Government: Reports
Endorsements Coming In for Obama's Space Plan
"President Obama’s new plan for NASA, released February 1st, is endorsed by bipartisan groups representing governors, former legislators, astronauts, and former NASA senior managers and a half dozen editorial boards." See the Commercial Space Federation's links to all and the good news for commercial space.
"The Growth of Global Space Capabilities"
Pace's testimony was given to the House Committee on Science & Technology on Nov 18, 2009. A summary statement included this paragraph.
" The U.S. is facing a generational transition away from the period represented by the Space Shuttle that is just as profound as the transition from Apollo was. We are facing a transition not just of hardware and contracts, but also of leadership and values. NASA will be cooperating more with commercial and international partners than ever before. The nation will need to compete and cooperate in space as never before. The transition is upon us at home and abroad, just as we see that others are not delaying their entries into space. The question before us is simple. What will this nation do?"
Solar Power Satellites
The latest issue of the "Online Journal of Space Communication" is devoted to Solar Power Satellites. "Evidence is building that 2010 will be the year this turns from an idea to the beginning of reality."
New Course for Space Exploration Promotes Private Firms | WSJ
The Obama administration appears to be charting a new course for U.S. space exploration by promoting use of private companies to transport astronauts and ramping up international cooperation.
Design for Reusability & Rapid Launch
Future NASA launch vehicles must be designed to launch often to support rapid innovation, as is planned for the emerging commercial space planes.
Space, Gravity and the Physiology of Aging: Parallel or Convergent Disciplines?
Vernikos and Schneider are space life scientists who have conducted research for years within NASA on the similarities and intriguing differences between the rapid aging effects seen during the gravity deficit experienced in spaceflight, in best rest which simulates some of these changes on Earth by minimizing gravity effects, and within the aging process as we grow older and tend to be much less active. They conclude that the research in these areas is actually converging to the benefit of better understanding of the critical role of gravity in keeping us fit and active. They prepared this short review article for a journal titled, "Gerontology", but it is accessible to all interested readers. There are potential commercial applications to utilizing this knowledge to allow us to experience "active aging" and lead a more vital life.
Review of Human Spaceflight Plans Committee - Final Report | NASA
Here's the options agenda to support heated discussions over the next few days and weeks by NASA and the Obama administration. Commercial space seems to be baselined.
NASA Chief Onboard with Commercial Spaceflight, Suborbital Science & Innovation Prizes
Bolden says NASA must leverage the power and innovation of American industry and the American entrepreneur as it is tasked to do.
Sustainable Utilization of the ISS Beyond 2015 | IAC 2009
"This International Astronautical Congress (IAC) session summary addresses the significant and unique value of the International Space Station (ISS), with growing potential to deliver future benefits beyond 2015, in areas such as: biotechnology and life sciences; Earth imaging; engineering research and technology; materials science; and various commercial applications. Presenters also considered how enhanced management of operations costs can maximize ISS productivity."
Chairs: Paul Eckert, Boeing (Human Space Endeavours Symposium); Helmut Luttman, EADS Astrium (Space Operations Symposium)
Rapporteur: Rachid Amekrane, EADS Astrium (Human Space Endeavours Symposium)
Humans to Mars: Logical Step or Dangerous Distraction? | AIAA Space 2009
"This paper examines post-Apollo proposals for human exploration of Mars and assesses their failure to win enduring political and public support. There are lessons to be learned that are applicable to current exploration efforts. Foremost among them is that the path to solar system exploration that has dominated the space community's thinking since the 1950s may not be a logical or politically feasible approach for the 21st century. The paper proposes that human exploration of the Moon and Mars should be decoupled and treated as separate ventures with each justified by its own merits and pursued at its own pace." Good arguments are made for this viewpoint which include the role of commercial space and public benefits.