GOCE Earth Explorer Satellite To Look At The Earth's Surface And Core Aug 26, 2008
(June 7, 2004) Swarm, an Earth Explorer Opportunity Mission, is a constellation of satellites which will study the Earth s magnetic. (Sep. (Science Daily)
Photo shows stars are born in huge cosmic wombs Aug 26, 2008
This result came into sparkling view with new images by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope of a star-forming region called W5, which appears to span an area of the sky equal to four full moons and is located about 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Cassiopeia. A light-year is the distance light will travel in a year, or about 6 trillion miles (10 trillion kilometers). (USA Today -- Tech)
The Night Sky for September 2008 Aug 25, 2008
This constellation is a great place to observe star clusters and nebulae because it lies in the direction of the thickest part of the Milky Way. In fact, just above the spout of the teapot lies the center of our galaxy. (Suite101.com)
Generations Of Stars Pose For Family Portrait Aug 25, 2008
W5 spans an area of sky equivalent to four full moons and is about 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Cassiopeia. The Spitzer picture was taken over a period of 24 hours. (Science Daily)
9 more missions Aug 25, 2008
The Constellation program, consisting of the Ares launch vehicle and Orion crew capsule, might at first appear to be a step back to earlier days of our space program ... For more information about the Constellation program, see NASA's website (www ... gov/ mission--pages/constellation/ main). (NJ.com -- Times)
Don't miss the trio of planets at sunset Aug 23, 2008
And located about 10 degrees (roughly the width of your fist held at arm's length) to the upper left of the triangle will be Spica, the brightest star of the constellation Virgo. Venus and Mars will be separated by only 0. (MSNBC -- Technology)
REPORT: 'A Constrained Space Exploration Technology Program: A Review of NASA's Exploration Technology Development Program' Aug 23, 2008
However, the ETDP is operating within significant constraints which limit its ability to successfully accomplish those goals the still dynamic nature of the Constellation Program requirements, the constraints imposed by a limited budget, the aggressive time scale of early technology deliverables, and the desire to fully employ the NASA workforce. Authoring Organizations. (USA Today -- Tech)
Report: More support, testing needed for NASA exploration Aug 23, 2008
Other hurdles include federal budget limitations and shifting requirements of NASA's Constellation program overseeing the development of Orion, Ares I, the new Altair lunar lander and its heavy-lift Ares V rocket ... The NRC report is the second in as many weeks stressing the need for more stable federal funding and requirements for NASA's Constellation program ... An earlier report, released Aug. 11 by the independent Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, stressed that budget limitations and the... (USA Today -- Tech)
Stars in his eyes Aug 22, 2008
He does everything from constellation education, pointing out famous star patterns and galaxies, to laser light shows, set to the smooth sounds of Jimi Hendrix or Led Zeppelin. Its an experience, a way to teach students about space while entertaining them, too. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
> read more Aug 22, 2008
Learn your way around the constellations ... For an easy-to-use constellation guide covering the whole evening sky, use the big monthly foldout map in each issue of , the essential magazine of astronomy. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Oceaneering Announces Intention to Resubmit Constellation Space Suit Contract Proposal Aug 21, 2008
HOUSTON, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Oceaneering International, Inc. (NYSE: ) announced that it intends to submit a revised proposal to NASA for development and production of the Constellation Space Suit System (CSSS) ... Mark Gittleman, Vice-President and General Manager of Oceaneering Space Systems, stated, "While we are disappointed that NASA terminated our contract, we believe in their process and support their decision. We are pleased the GAO has dismissed the protest. We look forward... (PR Newswire)
National Academies advisory: Technology development at NASA Aug 21, 2008
The report also identifies gaps in the current research program and estimates the likelihood that needed technologies will be developed in time for the flight schedules outlined by the agency's Constellation Program. . (EurekAlert!)
