Via NASA

It may be called the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM), but NASA built RRM to demonstrate much more than just robotic satellite refueling.

In its second phase, RRM is now moving on to demonstrate how a space robot can complete intermediate tasks required to replenish croygen in the instruments of “legacy” satellites: existing, orbiting spacecraft that were not designed to be serviced. Initial activities to demonstrate this on-orbit capability were completed in March and June 2012 with the aid of the original RRM tools and activity boards.

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A conceptual look at the future of the VAB configured for processing the Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket. (Credit: NASA)

By Bob Granath
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Construction of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida began a half-century ago this summer. After serving through the Apollo and Space Shuttle Programs, the mammoth structure now is undergoing renovations to accommodate future launch vehicles and to continue as a major part of America’s efforts to explore space for another 50 years.

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A laser from Optical Ground Station on Tenerife. (Credit: ESA)

PARIS (ESA PR) — An advanced laser system offering vastly faster data speeds is now ready for linking with spacecraft beyond our planet following a series of crucial ground tests. Later this year, ESA’s observatory in Spain will use the laser to communicate with a NASA Moon orbiter.

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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency launched the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No.4 (H-IIB F4) with the KOUNOTORI4 (HTV4, a cargo transfer vehicle to the International Space Station) on board at 4:48:46 a.m. on August 4 (Sun.) 2013 (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center. The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at about 14 minutes and 59 seconds after liftoff, the separation of the KOUNOTORI4 […]

Via Wired: Tesla Motors is challenging the giants of the global auto industry with all-electric cars—and a new approach to building them. Take a look at their assembly lines, and the philosophy behind them.

WASHINGTON, DC (Kevin McCarthy PR) — Congressman Kevin McCarthy today introduced the Suborbital and Orbital Advancement and Regulatory Streamlining (SOARS) Act. The bill will streamline the regulatory process for commercial spacecraft, ensuring that the commercial spaceflight industry can continue to innovate quickly and safely, creating high-quality American jobs in the process.

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Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango speaks to aerospace industry representatives at the Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) Pre-Proposal Conference on Aug. 1. (Credit:
NASA/Jim Grossmann)

Rebecca Regan
John F. Kennedy Space Center

“No one person, no one company, no one government agency, has a monopoly on the competence, the missions, or the requirements for the space program.”
– Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th President of the United States

Since its inception, the procurement strategy of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program (CCP) has been based on reaching common ground with industry partners as they work together to establish safe and cost-effective American crew launch capabilities to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station.

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Deputy NASA Administrator Lori Garver

Last week, Deputy Administrator Lori Garver met with reporters after giving a keynote address at the NewSpace 2013 Conference in San Jose, Calif.

In this excerpt from the discussion, Garver makes some opening remarks about NASA’s proposed Asteroid Retrieval Mission and its Grand Challenge to protect the Earth from asteroid impacts before taking questions.

Lori Garver: As we’ve announced today, we are really excited about the overwhelming response to the RFI because we have ourselves, we believe, not only a mission but the grand challenge that does offer opportunities for space development and for our space program that are so aligned with the nation’s goals and with our existing programs.

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Video Caption: NASA’s Commercial Crew Program captures the rich history of human spaceflight and the American spirit as it works with the aerospace industry to chart new adventures and seeks to find safe and cost-effective ships to sail to the International Space Station.