Alle afleveringen
343 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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T+42: Blue Origin Introduces New Glenn
9 maart 2017 · 28 min
This week, Blue Origin shed some more light on New Glenn—by way of an animation, launch agreements, and a talk by Jeff Bezos at Satellite 2017—and the first fully-assembled BE-4 shipped to their test site in Texas for a hot firing. I discuss the new details we learned and how New Glenn will fit into the industry in the 2020s. Lees meer
This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 6 executive producers—Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, and two anonymous—and 36 other supporters on Patreon.
Introducing New Glenn - YouTube
New Glenn Specs, Customers, and More - Main Engine Cut Off
Eutelsat signs up for Blue Origin’s New Glenn launcher - Eutelsat Corporate
Blue Origin on Twitter: “Five more launches for #NewGlenn! Excited to announce our second commercial customer #OneWebForAll”
Jeff Bezos on Twitter: “1st BE-4 engine fully assembled. 2nd and 3rd following close behind. #GradatimFerociter”
Decision on Vulcan engine could slip to 2017 - SpaceNews.com
Blue Origin Sheds a Bit of Light on Its Rocket Program - Commercial Spacecraft - Jeff Bezos - The New York Times - The New York Times (January, 2007!)
The Delta Clipper Experimental Archive
Delta Clipper Experimental Advanced (DCXA) Reusable Launch Vehicle - YouTube
Details on Blue Origin Launch Site and Recovery - Main Engine Cut Off
SpaceX Gets “Partial Win” in Blue Origin Patent Dispute
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T+41: EM-1 Follow-up, Dragon 2-Falcon Heavy to the Moon
2 maart 2017 · 41 min
This week is all about #hotdrama, with two surprise media briefings: one from NASA on a potential crewed EM-1, and one from SpaceX on a privately-crewed journey around the Moon—riding on a Dragon 2 and Falcon Heavy—at the end of 2018. I discuss the implications of both, and go on a rant about SpaceX and “focus.” Lees meer
This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 5 executive producers—Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, and one anonymous—and 34 other supporters on Patreon.
NASA study to examine crewed SLS/Orion mission in 2019 - SpaceNews.com
NASA measuring risks and “significant” cost of crew on maiden SLS launch | Ars Technica
SpaceX to Send Privately Crewed Dragon Spacecraft Beyond the Moon Next Year | SpaceX
If you think NASA is frustrated with SpaceX, you’re probably right | Ars Technica
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T+40: The Potentially Infamous EM-1 Memo
18 februari 2017 · 26 min
Robert Lightfoot, the Acting NASA Administrator, sent a memo to the agency on the possibility of putting a crew on EM-1. I discuss the potential fallout from this idea and where the SLS/Orion program may be heading in the future. Lees meer
This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 5 executive producers—Pat O, Matt, Jorge, Brad, and one anonymous—and 31 other supporters on Patreon.
Acting NASA Administrator Lightfoot Memo: Agency Update – Feb. 15, 2017
A bolder, risk-taking NASA? Agency looking at Orion crew launch in 2019 | Ars Technica
NASA developing contingency plan for commercial crew delays - SpaceNews.com
S.2617 - 114th Congress (2015-2016): MANIFEST for Human Spaceflight Act of 2016 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
Issue #14 - Main Engine Cut Off
The Intricate Dance of Orion, SLS, Commercial Crew, and Soyuz - Main Engine Cut Off
The NASA-Boeing-Soyuz Transaction - Main Engine Cut Off
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T+39: Opportunities for Private Companies within Government Programs
9 februari 2017 · 18 min
This week, NASA officially announced that NanoRacks will be adding an airlock onto the International Space Station to add capabilities and capacity to their already-up-and-running business. That announcement, along with some early insight into NASA policy in 2017, got me thinking about commercial opportunities within government programs, beyond Commercial Cargo and Crew. Lees meer
This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 4 executive producers—Pat O, Matt Giraitis, Jorge Perez, and one anonymous—and 28 other supporters on Patreon.
NASA Announces Acceptance of NanoRacks Airlock Proposal - Main Engine Cut Off
T+20: Mike Johnson, Chief Designer at NanoRacks on NanoRacks’ History, NextSTEP, and Wet Workshops - Main Engine Cut Off
Issue #13 - Main Engine Cut Off
NextSTEP Pushes Forward to Ground Prototypes - Main Engine Cut Off
NASA Releases RFI for EM-2 Payload - Main Engine Cut Off
Video from Orbital ATK Featuring Cygnus-Derived Habitats - Main Engine Cut Off
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T+38: 2017 NASA Transition Authorization Act Speculation
2 februari 2017 · 28 min
Marcia Smith of SpacePolicyOnline.com saw a draft of the 2017 NASA Transition Authorization Act, and it contains some very interesting changes from the 2016 version that bounced around Congress last year. I discuss what some of these changes may mean in the light of Commercial Crew delays, NASA RFIs regarding SLS and Orion, and continued Russian reliability issues. Lees meer
This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 4 executive producers—Pat O, Matt Giraitis, Jorge Perez, and one anonymous—and 28 other supporters on Patreon.
