Category Archives: Space Exploration

NASA portrait of astronaut Thomas K. Mattingly II. Credit: NASA

Thomas Kenneth Mattingly II, retired United States Navy Rear Admiral and distinguished NASA astronaut, passed away on October 31, 2023, at the age of 87. Known affectionately as TK, Mattinglys career was marked by his heroic contributions to the U.S. space program and his notable role in the historic Apollo missions.

Born on March 17, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, TK Mattinglys passion for aviation and space exploration took flight early in his life. He went on to receive his wings in 1960 after joining the U.S. Navy, where he served with distinction. His excellence as a pilot and his keen intellect led him to NASA, where he joined the astronaut class of 1966.

Throughout his storied career, Mattingly was involved in key aspects of the Apollo program. Before he journeyed into space, he worked tirelessly behind the scenes, contributing to the development of the Apollo spacesuit and backpack. He served as the command module pilot for Apollo 16, where his skill and resolve were vital to the missions success. Mattingly further left his mark as the spacecraft commander for space shuttle missions STS-4 and STS 51-C, illustrating the versatility and leadership that became his hallmark.

Astronaut Thomas K. Mattingly II (right foreground), command module pilot of the Apollo 16 lunar landing mission, participates in extravehicular activity (EVA) training in Building 5 at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC). Credit: NASA

Perhaps one of the most significant moments of Mattinglys career came during the Apollo 13 mission. Although he was grounded due to exposure to rubella, Mattingly played a crucial role in the safe return of his fellow astronauts, showcasing his unwavering dedication to the program and his colleagues.

TK Mattinglys impact extended beyond his technical contributions. His eloquence and introspection provided a window into the profound experiences of space travel. He once shared his awe of the cosmos, saying, I had this very palpable fear that if I saw too much, I couldnt remember. It was just so impressive.

Astronauts Thomas K. Mattingly II (left) and Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., STS-4 commander and pilot, respectively, get in some training time in the motion base Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS) at the Johnson Space Centers Mission Simulations and Training Facility. Credit: NASA

His decorations included the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and numerous other awards that testified to his exceptional service. Mattingly was not just an astronaut; he was an explorer at heart, who braved the vast unknown for the betterment of humanity.

Mattingly is survived by his family, who shared and supported his passion for exploration. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of explorers who look to the stars and dream of the possibilities that lie within the cosmos.

As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary individual, we also celebrate his remarkable lifea life that encapsulated the spirit of adventure and the dedication to pushing the boundaries of human achievement. Ad Astra, Rear Adm. Thomas K. Mattingly II, may your final journey be as wondrous as those you undertook among the stars.

The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on the passing of former NASA astronaut Rear Adm. (ret.) Thomas K. (TK) Mattingly II.

We lost one of our countrys heroes on October 31 NASA astronaut TK Mattingly was key to the success of our Apollo Program, and his shining personality will ensure he is remembered throughout history.

Beginning his career with the U.S. Navy, TK received his wings in 1960 and flew various aircraft across multiple assignments. Once he joined the Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School as a student, NASA chose him to be part of the astronaut class in 1966. Before flying in space, he aided the Apollo Program working as the astronaut support crew and took leadership in the development of the Apollo spacesuit and backpack.

His unparalleled skill as a pilot aided us when he took on the role of command module pilot for Apollo 16 and spacecraft commander for space shuttle missions STS-4 and STS 51-C. The commitment to innovation and resilience toward opposition made TK an excellent figure to embody our mission and our nations admiration.

Perhaps his most dramatic role at NASA was after exposure to rubella just before the launch of Apollo 13. He stayed behind and provided key real-time decisions to successfully bring home the wounded spacecraft and the crew of Apollo 13 NASA astronauts James Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise.

TKs contributions have allowed for advancements in our learning beyond that of space. He described his experience in orbit by saying, I had this very palpable fear that if I saw too much, I couldnt remember. It was just so impressive. He viewed the universes vastness as an unending forum of possibilities. As a leader in exploratory missions, TK will be remembered for braving the unknown for the sake of our countrys future.

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Farewell to a NASA Hero: Apollo Astronaut Thomas K. Mattingly II Departs at 87 - SciTechDaily

During a ceremony at the Dutch Ambassadors Residence in Washington on Wednesday, the Netherlands became the 31st country to sign the Artemis Accords. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson participated in the signing ceremony for the agency, and Netherlands Space Office (NSO) director Harm van de Wetering signed on behalf of the Netherlands.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy and the following also were in attendance:

NASA welcomes the Netherlands as the newest and 31st member of the Artemis Accords family, said Nelson. It takes global leadership and cooperation to ensure the peaceful, transparent exploration of space for the Artemis Generation and beyond. As one of Americas oldest allies, NASA is proud to expand our partnership with the Netherlands and build a future defined by limitless opportunity and discovery.

The Artemis Accords establish a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations, including those participating in NASAs Artemis program.

