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June 2004

Space Watch
Week of June 21-25, 2004

Welcome to Space Watch. This is a weekly update compiled by The Eisenhower Institute of the most significant news items in civil, military and commercial space.

If you are interested in receiving a weekly email update version of Space Watch, please send an email to spacewatch@eisenhowerinstitute.org with the word "subscribe" in the subject line. Space Watch will be sent out every Friday.

Civil Space

NASA Slow to Develop New Repair Capabilities
While NASA still expects to begin launches again next March, repair mechanisms, in response to the Columbia disaster, are behind schedule. Planned improvements include the means to repair holes and an inspection boom to check the craft for damages. The putty and plug methods that have been developed can only repair holes up to 4 inches in diameter, not enough to have helped Columbia, and the development of the boom is behind schedule. (Warren E. Leary, http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/19/politics/19nasa.html, 6/19/04)

NASA Requests Proposal for Hubble Service
NASA has requested a proposal from Canadian company MD Robotics for a robotic mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. The mission will both repair certain instruments aboard the telescope as well as prepare it for de-orbit once the orbit system fails, which is expected to occur late in 2007.
(Leonard David, SpaceNews, 6/21/04)

ESA Demands Priority at Ariane
The European Space Agency demands that its satellite launches be given priority over commercial launches by the Arianespace launch consortium. This demand is to be included in the ESA's contract with Arianespace, which will run from 2005 to 2010.
(SpaceNews, 6/21/04)

NASA to Use Microchips in Experiments
Using technology developed at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, NASA is looking to use microscopic bacteria to perform studies and experiments onboard missions beyond Earth's orbit. NASA hopes to use the bacteria to detect atmospheric hazards, but faces the challenge in developing a bacteria that can survive on the chip long enough to be useful.
(Jason Bates, SpaceNews, 6/21/04)

Spain's EADS-CASA to Build SMOS Instrument
Now that the ESA has signed a contract with EADS-CASA to construct the necessary payload, its Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) project can get underway in earnest. SMOS will use microwave imaging to get a more accurate measure of soil moisture and ocean salt levels, which will in turn create a deeper understanding of the earth's climate and water cycles.
(http://www.spacedaily.com/news/eo-04zzg.html, 6/21/04)

US and Europe Reach Satellite Agreement
After some controversy, the United States and the European Union have come to an agreement regarding American GPS and European Galileo satellite positioning systems. The discussions have been successful in finding a way for the two systems to be compatible and not interfere in each other's essential operations. Among the newly agreed upon points is a shared signal structure for GPS and Galileo's "open" services.
(http://www.spacedaily.com/2004/040621154335.wx1u5qlo.html, 6/21/04)

Boeing to Collaborate with India Space Agency
At the space conference in Bangalore, US Undersecretary of Commerce Kenneth Juster announced that Boeing would be allowed to begin working together with India's space agency to develop communications satellites. For the rest of the week the two countries will continue to discuss other areas of possible cooperation in space.
(http://www.spacedaily.com/2004/040622065645.sy8h23g4.html, 6/22/04)

NASA Drops Solar Satellite Research
Despite an upcoming international scientific conference to explore the benefits of using satellites to capture solar energy for use on Earth, NASA has stopped funding its research of the process. This method of providing solar energy would overcome limits to ground-based solar panels, such as weather-related atmospheric interference and the dark of night.
(John Gartner, http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,63913,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_1, 6/22/04)

US and Russia Negotiate ISS Construction
NASA and the Federal Space Agency (FKA) of Russia are currently in talks to iron out plans for construction on the International Space Station. Issues include each side's individual contributions, as well as compensation to be paid to the FKA for US use of Russian spacecraft.
(http://en.rian.ru/rian/index.cfm?prd_id=160&msg_id=4488575&startrow=11&date=2004-06-22&do_alert=0, 6/22/04)

