Space Talk

NASA hosted a media teleconference at noon PDT (3 p.m. EDT) on Tuesday, July 9 to provide details about a report that will help define science objectives for the agency's next Mars rover. The report is from the Mars 2020 Science Definition Team (SDT). The report and story are available on the SpaceRef website.

Listen in as NASA outlines its fiscal year 2014 budget and discusses new and existing projects.

This morning at 10:10 a.m. EST, a SpaceX Falcon 9 with Dragon spacecraft launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on its second of 12 NASA contracted resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS). Less than 24 hours after launching, the SpaceX Dragon was supposed to arrive at the ISS where the station crew would grapple and berth the spacecraft to the ISS for an expected three week visit. However, after the Dragon spacecraft had separated from the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, and just before the Dragon solar arrays were to deploy, an anomaly occurred with the thrusters where only one of four was enabled. The spacecraft appeared to be in the correct orbit. Full story online at http://spaceref.biz

NASA held a media briefing with SpaceX to discuss Friday's launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 with Dragon capsule as part of the NASA commercial resupply mission program to the International Space Station. This is the second official cargo resupply mission (CRS-20). The first launch opportunity for CRS-2 is currently scheduled for 10:10 AM ET on Friday, March 1.

On February 27th, 2013 Dennis Tito and his team discussed the newly formed Inspiration Mars non-profit organization and its plan for the first human mission to Mars. Learn more about this ground breaking inspiring mission. "A unique window of opportunity for humankind will open in January 2018, and the Inspiration Mars Foundation intends to seize it, announcing plans today to pursue a challenging manned mission to Mars and back. This historic 501-day journey around the Red Planet is made possible by a rare planetary alignment that occurs five years from now. Two professional crew members - one man, one woman - flying as private citizens will embark on what is known as a "fast, free-return" mission, passing within 100 miles of Mars before swinging back and safely returning to Earth. Target launch date is Jan. 5, 2018."

The Mars rover Curiosity's team is beginning to amass enough diverse science data to actively consider whether the area around its first drilling site was potentially habitable. At the same time the science team is readying the rover's most powerful instruments to search for organic carbon and minerals supportive to life in its first sample of gray powdered subsurface rock. Read the full story on SpaceRef.

Estimated to have been a 9 tonnes in size, a meteorite streaked across the sky over the Ural mountains in Russia and exploded at 30 to 50 kilometres above ground. The supersonic reentry injured an estimated 1100 people according to reports in Russia. Part of the meteor crashed into a frozen lake. An estimated 3000 buildings were damaged in the city of Chelyabinsk, including the roof collapsing at a zinc factory.

The small near-Earth asteroid 2012 DA14 will pass very close, but will not hit the Earth on Feb. 15, 2013. It will be so close that it will pass inside the ring of geosynchronous weather and communications satellites. Learn more about this asteroid and research opportunity it presents.

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) today announced they had selected Lockheed Martin Space Systems as a partner on its Dream Chaser program in its ongoing effort for NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

Secure World Foundation held a luncheon panel discussion on December 3, 2012, from 12 PM to 2 PM on significant space policy challenges facing the second Obama Administration, including civil space funding and Congress, ITAR reform, improving space situational awareness, and improving the overall coordination of U.S. space activities. Featured Experts: Ms. Marcia Smith, SpacePolicyOnline.com Ms. Patricia Cooper, Satellite Industry Association Mr. Brian Weeden, Secure World Foundation Dr. Eligar Sadeh, Astroconsulting International Moderator: Dr. Scott Pace, George Washington University Dr. Sadeh previewed a new book he edited entitled Space Strategy in the 21st Century. Published by Routledge as part of their Space Power and Politics series, the book contains articles written by experts who attended the SWF Workshop on National Space Strategy in February, 2010.

