What’s Happening in Space Policy October 23-28, 2017
Here is our list of space policy events for the week of October 23-28, 2017 and any insight we can offer about them. The House and Senate are in session this week.
Today’s Tidbits: October 21, 2017
Here are our tidbits for October 21, 2017: Schriever Wargame 2017 concludes; an update on China’s Tiangong-1 space station’s reentry expected soon; and amazing images from Japan’s Himawari weather satellite of Typhoon Lan. Be sure to check our website for feature stories and follow us on Twitter (@SpcPlcyOnline) for more news and live tweeting of events.
Last Updated: Oct 21, 2017 5:12 pm ET
Zurbuchen Directs Goddard To Downscope WFIRST
In response to an independent, external review of the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), NASA Associate Administrator for Science Thomas Zurbuchen is directing that the project be “reduced in scope and complexity.” The review’s findings and Zurbuchen’s conclusions will be discussed at a meeting next week of the National Academies’ Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics (CAA).
Last Updated: Oct 20, 2017 10:31 pm ET
Today’s Tidbits: October 19, 2017
Here are our tidbits for October 19, 2017: Blue Origin conducts first hot fire BE-4 test; Iridium will use pre-flown SpaceX rockets; and a new NASA Inspector General report on NASA’s IT governance. Be sure to check our website for feature stories and follow us on Twitter (@SpcPlcyOnline) for more news and live tweeting of events.
Last Updated: Oct 19, 2017 10:49 pm ET
GAO Warns NASA to Avoid Management Mistakes Like Those That Led to Columbia Tragedy
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report today assessing how NASA is integrating the three elements of its human exploration program — the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, the Orion crew spacecraft, and associated Exploration Ground Systems (EGS). It is concerned that NASA is dual-hatting individuals to have responsibility both for programmatic and engineering decisions, which could create a conflict of interest as they balance cost and schedule versus safety. GAO notes that the board that investigated the 2003 space shuttle Columbia tragedy identified that as a contributing factor.
Last Updated: Oct 19, 2017 10:13 pm ET
Mattis Tells Congress No to Space Corps and CIWO
Secretary of Defense James Mattis has sent a letter to House and Senate negotiators on the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) saying that he opposes both creation of a Space Corps or of a Chief Information Warfare Officer (CIWO). The House-version of the bill requires the former; the Senate version requires the latter. Mattis wants neither.
Last Updated: Oct 19, 2017 11:52 am ET
Today’s Tidbits: October 18, 2017
Here are our tidbits for October 18, 2017: Ben Roberts joins Moon Express; how satellites are helping Puerto Rico recovery efforts; Scott Kelly’s new book is out. Be sure to check our website for feature articles and follow us on Twitter (@SpcPlcyOnline) for more news and live tweeting of events.
Last Updated: Oct 18, 2017 10:44 pm ET
Space Law Legend Isabella Diederiks-Verschoor Dies at 102
The International Institute of Space Law (IISL) said today that Prof. Dr. Isabella Diederiks-Verschoor passed away yesterday. She was 102.
Last Updated: Oct 19, 2017 11:11 pm ET
Budget Reserves Will Prevent JWST Cost Overrun
Budget reserves held at NASA headquarters will pay for the extra time needed to get the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) ready for launch according a NASA official who spoke to an advisory committee today. He asserted that no other NASA astrophysics programs will be affected by the recently announced launch delay. …
Last Updated: Oct 18, 2017 9:16 pm ET
Today’s Tidbits: October 17, 2017
Here are our tidbits for October 17, 2017: Senate appoints NDAA conferees; Air Force choice for the new A11 slot; Gen. Raymond on reusable rockets; and a scientist blasts the National Space Council. Be sure to check our website for feature stories and follow us on Twitter (@SpcPlcyOnline) for more news and live tweeting of events.