The Intricate Dance of Orion, SLS, Commercial Crew, and Soyuz - Main Engine Cut Off
What's Happening in Space Policy January 30 - February 3, 2017
Senate Floor Action on New NASA Authorization Act Could be Imminent
As Russian Space Industry Tumbles, the Kremlin Steps In — Again — Parabolic Arc
Doug Messier on the State of the Russian Space Industry - Main Engine Cut Off
As Trump takes over, NASA considers alternatives to its Orion spacecraft | Ars Technica
Issue #4 - Main Engine Cut Off
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T+37: Government Subsidies, Private Capability, and the 2010 National Space Policy
27 januari 2017 · 20 min
Four members of the House of Representatives sent letters to DARPA and the Pentagon this week to file a complaint about a program in conflict with the 2010 National Space Policy. It’s a situation reminiscent of the debate over commercial use of retired ICBMs as low-cost launch vehicles, except this time, Orbital ATK is on the other side. I discuss the current issues and how their resolution may affect future policy decisions. Lees meer
This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 4 executive producers—Pat O, Matt Giraitis, Jorge Perez, and one anonymous—and 28 other supporters on Patreon.
Elon Musk on Twitter: “@gdoehne Expendable. Future flights will go on Falcon Heavy or the upgraded Falcon 9.”
Issue #11 - Main Engine Cut Off
Orbital ATK For and Against Government Subsidies - Main Engine Cut Off
DARPA satellite-servicing project comes under congressional fire - SpaceNews.com
Current debate on ICBM use a throwback to the 1990s - SpaceNews.com
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T+36: Falcon 9 Flies with New Fueling Procedures, and the NASA-Boeing-Soyuz Saga
19 januari 2017 · 30 min
SpaceX is off to a strong start in 2017 with a very successful launch of Iridium-1 and a promising next few weeks. I also discuss the very interesting story developing between NASA, Boeing, and Russia regarding Soyuz flights to the ISS. Lees meer
This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 3 executive producers—Pat O, Matt Giraitis, and one anonymous—and 26 other supporters on Patreon.
Iridium-1 Hosted Webcast - YouTube
John Insprucker on propellant loading - Iridium-1 Hosted Webcast - YouTube
SpaceX’s Early 2017 Cadence - Main Engine Cut Off
The NASA-Boeing-Soyuz Transaction - Main Engine Cut Off
NASA considering Boeing offer for additional Soyuz seats - SpaceNews.com
Boeing and Energia negotiating Sea Launch settlement - SpaceNews.com
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T+35: NASA Policy Grab Bag
12 januari 2017 · 21 min
While we don’t yet have hard details on which direction NASA programs are headed during the Trump administration, we have started to get some hints. The leadership of the Congressional subcommittees that NASA depends on will be largely unchanged, and Boeing and SpaceX were each promised 4 more Commercial Crew flights. I also talk a little bit about how the Air Force One and F-35 situations apply to NASA programs. Lees meer
This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 3 executive producers—@spacepat_o, Matt Giraitis, and one anonymous—and 26 other supporters on Patreon.
Texas Remains Powerful Space Influence as House Appropriations, Senate Commerce Announce Subcommittee Chairs
Culberson Promises NASA Resources It Needs Despite Tough Budget Year
Mission Awards Secure Commercial Crew Transportation for Coming Years | NASA
Results of Progress MS-04 Investigation - Main Engine Cut Off
Progress MS-04 fails to reach orbit
Aerojet Rocketdyne Announces Expansion at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi - Main Engine Cut Off
Aerojet Rocketdyne Makes Case for AR1 - Main Engine Cut Off
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T+34: SpaceX’s COPV Investigation and Return to Flight
5 januari 2017 · 23 min
SpaceX wrapped up their investigation into the Amos-6 explosion, and the news is mixed. I discuss their findings, their path back to flight, and some other 2016-2017 odds and ends. Lees meer
This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 3 executive producers—@spacepat_o, Matt Giraitis, and one anonymous—and 25 other supporters on Patreon.
Anomaly Updates | SpaceX
OneWeb gets $1.2 billion in SoftBank-led investment - SpaceNews.com
Virgin Galactic ends 2016 with second SpaceShipTwo glide flight - SpaceNews.com
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T+33: SpaceX’s Commercial Crew Delay, Fueling Process Approved, and the Inmarsat-Falcon Heavy Situation
15 december 2016 · 17 min
Inmarsat, under regulatory pressure to get flying, decided to take a mid-2017 launch slot on Ariane 5, moving away from Falcon Heavy. Everyone thinks it’s a big deal, but for the wrong reason. And SpaceX’s Commercial Crew flights have been delayed, but we did find out that NASA’s Safety Technical Review Board approved their plan to load crew before fueling. That is a big deal. Lees meer
This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 3 executive producers—@spacepat_o, Matt Giraitis, and one anonymous—and 25 other supporters on Patreon.
