Tag: Bill Gerstenmaier

  • NASA outlines why it passed over Sierra Nevada

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    A prototype of Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser space plane conducted a taxi and approach and landing test campaign in 2013 at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Another landing test is planned for March. Credit: NASA NASA cited the complexity of Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser space plane and an uncertainty of when the proposed crew transport…

  • Redesign likely needed for Orion airbag system

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    U.S. Navy divers approach the Orion spacecraft in the Pacific Ocean. Two of the capsule’s five self-righting airbags are inflated. Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charles White Engineers plan to redesign part of the Orion capsule’s self-righting flotation system that only partially engaged as the spacecraft splashed down in the…

  • NASA hopes to replace cargo lost on Antares failure this year

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    SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft arrives at the International Space Station on Jan. 12 with 2.6 tons of supplies. Credit: NASA NASA officials say the International Space Station’s logistics chain was designed to absorb a launch failure like the mishap that destroyed an Orbital Sciences Corp. cargo craft in October, but pressure is on SpaceX to deliver…

  • Despite budget boost, Space Launch System will not fly before 2018

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    Artist’s concept of the Space Launch System lifting off from launch pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Credit: NASA/MSFC NASA’s heavy-lifting mega-rocket and its ground support systems at Kennedy Space Center in Florida will not be ready for launches until at least mid-2018, even with extra funding approved by Congress, the space agency’s…