Israel Awards Tauvex II Contract to Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems, an international defense contractor, has been awarded a contract to build a space camera for Israel's Tauvex II mission. The camera will be mounted on an Indian satellite and will be used to further exploration of the galaxies. The mission is part of an ongoing effort of cooperation between the Israel Space Agency and the Indian Space Research Organization.
(http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040622/uktu003_1.html, 6/22/04)

NASA's Cost Estimates Need Help
A report by the General Accounting Office criticized NASA's ability to produce accurate cost estimates of its missions. The report suggested that changes need to be made at NASA to ensure better budgeting. NASA has acknowledged the problem, and is working to improve its cost estimating process.
(http://www.space.com/astronotes/astronotes.html, 6/22/04)

NASA to Begin Offering Cash Prizes
Largely inspired by SpaceShipOne's historic flight Monday morning, NASA has announced intentions to offer cash incentives to privately finances breakthroughs in space travel or exploration. The proposal is still in early stages, and numerical figures have not yet been discussed. The decision is also a result of last week's Presidential Commission report, which recommended a higher degree of privatization among NASA projects.
(Robert Roy Brit, http://www.space.com/news/nasa_prizes_040623.html, 6/23/04)

Possibility of Manned Mission to Hubble Eliminated
NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe has decidedly stated that any mission sent to repair the Hubble Space Telescope will make use of robots, not astronauts. In light of the increased safety measures since the Columbia disaster, O'Keefe declared that a manned mission would be irresponsible in that it could not comply with all safety measures.
(Phil Beradelli, http://www.spacedaily.com/news/hubble-04i.html, 6/23/04)

Russia and Italy Announce Joint Programs
The space programs of Russia and Italy are to begin a series of joint space programs, the specifics of which are to be determined later this year. Possible areas of cooperation include booster launch development and Earth remote sensing.
(http://en.rian.ru/rian/index.cfm?prd_id=160&msg_id=4497807&startrow=1&find=space, 6/23/04)

Cassini Paints Clearer Picture of Phoebe
The closest fly-by to date of Saturn's intriguing moon Phoebe, done by the Cassini spacecraft earlier this month, has allowed for a better understanding of the moon's composition and evolution. The moon is made up of water ice, clay, minerals, and organic compounds. Early conclusions based on the moon's chemical composition and behavior suggest that Phoebe may once have been part of the Kuiper Belt of comets, before it was drawn into Saturn's orbit.
(Warren E. Leary, http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/24/science/space/24saturn.html, 6/24/04)

Oxygen Leak Cancels Spacewalk
Due to an oxygen leak detected by Russian ground control, the somewhat risky spacewalk at the International Space Station scheduled for Thursday evening had to be cancelled. Authorities maintain that the astronaut was never in any danger, and the repair mission will be rescheduled. The spacewalk was considered risky due to the long distances the astronauts would have to travel, the possibility of gaps in communication, and the use of a hodgepodge of Russian and American equipment.
(Tariq Malik, http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/exp9_scrubbed_eva_040624.html, 6/24/04)

NASA Announces Major Restructuring
In response to the presidential commission report released last week, NASA has announced some major changes to its structure. It will merge and streamline its several agencies into four mission directorates and improve communications among the various branches. These changes will begin to take effect August 1, but will be part of a longer evolutionary process.
(http://www.spacedaily.com/news/nasa-04t.html, 6/25/04)

Military Space

Australia to Cooperate on Missile Program
Despite domestic opposition, Australia has agreed to be part of the "Son of Star Wars" missile defense program, along with the United States. The two nations will cooperate in areas such as research and development of technologies, ballistic early missile warning, and the use of radar in missile defense.
(http://www.spacewar.com/2004/040620041409.rlx8h6m3.html, 6/20/04)

Air Force Explores Development of Spacecraft
In cooperation with Northrop Grumman, the United States Air Force is exploring the possibility of developing a military space vehicle. The company will determine a cost estimate for developing such a vehicle, as well as determine whether this endeavor is even possible with current technology.
(http://www.spacedaily.com/news/milspace-04r.html, 6/21/04)