Inmarsat Switches to Ariane 5 from Falcon Heavy - Main Engine Cut Off
SpaceX Commercial Crew Delay and Propellant Loading - Main Engine Cut Off
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T+32: Soyuz-U Failure and Satellite Servicing
8 december 2016 · 24 min
A Progress launch failed on its way to the ISS, so I discuss how this may affect the politics of the ISS and NASA going forward. And then I get into some thoughts on satellite servicing in general, and specifically surrounding Restore-L and Orbital ATK’s Mission Extension Vehicle. Lees meer
This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 3 executive producers—@spacepat_o, Matt Giraitis, and one anonymous—and 25 other supporters on Patreon.
Progress launch to space station fails - SpaceNews.com
Progress MS-04 fails to reach orbit
Stage III of the Soyuz rocket
Issue #7 - Main Engine Cut Off
SSL, Orbital ATK, and Satellite Servicing - Main Engine Cut Off
NASA’s Restore-L contract nudges SSL closer to in-orbit servicing - SpaceNews.com
NASA Awards Contract for Refueling Mission Spacecraft | NASA
The Space Show, Mon, 10/31/2016 - 14:00 | General James B. Armor
Mission Extension Services - Orbital ATK
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T+31: ULA’s RocketBuilder
1 december 2016 · 20 min
Tory Bruno took to the stage to announce RocketBuilder, their new way to market and sell Atlas V launch services. I discuss my initial thoughts about it and what the announcement means for ULA going forward in the commercial market. Lees meer
Initial Thoughts on RocketBuilder - Main Engine Cut Off
Introducing RocketBuilder - YouTube
Press Conference: ULA Unveils Website to Transform How Launch Services are Selected - YouTube
T+24: ULA’s RapidLaunch and Commercial Market Competitiveness - Main Engine Cut Off
ULA Branding Their Emptying Manifest - Main Engine Cut Off
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T+30: SpaceX Nearing Falcon 9 Return-to-Flight
23 november 2016 · 33 min
All signs point to SpaceX nearing a return-to-flight mission for Falcon 9. I discuss what to watch for in the months ahead, and read some email. Lees meer
SpaceX prime Falcon 9 rockets for December return | NASASpaceFlight.com
With rockets on the move, SpaceX still aiming for 2016 return to flight | Ars Technica
Matt Desch on Twitter: “A beautiful sight. Stage 1 arriving in California for our launch. Soon, very soon... Rainbow was a nice (and fitting) touch! #IridiumNEXT”
Chris B - NSF on Twitter: “SpaceX ramping up to RTF. Falcon 9 S1 spotted en route to Vandy (Iridium NEXT). Next S1 and S2 (Echostar-23?) on the McGregor test stands.”
Main Engine Cut Off Weekly, Issue #5
The Space Review: Enabling a Mars settlement strategy with the Hercules reusable Mars lander
Space Shuttle Decision, 1965-1972, by T. A. Heppenheimer
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T+29: Commercializing the NASA Exploration Roadmap
16 november 2016 · 33 min
Following up on last show’s topic, there are signs that NASA may be moving away from Orion in the future. I discuss how I see NASA modernizing their exploration roadmap, politically, in the next administration. Lees meer
As Trump takes over, NASA considers alternatives to its Orion spacecraft | Ars Technica
Alternative NASA Exploration Crew Vehicles - Main Engine Cut Off
Issue #4 - Main Engine Cut Off
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T+28: The Future of NASA and the Moon
2 november 2016 · 29 min
NASA released an RFI for small scientific payloads bound for the lunar surface, meant to “address strategic knowledge gaps” associated with human missions to the Moon. I talk about how this could indicate a shift of the SLS/Orion roadmap, and how NASA may be focusing on lunar surface missions in order to build more political capital for the program of record. Lees meer
Lunar Commercial Cargo Lite - Main Engine Cut Off
NASA signals interest in extending commercial spaceflight to the Moon | Ars Technica
Lunar CATALYST | NASA
Eric Berger on Twitter
T+27: Financial vs. Political Capital and Mission Sustainability - Main Engine Cut Off
Moon Village: humans and robots together on the Moon / DG's news and views / About Us / ESA
T+20: Mike Johnson, Chief Designer at NanoRacks on NanoRacks’ History, NextSTEP, and Wet Workshops - Main Engine Cut Off
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T+27: Financial vs. Political Capital and Mission Sustainability
26 oktober 2016 · 30 min
