.
A news conference with Mike Moses, SSP Launch Integration Manager, will be held at 11 a.m. EDT on NASA TV and on the Web at www.nasa.gov/tv.
Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:59:52 AM EDT
Careful Testing Under Way After Lightning Strikes
The launch of space shuttle Endeavour was postponed until Sunday evening so engineers could evaluate the spacecraft's myriad systems following 11 lightning strikes in the Launch Complex 39A area.
None of the strikes hit the shuttle or its external tank and solid rocket boosters, but there were strikes to the lightning mast and water tower. The launch pad is equipped with a lightning protection system of wires that is intended to steer bolts away from the shuttle.
"We've seen nothing so far that shows anything affected any of the systems," said Mike Moses, chairman of the pre-launch Mission Management Team.
Two of the strikes were strong enough to trigger an evaluation by engineers just to make sure all of Endeavour's systems are ready for flight. Although early evaluations showed no problems, engineers wanted more time to make sure they have checked everything correctly.
"We need to be 100 percent confident that we have a good system across the board," Moses said.
The launch time for Sunday is 7:13 p.m. EDT. The weather forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions.
July 10, 2009
STATUS REPORT: ARES-I-X-071009
ARES I-X STATUS REPORT
Launch Vehicle: Ares I-X
Launch Date: Targeted for no earlier than August 30
Launch Pad: 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Artist concept of Ares I. Image Credit: NASA
Artist concept of Ares V. Image Credit: NASA
Concept image of the Ares V earth departure stage in orbit, shown with the Crew Exploration Vehicle docked with the Lunar Surface Access Module. Image Credit: NASA
Ares I-X Flight Hardware
This week's milestones include:
Super Stack 1 assembly is now complete with the attaching of the forward assembly to the fifth segment simulator. Stack one is made up of eight individual pieces: interstages 1 and 2, the frustum, the forward skirt extension, the forward skirt and the aft, center and forward segments of the fifth segment simulator. It also includes two internal elements, the roll control system and the first stage avionics module.
The aft assembly, which comprises the aft skirt and aft motor segment, was moved from the Rotation Processing and Surge Facility to the Vehicle Assembly Building. It was lifted onto the Mobile Launcher Platform in High Bay 3, signifying the beginning of stacking operations.
The aft center motor segment also was moved from the Rotation Processing and Surge Facility to the Vehicle Assembly Building and attached to the aft assembly in High Bay 3.
Camera installed on the upper stage simulator
Last week milestones completed include:
Aft assembly closeouts
VAB High Bay 3 stacking preparations
Next processing milestones:
Instrumentation testing
Stack 1 modal test
A series of sensors strategically located throughout the stack will measure the amount and direction of movement, as the electro-mechanical shakers impose random loads to determine the rocket segment's first several bending modes. A comparison will be made between predicted and measured mode shapes to verify the flight dynamics model.
Forward center motor segment stacking
Ares I-X Ground Support Equipment
At Launch Pad 39B, modification are ongoing.
The gaseous vent arm, beanie cap and orbiter access arm have been removed. The vehicle stabilization system is being built at the base of the launch pad. The Ares I-X flight test will provide NASA an early opportunity to check and prove hardware, analysis and modeling methods, and facilities and ground operations needed to develop the Ares I, which is NASA's next crew launch vehicle. The test also will allow NASA to gather critical data during the ascent of the integrated stack, which will help inform the design of the Ares I rocket and the Orion crew exploration vehicle. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling in it to the International Space Station and moon.
For more information about the Ares I-X flight test, visit: www.nasa.gov/ares
July 10, 2009
NASA'S SOLAR DYNAMICS OBSERVATORY ARRIVES AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
GREENBELT, Md. -- NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on July 9 for its upcoming mission to study the sun in unprecedented detail and its effects on Earth.
The spacecraft left NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., where it was built and tested, on July 7.
