China 'one step closer' to constructing space station

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A trio of Chinese astronauts, including the country's first woman in space, successfully docked with an orbiting test module.

Chinese astronauts docked two spaceships in orbit for the first time Monday (June 18), marking a vital milestone in the country's quest to build a manned space station in Earth orbit.

The three-person crew of theShenzhou 9 spacecraft, which includes the China's first female astronaut, arrived at the country's Tiangong 1("Heavenly Palace") test module in orbit and joined the two craft to complete the successful docking. The maneuver is the first manned docking for China, making it the third nation, after the United States and Russia, to achieve such a feat.

"We are one step closer to our destination of constructing a future space station," an official with China's space program said during a broadcast on the state-run CNTV news network. "This is the first successful crew transportation mission for China."

Shenzhou 9 and theTiangong 1 space moduledocked in an automatic mode during Monday's successful link-up, with the Chinese astronauts (called taikonauts) to stay in orbit for about 13 days. Later this week, the Shenzhou 9 crew will undock their spacecraft from Tiangong 1 and then re-dock in a manual mode in another test, Chinese space officials have said.

Shenzhou 9 lifted offon a Chinese Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China's northern Gansu province Saturday (June 16). [Launch Photos: China's Shenzhou 9 Mission]

The mission is notable not just for the docking, but for the fact that this crew includes China's first female taikonaut. People's Liberation Army pilot Liu Yang is flying with repeat astronaut Jing Haipeng and rookie Liu Wang.

After Monday's successful docking, Jing entered the Tiangong 1 module first and waved to a TV camera to flight controllers on Earth. Liu Wang followed Jing inside the module while Liu Yang remained inside the Shenzhou 9 capsule performing final checks.

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China 'one step closer' to constructing space station

Could China's Shenzhou 9 success usher in a new space race?

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Chinese astronauts successfully docked with a prototype space station, making China only the third nation, after the United States and Russia, to perform such a maneuver.

A Chinese spacecraft carrying three astronauts docked with an orbiting module Monday, another first for the country as it strives to match American and Russian exploits inspace.

The Shenzhou 9 capsule completed the maneuver with the Tiangong 1 module shortly after 2 p.m. (0600 GMT), 343 kilometers (213 miles) above Earth. The docking was shown live on national television.

Astronauts will live and work in the module for several days as part of preparations for manning a permanentspacestation. The crew includes 33-year-old Liu Yang, an air force pilot andChina'sfirst femalespacetraveler.

The docking was a first for Chinese manned spaceflight. In November 2011, the unmanned Shenzhou 8 successfully docked twice with Tiangong 1 by remote control.

Monday's docking also was completed by remote control from a ground base inChina. A manual docking, to be carried out by one of the crew members, is scheduled for later in the mission.

Liu is joined by mission commander and veteran astronaut Jing Haipeng, 45, and crew mate Liu Wang, 43. About three hours after the docking the three were shown on live television entering the Tiangong 1, grabbing handles as they floated along in their blue spacesuits.

They will spend at least 10 days inspaceonChina'sfourth manned mission, which was launched Saturday from the Jiuquan center on the edge of the Gobi desert in northernChina.

Chinais hoping to join the United States and Russia as the only countries to send independently maintainedspacestations into orbit. It is already one of just three nations to have launched manned spacecraft on their own.

Another manned mission to the module is planned later this year. Possible future missions could include sending a man to the moon.

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Could China's Shenzhou 9 success usher in a new space race?

Could China's Shenzhou 9 success usher in a new space race? (+video)

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Chinese astronauts successfully docked with a prototype space station, making China only the third nation, after the United States and Russia, to perform such a maneuver.

A Chinese spacecraft carrying three astronauts docked with an orbiting module Monday, another first for the country as it strives to match American and Russian exploits inspace.

The Shenzhou 9 capsule completed the maneuver with the Tiangong 1 module shortly after 2 p.m. (0600 GMT), 343 kilometers (213 miles) above Earth. The docking was shown live on national television.