Report Deems Radar Proposal Too Expensive
The House Appropriations Committee has scaled back the Department of Defense's 2005 budget, particularly criticizing the Air Force's plans for a Space Based Radar. The budget for this project was cut by more than 75%, and the report expressed doubts that the satellite system would even be able to perform its purpose of tracking targets on the ground.
(Jeremy Singer, SpaceNews, 6/21/04)

Japan Seeks Policy Change to Allow Space Defense
In an effort to allow the Japanese Ministry of Defense to use space capabilities for defensive purposes, the Japan Business Federation is lobbying the Diet to change an old resolution that prohibits such activities. As the law now stands, the military can only use technology that is commercially available, thereby barring the use of spy satellites and missile defense due to their cutting edge technology.
(Paul Kallender-Umezu, SpaceNews, 6/21/04)

Military Facility Could Aid in Nuclear Cleanup
The Pentagon is looking into the prospect of using an unfinished military facility to develop a system of cleanup after a nuclear explosion in space. The facility currently measures electronic activity in the ionosphere, but military officials believe that the same technology could be used to protect satellites from the disastrous effects of an outer space nuclear explosion.
(Jeremy Singer, SpaceNews, 6/21/04)

Air Force Considers Dropping a Contract
A study is being done by the Air Force to determine whether it should drop a contract with one of its satellite launchers. Currently, the Air Force uses both Boeing and Lockheed Martin to launch satellites, but some argue that fully funding one of the two rather than partially funding both will result in higher quality, more reliable satellites.
(Renae Merle, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A59160-2004Jun21.html, 6/22/04)

Commercial Space

Cooperation Sought Between India and US
Manmohan Singh, India's Prime Minister, called for increased cooperation between his country and the United States in areas of high technology, particularly commercial space issues. The comments were made at the India-US Conference on Space Science, Applications, and Commerce.
(http://www.spacedaily.com/2004/040621135700.s4gdjtnq.html, 6/21/04)

Small Satellites the Wave of the Future
Ali E. Atia, president of Orbital Communications, predicts that smaller commercial satellites will become increasingly more popular. Demand for these satellites is expected to nearly double in coming years, due largely to the fact that the smaller the satellite, the less likely it is that there will be a delay.
(SpaceNews, 6/21/04)

SpaceShipOne Reaches Space
In an unprecedented private flight into space, SpaceShipOne climbed more than 62 miles out of the Earth's atmosphere and landed safely back in the Mojave Desert. The vessel did have some initial control problems, but its pilot was able to overcome them and complete the test run. The craft, which was designed by Burt Rutan, funded by Paul Allen and piloted by Mike Melvill, is one of several competing for the Ansari X Prize, $10 million that will be given to the first private group to launch three people up 62.5 miles twice within 2 weeks.
(William Booth, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A58996-2004Jun21.html, 6/21/04)

Space Tourist Rejected
Gregory Olson, who had hoped to become the third so-called space tourist, will not be able to take his flight due to health problems. Olson had been training for his $20 million vacation aboard the International Space Station, but a recent medical examination revealed problems that will likely force a cancellation.
(http://www.spacedaily.com/2004/040624131302.9eftcmer.html, 6/24/04)

Credits

Compiled by Jackie McClester
Edited by Suzanne Vogel

Space Watch
Week of May 31- June 4, 2004

Welcome to Space Watch. This is a weekly update compiled by The Eisenhower Institute of the most significant news items in civil, military and commercial space.
Please check back each week for the latest news!

