Space Quote: Turning the ISS into Very Expensive Space Junk

Posted on by onespaceman2000

“Selecting a U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for the International Space Station will help NASA and its international partners ensure a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit at the end of station operations. This decision also supports NASA’s plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth…The orbital laboratory remains a blueprint for science, exploration, and partnerships in space for the benefit of all.”

–Statement by Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, regarding NASA announcement that SpaceX has been selected to develop and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle under a contract worth $843 million. This expensive Deorbit Vehicle should help to avoid problems on the ground as well as orbiting debris impacting space missions, as was the case on the International Space Station (ISS) a few days ago. The ISS is expected to continue operation until 2030.

Television: PBS Documentary on Space Travel

Posted on by onespaceman2000
Credit: Greenwich Entertainment)

If you are looking for a television show on the hazards of space travel, PBS has created a worthwhile documentary titled Space: The Longest Goodbye. It is playing on your local PBS station as well as online.

Here is a little more about the series:

NASA’s goal to send astronauts to Mars would require a three-year absence from Earth, during which communication in real time would be impossible due to the immense distance. Meet the psychologists whose job is to keep astronauts mentally stable in outer space, as they are caught between their dream of reaching new frontiers and the basic human need to stay connected to home.

The series covers various attempts to understand the human mind when constrained to a small place, be it a rocket, a space station, or a planetary/moon base.

The PBS website also has more information on the series as well as comments from the participants. For example, the story “How Science Fiction Confronts the Real Isolation of Space” touches on our favorite movies and television shows to see what they say on the issue, from Black Mirror and For All Mankind to 2001: A Space Odyssey and Alien.

We still have a lot to learn about the human mind before we go any real distance into space or simply sit in place on the Moon or Mars. We may find that equipment challenges are the easiest challenges to resolve in future Artemis missions.

Space Quote: The Starliner Delayed Return Continues

Posted on by onespaceman2000
Image (Credit): The Boeing Starliner approaching the International Space Station. (NASA)

“We are strategically using the extra time to clear a path for some critical station activities while completing readiness for Butch and Suni’s return on Starliner, and gaining valuable insight into the system upgrades we will want to make for post-certification missions.”

–Statement by Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, regarding delays in the return of Boeing’s Starliner capsule. The language is becoming as flowery as SpaceX’s language when something goes wrong. NASA has already nixed the June 26 return date and has yet to provide a new date.

When Will the Boeing Astronauts Return?

Posted on by onespaceman2000
Image (Credit): Boeing’s Starliner approaching the ISS. (Samantha Cristoforetti/European Space Agency)

The return of the two astronauts from the earlier Starliner mission has been bumped a few times now, with the latest return scheduled for this Saturday (June 22).

The Boeing Starliner arrived at the International Space Station with thruster problems, and then encountered further helium leaks after that, so the need for additional time to study the issue makes some sense. NASA will address the status of the mission requirements and weather conditions at a press conference tomorrow (June 18).

It took long enough to get the two astronauts to the ISS after many delays, so maybe should not surprise anyone that we have a few delays on the return.

Boeing needs good press these days, so a quick and simple mission would have been nice. Yet this would be a bad time to throw caution into the wind when they are so close to the finish line.

Space Quote: Starliner a Money Pit for Boeing?

Posted on by onespaceman2000
Image (Credit): ISS view of the approaching Boeing Starliner last Thursday. (NASA)

“The Boeing Starliner is contracted to fly just six crewed missions to the International Space Station compared to 14 for the SpaceX Crew Dragon. If Boeing has any hope of earning back a return on its investment, it has to sell commercial flights of the Starliner, just as SpaceX has the Crew Dragon.”

–Editorial by Mark R. Whittington in The Hill, highlighting the issues associated with delays in getting the Boeing Spaceplane into orbit. Does this mean more tourists heading for the International Space Station (ISS)? Mr. Whittington points out the advantages of the Starliner, even if Boeing may lose some money, stating, “As good as SpaceX and its Crew Dragon are, a monopoly is never a good idea.”