Jun 21 2010
From The Space Library
RELEASE: 10-103
NASA, DARPA SEEK SATELLITE RESEARCH PROPOSALS FOR SPACE STATION
WASHINGTON -- NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are asking for proposals to enhance small satellite experiments on the International Space Station. The goal is to better utilize the station as a test bed for advanced space technologies. The effort is centered on Synchronized Position, Hold, Engage and Reorient Experimental Satellites (SPHERES). SPHERES are bowling-ball sized spherical satellites used inside the station to test maneuvers for spacecraft performing autonomous rendezvous and docking. The three satellites fly in formation inside the station's cabin. Each is self-contained with power, propulsion, computing and navigation equipment. The test results are used to support satellite servicing, vehicle assembly and spacecraft that fly in formation. "The continued expansion of capabilities will lead to an increased knowledge of navigation systems and stimulate a large number of next generation spacecraft developers, said Jason Crusan, chief technologist for Space Operations at NASA Headquarters in Washington. A new program, International Space Station Spheres Integrated Research Experiments, or InSPIRE, is designed to use SPHERES to test advanced space technologies and facilitate student and public participation in the development process. NASA and DARPA are soliciting ideas to bring the power of crowd-sourcing - a concept in which many people in a community can contribute ideas or concepts - to SPHERES experiments. Crowd-sourcing and educational outreach activities, including a competition among high schools across the U.S., are an important part of the InSPIRE program. The purpose is to advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics educational outreach for high school students and the public. SPHERES have been used by many organizations, including other government agencies and graduate student research groups, since the program began in 2006. The satellites provide opportunities to test a wide range of hardware and software at an affordable cost. "The ability to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through meaningful space experimentation is really at the heart of this new program, said Paul Eremenko, DARPA program manager.
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RELEASE: 10-152
SPACE ECONOMIC TASK FORCE SEEKS FLORIDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
WASHINGTON -- The Task Force on Space Industry Workforce and Economic Development has launched an interactive website to encourage public comment on ways to promote economic growth and sustainability in Florida's Space Coast region as it adapts to changes in America's space program. The site offers valuable information about the work the administration is doing to create jobs in the region by fostering a more supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. "We consider the new interactive website an important tool to understand public concerns and challenges about the economic growth and well being of Florida's Space Coast, said Woodrow Whitlow, NASA's associate administrator for the Mission Support Directorate in Washington. This tool and our other outreach efforts will help the task force prepare recommendations for the president that reflects the greatest needs and concerns of both the public and the area's aerospace-related industries. On May 3, President Obama issued a presidential memorandum establishing the task force. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke are co-chairing the effort. "President Obama is committed to helping Florida's Space Coast adapt and thrive in the years ahead, said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. The work of the task force adds to this administration's unprecedented level of transparency, and ensures public trust, participation and confidence. Our efforts depend on the participation of local stakeholders who will ultimately devise and implement a bottom-up, regionally driven strategic plan. The task force will review all input. Comments can be shared at: http://www.nasa.gov/spacecoasttaskforce The task force's mission is to develop an interagency strategic action plan to enhance economic development along Florida's Space Coast and related areas. Plans will include recommendations to ensure the region is equipped to adapt to changes in local economies resulting from developments in America's space program. Among these recommendations will be a strategic investment plan for $40 million in new federal funding for the Space Coast region that the president included in his 2011 budget request. The task force will present the plan to the president by Aug. 15.
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