Astronauts will live and work in the module for several days as part of preparations for manning a permanentspacestation. The crew includes 33-year-old Liu Yang, an air force pilot andChina'sfirst femalespacetraveler.

The docking was a first for Chinese manned spaceflight. In November 2011, the unmanned Shenzhou 8 successfully docked twice with Tiangong 1 by remote control.

Monday's docking also was completed by remote control from a ground base inChina. A manual docking, to be carried out by one of the crew members, is scheduled for later in the mission.

Liu is joined by mission commander and veteran astronaut Jing Haipeng, 45, and crew mate Liu Wang, 43. About three hours after the docking the three were shown on live television entering the Tiangong 1, grabbing handles as they floated along in their blue spacesuits.

They will spend at least 10 days inspaceonChina'sfourth manned mission, which was launched Saturday from the Jiuquan center on the edge of the Gobi desert in northernChina.

Chinais hoping to join the United States and Russia as the only countries to send independently maintainedspacestations into orbit. It is already one of just three nations to have launched manned spacecraft on their own.

Another manned mission to the module is planned later this year. Possible future missions could include sending a man to the moon.

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Could China's Shenzhou 9 success usher in a new space race? (+video)

China astronauts complete successful space docking

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BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese astronauts carried out a manned docking with an experimental space module on Monday, the latest milestone in China's ambitious campaign to build a space station. The Shenzhou 9 and its three-person crew, which includes China's first woman in space Liu Yang, linked with the Tiangong (Heavenly Palace) 1 module, with state television showing the pictures live. ...

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China astronauts complete successful space docking

China now third country to carry astronauts to an orbital space station

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Early this morning at 2:07am EDT the Chinese crew of Shenzhou-9, China's 3-person orbital spacecraft, achieved China's first-ever space dock with their Tiangong-1 space station. In doing so, China became the third country to carry astronauts (or taikonauts) to an orbital space station, and at least a billion people celebrated. The flight also brought with it China's first woman into space.

Shenzhou, which translates roughly to "divine watercraft," made its first flight in 1999. Since that time, China has been racking up space milestones on a consistent basis, following up with manned launches of Shenzhou in 2003, 2005, and 2008 and the launch of the Tiangong-1 module last year. For reasons that have not yet been revealed by the Chinese government, animated depictions of Tiangong's launch were broadcast with an instrumental version of "America The Beautiful." Other than that, there have been few anomalies.

Shenzhouresembles a Soyuz spacecraft in design, with an orbital module on one end, a service module on the other, and a re-entry module in the center, but it's slightly larger. Both the service module and the orbital module are capable of flying autonomously, and both have solar panels for power.

The Shenzhou flies to orbit aboard a Chinese Long March 2F rocket. The Long March series has been around since 1970 and has also been receiving substantial and regular upgrades. The Long March 2F is a liquid-fueled booster first launched in 1992 and later upgraded to be capable of carrying human passengers.

China, having invested strongly in its space program over the last decade, hopes to use the upgraded Long March to make heavy inroads into the international satellite and satellite launch market. The Chinese announced earlier this year that they were aiming at 15 percent of the launch market and 10 percent of the satellite market by 2015, causing a ruckus in the US Congress and small weather anomalies in the office of Congressman Frank Wolf of Virginia (famous for his antipathy toward all things Chinese). The latest Long March 5 rockets are about the size of the Lockheed-Martin Delta 4 and should in theory be capable of supporting lunar missions. The Chinese are currently hoping to launch sample returns by 2020, and manned missions some time later.

China announced its efforts to build its own space station last year after being repeatedly rebuffed by the U.S. from participating in the International Space Station. The Chinese station should be completed by 2020 and would weigh in at around 60 metric tons. For comparison, the International Space Station weighs in at about 450, although it was designed for a larger crew. The Soviet Mir space station, which was de-orbited in 2001, weighed in about 130 metric tons.