Civil Space

China Denies it's Canceled Manned Moon Mission
A spokesman for China's space program disputed the claim in several western media reports that the country was scrapping its plans for a manned lunar mission. Both Chinese and western media reported last week that China had cancelled its plans for a manned lunar landing due to financial constraints and planned instead to construct a manned space station.
(James Oberg, http://msnbc.msn.com/id/5099750/, 5/30/04)

Senator Calls of Bush to Restore Manned Hubble Mission
In a letter to President Bush signed by 26 former astronauts, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas called for a reversal of NASA's decision to cancel a manned mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. The decision by NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe to scrap a future Shuttle mission to Hubble caused anger among many astronauts and others in the space community.
(SpaceNews, 5/31/2004)

Airborne Robot Tracks Rockets
NASA has successfully tested a program that tracks rocket launches from airborne robots. The test, which took place from an airplane flying above southern California, is a significant step in the development of a system that NASA hopes will one day track and control satellites and the launch of other spacecraft. The system, called RTSL (Range Systems Transformation Laboratory) successfully tracked and provided limited control over a Boeing Delta II Space Booster launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base.
(Frank Sietzen, http://www.spacedaily.com/news/robot-04l.html, 6/1/04)

NASA Seeking Proposals for Robotic Hubble Repair Mission
The controversy over the fate of the Hubble Telescope took a new turn last week when NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe announced that proposals to repair Hubble were being sought. Many scientists and former astronauts had been concerned over NASA's abrupt end to maintenance missions to the Hubble over four months ago. Recently, however, NASA scientists have become convinced that a robotic mission could instead make the necessary repairs to ensure the telescope's continued operations.
(Kenneth Chang, http://nytimes.com/2004/06/02/science/02nasa.html, 6/2/04)

China Plans For Additional Manned Space Flights
A spokesman for the Chinese Academy of Sciences says that China will send two astronauts into space late next year. The astronauts will be launched in the Shenzhou VI, a successor to the craft that successfully took China's first astronaut, Yang Liwei, into space last Fall. It has not yet been decided which astronauts will make the trip, though the spokesman said that Yang may not be making a repeat trip.
(http://www.spacedaily.com/news/china-04zl.html, 6/4/04)

Military Space

Pentagon Report Cites China's Military Space Progress
A just-released Pentagon report on the military power of China highlights advances made in Chinese space technology and capability. The report, which analyzes the spectrum military capabilities of the Chinese military, also focused specifically on China's increased space capabilities including "communications, meteorology, small satellite technology, and human spaceflight." The report also raises concerns that China is continuing research and development of an anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons system.
(Leonard David, http://nytimes.com/2004/06/02/science/02nasa.html, 5/30/04)

Commercial Space

Private Rocket-Plane to Launch on June 21st
The world's first manned commercial space flight will take off from the Mojave Civilian Aerospace Center later this month. The craft, SpaceShipOne, already completed a successful test flight on May 13th and is now set to attempt a mission into sub-orbital space. The private space program has been funded largely with the help of investor Paul Allen, a co-founder of Microsoft. The producer of SpaceShipOne, Scaled Composites, is competing to win the Ansari X prize, which will be awarded to a 3-person team that can twice launch a spacecraft to 62.5 miles above the earth and return it safely.
(Leonard David, http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/space/06/02/private.space/index.html, 6/2/04)

Micro-Satellite Returning High-Quality Imagery
Launched in 2001 as a technology demonstration, ESA's Proba micro-satellite is now being used to obtain detailed earth imagery. The satellite has produced highly detailed imagery on everything from Mont St. Michel in France to the Great Pyramids in Egypt. A more advanced successor to Proba, Proba 2, is under development and should be ready to launch by 2005.
(http://www.spacedaily.com/news/microsat-04h.html, 6/2/04)

Credits

Compiled by Mark Puskar
Edited by Suzanne Vogel

Space Watch
Week of June 7-11, 2004

Welcome to Space Watch. This is a weekly update compiled by The Eisenhower Institute of the most significant news items in civil, military and commercial space.

If you are interested in receiving a weekly email update version of Space Watch, please send an email to spacewatch@eisenhowerinstitute.org with the word "subscribe" in the subject line. Space Watch will be sent out every Friday.

