Marcia Smith has the story on yesterday’s NASA appropriation hearing, in which Chairman Culberson and General Bolden beclowned each other. More thoughts anon.
[Update a while later]
Here’s Culberson’s statement. I haven’t read it yet in detail.
Category Archives: Space
Space Access 2015
After a one-year hiatus, the conference is happening again (though a few weeks later than usual, early May instead of early April). I think it’s the best value for the money to find out what’s going on in space transportation and reducing the cost of getting to orbit.
Delta IV
Is it near the end of the line for the rocket? Looks like SpaceX has killed it.
DMSP Explosion
Almost certainly died of old age, when its battery overheated. Makes one wonder how many others are at risk. Maybe worth deorbiting them before that can happen to more.
The New Space Development Alliance
Jeff Foust has the story from last week. As I noted at the time, I’m not sure that a prize is the best way to go. I’d rather see an airmail approach.
Billionaires In The Space Business
The list grows. This is the future of spaceflight and space development, not NASA.
A Mini-Fusion Reactor
This would be a huge game changer, for earth and space, if it can really be done.
Barbara Mikulski
She’s retiring, after four decades.
Among other things, this is significant for space policy. She’s been a strong supporter of NASA over that period (particularly, of course, Goddard Space Flight Center in her home state), and of Wallops. Whoever replaces her as the next Senator from Maryland will probably be as supportive, but will have much less clout, at least initially.
Spock
How he became a sex symbol.
DMSP
The oldest bird in the fleet seems to have blown up on February 3rd.