SDO will undergo final testing at Astrotech Space Operations, located near Kennedy Space Center, in preparation for its anticipated November launch. Engineers will perform a battery of comprehensive tests to ensure SDO can withstand the stresses and vibrations of the launch itself, as well as what it will encounter in its space environment after launch.
After the final tests are completed, SDO will move to Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket will launch the solar-studying spacecraft into orbit.
SDO will take measurements and images of the sun in multiple wavelengths for at least five years during its primary science mission. The spacecraft will collect a staggering 1.5 terabytes of data daily, the equivalent of downloading a half million songs a day.
Space weather results from changes on the sun, called solar activity. Active regions on the sun can erupt suddenly and violently, usually in the form of a solar flare or coronal mass ejection (CME).
Flares and CMEs can send millions of tons of solar material and charged particles streaming toward Earth on the solar wind. When the star stuff reaches Earth's atmosphere, it can damage orbiting satellites and wreak havoc on navigation systems and the power grid. Understanding space weather requires knowing the nature of changes that happen in the sun.
SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how those changes affect Earth.
NASA UPDATES SHUTTLE PRELAUNCH EVENTS AND COUNTDOWN DETAILS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The shuttle's STS-127 mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to lift off at 7:39 p.m. EDT on Saturday, July 11.
On Tuesday, July 7, Endeavour's seven astronauts are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy at about 2 p.m. NASA Television will provide live coverage as Commander Mark Polansky makes a brief statement to reporters.
NASA will provide continuous STS-127 online updates, including a webcast and a blog at: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
On launch day, a blog originating from Kennedy will update the countdown beginning at 2:30 p.m. The blog is the definitive Internet source for information leading up to launch. During the mission, visitors to NASA's shuttle Web site can read about the crew's progress and watch the spacewalks live. As Endeavour's flight wraps up, NASA will offer a blog detailing the spacecraft's return to Earth.
Live updates to the NASA Twitter feed will be added throughout the shuttle launch countdown from Kennedy. To access the NASA Twitter feed, visit: http://www.twitter.com/nasa
Detailed lists of countdown milestones, news briefing times and participants, and hours of operation for Kennedy's news center and media credentialing office are available at: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/news/
For NASA TV streaming video, scheduling and downlink information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
June 29, 2009
NASA HOLDS TEST TO VERIFY ENDEAVOUR TANK REPAIRS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA will conduct a tanking test at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, July 1, to ensure repairs to space shuttle Endeavour's external fuel tank were successful.
The test will be shown live on NASA Television beginning at 7 a.m. EDT. It will be followed by a news conference at approximately 1 p.m. Briefing participants will be shuttle program Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses and STS-127 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko.
During the test, the external tank will be filled with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, just as it is before launch. A hydrogen gas leak at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate, or GUCP, postponed Endeavour's launch attempts June 13 and 17. The GUCP is attached to the venting system used to carry excess hydrogen safely away from the launch pad.
Engineers determined the most likely cause of the leak is a slight misalignment in the External Tank Carrier Assembly. The assembly was fastened to the tank during manufacturing. The misalignment likely is putting uneven pressure on a Teflon seal, causing a small leak when extremely low temperatures occur during fueling.
Technicians replaced the old seal with a two-piece seal and added small washers to counter any movement of the external tank carrier assembly as the tank is fueled.
Endeavour's launch on the STS-127 mission is targeted for 7:39 p.m. on Saturday, July 11. The 16-day mission to the International Space Station will feature five spacewalks and complete construction of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. Astronauts will attach a platform to the outside of the Japanese module that will allow experiments to be exposed to space.
For the latest information about the STS-127 mission and its crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle
STS-127 mission Commander Mark Polansky's Twitter account can be followed at: www.twitter.com/Astro_127
For information about the International Space Station, visit: www.nasa.gov/station
For information about NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
June 27, 2009
NASA AND NOAA'S GOES-O SATELLITE SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED
WASHINGTON -- The latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, GOES-O, soared into space today after a successful launch from Space Launch Complex 37 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
Rising above the two lightning towers around the pad, a Delta IV rocket races into the sky with the GOES-O satellite aboard. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
The GOES-O spacecraft lifted off at 6:51 p.m. EDT on a Delta IV rocket. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's GOES-O satellite will improve weather forecasting and monitor environmental events around the world. The satellite is the second to be launched in the GOES N series of geostationary environmental weather satellites.