Key Advance Toward 'Micro-spacecraft' Aug 20, 2008
Once deployed, micro-spacecraft would fly in constellation, making them nearly impossible to detect or blast out of the sky. With cheaper launch costs and a larger number of tiny satellites in orbit, micro-spacecraft could broaden the scope of satellite communications by opening it up to industries now unable to afford them. (Science Daily)
NASA Engineers Complete Engine Test Series for Ares I Rocket Aug 19, 2008
NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston manages NASA's Constellation Program, which includes development of the Ares I rocket, the Ares V heavy launch vehicle for cargo launcher, the Orion crew capsule, and the Altair lunar lander ... For an image of the workhorse gas generator testing, visit: For information about NASA's Constellation Program, visit. (PR Newswire)
Space odyssey Aug 19, 2008
The space agency had hoped it could narrow the five-year gap but announced earlier this month that because of inadequate funding and technical problems the new Constellation space program would not be ready until 2014 -- a year later than originally projected. Problems may only be exacerbated for NASA if Congress fails to waive an exemption in a law that would prohibit the United States from buying Soyuz seats after 2011. (CNN -- International)
Obama's Space Policy Aug 19, 2008
Constellation's future. The paper, however, did not mention the Constellation program's rocket systems that NASA has spent billions of taxpayer dollars on designing to go to the moon ... In the past, Obama has talked about Constellation, but he may be backing away from it amid reports that the Ares I rocket and Orion capsule are experiencing technical difficulties and schedule problems. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
McCain's Straight Talk Express rolls into BCC Aug 19, 2008
-1) { write('\r\n'); write('+EXPAND'); } else { write('\r\n'); write('+EXPAND'); } write. Tuesday, August 19, 2008. (Florida Today)
Is NASA relying too much on Russia? Aug 19, 2008
The agency had hoped it could narrow this gap by accelerating the initial launch of the craft to 2013 but announced Monday that because of inadequate funding and technical issues, the Constellation space program would not be ready for testing until September 2014. Although the new date is still within the March 2015 absolute deadline, many experts say NASA's reliance upon Russia to take astronauts into space has placed the agency in an unnecessary position. (CNN -- Tech)
BACK TO THE MOON: Obama outlines space plan... Aug 18, 2008
Its retirement will leave NASA without human spaceflight capability until the first elements of the Constellation program are operational, some five years later. This gap between the retirement of the Space Shuttle and the entry into service of its replacement is a serious concern. (The Drudge Report)
Veterans gathering for McCain speech Aug 18, 2008
Commit to funding the NASA Constellation program to ensure it has the resources it needs to begin a new era of human space exploration. Review and explore all options to ensure U.S. access to space by minimizing the gap between the termination of the shuttle and the availability of its replacement vehicle. (Florida Today)
Shooting stars Aug 18, 2008
Members have been aiming their cameras at the sky, capturing striking images of astronomical objects such as the moon, sun, planets, stars, comets, constellations, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies ... In Malaysia during summer, we can see the Southern Cross and Big Dipper (Ursa Major constellation) on the same night ... Most of us know only of the 12 constellations that make up astrology star signs but in reality, there are 88 of these groups of stars which man has connected together to form... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Evolving Obama now supports $2 billion more for NASA Aug 18, 2008
He also said he was hoping "to ensure retention of" thousands of NASA workers in Texas and Florida whose jobs are threatened by a possible five-year gap before the beginning of the Constellation initiative to send astronauts to the moon and Mars ... Obama has not always been a strong supporter of additional money for NASA. Indeed, in December 2007, his campaign Web site declared that he would finance an early childhood education initiative by reducing funding for the Constellation program ...... (Houston Chronicle)
Local leaders to talk space with McCain Aug 17, 2008