Civil Space

India to Launch EU Satellite
The Indian Space Research Organisation announced that it has received a $10 million contract to launch an EU satellite. This marks India's first launching of a European satellite and what the country hopes will be the beginning of a larger role in the space launch market. India also plans to increase its cooperation with the US space program.
(http://www.spacedaily.com/2004/040605104435.cyq2twy4.html, 6/5/04)

Kazakhstan Looking to Space
Long the site of Russian space launches, Kazakhstan is now seeking to develop its own program. In negotiations to extend the Russians' lease at Baikonur, the Kazakh space complex, the two sides agreed to an expanded for Kazakhstan role in future missions.
(Bagila Bukharbayeva, http://www.space.com/news/kazakhstan_space_040607.html, 6/7/04)

Russians Address Problems with Putting a Man on Mars
Russian scholar Anatoli Grigoryev took stock of possible problems and dangers surrounding a manned mission to Mars, including issues caused by low surface gravitation and different radiation levels. Russia is currently conducting experiments with artificial gravity to overcome these obstacles.
(http://en.rian.ru/rian/index.cfm?prd_id=160&msg_id=4423433&startrow=11&date=2004-06-07&do_alert=0, 6/7/04)

Serious Risks to Men on Mars
Russian scientist Valeri Polyakov announced findings of serious risks to any man landing on Mars, including sterility, muscular atrophy, and weakened bones. The findings were announced at a symposium on gravitational physiology where scientists discussed the effects of zero gravity environments on living things.
(http://www.spacedaily.com/news/mars-base-04j.html, 6/7/04)

China Plans Lunar Mission
Chinese scientist Ouyang Ziyuan announced a three-phase plan for a Chinese mission to the moon. The mission will involve the collection of lunar data and samples for an eventual manned expedition.
(Leonard David, http://www.space.com/astronotes/astronotes.htmlhttp://www.space.com/astronotes/astronotes.html, 6/7/04)

Space Report Postponed to Remember Reagan
Commission spokeswoman Susan Flowers announced that the President's Commission
on Moon, Mars, and Beyond's report, scheduled for release on June 10, will be postponed to sometime next week due to the activities surrounding the funeral of former President Reagan. The report will give an update on that commission's progress.
(http://www.space.com/news/commission_delay_040607.html, 6/7/04)

Universal Forum on Culture to Include ESA
ESA will be a participant in the Universal Forum on Culture in Barcelona, Spain, which is designed to foster discussion and learning on issues affecting the global community. ESA's exhibit will include information on the International Space Station, Envisat and Meteosat, and the Mars Express and Rosetta.
(http://www.spacedaily.com/news/esa-general-04m.html, 6/7/04)

Landsat Replacement Needed
NASA is seeking proposals for a replacement for the ailing Landsat 5 and Landsat 7 satellites, weather satellites collecting land imagery. NASA is also considering incorporating Landsat's responsibilities into the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System, which is currently being built.
(Jason Bates and Brian Berger, SpaceNews, 6/7/04)

NASA Looks to Robot for Hubble Help
Rather than sending a manned mission, NASA plans to send a robotic mission to the Hubble Space Telescope for necessary repairs and modifications. The manned mission that was scheduled for 2006 was cancelled due to incompatibilities with the Columbia Accident Investigation Board's new guidelines.
(Brian Berger and Leonard David, SpaceNews, 6/7/04)

Galileo Timeline Uncertain
Despite statements by Galileo Joint Undertaking director Rainer Grohe to the contrary, it appears that the project will not be able to keep its September 1 deadline for choosing a winner from the three consortia bidding to manage Galileo as a profitable business. Meanwhile, Chinese financing of the project is expected to decrease from a 15 percent stake to less than 1 percent. A number of factors, including the exclusion of China from access to Galileo's encrypted security transmissions and US technology transfer regulations have made more Chinese involvement problematic.
(Peter B. de Selding, SpaceNews, 6/7/04)