In design, the Chinese Tiangong Space Station strongly follows the Russian aesthetic of practicality. It resembles the Russian Mir, but it's a clean sheet design and somewhat larger. Russian space station modules begin with an off-the-shelf pressure vessel meant for a propellant tank, and it's possible that Chinese module designers follow the same practice. Tiangong-1 will be replaced relatively quickly over the next few years with follow-on modules and will itself be de-orbited as the new station takes shape.

The three main goals for this 13-day mission include health monitoring of the taikonauts, research on the effects of weightlessness, and development of overall taikonaut operational capability. These toolset goals are all part of the learning curve for any manned space program. The Chinese will probably require at least a decade to build up their own space capability to the point where safe long-term missions are capable. That's not a problem for them, as the Chinese government is famously capable of making and following long-term plans.

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China now third country to carry astronauts to an orbital space station

Despite dogged opposition, Tory budget bill heads for final vote

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The House of Commons has begun its final deliberations on the massive Conservative government budget bill that will overhaul environment assessment legislation and change many other aspects of Canadian law.

Tony Clement on voting under sleep deprivation

The 425-page bill is expected to be passed by the House of Commons before the end of the day Monday. Although the Senate has been studying the legislation at the same time it was before the House, it could take until late June or early July to get through the Red Chamber before heading to the Governor-General for royal assent.

In an 11th-hour attempt to delay the bills passage in the Commons, NDP finance critic Peggy Nash moved what is called a reasoned amendment that would wipe out the entire legislation and replace it with language that condemns what the government is trying to do.

Weve heard from expert testimony, including the Parliamentary Budget Officer at the finance committee, that this budget implementation act will worsen unemployment and be a drag on our economic growth, Ms Nash told the House.

And if the Conservatives are so confident of what the government is doing in this omnibus bill, Ms. Nash said, why dont they have the courtesy and honesty to Canadians to break it up and allow for a full and honest debate throughout this country?

But her amendment stands no chance of getting passed by the Conservative majority and, because the government has invoked time allocation on the final debate, it is unlikely to create any significant postponement of the legislations passage in the House.

The opposition parties argue there has not been enough time to fully study the ramifications of such a large bill and they say the government is lumping the hundreds of disparate measures into one piece of legislation as a way of avoiding scrutiny.

Much of the bill will require additional regulations before it takes full effect. But the more than 700 clauses cover a gamut of issues under federal jurisdiction and many of them are aimed at smoothing the path of development especially the oil and gas industries.

Shelly Glover, the Manitoba Conservative MP who is parliamentary secretary to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, started the final round of debate by saying the bill will help Canadians across the country secure jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.

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Despite dogged opposition, Tory budget bill heads for final vote

NASA | Mapping The Future With Landsat – Video

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18-06-2012 11:34 Many non-profits are using Landsat as a tool to identify and protect areas that are important for conservation. This video shows how The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has used Landsat in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to protect a wildlife corridor in the Maringa Lopori Wanga (MLW) region. This area is located in the northern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) immediately south of the Congo River. Within its borders are two major reserves: The Lomako-Yokokala Faunal Reserve and the Luo Scientific Reserve. Wildlife travels between these two reserves via a natural wildlife corridor. With Landsat, the AWF identified this corridor as a critical area for conservation and then began working with the DRC government and local communities to map the region. This process has had and will have significant impact on land use planning and zoning in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This video is public domain and can be downloaded at: Like our videos? Subscribe to NASA's Goddard Shorts HD podcast: Or find NASA Goddard Space Flight Center on Facebook: Or find us on Twitter:

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NASA | Mapping The Future With Landsat - Video

NASA Picks UM-Led Satellite System For Weather Forecasting

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WASHINGTON, D.C. NASA has selected an ocean wind study proposal led by the University of Michigan from among 19 submitted to the agencys Announcement of Opportunity for small spaceflight investigations of the Earth system. The proposed mission will make accurate measurements of ocean surface winds throughout the life cycle of tropical storms and hurricanes, which could help lead to better weather forecasting.