"All indications are that GOES-O is in a normal orbit, with all spacecraft systems functioning properly," stated Andre Dress, GOES deputy project manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. "We are proud of our support teams and pleased with the performance of the Delta IV launch vehicle."
Approximately 4 hours and 21 minutes after launch, the spacecraft separated from the launch vehicle. The Universal Space Network Western Australia tracking site in Dongara monitored the spacecraft separation.
On July 7, GOES-O will be placed in its final orbit and renamed GOES-14. Approximately 24 days after launch, Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems will turn engineering control over to NASA. About five months later, NASA will transfer operational control of GOES-14 to NOAA. The satellite will be checked out, stored in orbit and available for activation should one of the operational GOES satellites degrade or exhaust its fuel.
NASA contracted with Boeing to build and launch the GOES-O spacecraft. NASA's Launch Services Program at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida supported the launch in an advisory role. NOAA manages the GOES program, establishes requirements, provides all funding and distributes environmental satellite data for the United States. Goddard procures and manages the design, development and launch of the satellites for NOAA on a cost-reimbursable basis.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
June 26, 2009
GOES-O WEATHER SATELLITE LAUNCH SCRUBBED, RESET FOR JUNE 27
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla - The GOES-O launch team will try again Saturday, June 27, to launch the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-O.
Friday's scheduled launch of a Delta IV rocket carrying the GOES-O weather satellite was scrubbed at 6:58 p.m. EDT because of thunderstorms within 10 miles of Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Forecasters are calling for a 40 percent chance of favorable weather Saturday. The one-hour launch window runs from 6:14 p.m. to 7:14 p.m.
NASA Television's launch commentary will begin at 4:30 p.m. and conclude about 30 minutes after liftoff. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
United Launch Alliance is conducting the launch on behalf of Boeing Launch Systems.
Live countdown coverage on NASA's launch blog begins at 4:30 p.m. Coverage features real-time updates of countdown milestones, as well as streaming video and podcast of launch. For more information about GOES-O, visit: www.nasa.gov/goes-o
June 22, 2009
NASA's GOES-O LAUNCH SET FOR JUNE 26
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-O, or GOES-O, is scheduled for a liftoff on Friday, June 26, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The one-hour launch window extends from 6:14 to 7:14 p.m. EDT.
GOES-O is the second of three in the current series of geostationary weather and environmental satellites built for NASA by Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. It will be launched into orbit for NASA aboard a Boeing Delta IV rocket.
Live countdown coverage on NASA's launch blog begins at 4 p.m., on June 26. Coverage features real-time updates of countdown milestones, as well as streaming video and podcast of launch. To access these features, go to NASA's GOES-O mission Web site at: www.nasa.gov/goes-o
GOES-O will also provide expanded capability for the space and solar environment-monitoring instruments. Forecasts and warnings for solar disturbances will be enhanced. GOES-O data will protect investments of billions of dollars by the government and private sector for assets on the ground and in space.
GOES-O will feature a highly stable pointing platform, which will improve the performance of its Imager and Sounder that are important instruments for creating daily weather-prediction models and for hurricane forecasting. Data from GOES-O will be valuable for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Ocean Service, which provides oceanographic circulation models and forecasts for U.S. coastal communities.
As with all of NOAA's geostationary and polar-orbiting weather satellites, GOES-O will be able to relay distress signals detected from emergency locator beacons on the ground and at sea.
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland is responsible for designing and developing the spacecraft and its instruments for NOAA.