New Satellite to Explore the Atmosphere
A new satellite, Aura, which is expected to be launched later this month, will provide a better understanding of the earth's atmosphere at various ozone levels. In addition to providing information on the atmospheric effects for life on earth, the mission is also expected to offer clues for finding other planets that may support life.
(Jeremy Lovell, http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=scienceNews&storyID=5374102&pageNumber=0, 6/8/04)

Russians to Study Veronica's Hair Conglomeration
Using the Integral European laboratory, Russian scientists have studied galaxies in the Veronica's Hair constellation. The new laboratory has x-ray and gamma capabilities previously possessed only by the now defunct Soviet Granat laboratory.
(http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=919368&PageNum=0, 6/8/04)

More Compelling Evidence of Water on Mars
Spirit rover has uncovered even more compelling evidence that there has been water on Mars: residue of salt in a trench, suggesting that water has passed through the soil and dissolved minerals. Opportunity, the other rover on Mars, will soon pass along more information on Mars's geology when it completes its examination of a large crater, Endurance.
(John Schwartz, http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/09/science/09mars.html, 6/9/04)

Cassini to Explore Saturn
The Cassini-Huygens spacecraft will begin a detailed probe of Saturn's planetary system on June 11. The probe will examine the composition of Saturn's rings and its 30 moons, beginning with Phoebe, the planet's smallest moon. Cassini will end by orbiting the planet then eventually landing on Titan, the largest moon.
(Henry Bortman, http://www.spacedaily.com/news/cassini-04p.html, 6/10/04)

MIRI Agreements Reached by ESA
The European Space Agency has reached agreements with Member States to build a Mid-Infrared Instrument, which will be used to enhance the James Webb Space Telescope. The project is being co-sponsored by NASA. This project marks a new management system for ESA, with more formal agreements between the central agency and its Member States.
(http://www.spacedaily.com/news/telescopes-04k.html, 6/10/04)

Spacewalk Postponed to Ensure Proper Communication
A spacewalk at the International Space Station, originally slated for June 16, has been postponed until June 24 to avoid possible communication problems caused by a satellite launch on the original date. The spacewalk is to repair a thermoregulation problem.
(http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=928274&PageNum=0, 6/10/04)

Big Changes Recommended by Commission
The President's Commission on Implementation of U.S. Space Exploration Policy will report next week that, while President Bush's goals are attainable, they will require some big changes for NASA. Changes include making NASA centers FFRDC, a larger role for the private industry, and the creation of new organizations within NASA.
(Brian Berger, http://www.space.com/news/commission_report_040610.html, 6/10/04)

Military Space

Russian Military Satellite Launched
After three months of delay, Russia has put Kosmos-2406 into orbit. The satellite, which shares its name with another launched earlier this year, joins 60 other Russian defense satellites already in orbit.
(http://www.nynewsday.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/sns-ap-russia-satellite,0,3126773.story?coll=sns-ap-world-headlines, 6/10/04)

Commercial Space

Rocket-Plane to Attempt Launch
The first ever non-government backed space mission is set to go off later this month. SpaceShipOne, financed by Paul Allen will take a 62-mile high test flight over the Mojave Desert, in an effort to win the $10 million X Prize.
(Todd Halvorson, http://www.floridatoday.com/news/space/stories/2004b/spacestoryN0603SPACEONE.htm, 6/3/04)

USGS Contract Goes to Space Imaging
The United States Geological Survey has awarded a multi-million indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract to Space Imaging. The contract is expected to be used to create a seamless geographic land base of the United States.
(http://www.spacedaily.com/news/eo-04zze.html, 6/8/04)

Credits

Compiled by Jackie McClester
Edited by Suzanne Vogel

Space Watch
Week of June 14-18, 2004

Welcome to Space Watch. This is a weekly update compiled by The Eisenhower Institute of the most significant news items in civil, military and commercial space.

