Episodes

  • NASA's Space Sustainability Strategy and Climate Plan: Charting a Sustainable Future in Space

    NASA's Space Sustainability Strategy and Climate Plan: Charting a Sustainable Future in Space
    Dec 11 2024
    Welcome to this week's NASA news update. The most significant headline from the department is the unveiling of NASA's integrated Space Sustainability Strategy, a crucial step in ensuring the long-term sustainability of space exploration and development[2].

    This strategy is part of NASA's broader efforts to address the challenges of space sustainability, including the growing issue of orbital debris and the need for more efficient use of space resources. The strategy outlines NASA's plans to reduce its environmental impact, promote sustainable practices, and collaborate with international partners to address global space sustainability challenges.

    In other news, NASA's fiscal year 2024 budget has been finalized at $24.875 billion, a 2% cut from the previous year. This budget includes significant funding for the Artemis lunar exploration program, Mars Sample Return, and Earth Science initiatives[1]. However, the Mars Sample Return project faced significant cuts, with its funding reduced to $300 million, although NASA has the authority to spend up to $949 million if necessary.

    Additionally, NASA has released its Climate Adaptation Plan, which outlines the agency's strategy for addressing the impacts of climate change on its operations and infrastructure[3]. The plan includes measures to reduce NASA's carbon footprint, invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, and promote climate adaptation and resilience across the agency.

    These developments have significant impacts on American citizens, businesses, and state and local governments. For example, the Artemis program is expected to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth in the space industry. The Climate Adaptation Plan will help NASA reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable practices, which will benefit communities across the country.

    As NASA Administrator Bill Nelson noted, "NASA is committed to being a leader in space sustainability and addressing the challenges of climate change. Our new Space Sustainability Strategy and Climate Adaptation Plan are critical steps in achieving these goals."

    Looking ahead, NASA has several upcoming events and deadlines, including the launch of the Near-Earth Object Surveyor mission in 2028 and the continued development of the Artemis program. Citizens can engage with NASA by following its news releases and social media channels, and by participating in public outreach and education initiatives.

    For more information on NASA's latest news and developments, visit the NASA website at nasa.gov. Thank you for tuning in to this week's update.
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    3 mins
  • Preserving Space for Future Generations NASA's Integrated Sustainability Strategy

    Preserving Space for Future Generations NASA's Integrated Sustainability Strategy
    Dec 9 2024
    Welcome to this week's NASA news update. The most significant headline from the department is the unveiling of NASA's integrated Space Sustainability Strategy, a crucial step towards ensuring the long-term preservation of space for future generations.

    NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Space is becoming increasingly congested – it's time to act if we want to preserve essential parts of space for our children and grandchildren. NASA is committed to allocating resources effectively to support sustainable practices for ourselves and for all."

    This strategy focuses on global leadership in space sustainability, equitable access to space, and enhancing sustainability through NASA's missions and operations. It addresses the challenges posed by the proliferation of low Earth orbit satellite activity and plans for satellite constellations, autonomous spacecraft, and commercial space destinations.

    In other news, NASA's fiscal year 2024 budget has been finalized at $24.875 billion, a 2% cut relative to 2023. Despite this reduction, the budget supports key initiatives such as the Artemis lunar exploration program, Mars Sample Return, and Earth Science projects. The Mars Sample Return project, in particular, received a significant funding allocation of $949 million, though it faces challenges and potential cost increases beyond the current budget.

    Looking ahead, NASA has selected four proposals for concept studies of missions to advance our understanding of Earth science and climate change. These proposals will help prepare for the challenges of a changing climate and its consequences for humans and the environment.

    For American citizens, these developments underscore NASA's commitment to sustainable space operations and its role in addressing global challenges. Businesses and organizations in the space industry will need to adapt to new sustainability standards and regulations. State and local governments can benefit from NASA's research and technological advancements in areas such as climate change and environmental monitoring.

    Internationally, NASA's leadership in space sustainability sets a precedent for global cooperation and responsible space practices. As Pam Melroy noted, "Understanding the risks and advantages associated with this expansion is essential for space sustainability."

    To stay updated on NASA's latest news and developments, visit nasa.gov. For more information on the Space Sustainability Strategy, go to nasa.gov/spacesustainability. And to engage with NASA's ongoing initiatives, follow their social media channels and participate in public forums.

    Next steps to watch include the release of additional volumes of the Space Sustainability Strategy, addressing sustainability in cislunar space and deep space. Citizens can also look forward to updates on NASA's Artemis program and its progress towards returning humans to the Moon.