June 18, 2009
NASA SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES LUNAR IMPACTOR
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA successfully launched the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, or LCROSS, Thursday on a mission to search for water ice in a permanently shadowed crater at the moon's south pole. The satellite lifted off on an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 5:32 p.m. EDT, with a companion mission, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO.
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket roars into space carrying NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar
LRO safely separated from LCROSS 45 minutes later. LCROSS then was powered-up, and the mission operations team at NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif., performed system checks that confirmed the spacecraft is fully functional.
LCROSS and its attached Centaur upper stage rocket separately will collide with the moon at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 9, 2009, creating a pair of debris plumes that will be analyzed for the presence of water ice or water vapor, hydrocarbons and hydrated materials. The spacecraft and Centaur are tentatively targeted to impact the moon's south pole near the Cabeus region. The exact target crater will be identified 30 days before impact, after considering information collected by LRO, other spacecraft orbiting the moon, and observatories on Earth.
"LCROSS has been the little mission that could," said Doug Cooke, associate administrator for NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "We stand poised for an amazing mission and possible answers to some very intriguing questions about the moon."
The 1,290-pound LCROSS and 5,216-pound Centaur upper stage will perform a swing-by maneuver of the moon around 6 a.m. on June 23 to calibrate the satellite's science instruments and enter a long, looping polar orbit around Earth and the moon. Each orbit will be roughly perpendicular to the moon's orbit around Earth and take about 37 days to complete. Before impact, the spacecraft and Centaur will make approximately three orbits.
On the final approach, about 54,000 miles above the surface, LCROSS and the Centaur will separate. LCROSS will spin 180 degrees to turn its science payload toward the moon and fire thrusters to slow down. The spacecraft will observe the flash from the Centaur's impact and fly through the debris plume. Data will be collected and streamed to LCROSS mission operations for analysis. Four minutes later, LCROSS also will impact, creating a second debris plume.
"This mission is the culmination of a dedicated team that had a great idea," said Daniel Andrews, LCROSS project manager at Ames. "And now we'll engage people around the world in looking at the moon and thinking about our next steps there."
The LCROSS science team will lead a coordinated observation campaign that includes LRO, the Hubble Space Telescope, observatories on Hawaii's Mauna Kea and amateur astronomers around the world.
Ames manages LCROSS and also built the instrument payload. Northrop Grumman in Redondo Beach, Calif., built the spacecraft.
NASA RETURNING TO THE MOON WITH FIRST LUNAR LAUNCH IN A DECADE
GREENBELT, Md. -- NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter launched at 5:32 p.m. EDT Thursday aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The satellite will relay more information about the lunar environment than any other previous mission to the moon.
NASA's LRO and LCROSS spacecraft on top of the Atlas V rocket launch from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: United Launch Alliance/Pat Corkery
The orbiter, known as LRO, separated from the Atlas V rocket carrying it and a companion mission, the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, or LCROSS, and immediately began powering up the components necessary to control the spacecraft. The flight operations team established communication with LRO and commanded the successful deployment of the solar array at 7:40 p.m. The operations team continues to check out the spacecraft subsystems and prepare for the first mid-course correction maneuver. NASA scientists expect to establish communications with LCROSS about four hours after launch, at approximately 9:30 p.m.
"This is a very important day for NASA," said Doug Cooke, associate administrator for NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate in Washington, which designed and developed both the LRO and LCROSS missions. "We look forward to an extraordinary period of discovery at the moon and the information LRO will give us for future exploration missions."
The spacecraft will be placed in low polar orbit about 31 miles, or 50 kilometers, above the moon for a one-year primary mission. LRO's instruments will help scientists compile high resolution three-dimensional maps of the lunar surface and also survey it at many spectral wavelengths. The satellite will explore the moon's deepest craters, exploring permanently sunlit and shadowed regions, and provide understanding of the effects of lunar radiation on humans.
"Our job is to perform reconnaissance of the moon's surface using a suite of seven powerful instruments," said Craig Tooley, LRO project manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. "NASA will use the data LRO collects to design the vehicles and systems for returning humans to the moon and selecting the landing sites that will be their destinations."