According to NASA, the Curiosity rover has taken significant steps toward understanding how Mars may have lost much of its original atmosphere. Learning what happened to the Martian atmosphere will help scientists assess whether the planet ever was habitable. An important indicator is whether there is any methane present in the atmosphere. Scientists want to know about methane in the Martian atmosphere because life as we know it produces methane and most methane in Earth's atmosphere is due to biological processes. Today's first set of results came back negative for methane, meaning at present there appears to be no modern-day life. However these are preliminary results and NASA says that the hunt has just begun in earnest and not to draw any final conclusions yet.

The Secure World Foundation (SWF) and the Arms Control, Disarmament, and International Security Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (ACDIS) co-hosted a panel discussion on Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 12 PM to 2 PM: the discussion brought experts together to assess the current state of play in space, especially amongst Asian powers. The event also examined how that play affects regional security issues, as well as international cooperative efforts to promote the long-term sustainable use of space. Moderated by SWF DC Office Director Victoria Samson, the panel of experts included: Dr. Bharath Gopalaswamy, University of Illinois - Champaign/Urbana Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese, Naval War College Dr. Asif Siddiqi, Fordham University Dr. Kazuto Sazuki, University of Hokkaido and Princeton University (presentation online)

NASA hosted a media teleconference on Wednesday, September 19 to provide a status update on the Curiosity rover's mission to Mars' Gale Crater. During the briefing researchers discussed an unusual football-size rock that will be the first for the rover's arm to examine. Participants in the teleconference were Richard Cook, JPL; Mars Science Laboratory Project Manager, John Grotzinger, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena; Mars Science Laboratory Project Scientist, Mark Lemmon, Texas A&M University, College Station; Mars Science Laboratory Science Team Co-Investigator.

The extent of the sea ice covering the Arctic Ocean has shrunk. According to scientists from NASA and the NASA-supported National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) in Boulder, Colo., the amount is the smallest size ever observed in the three decades since consistent satellite observations of the polar cap began. The panelists for the briefing are: Joey Comiso, senior research scientist, Goddard and Walt Meier, research scientist, NSDIC. A video is available on our web site.

NASA hosted a media teleconference at 10 a.m. PDT (1 p.m. EDT) on Thursday, Sept. 6, to provide a status update on the Curiosity rover's mission to Mars' Gale Crater. The Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft is one month into a two-year mission to investigate whether conditions have been favorable for microbial life and preserving clues in the rocks about possible past life.

Man's activities in space have benefited life on Earth greatly, but they have left their mark: over 22,000 pieces of man-made space debris are being tracked as they orbit our globe. How does space debris affect our space activities, both now and in the future? How do we monitor it? What are the national policies and international norms that limit it? And what can be done about it? These and other questions were answered as the Secure World Foundation, a private operating foundation dedicated to the sustainable use of outer space over the long-term, hosts a lunch-time briefing on space debris. Speaking will be: Dr. Darren McKnight, Technical Director for Integrity Applications, Inc. (IAI) based in Chantilly, Virginia, who recently served on the National Research Council's Committee on NASA's Orbital Debris and Micrometeoroid Program. Mr. Brian Weeden, Technical Advisor to the Secure World Foundation, and former active duty U.S. Air Force officer who worked at the U.S. Strategic Command's Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) monitoring space debris. The event took place Friday, February 3, 2012 from 12:00-1:30 pm.

The Secure World Foundation and Space Foundation co-hosted a Congressional briefing to discuss current international initiatives aimed at outer space security and sustainability. The luncheon panel discussion featured leading defense and industry perspectives and took place on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, from 11:30am to 1:00pm in the Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2325. Introductions Brendan Curry, Vice President of Washington Operations, Space Foundation Tiffany Chow, Program Manager, Secure World Foundation Panelists Sam Black, Director of Policy, Satellite Industry Association (SIA) Peter Marquez, Vice President of Strategy and Planning, Orbital, Former White House Space Policy Director Jessica Powers, Director for Engagement, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Space Policy), U.S. Department of Defense Frank Slazer, Vice President for Space Systems, Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) Moderator Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation

