Moderator:
Gary Martin: Director, Code V, NASA Ames
Panel:
Deputy NASA Administrator Lori Garver
Lori Garver:
Jim Muncy: Welcome to the revolution. They say that every year. (Ed. Note: Maybe need a newer slogan) This year is a critical time in humanity’s emergence for our home planet. NOT because of the drama going on over the retirement of shuttle. Times when humanity is going down a slow river, other times riding the rapids….(guess which one we’re on now….NO, not the slow river….the rapids….) Why are we […]
….Well, not yet.
The 8 a.m. start time has come….and gone. There’s a bit of a backup at the registration table. When this does start, Jim Muncy will talk for 15 minutes and then the big draw of the day, NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver.
Today has a heavy presence of NASA folks mixed in with commercial space speakers. The full schedule for today is after the break.
Update: Despite the early delay, they are now back on schedule.
MSS PR – MOJAVE, Calif., July 27, 2011 – Masten Space Systems, Inc., a leader in the emerging commercial spaceflight industry, announced today the expansion of its management team through several key appointments. Founder David Masten, has been named chairman and chief technology officer. Joel Scotkin will be the new chief executive officer, and Sean Mahoney will assume the role of chief operating officer.
“I’m a technology guy. What I love—what I do best—is build rockets and lead technology development,” said David Masten, long-time rocket entrepreneur and founder of Masten Space Systems. “Joel has been a huge supporter of the company for many years. He has been far more than an investor—he is a key member of the team, and I’m thrilled that he has agreed to join us full-time to help build the company.”
NMSA PR – LAS CRUCES, NM – The New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) has issued a Request For Proposal (RFP) for Media Relations Services for Spaceport America, announced Christine Anderson, Executive Director of the NMSA.
“Spaceport America has been attracting attention from news and media outlets worldwide,” said Anderson. “This contract will help develop, manage and maintain effective communications with members of the local, national and international press corps as well as the public about our exciting project.”
Space Access Update #127 7/26/11
Copyright 2011 by Space Access Society
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– House NASA Appropriation Emerges From Committee Unchanged, Goes On Hold
– Commercial Crew News
– CCDev Plans To Ditch Space Act Agreements For Traditional Contracting
– ULA Signs No-Cost NASA SAA To “Human-Rate” Atlas 5
– Space Launch System Political Developments
– S (more…)
NMSA PR – LAS CRUCES, NM – The New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) announced the selection of Integrity Arts & Technology, Inc., d/b/a/ IDEAS as the contractor to develop the Spaceport America Visitor Experience. The company was awarded a two- phase contract of a not-to-exceed value of $7.5 million.
IDEAS and their team will oversee the design and development of the Visitor Experience and facilities at Spaceport America, as well as the design, fabrication and installation of all exhibits and attractions for visitors to the spaceport. The company will also conduct market research, enhance the spaceport branding and marketing, and facilitate alliance and sponsorship development opportunities. IDEAS will also provide construction administration during the building phase of the Visitor Experience facilities.
NASA plans to release a draft request for proposal (RFP) for the Commercial Crew Programs Integrated Design Contracts (IDC) in late summer, according to a federal procurement notice published last week. The document includes a detailed description of the IDCs:
This design effort would consist of the completion of an integrated Crew Transportation System design (integrated design includes launch vehicle, spacecraft, launch systems, ground and mission operations and recovery) to a Critical Design Review level and may include some early development activities. NASA proposes to award multiple Integrated Design Contracts in the initial phase which is expected to be followed by a future acquisition or acquisitions.
Good news, everyone!
There’s some encouraging signs of brain activity down there on Planet Houston. On the same day that the last space shuttle landed safely in Florida, NASA Johnson issued an RFI on the establishment of a “JSC Acceleration Center” dedicated to fostering commercial space activities.
A small step, for sure, toward an embrace of a commercial space future from a center almost exclusively focused on preserving its multi-billion dollar government projects. Whether it will it will turn into a giant leap…that remains to be seen.
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