Travel to the ISS May be Limited to the Russians

Posted on by onespaceman2000
Image (Credit): A Russian Soyuz spacecraft outside the ISS. (NASA)

Well, the U.S. now has one space company with its manned spacecraft stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) while a second space company responsible for manned flights to the ISS has been grounded following a rocket mishap.

That’s right, while the Boeing Starliner awaits word on when it can return to Earth after it maiden flight, SpaceX just suffered a Falcon 9 rocket launch failure related to its Starlink program.

So where does this leave the ISS? Dependent on the Russians for manned flights to the ISS until the SpaceX problem can be investigated. Of course, SpaceX was also one solution for returning the Boeing crew to Earth if the Starliner problem could not be timely resolved. So much for that at the moment.

Both the Boeing and SpaceX issues could be resolved in the next few weeks, but this shows how quickly the situation can change on the ground and in space. While the Russians have certainly had their own issues with the Soyuz spacecraft as well, at least the men and women on the station have one option available to them.

Let’s hope Boeing gets its act together and the SpaceX mishap can be resolved quickly.

Podcast: Alan Alda Interviews Astronaut Cady Coleman

Posted on by onespaceman2000

If you missed it, check out Alan Alda’s podcast Clear & Vivid for his recent interview with NASA astronaut Cady Coleman.

It’s a thoughtful interview as only Mr. Alda can do it. Ms. Coleman discusses her experiences on the International Space Station (ISS), which she calls a “floating palace.” Ms. Coleman has been part of three space missions, including two space shuttle missions as well as a stay on the ISS.

Ms. Coleman discusses funny episodes in her career, such as losing control of bbq sauce in zero gravity, as well as her overall feeling that the ISS represents something positive for all of humanity, regardless of the crazy movie plots where the astronauts and cosmonauts are at each other’s throats. She pointed out that the ISS was nominated for a Nobel peace prize back in 2014, which she thought was an appropriate gesture.

Overall, its a good conversation that may give you more insight into how one lives in space in such tight quarters.

Listen in if you get a chance.

Pic of the Week: Happy Fourth of July!

Posted on by onespaceman2000
Image (Credit): Six U.S. astronauts currently aboard the ISS. From left to right they are Jeanette Epps, Tracy Dyson, Butch Wilmore, Mick Barratt, Suni Williams, and Matt Dominick. The are holding copies of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. (NASA)

This week’s image comes from the International Space Station (ISS) where the U.S. astronauts have a message for all of us regarding the Fourth of July. You can watch the entire video here and hear a message from each of the astronauts – Mike Barratt, Matt Dominick, Tracy Caldwell Dyson, Jeanette Epps, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore.

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.