McCain recently expanded his space policy, which includes a commitment to funding NASA and to minimizing the gap between the end of the shuttle program in 2010 and the beginning of the Constellation program in 2015 -- a time the United States will depend on the Russians for transport to the International Space Station. Gov. Charlie Crist is scheduled to appear with McCain. (Florida Today)
NASA to Take Corrective Action in Spacesuit Contract Protest Aug 16, 2008
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA has concluded that corrective action is appropriate in the Government Accountability Office bid protest of Exploration Systems ology, Inc. NASA determined that a compliance issue requires the termination of the contract for the Constellation Space Suit System with Oceaneering International, Inc. of Houston for the convenience of the government ... The spacesuit will protect astronauts during Constellation Program voyages to the International... (PR Newswire)
Your views: Letters to the editor Aug 16, 2008
An Aug. 3 column by FLORIDA TODAY editorial page editor John Glisch praised Barack Obama's support for the NASA Constellation program, as he pledged to cut the five-year gap between the retirement of the space shuttle and the launch of the new post-shuttle fleet of spacecraft ... From his own words: "The early education plan will be paid for by delaying the NASA Constellation program for five years ... ". (Florida Today)
Partial Lunar Eclipse On 16th August Aug 16, 2008
During the eclipse the Moon lies in front of the stars of the constellation of Capricornus and to its right will be the planet Jupiter. From the UK, the Moon will be fairly low in the sky throughout the event, so the eclipse promises to be a beautiful sight presenting good opportunities for photographers. (Science Daily)
Connecticut Firm Has Another Chance At Spacesuit Contract Aug 16, 2008
The initial six-year, $184 million contract NASA awarded to Oceaneering for the Constellation Space Suit System called for the company to design, develop, test and make new suits that NASA astronauts would use for traveling to the International Space Station and to begin work on suits to be worn on the moon. Contract options could have brought the value of the deal to $745 million. (FOX61, CT)
Plutos Situation Is As Unstable As Ever Aug 16, 2008
NASA is planning on making the first flight under the Constellation Program as soon as 2015, five years after the space shuttle is set to retire, although initial plans pointed to an earlier date. The U.S. District Court in San Francisco approved on Tuesday an agreement between the U.S. Navy and conservation groups regarding the use of low-frequency sonar for training. (eFluxMedia)
Moon ship's safety plan questioned Aug 14, 2008
The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel cited surprising anxiety among NASA employees about the Constellation moon program and said the project lacks clear direction ... NASA's Constellation program officials defended the safety of the still evolving spaceship design but acknowledged that some NASA employees are unhappy with it ... Because it is so difficult and expensive to send a rocket to the moon and back, designers start with the minimum necessary and then improve it in areas that give the... (Globe and Mail)
NASA drops plan to fly new spaceships by 2013 Aug 13, 2008
The delay will force NASA to renegotiate several contracts with companies developing equipment and providing services under the "Constellation" program, which has the overall goal of landing astronauts on the moon by 2020. Prime contractors include Lockheed Martin Corp, which is developing the Orion spacecraft; and Alliant Techsystems' ATK Launch Systems; The Boeing Co; and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, a United Technologies Corp company, which are working on new rockets. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Maximum Of Perseid Meteor Shower, August 12 -13, 2008 Aug 13, 2008
To the eye, the meteors appear to originate from a radiant in the constellation of Perseus, hence the name Perseid. Although the Perseids peak on the 12th August, the shower can be seen for some time either side of that date and it is worth looking out for them the night before (i. (Science Daily)
NASAs Constellation has a hiccup: First flight delayed to 2014 Aug 13, 2008
TG Daily - NASAs Constellation has a hiccup: First flight delayed to 2014 ... NASAs Constellation has a hiccup: First flight delayed to 2014 ... Washington, D.C. Following the release of the annual report of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP), NASA announced that it is realigning its Constellation program milestones. (TG Daily)
JSC Center Director's Systems Engineering Forum Aug 13, 2008
