What’s Happening in Space Policy November 12-18, 2017
Here is our list of space policy events for the week of November 12-18, 2017. The House and Senate are in session this week.
Today’s Tidbits: November 11, 2017
Here are our tidbits for November 11, 2017: OA-8 launch scrubbed when airplane violates restricted area; JPSS-1 launch on track for Tuesday, but weather is iffy; J.R. Thompson passes away. And happy Veterans Day to all of our veterans. Thank you for your service.
Be sure to check our website for feature stories and follow us on Twitter (@SpcPlcyOnline) for more news and live tweeting of events.
Next Cargo Mission to ISS Ready for Launch on Veterans Day – UPDATE 2
Orbital ATK will launch its eighth cargo mission to the International Space Station (ISS), OA-8, Saturday morning at 7:37 am ET. The launch is from Wallops Island, VA, where temperatures are forecast to be below freezing at launch time. Orbital ATK officials say the Antares rocket will be fine despite the cold. Otherwise the weather is expected to be excellent, with a 95 percent chance of “go.” [UPDATE, Nov 11: The launch was aborted at the last minute when an aircraft entered restricted airspace. Will try again tomorrow (Sunday) at 7:14 am ET.] [UPDATE 2, Nov. 12: The launch was successful this morning at 7:19 am ET, the end of the 5 minute launch window.]
Today’s Tidbits: November 9, 2017
Here are our tidbits for November 9, 2017: House committee gets update on NASA’s exploration systems; how to see the OA-8 launch from home (on the East Coast). Be sure to check our website for feature stories and follow us on Twitter (@SpcPlcyOnline) for more news and live tweeting of events.
No Space Corps in Final FY2018 NDAA
House and Senate negotiators have completed their work on the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). One of the major space policy issues was whether to adopt a House provision requiring that a Space Corps be created within the Air Force analogous to the Marine Corps within the Department of the Navy. The answer is no, but other significant changes were made to DOD and Air Force management of space programs.
First SLS/Orion Launch Slips to December 2019, At Best
NASA revealed today that the first launch of the Space Launch System (SLS) with an uncrewed Orion spacecraft, Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1), is slipping by at least a year. In 2014, NASA committed to a date of November 2018. Now it is shooting for December 2019 although its review concluded that June 2020 was the likely date taking into account possible manufacturing and production risks. The head of NASA’s human spaceflight program, Bill Gerstenmaier, will testify to a House subcommittee tomorrow (Thursday) about the program’s status.
Bridenstine Nomination Approved by Committee on Party-Line Vote
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved the nomination of Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) to be NASA Administrator this morning on a party-line vote. The committee also approved Neil Jacobs to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction on a voice vote. The nominations next will go to the full Senate for a vote. Dates have not been announced
Bridenstine Reiterates Support for NASA’s Earth Science Program
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will vote tomorrow (Wednesday) on the nomination of Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) to become the next NASA Administrator. At his confirmation hearing last week he was asked a lot of questions, but as is common after such hearings, some Senators had additional questions that were sent to him afterwards. In his answers, he restated his support for NASA’s earth science program and vowed to follow the guidance in Decadal Surveys.
Today’s Tidbits: November 7, 2017
Here are our tidbits for November 7, 2017: Apollo astronaut Dick Gordon dies; the case for Enceladus; Orbital ATK makes progress on new rocket. Be sure to check our website for feature stories and follow us on Twitter (@SpcPlcyOnline) for more news and live tweeting of events.
Today’s Tidbits: November 6, 2017
Here are our tidbits for November 6, 2017: JPSS-1 Launch Delayed; Scott Pace on the role of the National Space Council; NASA’s Office of Inspector General releases its annual “top challenges” report. Be sure to check our website for feature stories and follow us on Twitter (@SpcPlcyOnline) for more news and live tweeting of events.