High resolution imagery from LRO's camera will help identify landing sites for future explorers and characterize the moon's topography and composition. The hydrogen concentrations at the moon's poles will be mapped in detail, pinpointing the locations of possible water ice. A miniaturized radar system will image the poles and test communication capabilities.
"During the 60-day commissioning period, we will turn on spacecraft components and science instruments," explained Cathy Peddie, LRO deputy project manager at Goddard. "All instruments will be turned on within two weeks of launch, and we should start seeing the moon in new and greater detail within the next month."
"We learned much about the moon from the Apollo program, but now it is time to return to the moon for intensive study, and we will do just that with LRO," said Richard Vondrak, LRO project scientist at Goddard.
All LRO initial data sets will be deposited in the Planetary Data System, a publicly accessible repository of planetary science information, within six months of launch.
Goddard built and manages LRO. LRO is a NASA mission with international participation from the Institute for Space Research in Moscow. Russia provides the neutron detector aboard the spacecraft.
The LRO mission is providing updates via @LRO_NASA on Twitter. To follow, visit: www.twitter.com/lro_nasa
For more information about the LRO mission, visit: www.nasa.gov/lro
April 27, 2009
NASA TV TO AIR U.S. ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME INDUCTION MAY 2
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Television will provide live coverage of the 2009 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, May 2, at 3 p.m. EDT. The ceremony will take place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.
Joining the hall of fame this year are former astronauts George "Pinky" Nelson, one of only four space shuttle astronauts to fly untethered in space using NASA's Manned Maneuvering Unit; William Shepherd, commander of the first crew to live aboard the International Space Station; and Jim Wetherbee, commander of the longest docked shuttle-Mir mission.
CNN reporter John Zarrella will host the event. More than 20 hall of fame astronauts are expected to attend, including Scott Carpenter, Walt Cunningham, Jim Lovell and Bob Crippen.
For the astronauts' complete biographies, visit: www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/astrobio_former.html
For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
April 6, 2009
NASA AWARDS EDUCATION GRANTS TO UNIVERSITIES
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has awarded cooperative education grants to the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico; South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, S.D.; and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.
The grants support implementation of a two-week residential college experience as part of NASA's Interdisciplinary National Science Program Incorporating Research Experience, also known as INSPIRE.
The grants feature a one-year basic period of performance with two one-year extension options. The value of the agreement is $50 thousand for each university with a potential total value of $450 thousand for all three grants if options are exercised.
The program is designed to encourage high school students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM. It is part of NASA's education strategy to attract and retain students in STEM disciplines.
A key component of INSPIRE is an online community where students and parents have the opportunity to interact with NASA engineers, scientists and their peers. Students selected for the online community have the opportunity to compete for unique summer experiences at NASA facilities and various universities throughout the nation.
The selected universities will provide students with a residential educational experience that will enhance their knowledge and study of STEM-related fields.
NASA'S KEPLER MISSION ROCKETS TO SPACE IN SEARCH OF OTHER EARTHS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Kepler mission successfully launched into space from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II at 10:49 p.m. EST, Friday. Kepler is designed to find the first Earth-size planets orbiting stars at distances where water could pool on the planet's surface. Liquid water is believed to be essential for the formation of life.
Liftoff of the Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Kepler spacecraft. Image credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
"It was a stunning launch," said Kepler Project Manager James Fanson of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. "Our team is thrilled to be a part of something so meaningful to the human race -- Kepler will help us understand if our Earth is unique or if others like it are out there."
Engineers acquired a signal from Kepler at 12:11 a.m. Saturday, after it separated from its spent third-stage rocket and entered its final sun-centered orbit, trailing 950 miles behind Earth. The spacecraft is generating its own power from its solar panels.
"Kepler now has the perfect place to watch more than 100,000 stars for signs of planets," said William Borucki, the mission's science principal investigator at NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif. Borucki has worked on the mission for 17 years. "Everyone is very excited as our dream becomes a reality. We are on the verge of learning if other Earths are ubiquitous in the galaxy."