Over the last several years, China has made significant investments in developing and deploying space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to support military/national security requirements and enhance their regional power. China is also developing doctrine and policy for the space domain, and integrating these new space capabilities into their anti-access/area denial strategy. These developments represent an evolution in China's role in space, from an asymmetric actor to an established space power with significant investment and newfound vulnerabilities in space. Please join the Secure World Foundation as we discuss how this shift may impact China's approach to space security and sustainability, the U.S.-China bilateral relationship, and possibilities for international cooperation on space security issues such as the European-proposed Code of Conduct. The event was held from 11AM to 1 PM at 1779 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036 Speakers include: Mr. Mark Stokes, Executive Director, Project 2049 Institute Mr. Kevin Pollpeter, China Project Manager, Center for Intelligence Research and Analysis, Defense Group, Inc. Dr. Owen Coté, Associate Director, Security Studies Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Mr. Brian Weeden, Technical Advisor, Secure World Foundation Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation

NASA today announced the selection of a Discovery Class mission to Mars called the InSight mission. This telecon has remarks about the mission and questions from the press. The panelists for the briefing are: -- John Grunsfeld, astronaut and associate administrator, NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington -- James Green, director, NASA's Planetary Science Division, Washington NASA has selected a new mission, set to launch in 2016, that will take the first look into the deep interior of Mars to see why the Red Planet evolved so differently from Earth as one of our solar system's rocky planets. The new mission, named InSight, will place instruments on the Martian surface to investigate whether the core of Mars is solid or liquid like Earth's and why Mars' crust is not divided into tectonic plates that drift like Earth's. Detailed knowledge of the interior of Mars in comparison to Earth will help scientists understand better how terrestrial planets form and evolve.

An update about the Mars Science Laboratory mission including questions from the media. As well new images from the Curiosity rover have been released as part of a NASA teleconference that took place on Friday, Aug. 17, 2012. http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/telecon/index.html

Listen in to this teleconference from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory team on a new discovery: The Phoenix Cluster Sets Record Pace at Forming Stars. Astronomers have found an extraordinary galaxy cluster, one of the largest objects in the universe, that is breaking several important cosmic records. Observations of the Phoenix cluster with NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, the National Science Foundation's South Pole Telescope, and eight other world-class observatories may force astronomers to rethink how these colossal structures and the galaxies that inhabit them evolve. The panelists on the teleconference are: -- Michael McDonald, Hubble Fellow, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass. -- Bradford Benson, astrophysicist, University of Chicago -- Megan Donahue, professor of astronomy, Michigan State University, East Lansing -- Martin Rees, professor of cosmology and astrophysics, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

An update about the Mars Science Laboratory mission including questions from the media. As well new images from the Curiosity rover have been released as part of a NASA teleconference that took place on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012. http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/telecon/

Because space is becoming more congested with more countries seeking its benefits, it is easy to overlook a primary space player which has been involved from the beginning of the space age: Russia. Still, Russia's efforts in space have shaped international discussions on space security and sustainability, and their plans for space will continue to affect other space actors. Additionally, Russia's space program is at an interesting point: while they presently are the only way that the United States can access the International Space Station, they are also seeking to match or even surpass the United States in overall space capabilities. Furthermore, Moscow is likely monitoring the efforts of other rising Asian space powers, though Russia and China have worked together in international discussions on space security issues. Please join the Secure World Foundation as we host "Russia's Space Plans," a panel discussion that examines Russia's space history, the current status of its space program and efforts in international fora to enhance space security, and possible future paths it may take. Speakers include: Ms. Marcia Smith, Founder, SpacePolicyOnline.com. Mr. Anatoly Zak, Journalist and Founder, www.RussianSpaceWeb.com. View presentation now. Ms. Tiffany Chow, Project Manager, Secure World Foundation. View Presentation now. Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, Secure World Foundation Presentation material available from the web site.

SpaceRef had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson at the 28th National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. The conversation centered around his idea of doubling NASA's budget as it would spur innovation and fuel the economy. We will also discussed his latest book, Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier.