If you are interested in receiving a weekly email update version of Space Watch, please send an email to spacewatch@eisenhowerinstitute.org with the word "subscribe" in the subject line. Space Watch will be sent out every Friday.

Civil Space

Rocsat-2's Images to Go Worldwide
Taiwanese scientists have announced that they plan not only to use observation satellite Rocsat-2's images for its intended scientific mission, but the images will also be sold worldwide. The satellite's mission to track interactions between thunderclouds and the upper atmosphere remains the primary goal, but the country also hopes to reduce its dependence on other nation's commercial imagery.
(Peter B. de Selding, http://www.space.com/spacenews/businessmonday_040614.html, 6/14/04)

China to Send Female Astronaut Into Space
China announced that it plans to send a female into space as a technician or engineer by the end of the decade. The Beijing Times reported that the search for the right woman will begin by next year and that a male astronaut will still be responsible for steering the spacecraft.
(http://www.spacedaily.com/2004/040614043902.52d4n2fm.html, 6/14/04)

Presidential Commission Recommends Changes in NASA
President Bush's Commission set up to develop a new vision for space exploration has made several recommendations for reform at NASA. The commission proposes that NASA use more private contractors, reduce bureaucracy, and give the White House more oversight of the nation's space program. According to the Peter Aldridge, head of the nine-member commission, an independent, private, space-based industry is necessary to implement the vision of further space exploration. [See the end of this edition of Space Watch for more details.]
(Brian Berger, SpaceNews, 6/14/04)

Kerry Elaborates on His Own Space Plans
Critical of President Bush's ambitious space plan, Democratic candidate John Kerry deemed the plan too expensive considering current budget deficits. Kerry's own interests in space exploration involve how new developments could be used to improve life here on earth, rather than in space.
(Brian Berger, http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/space/06/16/kerry.spacevision/index.html, 6/16/04)

India Developing Satellite Launch Vehicle
An advanced satellite launch vehicle is currently under development by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). A spokesman for India's National Institute for Advanced Studies claims that the launch vehicle will be "the most cost-effective and reliable." India sees the project as an important step in an ambitious space vision that will include moon and planetary missions as well as a reusable spacecraft.
(http://www.newindpress.com/Newsitems.asp?ID=IET20040616132057&Title=Southern%2BNews%2B-%2BTamil%2BNadu&Topic=0&, 6/17/04)

Military Space

Chinese Dispute Pentagon Claim on ASAT Weapons
Chinese officials are disputing claims made in a Pentagon report that China is pursuing anti-satellite and other space weapons systems. An official from the Chinese Embassy in Washington attributed the context of the report to a 'Cold War mentality' and insisted that China is committed to keeping space weapons-free. Critics cite the lack of transparency in the Chinese space program and lack of good information on the Chinese space program within the U.S. as possible reasons for any misunderstanding between the two nations.
(Jeremy Singer, SpaceNews, 6/14/04)

U.S, Europe Negotiate Galileo and GPS Systems
US and EU leaders will continue negotiations next week on possible plans to integrate the US's Global Positioning System (GPS) with Europe's Galileo program. Galileo, which will not be fully operational until at least 2008, will use more advanced technology than GPS and will affect everything from airline navigation to the military's use of smart bombs. Although initially viewed as a competitor to GPS, officials on both sides of the Atlantic are looking at ways to possibly integrate the two systems, which could lead to improved services for consumers. The U.S. military, however, has expressed concerns that U.S. national security could be adversely affected by any merging of the two systems.
(Noah Shachtman, http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,63865,00.html, 6/18/04)

Commercial Space

Producers to Develop 'Space-Based' Reality TV
Several producers of popular reality television series are looking at the idea of sending people to space as the main plot line of the show. According to the Hollywood Reporter, producer Mark Burnett is developing a plan to put people through space-training program in preparation for a flight on the Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS). Previous attempts at space-based reality television failed due to a lack of financing and the abandonment of the Russian Mir space station-another possible previous host for a reality TV series.
(http://www.spacetoday.net/Summary/2409, 6/14/04)