In light of the recent Schiaparelli lander failure, I discuss the differences between missions supported by financial and political capital, and how those differences will play out in the next era of space exploration. Lees meer
ExoMars completes crucial orbit insertion, hope lost for lander | NASASpaceFlight.com
Schiaparelli descent data: decoding underway / ExoMars / Space Science / Our Activities / ESA mobile
Arbitrary Spin and Damage Control - Main Engine Cut Off
MRO image of Schiaparelli – after / 10 / 2016 / Images / ESA Multimedia / ESA Online Videos
Main Engine Cut Off Weekly, Issue #1
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T+26: OA-5, Antares, and Orbital ATK’s Road Ahead
19 oktober 2016 · 37 min
I took a trip down to Wallops Island, Virginia this week for the launch of OA-5—the return to flight for Antares, sending Cygnus up to the ISS on a resupply mission. I recorded this episode on the long drive home afterwards, and talked about what Antares’ return means for Orbital ATK and what their future may hold—both good and bad. Lees meer
My video of the launch of OA-5, complete with incredible audio
My photos of the launch of OA-5
Antares launches Cygnus on return-to-flight mission - SpaceNews.com
Talking Space
Gene J. Mikulka
Aerojet Rocketdyne Makes Case for AR1 - Main Engine Cut Off
Aerojet Rocketdyne Announces Expansion at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi - Main Engine Cut Off
T+19: SpaceX’s Manifest, Flight-Proven Hardware, Blue Origin Updates, and Antares’ Engines - Main Engine Cut Off
T+6: Orbital ATK’s Next-Gen Vehicle, Falcon 9 Proving Its Reusability, and ULA’s Tough Future - Main Engine Cut Off
Video from Orbital ATK Featuring Cygnus-Derived Habitats - Main Engine Cut Off
NASA Releases RFI for EM-2 Payload - Main Engine Cut Off
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T+25: Falcon 9 Updates and the 10% Discount
12 oktober 2016 · 30 min
Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX, spoke at two events and dropped some tidbits about the Falcon 9 investigation, future versions of the vehicle, and what kind of discount they would offer for “flight-proven” stages. I break down the new info, and discuss their reusability discount. Lees meer
SpaceX's Shotwell on Falcon 9 inquiry, discounts for reused rockets and Silicon Valley's test-and-fail ethos - SpaceNews.com
Shotwell says SpaceX “homing in” on cause of Falcon 9 pad explosion - SpaceNews.com
The SpaceX Discount
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T+24: ULA’s RapidLaunch and Commercial Market Competitiveness
5 oktober 2016 · 23 min
After a few busy weeks of Blue Origin and SpaceX news, I spend some time talking about ULA’s RapidLaunch program and how they are working to get competitive within the commercial market. Lees meer
WeMartians Podcast Episode 13: Making Humans Multiplanetary (feat. Anthony Colangelo) - Live Now! | WeMartians | Follow humanity's journey to Mars
OA-5 Schedule and Coverage Plans - Main Engine Cut Off
ULA Branding Their Emptying Manifest - Main Engine Cut Off
ULA says it could accommodate additional Atlas 5 launch next year - SpaceNews.com
BE-4 Test, Decision on Vulcan Could Slip to 2017 - Main Engine Cut Off
ULA, Air Force agree on Vulcan rocket certification process - SpaceNews.com
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T+23: SpaceX Mars Architecture Initial Reactions
28 september 2016 · 58 min
Elon Musk took the stage at the IAC this week and unveiled SpaceX’s architecture for their planetary exploration and colonization plans. Jake from WeMartians and I discuss our initial reactions to and takeaways from the event. Lees meer
WeMartians | Follow humanity's journey to Mars
Mars | SpaceX
Making Humans a Multiplanetary Species - YouTube
Full Presentation Slides (PDF)
IAC - International Astronautical Congress | September 26th - 30th 2016 Guadalajara, Mexico
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T+22: SpaceX Mars Architecture Announcement Preamble
21 september 2016 · 41 min
SpaceX is set to make an announcement next week at the IAC 2016 regarding their Mars colonization architecture. I talk about what we know, what I expect to see, and what I hope is included in their plans. Lees meer
IAC - International Astronautical Congress | September 26th - 30th 2016 Guadalajara, Mexico
IAC 2016 ENG on Livestream
WeMartians | Follow humanity's journey to Mars
Inevitable SpaceX FUD - Main Engine Cut Off
I am Elon Musk, CEO/CTO of a rocket company, AMA!