    Thank you for tuning in to this week's NASA news update. Stay curious and keep exploring.
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    4 mins
  • NASA's Latest: SpaceX Dragonfly, Grant Updates, and Student Missions to Space

    NASA's Latest: SpaceX Dragonfly, Grant Updates, and Student Missions to Space
    Dec 6 2024
    Welcome to our podcast on the latest news and developments from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA. This week, we're starting with a significant headline: NASA has selected SpaceX to provide launch services for the Dragonfly mission, a rotorcraft lander mission under NASA's New Frontiers Program, designed to explore Saturn's moon Titan[1].

    This mission is part of NASA's ongoing efforts to explore our solar system and understand the composition and geology of distant moons. The Dragonfly mission will sample materials and determine surface composition in different geologic settings, providing valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system.

    In other news, NASA has announced changes to its grant policies, effective October 1, 2024. These changes include updated biographical sketch and current and pending support policies that implement disclosure requirements in National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 and section 10631 of the CHIPS and Science Act[2]. These changes will apply to new awards and funded amendments issued on or after October 1, 2024, and are aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in NASA's grant processes.

    NASA has also launched a new initiative to support student missions to space through its CubeSat Launch Initiative, or CSLI. This program provides opportunities for U.S. educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and informal educational institutions to build and launch small satellites, known as CubeSats, on upcoming NASA launches[3]. The CSLI is managed by NASA's Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and has selected CubeSat missions from 45 states, Washington, and Puerto Rico, launching about 160 CubeSats since the program's inception.

    In terms of leadership changes, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has announced that Richard Gilbrech, the director of the Stennis Space Center, will retire on January 13, 2024. John Bailey, the deputy director, will serve as acting center director until a permanent successor is identified[4].

    Finally, NASA's budget for fiscal year 2024 has been a topic of discussion, with the Senate proposal directing NASA to spend at least $300 million on the Mars Sample Return mission, while also stating that if NASA cannot constrain the mission's lifecycle cost to $5.3 billion, then "NASA is directed to either provide options to de-scope or rework MSR or face mission cancellation"[5].

    These developments have significant impacts on American citizens, businesses, and organizations, as well as state and local governments. For example, the Dragonfly mission will provide valuable scientific insights that can benefit the broader scientific community, while the CSLI program will help to develop the next generation of space professionals.

    As NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, "Please join me in welcoming new leadership across NASA, who will continue leading our agency to unparalleled success."

    For more information on these developments, please visit NASA's website at nasa.gov. And if you're interested in learning more about NASA's grant policies or the CSLI program, please check out the resources available on NASA's website.

    That's all for today's podcast. Thank you for tuning in, and we'll see you next time.
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    4 mins
  • Dragonfly Mission, Artemis Updates, and a Closer Look at NASA's 2024 Agenda

    Dragonfly Mission, Artemis Updates, and a Closer Look at NASA's 2024 Agenda
    Dec 4 2024
    Welcome to this week's NASA update. We're starting with a significant headline: NASA has selected SpaceX to provide launch services for the Dragonfly mission, a rotorcraft lander mission under NASA's New Frontiers Program, designed to explore Saturn's moon Titan[1].

    This mission is part of NASA's broader efforts to advance science and discovery. The Dragonfly mission will sample materials and determine surface composition in different geologic settings on Titan, providing valuable insights into the moon's environment.

    In other news, NASA is preparing for sustained exploration of the lunar surface with the Artemis campaign. A six-day launch window opens no earlier than mid-January 2025 for the first delivery to the Moon through NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative[1].

    Additionally, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced the appointment of Clayton P. Turner as the associate administrator of the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) at the agency's headquarters in Washington. This appointment is effective immediately and reflects NASA's commitment to leadership and organizational excellence[1].

    On the international front, NASA and its partners are set to receive scientific research samples and hardware as a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft departs the International Space Station on Thursday, Dec. 5, for its return to Earth. This collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in space exploration[1].

    In terms of public engagement, NASA has unveiled a suite of new Artemis backgrounds to elevate digital workspaces, offering a glimpse into the agency's ambitious projects[5].

    Looking ahead, NASA has a packed schedule for 2024, including landing science on the Moon, demonstrating quiet supersonic aircraft, and launching two new Earth climate satellites, plus a mission to Europa, one of Jupiter's icy moons[3].

    For those interested in skywatching, December 2024 offers dazzling views of Venus as the "Evening Star," Jupiter at its brightest during opposition, and the Geminid meteor shower peaking under challenging moonlight conditions[4].

    Finally, NASA has been closely monitoring a massive asteroid, 447755 (2007 JX2), which passed by Earth on December 3, 2024. While it posed no threat, this event highlights NASA's ongoing efforts to protect Earth from potential space threats[2].