Private Spacecraft to Use 'Rubber Fuel' for Mission
SpaceShipOne, the first private aircraft set for its inaugural mission on June 21, will be using a unique fuel propellant to reach orbit. Known to most people as 'laughing gas,' a combination of nitrous oxide and rubber will be the fuel for SpaceShipOne's hybrid engine. The crew of SpaceShipOne will be vying for the Ansari X Prize for building and launching a private aircraft into space. (Tariq Malik, http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/technology/sso_fuel_techwed_040616.html, 6/16/04)

Recovery of Commercial Satellite Market Led by Asia
According to Arianespace, a satellite industry specialist, the recovery of the global telecommunication satellite market will be led by high growth and demand in Asia. Observers expect a recovery in the market to begin soon, with yearly satellite launches expected to return to their previous levels of 20 to 30 per year.
(Agence France Presse, http://www.spacedaily.com/2004/040616083819.5oalpm7v.html, 6/16/04)

Armadillo Aerospace Launches Successful Test in Quest for Ansari X Prize
Another private organization is making progress in the quest to send a private vehicle into space. A Texas-based group, Armadillo Aerospace, successfully launched a test-flight of their rocket design. According to the group, their test vehicle launched 131 feet into the air and returned almost precisely to the point of takeoff. Armadillo concedes that they are significantly behind their competitor, SpaceShipOne, in the quest for the Ansari X Prize, but plan to continue their work nonetheless.
(Leonard David, http://space.com/businesstechnology/technology/armadillo_test_040617.html, 6/17/04)

Special Addition: Summary of The Report of the President's Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy

On June 16, 2004, NASA released the Report of the President's Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy. The long-anticipated committee report found that President Bush's ambitious space plans, which include manned missions to the Moon and Mars, are feasible, provided that certain changes are made within the organizational structure and policies of the space program.

The Commission issued the following findings and recommendations:

1. The President's space agenda will enhance American technology, economy, and security.
Increased space exploration will necessarily lead to the development of new technology to enable said exploration, as well as possibility of technological developments only made possible by potential discoveries.
The new markets created by further space exploration will stimulate job growth. In addition, seemingly unrelated fields will likely reap the benefits of the space industry through the developments it makes possible.
This space vision will keep the US on the frontier of space exploration, ensuring its continued dominance in the field. As a result, other states will not be able to make unmatched breakthroughs that could put America at their mercy. The leadership role is crucial.

2. The space exploration vision must be made a priority not only by the US government, but also by the people of America.
A Space Exploration Steering Council, to include members of all relevant fields, should be created in order to prioritize policy and organization of the space exploration vision.

3. NASA's organizational structure should be completely revamped.
Much more responsibility should be transferred from the government to the private sector in terms of services provided.
The organization of NASA should be adjusted to ensure a greater degree of transparency and accountability.
All NASA Centers should be converted to Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, meaning that primary management will no longer be the responsibility of the federal government.
Three new NASA organizations should be created: independent technical advisory and cost estimating boards and an association to sponsor dynamic research.

4. Certain so-called enabling technologies, each of which should receive its own project team, should be focused on in order to achieve stated goals.

5. Increased space exploration will require a stronger space industry.
NASA should utilize commercial and nonprofit sectors in order to make the most of available ideas, technologies, and tools.
Incentives, including monetary rewards and property rights, should be offered to spur competitive research and development.
6. NASA will need to look not only domestically, but internationally also for resources to achieve the President's vision.

7. The scientific community, including especially the National Academy of Sciences, should be consulted in order to further space exploration.
Decisions on the path of further exploration should be discovery-based, in that the course should be flexible and decided as new findings and information emerges.

8. Efforts should be made to encourage the study of math, science, and engineering among American students.

For the full report, click here.

Credits

Compiled by Jackie McClester and Mark Puskar
Edited by Suzanne Vogel