SLS/Orion
KSC lays out its hopes for 2012-2031 amid work on a new Master Plan
The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) laid out its aspirations for the next two decades via a Future Development Concept (FDC) presentation that covers the spaceport’s transition into a…
SLS to be robust in the face of scrubs, launch delays and pad stays
The new Space Launch System (SLS) will be able to cope with a minimum of 13 scrubs – or cryo cycles – and remain happily at the launch…
Delving Deeper into NASA’s DSH configurations and support craft
With preliminary design work underway on the Deep Space Habitat (DSH) for future crewed exploration of the space beyond Low Earth Orbit, the configurations of the proposed craft,…
Deep Space Habitat module concepts outlined for BEO exploration
With the push for exploration Beyond Earth Orbit (BEO) increasing, a proposed habitat for human exploration outside the confines of Earth’s immediate space is taking shape as NASA…
NASA Advisory Council: Select a Human Exploration Destination ASAP
The NASA Advisory Council (NAC) – a body that provides the NASA Administrator with counsel and advice on programs and issues of importance to the Agency – has…
NASA Exploration Roadmap: The evaluation of crewed missions to Asteroids
Classed as one of the defined destinations for NASA astronauts in the mid to late 2020s, missions to a Near Earth Asteroid (NEA) – utilizing the Space Launch…
NASA Exploration Roadmap: A return to the Moon’s surface documented
The latest documentation relating to the efforts to create an Exploration Roadmap for NASA’s future has provided the strongest indication to date that the Agency wants to return…
SLS Launch Vehicle specifications take shape as development continues
Eight months after the conclusion of the final Space Shuttle mission, the iconic winged-vehicle’s successor continues to take shape at various NASA centers, as the U.S. space agency…
KSC’s revamp to include new centerpiece HQ building on Central Campus
A new Headquarters building is set to rise from the ground at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), a building which is part of the overall revamp of the…
Vehicle of Record – SLS spares majority of Discovery’s storied MPS
As engineers finalize the removal of Main Propulsion System (MPS) hardware from the retired Space Shuttle fleet – comprising of large elements of the orbiter’s “guts” that are…
EFT-1 Orion parts set for closeout welds – Next parachute test in April
The Orion Program is continuing to push forward at a lively pace, as the first MPCV (Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle) set to launch into space heads into the final pathfinder…
Boeing outlines new modules/technologies for Near Earth Asteroid missions
As NASA continues the early development phase of its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, contract companies of the U.S. space agency continue their push for new and innovative…
NASA boss Bolden goes head to head with lawmakers over FY13 budget
Wednesday marked a busy day of political argument between lawmakers and NASA administrator Charlie Bolden, with a notable focus on the battleground of providing required funding for the…
Major KSC refurbishment work continuing ahead of SLS and Orion debuts
A significant amount of refurbishment work is taking place at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), as the spaceport prepares to welcome the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System…
Orion’s development achieving numerous successes and firsts
This year is already marking a significant ramp up in achievements for the Orion Program, as several test articles are put through their paces – ranging from testing…
Exploration Mission 1: SLS and Orion mission to the Moon outlined
The debut of the Space Launch System (SLS) will send the Orion (MPCV) on a 7-10 day mission to the Moon, with an aim to qualify the Heavy…
Asteroid training underwater: NEEMO 16 mission scheduled for June
The next NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) mission is being scheduled for June, with teams already preparing for a recon trip ahead of the exercise. The underwater…
Orion PTV preparing for drop test on Wednesday – EFT-1 Orion progress
The Orion Parachute Test Vehicle (PTV) is on track for its drop test on February 29 at the US Proving Grounds in Yuma, Arizona. The vehicle has completed processing…
Acronyms to Ascent – SLS managers create development milestone roadmap
This year will mark several major milestones for the development of the Space Launch System (SLS), with teams already pushing through a systems review process. The roadmap – which…
Space Launch System: How to launch NASA’s new monster rocket
With the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) falling silent after the retirement of the Space Shuttle, it’ll be at least five years before the public will see the iconic…