    To stay updated on NASA's latest news and developments, visit nasa.gov. For more information on the Dragonfly mission and other projects, check out the resources available on NASA's website. Thank you for tuning in, and we'll see you next time.
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    3 mins
  • Artemis Decisions Loom, VIPER Scuttled, Cargo Landers Assigned: A Look at NASA's Latest Developments

    Artemis Decisions Loom, VIPER Scuttled, Cargo Landers Assigned: A Look at NASA's Latest Developments
    Dec 2 2024
    Welcome to this week's update on NASA's latest news and developments. The most significant headline this week revolves around the agency's plans for the Artemis program, particularly the upcoming decisions on the Orion heat shield and the stacking of the Artemis II vehicle.

    As we head into the final month of 2024, NASA is gearing up for crucial decisions that will shape the future of the Artemis program. The agency is expected to make a decision on the Orion heat shield before the end of the year, which could significantly impact the Artemis II launch schedule, currently slated for September 2025[1]. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to stand up the Artemis II SLS Core Stage for some offline work, indicating that despite the uncertainties, progress is being made.

    On another front, NASA has provided more details to Congress about its decision to cancel the VIPER robotic lunar rover mission. The agency emphasized that the cancellation was due to budget constraints and the need to prioritize other missions. However, the decision has raised questions about how the data VIPER was intended to collect will be obtained, and NASA has invited non-NASA entities to respond to a Request for Information on how to get VIPER to the Moon without additional NASA funding[3].

    In terms of partnerships, NASA has announced plans to assign missions for two future Artemis cargo landers to SpaceX and Blue Origin. These missions will deliver large pieces of equipment and infrastructure to the lunar surface, marking a significant step forward in the Artemis campaign to advance science and discovery on the Moon[5].

    Looking ahead, the week of December 1-7 is packed with space policy events, including the launch of ESA's Proba-3 and Sentinel-1C missions, and a NASA SMD Virtual Town Hall on "No Due Date" programs[2].

    These developments have significant impacts on American citizens, businesses, and international relations. The Artemis program, for instance, is a collaborative effort with international and industry partners aimed at sustained exploration of the lunar surface. The success of this program could pave the way for future exploration of Mars and beyond.

    As Lisa Watson-Morgan, program manager for the Human Landing System at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, noted, "Having two lunar lander providers with different approaches for crew and cargo landing capability provides mission flexibility while ensuring a regular cadence of Moon landings for continued discovery and scientific opportunity."

    For those interested in staying updated on NASA's latest news and developments, we recommend checking out the agency's official website and following space policy events. The public can also engage by attending virtual town halls and providing input on future missions.

    Next steps to watch include the upcoming decisions on the Orion heat shield and the assignment of missions for the Artemis cargo landers. For more information, visit NASA's official website and stay tuned for future updates. Thank you for joining us this week.
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    4 mins
  • Artemis Mission Progress: SLS Stacking, Lunar Landing Sites, and International Collaborations

    Artemis Mission Progress: SLS Stacking, Lunar Landing Sites, and International Collaborations
    Nov 29 2024
    Welcome to this week's NASA update. The most significant headline this week is the progress made in the Artemis program, with the successful stacking of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for the Artemis II mission. This mission, scheduled for September 2025, will send four astronauts on a lunar flyby, testing NASA's deep space exploration capabilities[2].

    In other developments, NASA Stennis Space Center achieved a key milestone in preparing for future Artemis testing by installing a massive interstage simulator component for the new SLS rocket stage. This component, weighing 103 tons, will be used to test the exploration upper stage, which is powered by four engines and provides over 97,000 pounds of thrust[1].

    NASA has also identified nine potential landing sites near the lunar South Pole for the Artemis III mission, scheduled for 2026. These sites were selected based on scientific value, terrain safety, and accessibility. The lunar South Pole is of particular interest due to the presence of water ice, essential for sustaining future lunar bases[2].

    In collaboration with commercial partners, NASA plans to utilize cargo landers developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin for its Artemis missions. SpaceX's Starship cargo lander is slated to deliver a pressurized rover to the lunar surface by 2032, while Blue Origin will transport a lunar habitat by 2033[2].

    However, the SLS rocket is facing fresh calls for cancellation due to cost and delays. Critics argue that commercial rockets like SpaceX's Starship could be more efficient and cost-effective. Despite this, NASA maintains that SLS is necessary for its lunar transportation requirements[4].

    The Artemis program's progress has significant impacts on American citizens, businesses, and international relations. It not only inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers but also lays the groundwork for future missions to Mars and beyond.

    As NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated, "We welcome Denmark's signing of the Artemis Accords today," highlighting the international collaboration and commitment to responsible space exploration[3].

    For those interested in learning more, NASA offers various resources, including the Artemis program website and regular news releases. The public can also engage by participating in events like the NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, where NASA representatives shared the latest developments in space exploration[1].