Gwynne Shotwell at SmallSat: First Raptor Shipped to McGregor - Main Engine Cut Off
t/Space Vision for Space Exploration Presentation (PDF, 6.9MB)
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T+21: Blue Origin Previews New Glenn
14 september 2016 · 33 min
Blue Origin surprised us all by previewing their massive next rocket, New Glenn. I discuss the few details we know, how New Glenn could fit into the market, what questions need to be answered, and many other things to consider in the wake of the announcement. I also touch on some plans I’ve got to cover SpaceX’s upcoming Mars announcement in tandem with Jake from WeMartians. Lees meer
Blue Origin Previews New Glenn - Main Engine Cut Off
Blue Origin Naming—Past, Present, Future - Main Engine Cut Off
Blue Origin introduce the New Glenn orbital LV | NASASpaceFlight.com
How Relevant is New Shepard to Orbital Launch? | Selenian Boondocks
Details on Blue Origin Launch Site and Recovery - Main Engine Cut Off
T+7: Bezos and Musk at Code Conference, and a Hard Look at Vulcan’s Economics - Main Engine Cut Off
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T+20: Mike Johnson, Chief Designer at NanoRacks on NanoRacks’ History, NextSTEP, and Wet Workshops
7 september 2016 · 52 min
Mike Johnson, Chief Designer at NanoRacks, joined me this week to talk about his incredibly interesting career in spaceflight, the past and future of NanoRacks, their NextSTEP proposal, and a handful of other topics. Lees meer
Mike Johnson | NanoRacks' Chief Technology Officer
To boost commercial activity, NASA may add private airlock to ISS | Ars Technica
NanoRacks To Catalyze Concepts for Deep Space Habitats
NextSTEP Partners Develop Ground Prototypes to Expand our Knowledge of Deep Space Habitats
T+17: NextSTEP Habitat Prototypes, and the Zombie Centaur - Main Engine Cut Off
NextSTEP Pushes Forward to Ground Prototypes - Main Engine Cut Off
Some More Details on NanoRacks’ Centaur Wet Workshop Concept - Main Engine Cut Off
NASA Funds Plan to Turn Used Rocket Fuel Tanks Into Space Habitats - IEEE Spectrum
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T+19: SpaceX’s Manifest, Flight-Proven Hardware, Blue Origin Updates, and Antares’ Engines
31 augustus 2016 · 30 min
SpaceX has a busy manifest as they close out 2016, including SES-10 which will fly with a “flight-proven” first stage. A few bits of info have come out regarding Blue Origin’s future plans—including flying diverse payloads on New Shepard, and construction of their factory in Florda. Antares’ return-to-flight launch date is still a mystery, and I have a theory about its future engines. Lees meer
It’s Official: SpaceX Will Launch SES-10 With Reused Core - Main Engine Cut Off
A Look at SpaceX’s Remaining 2016 Manifest - Main Engine Cut Off
SpaceX successfully launches JCSat-16 satellite, faces crowded end-year manifest - SpaceNews.com
SpaceX to Move Post-Recovery Operations to Port Canaveral - Main Engine Cut Off
SpaceX Dragon 2 Parachute Drop Test - Main Engine Cut Off
Blue Origin’s New Shepard as Generic Booster - Main Engine Cut Off
Blue Origin's Sweet Spot: An Untapped Suborbital Market for Private Spaceflight
Blue Origin Pours Concrete For Rocket Factory At Kennedy Space Center’s Exploration Park |
Orbital ATK Conducts Test of Antares First Stage - Orbital ATK News Room
Antares Hot Fire Test - May 31, 2016 - YouTube
Orbital Sciences Orders RD-181 Engines for Antares Rocket
Orbital Sues ULA, Seeks RD-180 Engines, $515 Million in Damages - SpaceNews.com
Launch Schedule – Spaceflight Now
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T+18: Robert Zubrin on Mars Exploration and Colonization Internationally, within NASA, and at SpaceX
24 augustus 2016 · 35 min
Dr. Robert Zubrin, President of The Mars Society, creator of Mars Direct, and author of The Case for Mars is on the show this week to discuss Mars exploration and colonization internationally, within NASA, and at SpaceX. Lees meer
The Mars Society
The Case for Mars, by Robert Zubrin
Mars Direct - 1st Public Presentation 5/28/1990 - YouTube
Mars Society President Tours Russia | News & Announcements | The Mars Society
To Mars! - Dr. Robert Zubrin - TEDx Moscow - YouTube
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T+17: NextSTEP Habitat Prototypes, and the Zombie Centaur
17 augustus 2016 · 29 min
NASA selected six companies, as part of the NextSTEP program, to develop ground prototypes of deep space habitats, and the Centaur could live on as a wet workshop. Orbital ATK pushed OA-5 to late September. SpaceX landed yet another stage on the ASDS, and have up to 9 more launches planned for 2016. Lees meer
NextSTEP Pushes Forward to Ground Prototypes - Main Engine Cut Off
NextSTEP Partners Develop Ground Prototypes to Expand our Knowledge of Deep Space Habitats
OA-5 Slips to Late September - Main Engine Cut Off
OA-5 Mission Page
Gwynne Shotwell at SmallSat: First Raptor Shipped to McGregor - Main Engine Cut Off
A Look at SpaceX’s Remaining 2016 Manifest - Main Engine Cut Off
SpaceX successfully launches JCSat-16 satellite, faces crowded end-year manifest - SpaceNews.com
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T+16: Moon Express Licensing, and NASA’s Disdain for Artificial Gravity
10 augustus 2016 · 27 min
Moon Express gained government approval for their upcoming mission to win the Google Lunar X Prize. And I go on a rant about artificial gravity and how NASA shrugs it off as unnecessary. Lees meer