The competitively selected proposal, the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS), is led by Principal Investigator Dr. Chris Ruf of the University of Michigan, and includes partnerships with the Southwest Research Institute of Texas, Surrey Satellite Technology of Colorado and NASA Ames Research Center.

It is the second award, and first award for space-based investigations, in the Earth Venture-class series of rapidly developed, cost-constrained projects for NASAs Earth Science Division. The award will be funded during the next five years for $151.7 million. The cost includes initial development, launch, deployment and data analysis.

The mission will use a constellation of small satellites that will be carried to orbit on a single launch vehicle. The CYGNSSdata will enable scientists, for the first time, to probe key air-sea interaction processes that take place near the inner core of the storms, which are rapidly changing and play large roles in the genesis and intensification of hurricanes. The CYGNSS measurements also may provide information to the hurricane forecast community.

Once in orbit, CYGNSSseight micro-satellite observatories will receive both direct and reflected signals from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. The direct signals pinpoint CYGNSS observatory positions, while the reflected signals respond to ocean surface roughness, from which wind speed is retrieved.

The CYGNSSmission is both a scientific and a programmatic advance for NASAs Earth science and applications program, said John Grunsfeld, NASAs Science Mission Directorate associate administrator in Washington. CYGNSSwill provide vital science data on tropical cyclones, and the CYGNSS team will advance our ability to obtain high-quality Earth science data through smaller, more affordable space systems.

The Earth Venture missions are part of NASAs Earth System Science Pathfinder program. The small, targeted science investigations complement NASAs larger research missions. In 2007, the National Research Council recommended NASA undertake these types of regularly solicited, quick-turnaround projects. The previous Earth Venture award was for five airborne investigations all of which are progressing well with initial data being collected. The first Announcement of Opportunity in the Earth Venture-Instruments series was issued earlier this year, and proposals are now under review.

The Earth Venture program is expected to continue with awards at regular intervals for investigations using cutting edge instrumentation carried on airborne platforms, on small space missions, or as secondary instruments or hosted payloads on larger platforms. NASAs Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va., manages the Earth System Science Pathfinder program for NASAs Science Mission Directorate. The missions in this program provide an innovative approach to address Earth science research with periodic windows of opportunity to accommodate new scientific priorities.

For more information about the Earth System Science Pathfinder program, visit http://go.nasa.gov/MKvgJO.

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NASA Picks UM-Led Satellite System For Weather Forecasting

CSC Wins NASA "Contractor of the Year" Award

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FALLS CHURCH, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) presented CSC (CSC) with an award for Large Business Prime Contractor of the Year. Presented at the Houston Government Procurement Connections Conference, the award is for a facilities contract at Johnson Space Center.

Selection criteria for the large business prime contractor category included performing well on all NASA contracts; demonstrating overall sound small business programs; meeting or exceeding small business requirements; using small business contractors to perform some technical tasks required by the contract during its execution; and sponsoring and participating in outreach activities.

CSC values the opportunity to mentor and partner with the local small business community at Johnson Space Center and is pleased to be recognized by NASA for excelling in this area, said Alan Weakley, president of CSCs North American Public Sector Defense Group. We make a conscious effort to support Department of Defense initiatives by incorporating small businesses wherever possible in the programs we manage worldwide.

CSC was previously awarded two Contractor of the Year awards from the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the NASA John C. Stennis Space Center in 2009.

About CSCs North American Public Sector

As a go-to partner for critical national programs, CSC offers thought leadership, specialized skills and innovative services in critical areas for government clients. Leveraging a global footprint in both private and public sectors, and experience gained from serving almost every U.S. government agency, CSCs North American Public Sector (NPS) brings innovative ideas and proven best practices to help the U.S. government meet mission-critical requirements. For more information about CSCs government solutions, visit http://www.csc.com/government.

