Imagine : Inspire : Educate
Commercialization
NewSpace and commercial space issues
Charlie Bolden At United Launch Alliance
Sep 13th
NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden engages the news media at the United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 Spaceflight Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on September 7, 2011. The Administrator visited the facility at an event for the Mars Curiosity rover on the eve of the GRAIL lunar mission launch. Bolden answered questions regarding the Soyuz and de-manning the International Space Station as well as the progress of the Space Launch System.
NASA Selects Nonprofit to Manage Space Station National Lab Research
Jul 13th
WASHINGTON, DC – 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. More >
NASA Signs Commercial Space Agreement With Sierra Nevada
Jul 13th
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida is entering into an agreement with Sierra Nevada Space Systems (SNSS) of Sparks, Nev., to offer technical capabilities from the center’s uniquely skilled work force.
The umbrella space act agreement is Kennedy’s latest step in its transition from a historically government-only launch complex to a multi-user spaceport. Sierra Nevada also has space act agreements with NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston; NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va.; NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards, Calif.; and NASA’s Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif. More >
NASA Signs Commercial Space Agreement With Sierra Nevada
Jul 11th
(Matt’s Note: I was at the surprise press conference at KSC for the announcement. Specific details were lacking about what facilities will be involved and I got the feeling the agreement signing was a little hurried in order to be able to make an announcement during STS-135 lacunh activities. I can understand the desire to maximize press coverage regarding KSC’s future while all the world’s press is at the space center. Hopefully, we’ll have more information in the coming months. In any case, agreements like this are vital to attracting commercial space companies to the Space Coast and even moreso for the future of KSC.)
Source: NASA HQ
Posted Thursday, July 7, 2011
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida is entering into an agreement with Sierra Nevada Space Systems (SNSS) of Sparks, Nev., to offer technical capabilities from the center’s uniquely skilled work force.
Challenger Center supports NASA’s commercial crew program
Jul 3rd
(Matt’s Note: It’s interesting to notice that some of NASA’s staunchest supporters, the families of the heroes who perished in the Challenger accident, vigorously support the commercialization of human spaceflight and the move away from NASA-owned launch systems.)
Families of Challenger and Chairman of the Board of Challenger Center for Space Science Education Regarding the Future of Human Spaceflight
“We, the families of the Space Shuttle Challenger crew and founders of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education–heroes we lost to further the exploration of space–strongly support the continuation of human spaceflight under a new paradigm of commercially led efforts to low earth orbit, and government led efforts beyond.”
NASA Office of Inspector General release Commercial Crew report
Jul 3rd
NASA OIG Report: NASA’s Challenges Certifying and Acquiring Commercial Crew Transportation Services
“To develop the next generation of space flight vehicles, NASA is simultaneously embarking on two paths: 1) developing a Government-owned multi-purpose crew vehicle and Space Launch System for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit; and 2) stimulating the development of a commercial space industry capable of providing NASA with safe, reliable, and cost-effective access to the ISS and low Earth orbit. While NASA has over 50 years of experience with contractor-built, Government-owned space vehicles, the Agency has never purchased transportation for its astronauts aboard a commercially developed vehicle. Of primary concern is how the Agency will work with its commercial partners to ensure that commercially developed vehicles meet NASA’s safety requirements.”
