What’s Happening in Space Policy March 22-April 4, 2020
Here is SpacePolicyOnline.com’s list of space policy events for the next TWO weeks, March 22-April 4, 2020, and any insight we can offer about them. The House and Senate schedules are in flux.
Coronavirus Suspends Work on the James Webb Space Telescope
NASA announced another casualty of the coronavirus pandemic today. Integration and testing of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) at its prime contractor in California has been suspended. Earlier in the day, the head of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate said the coronavirus crisis is impacting all of his programs as NASA facilities move to telework-only and local and state jurisdictions institute measures to stop the spread of the virus.
Last Updated: Mar 20, 2020 7:00 pm ET
So Far So Good for Mars 2020
The coronavirus has not impacted the Mars 2020 mission, at least not yet, according to the head of NASA’s planetary science division. Spacecraft can only be launched to Mars every 26 months when the planets are aligned properly, so missing this summer’s launch window would be unfortunate.
Last Updated: Mar 20, 2020 12:27 am ET
Work on SLS and Orion Suspended at Stennis and Michoud Due to Coronavirus
Despite an upbeat assessment yesterday, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine announced tonight that he is suspending work on the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft at two NASA facilities because of the coronavirus. Stennis Space Center and the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) have been moved to Stage 4 of the agency’s Response Framework, meaning only personnel needed to maintain safety and security are allowed on site.
Last Updated: Mar 19, 2020 11:07 pm ET
Chris Cassidy On Track for 6-Month ISS Visit Despite Coronavirus
The global coronavirus pandemic is changing a few pre-launch plans, but will not prevent a new crew from launching to the International Space Station next month. Soyuz MS-16 will deliver two Russian cosmonauts and NASA’s Chris Cassidy for a 6-month mission aboard the orbiting facility. Cassidy sounded upbeat during interviews this morning, though disappointed that family and friends will not be on hand for the launch.
Last Updated: Mar 29, 2020 10:12 am ET
NASA & SpaceX Soldier On Despite Coronavirus, Set May for Launch of Demo-2
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine reassured the agency’s workforce today that the coronavirus has not significantly impacted operations so far. In fact, NASA and SpaceX formally set mid-to-late May as the timeframe for the launch of SpaceX’s crewed test flight to the International Space Station (ISS), Demo-2. While that is a “no earlier than” window, it is a significant step for the commercial crew program and a sign of normalcy in such uncertain times.
Last Updated: Mar 18, 2020 11:09 pm ET
All of NASA Now On Mandatory Telework Due to Coronavirus
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine moved all NASA centers and facilities into Stage 3 of its Response Framework because of the coronavirus outbreak. That means all but “mission essential” NASA employees now must work from home.
Last Updated: Mar 17, 2020 10:52 pm ET
More SLS Overruns–This Time the Ground Segment
NASA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued another critical report today about NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). In this case, it audited the construction of two Mobile Launchers at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) needed to transport SLS rockets from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad. Almost $1 billion has been spent on the first Mobile Launcher, far more than budgeted, and it is three years late. The report details what happened, but its recommendations focus on what needs to be learned for building the second to avoid similar outcomes.
Last Updated: Mar 17, 2020 10:09 pm ET
NASA Picks Four Finalists for Small Missions to Study the Universe
NASA picked four missions today that later will be narrowed to two for its Small Explorer (SMEX) program and Missions of Opportunity (MO). These comparatively inexpensive missions can still provide a substantial science return. The four chosen today will study volatile stars, galaxies and cosmic collisions.
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020 6:59 pm ET
What’s Happening in Space Policy March 15-27, 2020
Here is SpacePolicyOnline.com’s list of space policy events for the next TWO weeks, March 15-27, 2020, and any insight we can offer about them. At the moment, the Senate is scheduled to be in session for at least part of this coming week, while the House is in recess other than pro forma sessions. Both are scheduled to be in session the last full week of March.