About CSC

CSC is a global leader in providing technology-enabled business solutions and services. Headquartered in Falls Church, Va., CSC has approximately 98,000 employees and reported revenue of $15.9 billion for the 12 months ended March 30, 2012. For more information, visit the companys website at http://www.csc.com.

Click here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for CSC.

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CSC Wins NASA "Contractor of the Year" Award

NASA & FAA Agree on Private Space Taxi Safety Rules

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NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will collaborate and share responsibilities for regulating future commercial spaceflights to and from the International Space Station, representatives from both agencies announced today (June 18).

NASA administrator Charles Bolden and FAA acting administrator Michael Huerta announced today they have signed an agreement to establish licensing standards and policy for commercial missions to the space station. As the nascent private space industry continues to grow, NASA and the FAA will coordinate safety standards for government and nongovernment trips to low-Earth orbit.

"I'm really pleased to join FAA administrator Huerta to announce the two agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for how we're going to regulate safe commercial transport of government and nongovernment crews," Bolden told reporters in a news briefing.

The agreement helps establish ground rules for U.S. commercial spaceflights to ensure the safety of onboard crews and the public.

"The Obama administration recognizes the scientific, technological and economic benefits of maintaining the United States' leadership in space travel and exploration," Huerta said. "This agreement between the FAA and NASA continues and advances those vital national interests." [Now Boarding: The Top 10 Private Spaceships]

As part of the understanding, the FAA will distribute licenses to commercial companies provided that safety standards for their vehicle's launch and re-entry are met, Huerta explained. For flights taken by American astronauts, NASA will be responsible for overseeing the safety of the mission and crew.

"This allows both agencies to incorporate experience and lessons learned over the years," Bolden said.

The signed Memorandum of Understanding represents an important step in establishing a working legislative framework for the commercial spaceflight industry.

"This important agreement between the FAA and NASA will advance our shared goals in commercial space travel," U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement. "Working together, we will assure clear, consistent standards for the industry."

Several private companies are building new spaceships to carry NASA astronauts and other paying passengers to the International Space Station and other planned destinations in low-Earth orbit. NASA's Commercial Crew Program aims to foster the development of these vehicles through funding awards and space act agreements.

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NASA & FAA Agree on Private Space Taxi Safety Rules

NASA Selects Innovative Museum Exhibits And Planetarium Shows

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Exhibits, planetarium shows, and community-based programming are among 18 projects NASA has selected to receive agency funding in 2012. The projects consist of 11 informal education providers and seven NASA visitor centers that will share $10 million in grants through NASA's Competitive Program for Science Museums and Planetariums Plus Opportunities for NASA Visitor Centers and Other Informal Education Institutions.

Project topics will feature NASA missions in engineering, astronomy, human spaceflight, aeronautics, technology, and Earth science. The selected projects will partner with NASA's Museum Alliance, a nationwide network of informal education professionals at more than 500 museums, science centers, planetariums, NASA visitor centers, Challenger centers, visitor centers at observatories and parks, nature centers, aquariums and zoos.

"Informal education providers are an important part of NASA's education family," said Leland Melvin, associate administrator for NASA's Office of Education in Washington. "By using compelling NASA content, they help us stimulate interest in science, technology, engineer and mathematics, or STEM. Increasing STEM literacy in students today is key to having the talent NASA will need to embark on future missions of science and discovery."

Projects selected in this year's program will engage learners of all ages, as well as educators who deliver formal or informal STEM education. The projects will produce NASA-inspired educational opportunities, including planetarium shows, exhibits, community-based programming, and other hands-on activities.

In conjunction with NASA's Museum Alliance, the grants focus on NASA-themed space exploration, aeronautics, space science, Earth science, microgravity or a combination of themes. Some projects will include partnerships with elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, as well as with community-based organizations.