Moon Express wins U.S. government approval for lunar lander mission - SpaceNews.com
NASA exploration focuses on Deep Space Hab systems and crew health | NASASpaceFlight.com
Gerstenmaier Shrugs Off Artificial Gravity - Main Engine Cut Off
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T+15: More SLS Roadmap Details, and Landed Falcon 9 Static Fires
3 augustus 2016 · 18 min
The roadmap for SLS got a little murkier this week thanks to some additional details in the GAO report regarding its cost and schedule. SpaceX test fired a landed core three times in three days last week, paving the way for reuse of the CRS-8 core. Lees meer
GAO Report Indicates EM-2 Plans to Fly Crew - Main Engine Cut Off
U.S. GAO - NASA Human Space Exploration: Opportunity Nears to Reassess Launch Vehicle and Ground Systems Cost and Schedule
NASA updates status and timetable of ambitious Asteroid Redirect Mission | NASASpaceFlight.com
MSFC propose Aerojet Rocketdyne supply EUS engines | NASASpaceFlight.com
Landed Falcon 9 First Stage Test Firing - YouTube
SpaceX Conducts Full-Duration Static Fire of JCSAT-14 Core - Main Engine Cut Off
SpaceX test fires returned Falcon 9 booster at McGregor | NASASpaceFlight.com
Next Space Station Cargo Launch From Virginia Targeted for August | NASA
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T+14: The Post-EM-1 Roadmap for SLS, and Potential Uses for SpaceX’s BFR
27 juli 2016 · 26 min
Before Mars and exploration-centric talk, I talk about Orbital ATK’s agreement for exclusive use of LMP-103S. Then I take a hard look at the post-EM-1 roadmap for SLS, and theorize some potential uses for SpaceX’s giant Mars-bound rocket—lovingly referred to as the Big F…alcon… Rocket (BFR). Lees meer
Orbital ATK and ECAPS Sign Agreement for Exclusive Use of LMP-103S - Main Engine Cut Off
Orbital ATK News Room
EM-1 Still on for Late 2018, SLS’ Second Flight Still A Mystery - Main Engine Cut Off
First SLS mission on schedule for fall 2018 launch - SpaceNews.com
Battle of the Heavyweight Rockets – SLS could face Exploration Class rival | NASASpaceFlight.com
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T+13: SpaceX’s CRS-9 Success, Senate Hearing Recap, and US-Russian Plans for the Moon
20 juli 2016 · 25 min
SpaceX had a great night launching the CRS-9 mission, and it’s all good signs for their future. The Senate hearing, as I predicted, was focused on maintaining the status quo. US and Russian engineers and scientists have some ideas on the future of international space policy. Lees meer
Good Signs from SpaceX’s CRS-9 Success - Main Engine Cut Off
Post-Launch Status of SpaceX Resupply Mission to the ISS - YouTube
Elon Musk’s Post-Landing Tweet
Senate committee seeks stability for NASA programs in next administration - SpaceNews.com
Senate Committee Seeks Stability for NASA Programs in Next Administration - Main Engine Cut Off
U.S. and Russian Scientists Are Making Plans to Go Back to the Moon Together
US and Russia: Back to the Moon Together? - Main Engine Cut Off
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T+12: The Competition of Reusability Between Falcon 9, Vulcan, and Ariane 6
13 juli 2016 · 23 min
Ted Cruz called a hearing on NASA’s space exploration policy in the next president’s administration. The president of France’s CNES discussed some policy statements, and I went on a rant about his thoughts on Ariane 6 and its competition. Lees meer
Cruz Calls Hearing on Future of Space Under New Administration - Main Engine Cut Off
Cruz Calls Hearing on Future of Space Under New Administration - Press Releases - U.S. Senate Committee On Commerce, Science, & Transportation
U.S. Senate Committee On Commerce, Science, & Transportation
France’s CNES Backs Space Station, Hedges Bets on Reusable Rockets - Main Engine Cut Off
France’s CNES backs space station, hedges bets on reusable rockets - SpaceNews.com
Meet Adeline, Airbus’ Answer To SpaceX Reusability - SpaceNews.com
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T+11: SpaceX’s LZ-1 Expansion, Dream Chaser’s UN Ambitions, China and ESA’s Growing Relationship
6 juli 2016 · 25 min
SpaceX printed a public notice in Florida Today on July 3rd outlining plans for LZ-1 expansion. Sierra Nevada Corporation and the United Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding future use of Dream Chaser by UN member countries. China solidified partnerships with The Netherlands and Poland, continuing the growth of the China-ESA relationship. Lees meer
Public Notice of SpaceX’s LZ-1 Expansion Plans - Main Engine Cut Off
Sierra Nevada Corporation Enters Talks with the Un... | Sierra Nevada Corporation | SNC
SNC works with U.N. on global space program
Dutch radio antenna to depart for the moon on Chinese mission
Poland signs space partnership deal with China, eyes increased industry cooperation - SpaceNews.com
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T+10: Logan Kamperschroer on the Current State and Near Future of Storable Propellants
29 juni 2016 · 28 min
This week I talked to Logan Kamperschroer, a Graduate Research Assistant at the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University. Logan’s research focuses on hypergolic rocket fuels—specifically the push to move away from the toxic storable propellants (hydrazine and its derivatives) to “greener” alternatives. We talked about the current state of storable propellants, and where things are going in the near future. Lees meer