A successful Constellation Program at NASA will require the application of superb system engineering competencies ... Panelists include: Dennis Mays, director, System Engineering and Integration, Missile Defense Agency; Brian Persons, Engineering director, Naval Sea Systems Command; Michael Gaydar, Chief Systems engineer, Naval Air Systems Command; Brian Muirhead, Program Systems engineer, Constellation Program; Richard Ryan, technical specialist, Chief Engineer's Office, Marshall Space Flight... (NASA Watch)
Intense meteor shower could illuminate Bay Area skies early Jan. 4 Aug 13, 2008
The Quadrantids are named after a constellation called Quadrans Murales that disappeared from the astronomy charts in 1922 when the International Astronomical Union adopted an official list of 88 "recognized" constellations and relegated the stars of the Quadrantids to obscure members of the northern sky constellation Bootes, the Herder. The shower of meteors appears to come from its point of origin, known as the radiant, in the constellation Bootes. (Yahoo News -- Meteors and Asteroids)
NASA Delays Next-Generation Spacecraft Until 2014 Aug 13, 2008
"We are still confident the Constellation Program will make its first flight to the International Space Station on or before," 2014, said Gilbrech ... The Orion is a component of the Constellation program, a NASA program that includes new launch vehicles and a lunar lander ... NASA officials will in the coming months talk to suppliers and manufacturers in the Constellation program including the Orion developer, aerospace giant Lockheed Martin to modify the contracts and adjust to the new... (Newsmax)
Panel concerned about moon ship design Aug 12, 2008
The NASA Constellation Program's crew module mock-up is seen under construction February 9, 2008 at NASA's Langley's Flight Test Article Development and Integration Facility in Hampton, Virginia ... The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel cited "surprising anxiety among NASA employees" about the Constellation moon program and said the project "lacks clear direction." Its 143-page annual report specifically faulted the agency's design of the Orion crew capsule for not putting safety features first... (MSNBC -- Politics)
Perseid meteor shower peaks early Tuesday Aug 12, 2008
The Perseids get their name from the constellation Perseus, from which they tend to emanate like spokes from the hub of a wheel. The meteors can make their appearance anywhere in the sky, however. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Meteor shower promises spectacular show Aug 11, 2008
Known as the meteors of the Perseids, because they originate from the direction of the constellation Perseus, the most spectacular time for viewing the event is predicted to be August 11 and 12th. The shower comes from the tail of the Comet Swift-Tuttle which, though currently located beyond Uranus, trails debris stretching back to the Earth. (The Tech Herald)
Astronomy meets tradition in tonight's meteor shower Aug 11, 2008
The point in the sky - the radiant - where these meteors, if traced back, seem to originate is in the constellation of Perseus and hence the name of the meteor shower, The Perseids. The Astronomical Society said that watching the meteors does not require any equipment, only dark skies. (Times of Malta)
Perseid Meteor Shower to Peak the Night Between August 11 and 12 Aug 10, 2008
The reason for which they are called like that is that the shower seems to form in the Perseus constellation. In fact the Perseid meteor shower is caused by the 109P Swift-Tuttle comet, which orbits the Sun every 133 years. (eFluxMedia)
How not to miss this weekend's meteor shower Aug 9, 2008
The Perseid meteor shower, so-called because meteors appear to be radiating from the constellation of Perseus, is an annual event that has been observed for more than 2,000 years ... "First, find somewhere dark, away from street lights if possible. If you're in a city, then head to the east side so you're not looking over the city's lights. Then you want to look towards the constellation of Perseus in the east of a clear night sky after midnight." It could start anytime from tomorrow and go on... (guardian.co.uk)
Polite planetary system saved Earth from fiery end Aug 9, 2008
"We think in most of these systems it was a turbulent and chaotic process, with planets getting into each other's personal space and elbowing each other. "A nice peaceful and polite and well-behaved planetary system like our own only happens more rarely," Dr. Thommes said. He and two colleagues from Northwestern University in Illinois, Soko Matsumura and Frederic Rasio, are the first to model the formation of planetary systems from beginning to end, a process that in real life can take 10... (Globe and Mail)