Engineers have begun to check Kepler to ensure it is working properly, a process called "commissioning" that will take about 60 days. In about a month or less, NASA will send up commands for Kepler to eject its dust cover and make its first measurements. After another month of calibrating Kepler's single instrument, a wide-field charge-couple device camera, the telescope will begin to search for planets.
The first planets to roll out on the Kepler "assembly line" are expected to be the portly "hot Jupiters" -- gas giants that circle close and fast around their stars. NASA's Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes will be able to follow up with these planets and learn more about their atmospheres. Neptune-size planets will most likely be found next, followed by rocky ones as small as Earth. The true Earth analogs -- Earth-sized planets orbiting stars like our sun at distances where surface water, and possibly life, could exist -- would take at least three years to discover and confirm. Ground-based telescopes also will contribute to the mission by verifying some of the finds.
In the end, Kepler will give us our first look at the frequency of Earth-size planets in our Milky Way galaxy, as well as the frequency of Earth-size planets that could theoretically be habitable.
"Even if we find no planets like Earth, that by itself would be profound. It would indicate that we are probably alone in the galaxy," said Borucki.
As the mission progresses, Kepler will drift farther and farther behind Earth in its orbit around the sun. NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, which was launched into the same orbit more than five years ago, is now more than 62 million miles behind Earth.
Kepler is a NASA Discovery mission. Ames is the home organization of the science principal investigator and is responsible for the ground system development, mission operations and science data analysis. JPL manages the Kepler mission development. Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. of Boulder, Colo., is responsible for developing the Kepler flight system and supporting mission operations. NASA's Launch Services Program at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., managed the launch service including payload integration and certifying the Delta II launch vehicle for NASA's use.
NASA HONORS FALLEN COLLEAGUES DURING DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Kennedy Space Center will pay tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA colleagues, during the agency's Day of Remembrance observance on Jan. 29.
NASA's Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will provide flowers for visitors throughout the day to place at the memorial.
Kennedy contractors and civil servants will be allowed access to the Space Mirror Memorial throughout the day to pay their respects.
The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, a private, not-for-profit organization, built and maintains the Space Mirror Memorial. It was dedicated in 1991 to honor all astronauts who lost their lives on missions or during training and since has been designated a National Memorial by Congress.
Video of the service will air on NASA Television's Video File segment. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: www.nasa.gov/ntv
NATIONS AROUND THE WORLD MARK 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPACE STATION
HOUSTON - Nations around the world will join together to mark a
milestone in space exploration this week, celebrating the 10th
birthday of a unique research laboratory, the International Space
Station.
Now the largest spacecraft ever built, the orbital assembly of the
space station began with the launch from Kazakhstan of its first
bus-sized component, Zarya, on Nov. 20, 1998. The launch began an
international construction project of unprecedented complexity and
sophistication.
The station is a venture of international cooperation among NASA, the
Russian Federal Space Agency, Canadian Space Agency, Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency, or JAXA, and 11 members of the European Space
Agency, or ESA: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the
Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United
Kingdom. More than 100,000 people in space agencies and contractor
facilities in 37 U.S. states and throughout the world are involved in
this endeavor.
"The station's capability and sheer size today are truly amazing,"
said International Space Station Program Manager Mike Suffredini.
"The tremendous technological achievement in orbit is matched only by
the cooperation and perseverance of its partners on the ground. We
have overcome differences in language, geography and engineering
philosophies to succeed."
Only a few weeks after the U.S.-funded, Russian-built Zarya module was
launched from Kazakhstan, the space shuttle carried aloft the Unity
connector module in December 1998. Constructed on opposite sides of
Earth, Unity and Zarya met for the first time in space and were
joined to begin the orbital station's assembly and a decade of
peaceful cooperation.