Logan Kamperschroer
Hypergolic Propellants Laboratory | Home
SpaceX Pad Abort Test - YouTube
LMP-103S: New Process for Production of High Purity ADN (PDF)
AF-M315E: GPIM AF-M315E Propulsion System
Sigma-Aldrich
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T+9: ExoMars 2016 and 2020, Chinese Partnerships and Policy
22 juni 2016 · 18 min
The ExoMars 2020 rover received a funding boost and a reassessed schedule, the 2016 orbiter/lander set its sights on Mars, NASA and ESA coordinated a practice communication session, and China opens up to the international space community. Lees meer
European Space Agency still backing Mars rover project - BBC News
Mars Express chats with Curiosity: Practice makes perfect | Mars Express
ESA - Robotic Exploration of Mars: ExoMars sets sights on the Red Planet
China prepares assembly of its space station, invites collaboration through U.N. - SpaceNews.com
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T+8: Masten’s Xodiac and XaeroB, Blue Origin’s Next Flight of New Shepard
15 juni 2016 · 13 min
Masten Space Systems released a video of test flights of their two latest vehicles. Blue Origin was awarded a NASA Flight Opportunities contract, is planning the 4th flight of New Shepard, and began clearing land for their factory just outside Kennedy Space Center. Lees meer
Introducing Xodiac and XaeroB | Masten Space Systems
Xeus | Masten Space Systems
Lunar CATALYST | NASA
NASA SBIR & STTR Program Homepage
Blue Origin joins NASA’s suborbital research flight program - SpaceNews.com
Jeff Bezos on Twitter: “Trying for 4th flight of same hardware this Friday. Live webcast at https://www.blueorigin.com #GradatimFerociter”
Jeff Bezos on Twitter: ”Flight to test one-chute-out failure scenario & push envelope on booster maneuvers #GradatimFerociter”
Blue Origin clearing land for massive rocket factory
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T+7: Bezos and Musk at Code Conference, and a Hard Look at Vulcan’s Economics
8 juni 2016 · 25 min
Some interesting tidbits emerged from interviews with Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk at Code Conference. And a hard look at the economics of United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan. Lees meer
Jeff Bezos | Full interview | Code Conference 2016
Elon Musk | Full interview | Code Conference 2016
Vulcan Centaur and Vulcan ACES - United Launch Alliance
ULA needs commercial customers to close Vulcan rocket business case – Spaceflight Now
Orbital ATK beats out Aerojet in ULA booster selection – Spaceflight Now
Re-engined Antares rocket completes ground test firing – Spaceflight Now
Williams enters BEAM for expandable module milestone | NASASpaceFlight.com
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T+6: Orbital ATK’s Next-Gen Vehicle, Falcon 9 Proving Its Reusability, and ULA’s Tough Future
1 juni 2016 · 16 min
Orbital ATK shared some more details about their next-generation launch vehicle, SpaceX is working out their certification process for reflown stages, and how these events affect the industry and other competitors in the near future. Lees meer
Details of Orbital ATK’s proposed heavy launcher revealed – Spaceflight Now
SpaceX to brief underwriters on the road to Falcon 9 reusability - SpaceNews.com
First Stage: The Air Force looks at reusability | SpaceNews Magazine
SpaceX on Twitter: “Yesterday, our next rocket moved into the launch site at Cape Canaveral, FL”
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T+5: Space Stations Around the Moon and Mars, ExoMars 2016, and China’s Momentum in Space
25 mei 2016 · 17 min
Orbital ATK and Lockheed Martin unveiled proposals for space stations around the Moon by 2020, and Mars by 2028. ExoMars 2016 completed a functionality analysis test ahead of its October arrival at Mars. China revealed plans for its third space station, and is set to launch a new rocket, with a new spacecraft, from a new launch site in June. Lees meer
Orbital ATK Advocates Cislunar Outpost as America's Next Step in Human Space Exploration | Orbital ATK News Room
Mars Base Camp · Lockheed Martin
Orbital ATK unveils cislunar habitat plan, potential missions for SLS and Orion | NASASpaceFlight.com
Lockheed Martin outlines plan to send humans to Mars orbit by 2028 - SpaceFlight Insider
Thales Alenia Space-built ExoMars spacecraft completes functionality analysis. All is nominal on board | Thales Group
China reveals design for planned Tiangong 3 space station - SpaceFlight Insider
China to debut new rocket and spaceport next month – Spaceflight Now
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T+4: Boeing’s CST-100, SpaceX’s Dragon 2, and a Scorched Falcon 9
18 mei 2016 · 14 min
Boeing announced a 6 month delay in the schedule for their CST-100 crew vehicle. SpaceX’s Dragon 2 is in the lead to be the first Commercial Crew vehicle to fly. The most recently-returned Falcon 9 took a ton of damage on its way back to the drone ship and won’t fly again, but will provide a ton of data for SpaceX to use to make improvements to future Falcon 9 stages. Lees meer
Boeing delays first crewed CST-100 flight to 2018 - SpaceNews.com
Starliner’s first complete hull mated at Kennedy; crew launch delayed to 2018 | NASASpaceFlight.com
Elon Musk on Twitter: “Most recent rocket took max damage, due to v high entry velocity. Will be our life leader for ground tests to confirm others are good.”