Rockets, satellites push Arizona's economy Aug 9, 2008
Orbital is a player in two of the government's most ambitious space endeavors - the military's $90 billion Ballistic Missile Defense System and NASA's $20 billion-plus Project Constellation, which aims to send astronauts back to the moon by 2020 and then on to Mars and other planets. Project Constellation also is overseeing the development of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicles and Ares Launch Vehicles that will replace the fleet of space shuttles, scheduled to be retired in 2010 ... Other... (AZCentral -- Business)
We are special. Take it from a University of Guelph astrophysicist Aug 8, 2008
One of the largest exoplanets, in the constellation Hercules, is about as dense as balsa wood. Another is hotter than some stars, and absorbs so much starlight its surface is probably blacker than charcoal. (Globe and Mail)
Meteor gazers invited to park for over-nighter Aug 8, 2008
The meteors will be visible in the northeastern part of the sky beginning about 9 p.m. as the constellation Perseus ("per-see-us") rises. Because Swift-Tuttle's meteors streak out of the constellation Perseus, they are called "Perseids." They will look like "a stone skipping across the surface of a pond," according to the Web site ... Binoculars are not necessary to see the meteor showers, but they might be helpful to see deep star clusters or the constellation Andromeda. (Daily Triplicate)
A UFO in Cumberland County? (updated 11 a.m.) (97) Aug 7, 2008
Depending on the sunlight and the angle of the space station, a flash of light can occur, according to Snider, who mentioned the Iridium satellite constellation, made up of 66 satellites that on occasion cause satellite flares when the sunlight hits them ... Snider said the shower will come from the direction of the Perseus constellation, which will be located a little east of due north. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Jupiter, Saturn Full Of Liquid Metal Helium Aug 7, 2008
(June 21, 2007) The world is abuzz with the discovery of an extrasolar, Earthlike planet around the star Gliese 581 that is relatively close to our Earth at 20 light years away in the constellation Libra. Scientists. (Science Daily)
Lockheed Martin to begin shuttle-related cuts Aug 4, 2008
In April, NASA said more than 8,000 contractor jobs in the nation's manned space program could be eliminated after the shuttle program ends in favor of the Constellation program, which is developing the next-generation vehicle and rockets to go to the moon and later to Mars ... NASA has said that the transition to the Constellation program could cost the jobs of up to 1,300 contractor employees at Michoud over the next five years ... But NASA said that represented a worse-case scenario that did... (BusinessWeek)
NASA Briefings for Hubble Space Telescope Shuttle Mission Aug 4, 2008
Along with the briefings to preview the Hubble servicing mission at Johnson, media will have an opportunity during the afternoon of Sept. 8 to review new equipment being developed for NASA's Constellation Program. Constellation is building America's next human spacecraft, which will fly astronauts to low Earth orbit, the moon and beyond ... 1:30 p.m. - Constellation Program Preview (from Johnson, not on NASA TV). (NASA Watch)
Sagittarius is constellation lovers? cup of tea Aug 3, 2008
Sagittarius is constellation lovers ... Sagittarius is constellation lovers ... This year, Jupiter lies in front of the constellation Sagittarius, whose brightest stars form (to modern eyes) not a Greek centaur shooting an arrow, but a stick-figure cartoon teapot. (Boston Globe)
Michoud to begin paring down staff Aug 2, 2008
The Orion and Ares are components of NASA's Constellation program, a fleet of next-generation spacecraft. NASA and Lockheed Martin both are also working to line up other work for the site, spokesmen for the agency and company said. (The Times-Picayune - NOLA.com)
Eclipse sets up perfect sky for Milky Way Aug 2, 2008
Sweep with binoculars up from the tail of the constellation Scorpius, low in the southwest through the Summer Triangle, almost overhead and down toward Cassiopeia and Perseus in the northeast. You'll find concentrations of stars, clusters, large apparent gaps such as the Great Rift in Cygnus, and more stars than you thought existed. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Glenn pushes for money to extend shuttle operations Jul 31, 2008
"I intend to make sure that the NASA (manned) Constellation program has the resources it needs so that we can begin a new era of human space exploration.". Blame put on Bush. (Houston Chronicle)
