Tag: Extension
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Next Gen Shuttle-Capable vehicle interest as secret effort to save orbiters ends
For the past several months, a plan to restart shuttle operations – funded by billions of dollars of secured non-government investment – was under evaluation with NASA and shuttle contractors prior to the secret effort ending last week. However, the group behind the effort have now switched their focus to a “Next Generation, Shuttle Capable” vehicle…
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Lawmakers told shuttle restart questions are years too late
During Wednesday’s Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Hearing – which focused on the Russian investigation into their recent Soyuz failure – the question on restarting shuttle was once again dismissed out of hand. However, the shrift response, noting the question would have been “interesting” if asked three or four years ago, failed to elaborate on a…
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Reversing the nonsensical retirement of Shuttle requires a miracle – DeCastro
As the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) heads into its final week of operations, United Space Alliance (USA) Vice President and SSP manager Howard DeCastro has spoken about how the retirement of the fleet makes no sense, from a technical, ISS support and national security standpoint. A last ditch reversal of the decision, likely via a…
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NASA managers refine launch dates – deadline approaching for STS-135
As has been expected for many weeks, NASA managers have approved the Change Requests (CR) for the launch dates of the next two shuttle missions. With STS-133 moving to November 1, STS-134 is targeting February 26 – although the threat of the program running out of funding may force Endeavour’s launch up by a week…
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President Obama visits KSC – SSP waiting on shuttle direction
The Space Shuttle Program (SSP) have noted the potential to add STS-135 to the manifest may come via direction from President Obama’s visit to KSC on Thursday. Amid rumors of “extra shuttle flights”, the Technology Development Activity (TDA) group – currently responsible for the ongoing Heavy Lift Launch (HLV) study – have noted they are looking…
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President Obama visits KSC – SSP waiting on shuttle direction
The Space Shuttle Program (SSP) have noted the potential to add STS-135 to the manifest may come via direction from President Obama’s visit to KSC on Thursday. Amid rumors of “extra shuttle flights”, the Technology Development Activity (TDA) group – currently responsible for the ongoing Heavy Lift Launch (HLV) study – have noted they are looking…
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Lawmakers produce Bill to extend shuttle to 2015, utilize CxP, advance HLV
Senator Kay Hutchison – in conjunction with Representatives Suzanne Kosmas and Bill Posey – has produced a 37 page Bill that proposes major refinements to NASA’s FY2011 proposal, and NASA’s forward plan. The Bill is centered around a shuttle extension to 2015, in support of fully utilizing the International Space Station (ISS), along with saving…
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SSP aiming to find the balance between Shuttle legacy and HLV advancement
As the Heavy Lift Launch Team (HLV) transition from the Shuttle Derived vehicle to a Technology Development Activity (TDA) effort, led by engineers associated with the Space Shuttle Program (SSP), a passionate call to extend the shuttle manifest was made by an Orbiter Project manager a Senate hearing into NASA’s FY2011 budget proposal. Uncertainty and…
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Taking aim on Phobos – NASA outline Flexible Path precursor to man on Mars
With the official opening statements on the overhaul of NASA’s future expected “soon”, the realignment of NASA’s future goals will create a Human Space Flight path that will likely stretch out for decades. The end goal remains footsteps on Mars, but the approach may involve the use of deep space and Phobos as the precursor…
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Battle of the Heavy Lift Launchers – Monster 200mt vehicle noted
2010 will mark a number of key decisions for NASA, not least the potential switch from the current Ares I/V architecture to an alternative mix of commerical crew launch – accompanied by a new heavy lift workhorse. A decision is expected to be announced early in the new year by President Obama, although at least…