Examples of the food items the crew eats during Mars500 isolation, on the left breakfast, in the middle snacks and on the right main dishes. Six crewmembers are living in a special habitat at the Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP) until mid-July. The crew acts as subjects in scientific investigations to assess the effect of isolation on various psychological and physiological aspects, such as stress, hormone regulation and immunity, sleep quality, mood and the effectiveness of dietary supplements. The 105-day study precedes a full simulation of a mission to Mars, due to start late in 2009. This will see another six-member crew sealed in the same chamber to experience a complete 520-day Mars mission simulation. Credit: ESA

ESA MISSION UPDATE
3 June 2009

ESA-selected Mars500 crewmember Oliver Knickel reports back from inside the special isolation facility at the Russian Institute of Biomedical Problems in Moscow where the six-strong crew have now completed the ninth week of their simulated Mars mission.

(more…)

Elon Musk’s talk at ISDC last week covered many familiar topics about the exploration of space.

My friend Clark Lindsey over at Hobby Space points to this story at Space.com concerning the Air Force’s Boeing-built X-37 space plane test vehicle:

(more…)

The six individuals who will become Europe's new astronauts were presented at a press conference held at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France, on 20 May 2009. The new recruits will join the European Astronaut Corps and start their training to prepare for future missions to the International Space Station, and beyond. From left to right: Luca Parmitano, Alexander Gerst, Andreas Mogensen, Samantha Cristoforetti, Timothy Peake and Thomas Pesquet. Credits: ESA - S. Corvaja, 2009

WYLE PRESS RELEASE

Wyle’s Germany-based GmbH unit played a vital role in the recent selection of six new European Space Authority (ESA) astronauts, the first named since 1992.

(more…)

The lineup for this week’s Space Show includes: Bob Werb, Ross Tierney, Robert Talmage, and Ram Jakhu. Full details on their backgrounds after the break.

(more…)

Millionaut Richard Garriott described his trip to the International Space Station during a dinner at the International Space Development Conference last week.

Obama’s Pick for NASA Chief May Win Quick Senate Approval
Space.com

Key members of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee are clearing the way for swift confirmation of four-time space shuttle astronaut Maj. Gen. Charles Bolden, the president’s pick to lead NASA.

(more…)

On 29 May 2009, Simonetta Di Pippo, ESA Director of Human Spaceflight, visited the Russian Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP) in Moscow, Russia, where she spoke with the Mars500 crew inside the special isolation facility. The crew of six, including two ESA-selected crewmembers Cyrille Fournier and Oliver Knickel, are currently just over halfway through a 105-day simulated Mars mission inside the facility. Credit: ESA

ESA MISSION UPDATE
29 May 2009

Simonetta Di Pippo, ESA Director of Human Spaceflight, visited the Mars500 facility in Moscow, Russia, earlier today. During a tour of the facility, she also had the opportunity to talk with the Mars500 crew inside the isolation facility.

(more…)

The Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) on Friday launched a rocket to test the facilities at the Alcantara Launching Center, the AEB said.

Buzz Aldrin’s lunchtime address during last week’s International Space Development Conference, courtesy of our friends over at Spacevidcast.

Scientists at The Aerospace Corporation are analyzing data received from a 6.4 kg nanosatellite they developed to test a new generation of solar cells.

The Aerospace Corporation engineers, in collaborating with Dr. Henry Yoo of the Air Force Research Laboratories, designed, built and operated a 5 x 5 x 10-inch nanosatellite, called the Picosatellite Solar Cell testbed, to test the latest generation of high efficiency solar cells from Spectrolab and Emcore under conditions in outer space.

(more…)

Mars500 Mission Update
26 May 2009

The Mars500 crew has now passed the halfway mark in their 105-day Mars mission simulation. ESA-selected crewmember Cyrille Fournier reflects on how the crew are getting on inside the isolation facility in Moscow.

(more…)