NASA Seeks Market for Research Jul 31, 2008
The Constellation program that is taking shape at NASA facilities nationwide is developing multistage rockets and lunar landers that look much like the Apollo spacecraft that made one giant leap to the lunar surface ... While the Apollo missions sent two men at a time to the lunar equator to collect rocks for a couple of days, Constellation will send crews of four to the south pole. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Obama pledges support for NASA Jul 31, 2008
Earlier in his campaign, the Illinois senator said he would rather see money budgeted for Constellation, the program to replace the aging shuttles, go instead toward education reform. Yet, Obama said he would support the agency if elected this fall. (Florida Today)
Media Invited for Demo of NASA Lunar Surface Manipulator Concept Jul 31, 2008
For more information about NASA's Constellation Program, visit. Date: Friday, August 1, 2008. (NASA Watch)
Buzz Aldrin Concerned About Moon Rocket Jul 30, 2008
It is the latest sign that NASA's Constellation program -- intended to replace the space shuttle after 2010 -- is in trouble. Concerned by reports that the Ares rockets and Orion crew capsule are beset by cost overruns, schedule delays and complex technical woes, Aldrin says he wants to create a panel of experts to make sure that Constellation is the right way to go ... Some space advocates fear that both Barack Obama and John McCain might latch on to any study as a way to scrap Constellation... (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Contractors blast awarding of NASA spacesuit deal Jul 29, 2008
NASA s Schierholz says the new Constellation program that will send astronauts to the International Space Station and the moon requires an entirely new spacesuit system. A history together. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
NASA Successfully Tests Parachute for Ares Rocket Jul 25, 2008
The successful test is a key early milestone in development and production of the Ares I rocket, the first launch vehicle for NASA's Constellation Program that will send explorers to the International Space Station, the moon and beyond in coming decades ... NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston manages the Constellation Program, which includes the Ares I rocket, the Ares V heavy-lift launch vehicle, the Orion crew capsule, the Altair lunar lander ... For NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming... (PR Newswire)
> read more Jul 25, 2008
The constellation Cygnus, now high in the sky, has a reputation as being star-rich but deep-sky-object poor for small telescopes ... Learn your way around the constellations ... For an easy-to-use constellation guide covering the whole evening sky, use the big monthly foldout map in each issue of , the essential magazine of astronomy. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Watch A 'New Star' Make The Universe Dusty Jul 25, 2008
Nova Scorpii 2007a (or V1280 Scorpii), was discovered by Japanese amateur astronomers on 4 February 2007 towards the constellation Scorpius ("the Scorpion"). For a few days, it became brighter and brighter, reaching its maximum on 17 February, to become one of the brightest novae of the last 35 years. (Science Daily)
Supernova? The Quiet Explosion Jul 25, 2008
In the early afternoon (in Europe) of 9 January 2008, the NASA/STFC/ASI Swift telescope discovered serendipitously a 5-minute long burst of X-rays coming from within the spiral galaxy NGC 2770, located 90 million light-years away towards the Lynx constellation. The Swift satellite was studying a supernova that had exploded the previous year in the same galaxy, but the burst of X-rays came from another location, and was soon shown to arise from a different supernova, named SN 2008D.. (Science Daily)
Largest Sample Of Very Distant Galaxies Ever Seen Provide New Insights Into Early Universe Jul 25, 2008
17) in the northern constellation of Draco. (Credit: NASA, ESA, and Johan Richard (Caltech, USA)). (Science Daily)
Editorial: Star Trails: A planet by any other name happens often Jul 25, 2008
These stars are part of three constellations. Because of air and light pollution, you might not see all three constellations, but the three stars can be seen anywhere ... Vega is part of the constellation Lyra the Harp, the instrument played by Orpheus, the mythical Greek musician who soothed wild animals with his music. (Danvers Herald, MA)
Star Explodes Unnoticed Jul 23, 2008
"Anyone who went outside that night and looked towards the constellation of Puppis would have seen it," Saxton says. Still tracking. (Fox News)
