Space Stations

NASA Selects Selects Six Deep Space Habitat Proposals for Ground Development

NASA Selects Selects Six Deep Space Habitat Proposals for Ground Development

NASA has chosen six companies for further evaluation of potential deep space habitat modules as part of the agency’s Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships initiative. The selected companies are: Bigelow Aerospace of Las Vegas Boeing of Pasadena, Texas Lockheed Martin of Denver Orbital ATK of Dulles, Virginia Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems of Louisville, […]

Posted in: NASA, Space Stations
ISS and the Future of Commercial Operations in Low Earth Orbit

ISS and the Future of Commercial Operations in Low Earth Orbit

NASA recently released a new video timed to coincide with the premier of Star Trek: Beyond. For dedicated fans of TOS, the title, “On the Edge of Forever” is a bit perplexing given the fact that it is about the Space Station, not a “City on the Edge of Forever,” and Joan Collins is nowhere […]

From Japanese Space Whisky to Martian IPA’s, Its the Final Frontier for Booze

From Japanese Space Whisky to Martian IPA’s, Its the Final Frontier for Booze

In a story particularly fit for the start of the weekend, the Wall Street Journal reports that Japanese distiller Suntory in cooperation with the Japanese Space Agency JAXA, is planning to ship several samples of its world renown whisky to the International Space Station for study into how most alcoholic beverages mellow over time. It […]

Posted in: Mars, Space Stations
Progress Orbit Correction for ISS Fails

Progress Orbit Correction for ISS Fails

In what is shaping up to be a truly miserably month for the Russian aerospace sector, two Russian news outlets are reporting that Friday’s planned orbit boost of the International Space Station did not take place. According to Sputnik International:  “The Russian Mission Control Center was informed of the fact that the Progress’ engines did […]

NASA Prints First 3-D Object in Space

NASA Prints First 3-D Object in Space

The first object printed in space is held up by International Space Station Commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore.  Image Credit NASA This week marked a significant “first” in space, the first ever use of a 3-D printer to manufacture an object in zero-G. With 3-D printing, also known as additive manufacturing sweeping the industrial world, it […]

Is Russia Planning Early ISS Exit?

Is Russia Planning Early ISS Exit?

One of the biggest questions to be answered by the International Space Station doesn’t involve mice, plants or 3-d printers. Instead it regards the Station itself, its lifespan and ultimate disposition. Currently funded through 2020 with agreement on the part of all the International Partners; the U.S., Russia, ESA, Japan and Canada, what comes after […]

Automated Sample Return from ISS: The Terrestrial Return Vehicle

Automated Sample Return from ISS: The Terrestrial Return Vehicle

Image Credit: Intuitive Machines Last month,  CASIS, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, the organization which operates the U.S. National Laboratory aboard the International Space Station, announced agreements on six new unsolicited proposals designed to improve the quality of science being performed aboard the Station. One in particular stood out, a small […]

NASA’s ISS Commercial Resupply Contract Holds Transformative Potential

NASA’s ISS Commercial Resupply Contract Holds Transformative Potential

  On September 26, NASA released its Commercial Resupply Services 2 Request for Proposal in solicitation for continued cargo delivery to and from the International Space Station from 2017 through 2020, with possible extensions to 2024. Seeking to build on the unqualified success of the COTS and CRS-1 programs which have give rise to the LEO […]

China’s 3rd Generation Space Station

China’s 3rd Generation Space Station

Artists’ Concept of a Third Generation Chinese Station. Image Credit Xinhuan.net Following the success of Tiangong 1, China announced last year that after another round of development with the follow on Tiangong 2 station, that it is planning to open up its considerably more advanced third generation station to international astronauts.  Unfortunately, an ongoing ban on […]

Boeing Completes CDR for New Docking System

Boeing Completes CDR for New Docking System

Image Credit Boeing Boeing News Release HOUSTON, Aug. 26, 2014 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] will begin manufacturing a new docking system for the International Space Station (ISS), having recently completed the critical design review for the NASA Docking System Block-1 (NDSB-1). In compliance with the International Docking System standard, NDSB-1 will be compatible with any […]

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