The museums, science-technology centers, and planetarium selected for project funding are located in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. The eleven grants have a maximum five-year period of performance, and range in value from approximately $370,000 to $857,000.

The selected NASA visitor centers are located in Alabama, California, Maryland, Mississippi, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia. The seven visitor center projects have a maximum five-year period of performance and range in value from approximately $200,000 to $900,000.

Proposals were selected through a merit-based, peer-reviewed process from the 63 proposals received. Institutions from 30 states and the District of Columbia competed. NASA's Office of Education, agency mission directorates and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory collaborated to solicit and review the grant applications. This integrated approach distinguishes NASA's investment in education from other federal grant makers. Before new grants or cooperative agreements are issued, selected institutions must complete required business and policy review by working with the NASA Shared Services Center in Mississippi.

Congress established the inaugural Competitive Program for Science Museums and Planetariums in 2008. NASA will open the fourth competition for new proposals in Fiscal Year 2013.

For a list of selected organizations and projects descriptions, visit: http://go.nasa.gov/NKC2V0

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NASA Selects Innovative Museum Exhibits And Planetarium Shows

NASA Office of Education solicits proposals for NASA Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Office of Education, in cooperation with NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD), Human Exploration & Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD), and Science Mission Directorates (SMD), the Office of the Chief Technologist (OCT), and NASA's ten Centers, solicits proposals for the NASA Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).

Each funded NASA EPSCoR proposal is expected to establish research activities that will make significant contributions to the strategic research and technology development priorities of one or more of the Mission Directorates or the OCT and contribute to the overall research infrastructure, science and technology capabilities, higher education, and economic development of the jurisdiction. If submitted, Notices of Intent are due on July 20, 2012 and proposals are due on August 14, 2012.

Public Law 102-588, passed in 1992, authorized NASA to initiate NASA EPSCoR to strengthen the research capability of jurisdictions that have not in the past participated equably in competitive aerospace research activities. The goal of NASA EPSCoR is to provide seed funding that will enable jurisdictions to develop an academic research enterprise directed toward long-term, self-sustaining, nationally-competitive capabilities in aerospace and aerospace-related research. This capability will, in turn, contribute to the jurisdiction's economic viability and expand the nation's base for aerospace research and development. Since its inception, NASA EPSCoR has been closely linked to the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (Space Grant).

While proposals can be accepted only from institutions for which the NASA EPSCoR Directors are currently serving, all institutions of higher education within the jurisdiction should be given the opportunity and must be made aware of the FY 2012 NASA EPSCoR CAN. The National Science Foundation (NSF) determines overall jurisdiction eligibility for NASA EPSCoR. Details regarding general eligibility are available at: http://www.nsf.gov/od/oia/programs/epscor/eligible.jsp.

The following jurisdictions are eligible to submit up to two proposals to this NASA EPSCoR solicitation: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

South Carolina may submit up to three proposals, provided at least one of the proposals represents a project from the US Virgin Islands (which currently falls under South Carolina's jurisdiction).

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NASA Office of Education solicits proposals for NASA Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research

NASA, FAA Advance National Goals in Commercial Human Space Transportation with Landmark Agreement

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NASA have signed a historic agreement to coordinate standards for commercial space travel of government and non-government astronauts to and from low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station (ISS). The two agencies will collaborate to expand efforts that provide a stable framework for the U.S. space industry, avoid conflicting requirements and multiple sets of standards, and advance both public and crew safety.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the two agencies establishes policy for operational missions to the space station. Commercial providers will be required to obtain a license from the FAA for public safety. Crew safety and mission assurance will be NASA's responsibility. This approach allows both agencies to incorporate experience and lessons learned as progress is made.

"This important agreement between the FAA and NASA will advance our shared goals in commercial space travel," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Working together, we will assure clear, consistent standards for the industry."

