Space Tourism … and Much More
UK deserves more bang for its buck as minister hints at a British Nasa
The Scotsman
After decades in which successive British governments have considered human spaceflight an expensive distraction, the science minister, Lord Drayson yesterday refused to rule out the creation a British Nasa.
Continue reading ‘British Version of NASA Possible’
Ares 1-X undergoing assembly
AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey Statement
Aerospace Industries Association is encouraged by recommendations in the recent space policy report from the National Research Council calling for increased coordination and leadership of our nation’s space capabilities. “America’s Future in Space: Aligning the Civil Space Program with National Needs,” adds another influential voice to the debate on renewing and maintaining U.S. leadership in space.
AIA made a similar recommendation, in a report released this January. “The Role of Space in Addressing America’s National Priorities,” calls for the nation’s space capabilities to be coordinated, at the highest level, as a singular enterprise.
Over the past 50 years, space systems and technologies have increasingly become a vital part of our nation’s economic, scientific and national security capabilities. Given our dependence on space assets and increasing international competition, the seamless integration of space activities into national policy is absolutely necessary.
NASA's Ares I rocket lifts off in this artist's conception. (Credit: NASA)
NRC PRESS RELEASE
The U.S. civil space program should be aligned with widely acknowledged national challenges, says a new report from the National Research Council. Aligning the program with pressing issues – environmental, economic, and strategic – is a national imperative, and will continue to grow in importance. Coordination across federal agencies, combined with a competent technical work force, effective infrastructure, and investment in technology and innovation, would lay the foundation for a purposeful, strategic U.S. space program that would serve national interests.
Continue reading ‘NRC: U.S. Should Align Space Goals With Larger National Priorities’
President Orders Sweep U.S. Space Policy Review
Space News
U.S. President Barack Obama has given his administration until Oct. 1 to scrutinize existing national space policy as part of a sweeping review that could culminate in a new strategy governing American civil and military space activities.
Continue reading ‘Obama Orders Sweeping Review of U.S. Space Policy’
PRESS RELEASE
Government and industry team to look at opportunities in, and barriers to, innovation and growth in the UK Space sector
The future challenges and opportunities for the UK Space industry will be assessed by a new expert group charged with producing a report for Government, Science Minister Lord Drayson announced today.
Continue reading ‘UK Launches Ambitious Review of Space Policy’
The Space Review looks at military space policy, the Augustine commission, space debris, NASA’s role in diplomacy, the impact of space tourism on the Earth’s ozone layer, and a documentary.
Space policy 101: military space 2009
In the conclusion of a two-part article, Dwayne Day reports on a recent symposium that examined the current state of military space policy.
Monday, June 15, 2009
NASA and soft power, again
Taylor Dinerman discusses how the US can further develop that soft power through enhanced international cooperation.
Space and (or versus) the environment
Jeff Foust discussed the effect of space tourism on the ozone layer.
The gun pointed at the head of the universe
Dwayne Day reports on a recent Capitol Hill event that discussed solutions to the space debris problem. Monday
How to cut budgets and influence policy
s the Augustine committee begins work this week on its review of NASA’s human spaceflight plans, its analysis takes place in the shadow of both near-term and out-year budget cuts. Michael Huang wonders if this is part of a strategy that could imperil the future of human spaceflight at NASA overall.
Preview: Live from the Moon
Jeff Foust reviews an upcoming documentary that recounts the development of the cameras and other technologies needed to provide live television from the surface of the Moon.
The Japan Times has an editorial today in which it discusses the major changes in Japanese space activities that will result under the government’s new space plan: Continue reading ‘Japan Space Plan Calls for Doubling Space Budget, Missile Defense’
Space policy and law pioneer Eilene Galloway
Space-Law Pioneer Eilene Galloway Dead at 102
Aviation Week
Eilene Marie Galloway, who helped draft the legislation that created NASA and went on to become an internationally recognized expert in space law and policy, died May 2 of cancer. She was 102.
After the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1 on Oct. 4, 1957, then-Sen. Lyndon Johnson (D-Texas), who chaired the Armed Services preparedness subcommittee, turned to Galloway in her role as a national defense analyst at the Library of Congress, for help in setting up hearings on U.S. preparedness in space. Those hearings led to creation of the Senate Special Committee on Space and Astronautics. Johnson later became President, shepherding much of the U.S. build-up.
Continue reading ‘Noted Space Law Pioneer Passes Away at 102′
A bill that would limit the liability of space tourism operators has been introduced in Texas. The measure would help Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin suborbital rocket company.
Continue reading ‘Limited Liability Space Tourism Bill Introduced in Texas’
Increased funding for NASA would stimulate economy while keeping American industry strong
Op-Ed by Rep. Ralph M. Hall (R-Texas)
The Hill
Former NASA Administrator Michael Griffin recently stated that these technologies contribute an estimated $220 billion per year to the economy. Moreover, according to the Coalition for Space Exploration, NASA programs and the contractors who support them represent approximately a half-million highly skilled and highly paid American jobs.
Continue reading ‘Congressman Urges More NASA Funding to Stimulate Economy’
Blue Origin has received NASA funding for a crew launch abort system although it does not currently have an active permit for experimental flights.
Swedish Woman Books Trip to Space, Needs Sponsors
Four Swedish tourists have booked tickets to space aboard Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo. One of them needs sponsors to make the dream come true.