While the advent of emerging space nations certainly creates opportunities, it also raises new concerns. Balancing these new sets of opportunities and risks, requires an understanding of the rationale and development paths of all space actors, in particular emerging ones. An analysis of six emerging space nations (South Africa, Brazil, and India compared against Nigeria, Venezuela, and Malaysia) reveals opportunities and challenges to space sustainability. "Analyzing the Development Paths of Emerging Space Nations: Opportunities or Challenges for Space Sustainability?" examines the selected nations' space policy development and interest (or lack thereof) in international cooperation, assessing how best the United States and the international community can reach out to these emerging space actors in the advancement of space sustainability.The authors also look at the European Union's draft Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities to assess how the countries examined in this research view this proposed mechanism for space sustainability. Finally, the authors discuss the role that the United States has played to date in these regions and suggest ways in which the United States might enhance its efforts in the future. Speakers are: • Megan Ansdell, Booz Allen & Hamilton • Laura Delgado Lopez, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies • Daniel Hendrickson, Aerospace Industries Association Read the Executive Summary and download the full report from our web site.

This event was a follow up to the 2011 Secure World Foundation (SWF) - Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) International Workshop on Space Policies and Laws held in Beijing in May of 2011. The CAS workshop brought regional and international space experts together to discuss both the current state of Asia's space policy as well as the importance of cooperation as Asia becomes increasingly involved in space. "Asian Space Policy and the United States" featured a panel discussing the Beijing workshop, the direction of Asia space, and the role the United States' policy community can play in shaping that direction. This panel focused primarily on the People's Republic of China. Following the panel discussion, there was an open Q&A session. Speakers: Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, East Asia Non-Proliferation Program, Monterey Institute Ms. Alanna Krolikowski, University of Toronto Mr. Ben Baseley-Walker, Advisor on Security Policy and International Law, Secure World Foundation Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation This event was held in Washington, DC, on July 28, 2011.

On July 17th the Secure World Foundation announced the release of the 2012 Space Security Index by hosting a panel discussion. The event featured four distinguished speakers who discussed the most important events affecting space security in the past year and examined what might be coming up over the next year. It was moderated by Ms. Victoria Samson, DC Office Director of the Secure World Foundation. Following the presentations, there was an open Q&A session. The panelists were: Mr. Cesar Jaramillo - Project Ploughshares Ms. Carissa Christensen - The Tauri Group Mr. Michael Listner - Legal and Policy Consultant with Space Law and Policy Solutions Ms. Audrey Schaffer - Office of the Secretary of Defense-Policy, Space

This podcast was recorded on July 10th at the bi-monthly meeting of the Canadian Space Commerce Association in Toronto. You can learn more about this organization on their web site, spacecommerce.ca. The featured guest speaker at the meeting was Jean-Marc Chouinard a veteran at the Canadian Space Agency who is Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs. In his first public talk on today's topic, he discusses the United Nations Working Group on the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities. The Canadian Space Agency feels that it is very important Canadians be engaged in this UN activity, as it will affect them in the future. The Canadian Space Agency will be soliciting input from Canadians this fall in preparation to submit Canada's input into a final UN report and guidelines that will be published in 2014. Accompanying documents can be found on the SpaceRef Canada web site.

The Mars Science Laboratory will deliver the Curiosity rover to the surface of Mars at approximately 10:31 p.m. PDT on Aug. 5 (1:31 a.m. EDT on Aug. 6). Curiosity, carrying laboratory instruments to analyze samples of rocks, soil and atmosphere, will investigate whether Mars has ever offered environmental conditions favourable for microbial life. Participants are: -- Doug McCuistion, director, Mars Exploration Program, NASA Headquarters -- Michael Meyer, lead scientist, Mars Exploration Program, NASA Headquarters -- John Grotzinger, MSL project scientist, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif. -- Pete Theisinger, MSL project manager, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena -- Jeff Norris, manager, planning and execution systems, Jet Propulsion Laboratory