"This agreement is the next step in bringing the business of launching Americans back to American soil," Charles Bolden, NASA administrator said. "We are fostering private sector innovation while maintaining high standards of safety and reliability to re-establish U.S.-crewed access to low-Earth orbit, in-sourcing work to American companies and encouraging the development of dynamic and cost-effective spaceflight capabilities built to last."

"The Obama administration recognizes the scientific, technological and economic benefits of maintaining the United States' leadership in space travel and exploration," said FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta. "This agreement between the FAA and NASA continues and advances those vital national interests."

NASA's Commercial Crew Program aims to facilitate development of a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability with the goal of achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station. The policy established in the MOU clarifies for potential commercial providers the regulatory environment for operational missions to the orbiting laboratory. It also ensures that the two agencies will have compatible processes for ensuring public safety.

The FAA is responsible for regulating and licensing all U.S. private companies and individuals involved in commercial space transportation. To date, the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation has licensed 207 successful launches, including two non-orbital commercial human space flights in 2004 and the recent first launch to the ISS and re-entry of a non-manned commercial spacecraft. For details on FAA commercial space transportation responsibilities, visit:

http://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=12179

In addition, the agreement addresses proper protocols for implementation, financial obligations, liability, free exchange of data and information, and other administrative obligations between the FAA and NASA. To view the agreement, click on: http://go.nasa.gov/Lru8iQ

For more information on NASA's Commercial Crew Program, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

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NASA, FAA Advance National Goals in Commercial Human Space Transportation with Landmark Agreement

NASA and FAA work out spaceship rules

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SNC via NASA

Sierra Nevada Corp.'s Dream Chaser space plane prototype is lifted into the air by a helicopter for a captive-carry flight test in May. The Dream Chaser is one of several proposed spacecraft that could be cleared for liftoff by the FAA and NASA in the coming years.

By Alan Boyle

NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration have worked out their division of labor for clearing a new generation of private-sector spaceships for liftoff putting the aviation agency in charge of any crew-carrying spacecraft that launches and lands, but requiring the space agency's additional signoff on any missions it's paying for.

The arrangement was set out under the terms of a memo signed this month. It's in line with Congress' mandate that the FAA regulate spacecraft to protect public safety, while letting spaceship companies fly private passengers at their own risk.

"As it stands today, our regulatory authority is associated with the launch and re-entry itself," acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta explained today during a media teleconference. "We don't have any charter or authority to do anything beyond that, at least until 2015."

That's when the "fly at your own risk" mandate runs out, and it's also just about the earliest time that any of the companies developing crew-carrying spaceships will be ready to fly passengers.

NASA has been paying four companies Blue Origin, the Boeing Co., Sierra Nevada Corp. and SpaceXmore than $400 million to develop spaceships for flying U.S. astronauts. Today, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said NASA expected to announce which companies will be involved in the next phase of the commercial crew program by mid-July. Under the terms of a compromise worked out with congressional leaders, the program will give its full support to two spaceship teams, and roughly half that level of support to a third team.

The companies involved in the program have generally said they'd be ready to fly their craft as early as 2015, assuming that they receive adequate support from NASA. Bolden, however, is focusing on 2017 for the resumption of U.S.-based crew launches to the International Space Station.

The White House requested $830 million to support the program in the next fiscal year, but during its budget deliberations, Congress has been setting aside no more than $525 million."We will ask for a significant increase in 2014 and the other years if we are to hold to the 2017 first-flight date for commercial crew to the International Space Station," Bolden told reporters.

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NASA and FAA work out spaceship rules

Six startup medical device firms compete in Memphis for fame and fortune

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What unites the diverse group selected to participate in the inaugural ZeroTo510 medical device accelerator?

In a word, entrepreneurship.

That's the common thread that binds the founders of the six startups selected for the ZeroTo510 program in Memphis.

Photo by Mike Maple // Buy this photo

Ben Tempel (left) is CEO and Dr. Edward Chaum is a co-founder of Nanophthalmics, which is creating microscopic tools for ocular surgery.

