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MMT decide to try for a Sunday launch attempt for STS-122 The Mission Management Team (MMT) have concluded their meeting on flight rationale for proceeding with the launch of Shuttle Atlantis on STS-122, deciding to make a launch attempt on Sunday at 3:21pm Eastern, in a one minute launch window. The main reason for waiting an extra day would be to finalize Flight Controller procedures for watching the tank closely during ascent, in the event of ECO (Engine Cut Off) sensors were deemed unreliable. The launch could be delayed longer if those procedures are not finalized.

For decades, space advocates have turned to the White House to seek a new direction for, or an affirmation of the current direction of, the nation’s space programs. From the origins of NASA in the late 1950s to the development of the Vision for Space Exploration today, the aerospace community has looked to the White House to provide leadership on space policy—and have complained, often bitterly, when that leadership appeared to be lacking. Yet how essential is that leadership, usually expressed in the form of national space policies, to NASA, other government agencies, and the industry? That question has relevance...

After President Bush announced the Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) in 2004, NASA went to work to develop plans for the long-overdue return to exploration. Since then, a major gap has emerged between what NASA is actually doing to pursue the new goals, and the perception of what needs to be done by those space advocates who still believe that NASA can and should make critical contributions to the space enterprise.

The Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) may be in trouble. The recently leaked internal NASA LRA-0 study report on the problems with the Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS), posted on nasaspaceflight.com and later retracted, is disturbing. Shrinking capabilities due to cost projections for developing the original design is making me wonder if it is the right plan for carrying out the Vision. I’ve read through the ESAS and it is an extensive document that lays out a case for its implementation. It gives reasons why certain decisions were made. I have to admit I don’t have the background to judge...

The Planetary Society Cites Cancelled Plans for a Europa and Other Science Missions Pasadena, CA, — The NASA Budget released today shortchanges space science in order to fund 17 projected space shuttle flights. Despite recent spectacular results from NASA's science programs, this budget puts the brakes on their growth within the agency. It seriously damages the hugely productive and successful robotic exploration of our solar system and beyond. According to this budget, flight projects that were already underway, such as the Space Interferometry Mission, will be delayed. Others, such as the Terrestrial Planet Finder and a mission to Jupiter's moon...

The recent release of the details of NASA's proposed plans for human return to the moon in response to President Bush's "Vision for Space Exploration" last year has drawn much comment -- some positive, some negative and some simply perplexed. Although the reasons for undertaking the program were clearly articulated in the president's speech, it is important to reexamine why the moon is its cornerstone and what we hope to achieve by returning there. The moon is important for three reasons: science, inspiration and resources. All three are directly served by the new lunar return architecture. This program has the...

Given the current White House’s obsession with secrecy, it is not surprising that little has been written about President Bush’s 2003 decision to pursue the Vision for Space Exploration. What has been written is vague and insubstantial. Whether or not the history of this decision will be better explored in the future depends in part upon how it ultimately develops—if Americans once again return to the Moon late in the next decade, scholars will examine the 2003 decision that started the process. If the plan falters under budget cuts or due to changes in political winds, it may never be...

Internal Memos from NASA Administrator Michael Griffin regarding the NRC report "Review of NASA Plans for the International Space Station" Editor's note: The email exchanges below occurred between Mike Griffin and his senior staff between 22/23 November 2005 in reaction to the release of the NRC Report: Review of NASA Plans for the International Space Station. "From: "Griffin, Michael D. (HQ-AA000)" Date: Wed, 23 Nov 2005 13:43:50 -0500 To: "Pengra, Trish (HQ-FB000)" Cc: "Horowitz, Scott J. (HQ-BA000)", "Cooke, Douglas (HQ-BA000)", "Dale, Shana (HQ-AA000)", "Geveden, Rex (HQ-AA000)", "Morrell, Paul (HQ-AA000)", "Shank, Christopher M. (HQ-AA000)", "Pace, Scott (HQ-FA000)", "Gerstenmaier, William H. (HQ-CA000)",...

NASA is considering retiring a Space Shuttle orbiter in 2007 and beginning modifications to one Shuttle launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center under a plan now being reviewed at NASA headquarters, according to senior agency sources. Driving the idea of a phased retirement of the space vehicles are two concerns. The first is a desire for finding new sources of funds to pay for advancement of the President's moon-to-Mars plan. And secondly NASA Administrator Michael D. Griffin's fears of a third Shuttle accident. A source familiar with Griffin's thinking said he is worried that an age-related malfunction would trigger...

I was intending to write an article about how the ISS needs to be a key part of the Vision for Space Exploration. What I have learned recently, though, made me realize there is something much more important to talk about. There have been several discussions in the mass media of late about “tipping points” in history. Some say that the recent elections in Iraq are a major tipping point that will reshape the Middle East and the West’s relationship with it. While the elections in Iraq and the courage of the people braving threats to vote are by no...

Congress Fully Funds NASA - $16.2 Billion Funds Shuttle, ISS & Clears Way for Vision to Start (Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Representative Dave Weldon (R-FL) voted in favor of the final FY 2005 federal spending bill, which cleared the House today. Included in the measure was legislation that will fund NASA. In January, President Bush requested NASA be funded at $16.2 billion. This includes Florida-specific programs like Space Shuttle, International Space Station (ISS) and will enable NASA and industry to begin work on the Constellation Crew Exploration Vehicles, which will be integrated and launched from Florida. "Today the Congress puts...