Ten years later, the station's mass has expanded to more than 627,000
pounds, and its interior volume is more than 25,000 cubic feet,
comparable to the size of a five-bedroom house. Since Zarya's launch
as the early command, control and power module, there have been 29
additional construction flights to the station: 27 aboard the space
shuttle and two additional Russian launches.
One hundred sixty-seven individuals representing 14 countries have
visited the complex. Crews have eaten some 19,000 meals aboard the
station since the first crew took up residence in 2000. Through the
course of 114 spacewalks and unmatched robotic construction in space,
the station's truss structure has grown to 291 feet long so far. Its
solar arrays now span to 28,800 square feet, large enough to cover
six basketball courts.
The International Space Station hosts 19 research facilities,
including nine sponsored by NASA, eight by ESA and two by JAXA.
Cooperation among international teams of humans and robots is
expected to become a mainstay of space exploration throughout our
solar system. The 2005 NASA Authorization Act recognized the U.S.
orbital segment as the first national laboratory beyond Earth,
opening it for additional research by other government agencies,
academia and the private sector.
"With the International Space Station, we have learned so many things
-- and we're going to take that knowledge and apply it to flying to
the moon and Mars," said Expedition 18 Commander Mike Fincke, now
aboard the station. "Everything we're learning so close to home, only
240 miles away from the planet, we can apply to the moon 240,000
miles away."
To take a virtual tour of the International Space Station and learn
more about the current mission, visit: www.nasa.gov/station
NASA AND FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT BUILD SOLAR POWER PLANTS AT KENNEDY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA and Florida Power & Light (FPL) are
teaming up to provide Florida residents and America's space program
with new sources of "green power."
NASA and the state's largest electric utility signed an agreement
Tuesday at Florida Governor Charlie Crist's global climate change
summit in Miami. The agreement is part of a new initiative that will
cut reliance on fossil fuels and improve the environment by reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.
The agreement will permit FPL to lease 60 acres of NASA Kennedy Space
Center's approximately 140,000 acres for a solar photovoltaic power
generation system. The facility will produce an estimated 10
megawatts of electrical power, which is enough energy to serve
roughly 3,000 homes. The solar power facility will be built and
maintained by FPL.
As part of the agreement, FPL will build a separate one megawatt solar
power facility at Kennedy that will support the electrical needs of
the center. It will also help NASA meet its goals for use of power
generated from renewable energy. In addition to generating
electricity, the facility will provide an opportunity for NASA
engineers and technicians to gain experience in energy production. It
also may serve as a test bed for solar power technology that could be
used on the surface of the moon and other planetary bodies.
"This is a major renewable energy project that will help both NASA and
the state of Florida advance efforts to reduce our dependence on
fossil fuels and improve our environment through use of clean
energy," said Kennedy Center Director Bill Parsons.
FPL refers to the large solar plant at Kennedy as the space coast
facility. The company estimates the plant will prevent more than
227,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere
during the life of the project. According to the Environmental
Protection Agency, that is the equivalent of eliminating the
emissions from more than 1,800 cars every year.
"This facility, the first cooperative solar effort with NASA, will
help power the space coast event as it leaves a smaller carbon
footprint here on Earth," said FPL Group CEO Lewis Hay III.
NASA and FPL managers signed a memorandum of understanding in December
2007 to explore developing renewable energy projects. Other concepts
under consideration include using biomass for energy production and
wind power generation. Details of the projects under consideration
still are being formulated and will be evaluated before moving into
development.
For information about Florida Power & Light and its programs, visit: www.fpl.com/
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy
June 20, 2008
NASA ENCOURAGES EDUCATION IN CELEBRATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA celebrates this year's 50th anniversary
with the creation of an educational card game, "You've Been
Sentenced! - NASA 50th Anniversary Special Edition." NASA and McNeill
Designs for Brighter Minds formed a partnership in April of 2008 to
create the game, which bears a few similarities to Scrabble.