Photo by Brandon Dill // Buy this photo

BioNanovations founders Charleson Bell (left) and Andre' Stevenson have developed TestQuick, a technology that uses "bio-nano" particles to reduce the time needed to determine the type of bacterial infection present in a sample.

Some are experienced health care professionals; some are just starting their careers. Some are full-fledged professors at prestigious universities; some are graduate students and research assistants. Some are Memphians; others live and work elsewhere.

"It's inspirational how the spirit of entrepreneurship brings them together," said Allan Daisley, director of innovation and entrepreneurship for Memphis Bioworks Foundation, the organization that houses and administers ZeroTo510.

Created as the first medical device accelerator program in the country, ZeroTo510 aims to create more jobs, boost the local economy and make Memphis a place for entrepreneurs. To participate in ZeroTo510, the startups have to be based here.

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Six startup medical device firms compete in Memphis for fame and fortune

Northeastern University Nanomanufacturing Center Director Ahmed Busnaina to Present Webinar on “The Democratization of …

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Learn how the Center for High-rate Nanomanufacturing is working to enable access to new innovative manufacturing tools for industry, innovators, entrepreneurs and students.Boston, MA (PRWEB) June 18, 2012 Dr. Ahmed Busnaina, Director of the National Science Foundation Center for High-rate Nanomanufactuurig [CHN], will present a webinar entitled, “The Democratization of Manufacturing”. The ...

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Scientists discover mechanism that promotes lung cancer growth and survival

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Public release date: 15-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: John Wallace wallacej@vcu.edu 804-628-1550 Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Va. (June 15, 2012) A multi-institutional research study has uncovered a new mechanism that may lead to unique treatments for lung cancer, one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

The study recently published in the journal Genes & Development was a collaboration between Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Massey Cancer Center and the VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, the University of California, San Diego, the University of Minnesota and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The scientists discovered that the protein Bax Inhibitor-1 (BI-1) protects lung cancer cells and promotes tumor growth by regulating autophagy, a complex process initiated under stressful conditions that breaks down a cell's own components to provide nutrients needed for survival.

"Cancer cells are remarkably adaptive and depend on a variety of mechanisms to ensure their survival and continued growth when challenged by their environment," says John C. Reed, M.D., Ph.D., professor and CEO of Sanford-Burnham. "By reducing levels of BI-1, it appears we were able to modulate intracellular signals and starve lung cancer cells of the energy needed to carry out one of their most important survival mechanisms, autophagy."

The researchers showed that BI-1 appeared to be linked to levels of calcium, which aids in signal transduction. Suppressing BI-1 reduced calcium levels in the endoplasmic reticulum, the interconnected network of sacs and tubules that manufacture, process and transport a variety of compounds for use inside and outside of cells. Lowering BI-1 levels led to reduced mitochondrial activity, oxygen consumption and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. ATP is often called the "molecular unit of currency" due to the important role it plays in transporting chemical energy needed for metabolism.

The researchers' laboratory findings were confirmed by animal models that showed BI-1 suppression reduced human lung cancer tumor growth.

"These studies are the first to show that BI-1 may play an important survival role in cells under circumstances where oxygen and nutrient deprivation are encountered, such as the conditions that arise in advanced tumors or when cells are stressed by chemotherapy treatments," says Paul B. Fisher, M.Ph., Ph.D., Thelma Newmeyer Corman Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and program co-leader of Cancer Molecular Genetics at VCU Massey Cancer Center, chairman of VCU's Department of Human and Molecular Genetics and director of the VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine. "We are excited by our findings because they uncover a new pathway that may be an effective target for future therapies to treat advanced lung cancer."

Next, the scientists hope to apply their findings to screen for potential drugs that can reduce BI-1-mediated protective autophagy in cancer cells.

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Scientists discover mechanism that promotes lung cancer growth and survival