Elon Musk on Twitter: “@bittdk Better. Not there yet, but a solution is likely.”
Landed SpaceX rocket suffered ‘max’ damage - Florida Today
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T+3: Falcon 9 GTO Mission Drone Ship Landing, Orbital ATK’s Current and Future Launch Vehicles
11 mei 2016 · 12 min
SpaceX landed another Falcon 9 first stage on their drone ship—this time on a GTO launch, which is a major milestone on their way to full reusability and Falcon Heavy flights. Orbital ATK’s Antares launch vehicle is set for an early July return to flight, and they’re in the planning stages of a new heavy-launch vehicle. Lees meer
Falcon 9 launches with JCSAT-14 – lands another stage | NASASpaceFlight.com
SpaceX undecided on payload for first Falcon Heavy flight – Spaceflight Now
Antares Fact Sheet
Key return to flight milestone looms for Antares rocket – Spaceflight Now
Orbital ATK eye VAB and MLP for potential EELV-class rocket | NASASpaceFlight.com
Jeff Foust on Twitter: “Dave Thompson: Orbital ATK starting work on a “modular” large launch vehicle; Air Force contract earlier this year covers initial work.”
Jeff Foust on Twitter: “Thompson: decision in the first half of next year on whether to proceed; overall program would take about four years.”
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T+2: SpaceX’s Red Dragon, Falcon Performance, and the Political Fallout of OA-6
4 mei 2016 · 14 min
SpaceX officially announced their first Red Dragon mission to Mars, which will pave the way for future missions. They also posted new performance metrics for Falcon 9 and Heavy, which position the launch vehicles very differently in the market. And a brief discussion of the potential political fallout over the OA-6 launch anomaly. Lees meer
By the Numbers: How close Atlas V came to Failure in this Week’s Cygnus Launch – Cygnus OA-6 | Spaceflight101
OA-6: Atlas V booster shortcomings due to MRCV anomaly | NASASpaceFlight.com
Mixture ratio valve the culprit in Atlas 5 anomaly, next launch this summer – Spaceflight Now
HASC doubles Air Force allotment of RD-180 engines, focuses funding on building its replacement - SpaceNews.com
Capabilities & Services | SpaceX
SpaceX's new price chart illustrates performance cost of reusability - SpaceNews.com
SpaceX plans to debut Red Dragon with 2018 Mars mission | NASASpaceFlight.com
Can SpaceX really land on Mars? Absolutely, says an engineer who would know | Ars Technica
NASA Talk - Mars Entry, Descent and Landing with Humans
Space Act Agreement SAA-QA-14-18883
Space Act Agreement SAA-QA-14-18883, Amendment 1
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T+1: The Near Future of NASA’s Orion and SLS Programs
27 april 2016 · 12 min
An analysis of NASA’s human spaceflight programs, Orion and the Space Launch System. How we got here, where we’re going, and how things could shake out with an eventful November in US politics coming up. Lees meer
Space Launch System
Orion
Space Station Freedom
Vision for Space Exploration
Constellation Program
Ares I-X
KSC meeting portrays SLS as scrambling for a manifest plan
NASA facilities, teams ramp up SLS flight production for 2018 maiden flight
NASA moves to enforce early switch to EUS for SLS
NASA examines options and flight paths for SLS EM-2 mission
Europe Aiming for International 'Moon Village'
Attempt no landing there? Yeah right—we’re going to Europa
Elon Musk Says SpaceX ‘City on Mars’ Will Be Announced in Guadalajara, Mexico
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T-0: The Near Future of US-Based Competitors
20 april 2016 · 18 min
An analysis of the intricate dance between United Launch Alliance, SpaceX, and Blue Origin as we enter the next era of spaceflight. Lees meer
Launch Mega-Session at the 32nd Annual Space Symposium (Photo)
ULA and SpaceX see the future of space launching very differently
By the Numbers: How close Atlas V came to Failure in this Week’s Cygnus Launch
Lockheed-Boeing rocket venture needs commercial orders to survive
55 years after Gagarin, ULA & Bigelow present commercial space stations
United Launch Alliance’s CEO weighs Blue Origin’s chances in multibillion-dollar rocket engine race
Tweet from Jeff Foust — Bruno’s take on commercial market risk mitigation
Tweet from Jeff Foust — Shotwell on SpaceX’s launch frequency
Tweet from Jeff Foust — Meyerson on BE-4 testing
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