ESA’s Aeolus earth observation satellite, launched in August 2018, ended its primary mission on July 28, 2023. It still had one final mission: a safe, fiery, controlled reentry into Earth’s atmosphere conducted by the European Space Agency flight controllers. Larry Herrin provides details of the importance of this maneuver.
August 8, 2023 was Artemis II media day at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Development Jim Free, and the Crew of the Artemis II mission, provided an update on the upcoming lunar reconnaissance mission. Jim Free was also asked about the status of the Human Landing System and how its progress may impact the Artemis III lunar landing attempt. Gene Mikulka reports. The link to the press conference on the NASA YouTube page can be found here.
In a separate press telecon on August 7, Boeing Space and NASA gave updates on the progress of the Starliner capsule that will be used to transport crew to the international space station. Boeing’s Mark Nappi indicated that the capsule will be ready for the long-delayed Crewed Test Flight (CST) in March of 2024, pending the completion of remediation steps for the P-13 tape, which was found to be flammable and a required modification to the main reentry parachutes being made by partner company Airborne Systems. Click here to hear the entire press conference
So you’re a farmer seeking computer programs to help with drought or looking to track storms that might impact your crops? Perhaps you’re a researcher looking for modeling software or trying to figure out how to predict lightning strikes. As Mark Ratterman reports, NASA has an app for that! There are about more than 1,000 free programs and algorithms free for the taking at software.nasa.gov.
We provide an update on the SpaceX Boca Chica lawsuit and other developments that we’ve been following: CNBC’s Lora Kolodny reports that the company still has yet to apply for an Industrial Wastewater Permit but, according to the report, still went ahead with a full pressure test of the flame deflector for the Starship launch pad (and used it for the Booster 9 static test) despite not having the required permit for such a discharge. The team discusses these developments and will continue to watch and report. UPDATE: According to PayloadSpace.com on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, SpaceX submitted its long-awaited Mishap Investigation Report to the FAA for review.
So whatever became of the American flag planted on the Moon by Apollo 11? Larry Herrin discusses a PhysOrg article about the history of the last-minute scramble to include it in the mission, the fate of the artifact and what might be its current state.
And speaking of the Moon, once the astronauts of NASA’s Artemis program arrive on the lunar surface, they’ll need power systems for essential systems, transportation, and conducting experiments. Mark Ratterman explores two companies – Blue Origin and Zeno Power Systems – and describes their proposals to deliver energy to lunar explorers. Here is the Zeno Power Systems press release.
Show recorded on 08-13-2023.
Host this week: Larry Herrin
Panel Members: Mark Ratterman & Gene Mikulka (Sawyer Rosenstein and Dr. Kat Robison will return)
Podcast Editor: Larry Herrin
Transition Music Credit: Pixabay - StudioKolomna
Episode 1606: Delta 4 Heavy Recap; Coping with Mars Sample Return Budget
Episode 1605: Getting the NAC of Things
Episode 1604: Starship Flight 3 Recap; How to Safely Enjoy the Eclipse
Episode 1603: IM-1 Lunar Mission Recap; Interview with Launch-Viewing Rookie
Episode 1602: IM-1 Lunar Lander Launches Successfully; Deep Cuts at JPL a Heartache
Episode1601: Taking Non-Traditional Space Companies and Artisans From Concept to Launchpad: A Conversation With Chantelle Baier of 4Space
Episode 1515: What Do Aussies Think About Space?
Episode 1514: Starship vs. the Fish People, MSR Woes and a Powerful Tale from ASCEND
Episode 1513: What’s a WR? How does it Affect Starship’s Next Launch Date?
Episode 1512: Pretty Plasma Trail, But Not from Starship Anytime Soon?
Episode 1511: Looking Outside the Bubble – A Conversation With Nathan Price
Episode 1509: Starship Launch Delays – a Triple Whammy?
Episode 1508: Starship, ULA & STEM news
Episode 1507: A Secret Mission and … OceanGate’s Titan?
Episode 1506: Shocking Answers to Your Starship Lawsuit Questions
Episode 1505: SpaceX Can’t Slow Down; Starliner’s Pet Black Swan
Episode 1504: Space Debris Risks – Perception vs. Reality With a Little Human Nature Thrown In
Episode 1503: Of Spaceplanes and Starships
Episode 1502: 50-50 and More
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