NASA and McNeill Designs collaborated to create the Add-on Deck which
will present NASA terminology while promoting greater interest and
understanding of NASA's history and future. The 50th Anniversary
Special Edition Add-on Deck will contain words not only used in space
exploration, but also terminology from the past, current and future
explorers, missions, and programs. "You've Been Sentenced!" delivers
a unique way to understand these terms that is both fun and memorable
for students.
"As part of our 50th anniversary celebration, this is an informal and
fun venue to educate folks on American's space program, past and
present," said Gregg Buckingham, chief, Education Programs and
University Research Division at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. "We will
also learn more about the effectiveness of this kind of education
tool from McNeill."
The purpose of this project is to build a strategic partnership among
informal education providers, community groups, formal educators and
families to promote literacy, particularly focusing in the areas of
space, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The game
"You've Been Sentenced!" can be used in classrooms to aid educators
in teaching curriculum based upon space and space exploration at
NASA.
For additional information about "You've Been Sentenced! - NASA 50th
Anniversary Special Edition" and McNeill Designs for Brighter Minds,
visit: www.mcneilbrighterminds.com
For more information about NASA missions and projects, visit: www.nasa.gov
April 22, 2008
NASA AWARDS LAUNCH SERVICES CONTRACT TO SPACEX
WASHINGTON -- 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.
The contract is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
contract where NASA may order launch services through June 30, 2010,
for launches to occur through December 2012. Under the NASA Launch
Services IDIQ contracts, the potential total contract value is
between $20,000 and $1 billion, depending on the number of missions awarded.
The contract seeks a launch capability for payloads weighing 551
pounds or heavier into a circular orbit of 124 miles at an orbital
inclination of 28.5 degrees. Payloads would be launched to support
three NASA mission directorates: Science, Space Operations and Exploration Systems.
Because an IDIQ contract has been awarded to SpaceX, it can compete
for NASA missions using the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles as
specified by the NASA Launch Services contract process.
NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center is responsible
for program management. This award to SpaceX adds to the stable of
launch vehicles available to NASA under previously awarded contracts.
The original request for proposal was issued in 1999.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov
EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
December 2, 2011
Spacecraft: Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity) - RESCHEDULED
Launch Vehicle: Atlas V-541 (AV-028)
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 41
Launch Date: Nov. 26, 2011
Launch Time: 10:02 a. m. EST
NASA's Mars Science Laboratory with the Curiosity rover was launched successfully aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on Nov.
26. The official liftoff time from Space Launch Complex-41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station was 10:02:00.211 a.m. EST.
The Atlas booster stage, four solid rocket boosters and Centaur upper stage all performed well. Spacecraft separation from the Centaur occurred 44 minutes after launch, sending the spacecraft on a trajectory toward Mars. The cruise phase will last approximately 8 1/2 months. Arrival on the surface of the Red Planet is in August
2012.
Curiosity has 10 science instruments to search for evidence about whether Mars has had environments favorable for microbial life, including the chemical ingredients for life. The unique rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release the gasses so that its spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth.
This is the final Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report. Further status will be provided on a regular basis at Kennedy's social media sites: www.Twitter.com/nasakennedy and www.Facebook.com/nasakennedy and by calling NASA Kennedy Space Center's Press Site at 321-867-2468.
"We are very excited about sending the world's most advanced scientific laboratory to Mars," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "MSL will tell us critical things we need to know about Mars, and while it advances science, we'll be working on the capabilities for a human mission to the Red Planet and to other destinations where we've never been."
"Today, with the launch of the Juno spacecraft, NASA began a journey to yet another new frontier," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "The future of exploration includes cutting-edge science like this to help us better understand our solar system and an ever-increasing array of challenging destinations."
"The Juno spacecraft and the team have come a long way since this project was first conceived in 2003," said Scott Bolton, Juno's principal investigator, based at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. "We're only a few months away from a mission of discovery that could very well rewrite the books on not only how Jupiter was born, but how our solar system came into being."
GREENBELT, Md. -- NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on July 9 for its upcoming mission to study the sun in unprecedented detail and its effects on Earth.