    Next steps to watch include the Artemis II launch in September 2025 and the Artemis III lunar landing in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates on NASA's journey to the Moon and beyond. For more information, visit NASA's official website. Thank you for tuning in.
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    3 mins
  • NASA's Artemis Program Reaches New Milestones Towards Lunar Exploration and Beyond

    NASA's Artemis Program Reaches New Milestones Towards Lunar Exploration and Beyond
    Nov 27 2024
    Welcome to this week's NASA update. The most significant headline from the department is the progress made in the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and lay the groundwork for future missions to Mars. As of November 2024, NASA has successfully stacked the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for the Artemis II mission, marking a pivotal step in assembling the rocket that will carry astronauts on a lunar flyby mission[1].

    This development is part of NASA's broader efforts to reestablish human presence on the Moon. The Artemis III mission, scheduled for 2026, has identified nine potential landing sites near the lunar South Pole, selected based on scientific value, terrain safety, and accessibility. These sites are of particular interest due to the presence of water ice, essential for sustaining future lunar bases[1].

    In addition to these mission preparations, NASA has announced collaborations with commercial partners SpaceX and Blue Origin to utilize cargo landers for its Artemis missions. SpaceX’s Starship cargo lander is slated to deliver a pressurized rover to the lunar surface by 2032, while Blue Origin will transport a lunar habitat by 2033. These partnerships aim to enhance mission flexibility and support sustained lunar exploration[1].

    On the international front, NASA has welcomed Denmark as the 48th nation to commit to the safe and responsible exploration of space by signing the Artemis Accords. This commitment underscores the global cooperation necessary for advancing space exploration[2].

    Looking ahead, the Artemis II mission is scheduled for September 2025, followed by the Artemis III lunar landing no earlier than September 2026. These missions are crucial steps toward establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon and preparing for future missions to Mars[1].

    For those interested in staying updated on NASA's progress, you can visit NASA's official website for the latest news releases and mission updates. The public can also engage with NASA through various initiatives, such as the Power to Explore Student Challenge, which encourages students to participate in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM) activities[2].

    In conclusion, NASA's Artemis program continues to make significant strides toward returning humans to the Moon. With upcoming missions and collaborations with commercial partners, the agency is paving the way for sustained lunar exploration and future missions to Mars. Stay tuned for more updates and consider engaging with NASA's initiatives to be part of this exciting journey.
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    3 mins
  • Artemis Cargo Missions and Space Weather: NASA's Latest Advancements for Lunar Exploration and Beyond

    Artemis Cargo Missions and Space Weather: NASA's Latest Advancements for Lunar Exploration and Beyond
    Nov 22 2024
    Welcome to this week's NASA update. We're starting with the most significant headline: NASA is advancing its plans for sustained lunar exploration with the Artemis program. The agency has announced plans for at least two major cargo delivery missions using Artemis Cargo Landers to transport large pieces of equipment and infrastructure to the Moon's surface[1].

    These missions will leverage the capabilities of industry partners Blue Origin and SpaceX, who are developing cargo versions of their crewed human landing systems. SpaceX's Starship cargo lander is expected to deliver a pressurized rover developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) no earlier than fiscal year 2032, while Blue Origin's cargo lander will deliver a lunar surface habitat no earlier than fiscal year 2033.

    Stephen D. Creech, assistant deputy associate administrator for technical, moon to Mars Programme Office, emphasizes the collaborative nature of the Artemis campaign. "Having two lunar lander providers with different approaches for crew and cargo landing capability provides mission flexibility while ensuring a regular cadence of Moon landings for continued discovery and scientific opportunity," he notes.

    This development not only marks a significant step towards establishing a sustained presence on the Moon but also lays the groundwork for future exploration and human missions to Mars. The Artemis program is a cornerstone of NASA's Human Landing System Programme, aiming to explore more of the Moon than ever before.

    In other news, NASA has selected Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio to build three coronagraphs for the Lagrange 1 Series project, part of NOAA's Space Weather Next program. This project will help improve our understanding of space weather and its impacts on Earth.

    Additionally, researchers have made significant advancements in bioprinting technology, demonstrating the function of a handheld bioprinter that could provide a simple and effective way to treat wounds in space using human skin cells. This technology could be crucial for future long-duration space missions.

    Looking ahead, NASA's Johnson Space Center is seeking proposals for the use of its historic Vibration and Acoustic Test Facility, offering a unique opportunity for private sector collaboration.

    For more information on these developments and to stay updated on NASA's latest news, visit nasa.gov. And if you're interested in learning more about the Artemis program and its impacts on space exploration, tune in to our next episode where we'll delve deeper into the details.

    That's all for this week. Thank you for joining us on this journey through NASA's latest news and developments. Until next time, keep looking up.
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    3 mins