NASA and the Netherlands have been strong partners in space from the early days of spaceflight. Pushing boundaries by technology brings new responsibilities. By signing the Artemis Accords, we underline the values we share in space, and we acknowledge we have a common responsibility, said van de Wetering.

NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State,established theArtemis Accordsin 2020 together with seven other original signatories. Iceland became the 30th country to sign the Artemis Accords in October.

The Artemis Accords reinforce and implement key obligations in the 1967Outer Space Treaty. They also strengthen the commitment by the United States and signatory nations to the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices and norms of responsible behavior NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data. Signatories are also discussing implementation of key Accords principles, including how best to avoid unintended interference on the lunar surface.

More countries are expected to sign the Artemis Accords in the months and years ahead, as NASA continues to work with its international partners to establish a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space. Working with both new and existing partners adds new energy and capabilities to ensure the entire world can benefit from our journey of exploration and discovery.

Learn more about the Artemis Accords at:

https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-accords

-end-

Jackie McGuinness / Roxana Bardan Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1600 jackie.mcguinness@nasa.gov / roxana.bardan@nasa.gov

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NASA Welcomes Netherlands as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory - NASA

China's Shenzhou 16 astronauts have been growing vegetables aboard the Tiangong space station, as part of plans for future deep space exploration.

Mission commander Jing Haipeng and rookie astros Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao have been aboard Tiangong since late May and are due to return to Earth on Oct. 31, after handing over control of the station to the newly arrived Shenzhou 17 mission crew.

Jing and company have spent time cultivating veggies using two sets of specialized equipment. The first started operation in June and has reaped four batches of lettuce. The second one was put into operation in August for growing cherry tomatoes and green onions.

Related: See latest configuration of China's Tiangong space station in stunning new video

The China Astronaut Research and Training Center has also set up replicas on Earth, allowing researchers to compare results and more accurately analyze divergences in how plants grow in space and on the ground. This, researchers say, is part of a long-term plan to aid deep space exploration.

"This vegetable cultivation apparatus is a key part of the whole Environmental Control and Life Support System [ECLSS], and it is used in space to verify the relevant technologies. In the future, we will focus on rapid and large-scale cultivation," Yang Renze, a researcher from China Astronaut Research and Training Center, told CCTV.

"The system can be applied to the field of deep space exploration, including our crewed lunar and Mars landing missions," Yang said.

"As a key part of the ECLSS, the plants grown from the cultivation apparatus can absorb carbon dioxide in the air to generate oxygen with the photosynthesis, and then regenerate and purify water with transpiration."

China is working to put a pair of astronauts on the moon before 2030. It is also planning to build a moon base, called the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), in the next decade. A crewed Mars landing is much further off, but the Red Planet has been noted as a future destination for Chinese spaceflight.

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China's astronauts tend orbital garden to aid deep space exploration - Space.com

The UK Space Agency has signed an agreement with a US company called Axiom Space to develop a space mission carrying four astronauts from the UK. The flight would most likely use the SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle and travel to the International Space Station (ISS).

The crew is expected to include reserve and active astronauts recently selected by the European Space Agency (Esa), but they will be funded commercially. There are also reports it could be commanded by the recently retired Tim Peake.

By taking this step, the UK is joining other countries on a commercial path to human spaceflight. Its a very significant one too, because commercial funding is absolutely crucial to the future of space exploration. As a former Esa director of human spaceflight (at the time Peake was hired), I believe this will position the UK to participate in a growing space economy, help democratise space and inspire new generations of students to study science and engineering.

In 1998, Esa decided it would employ and train its own astronauts. Prior to that, few European countries had astronauts flying under their national banner. Esas decision was intended to reinforce its role in spaceflight internationally. At the time, the agency had also decided that it wanted to strengthen the ISS collaboration and also wanted to get the most out of it. Astronauts were one way to do this.

Prior to 1998, the UK had produced several astronauts and potential astronauts. Michael Foale, born in Lincolnshire, had dual UK-US nationality and flew to space as a Nasa astronaut. Helen Sharman went to orbit in 1991 as part of an arrangement with the Russian government.

As a result of the European astronaut corps being created in 1998, national astronaut corps in Esa member states were dismantled.

In those countries, including the UK, the focus shifted to selecting astronauts through the Esa process. However, while the UK participated enthusiastically in other Esa programmes, it did not show a great deal of interest in the agencys optional human spaceflight programme.

While UK was not contributing to the Esa human spaceflight programme, other member states were strong supporters. However, selections were open to all European citizens, and correctly so.

Fast forward to May 20, 2009, when I was Esas director of Human Spaceflight. Officials and journalists were crowded into a room on the fourth floor of Esas headquarters at Rue Mario Nikis in Paris to hear the announcement of six new astronauts who would join the space agency. I had chaired the committee that had interviewed the group of 22 candidates who remained after a one year long selection process managed by the European Astronaut Center (EAC) in Germany.

As I announced the six new astronauts, the room exploded at one name in particular: Tim Peakes. Considering that the UK was not involved in this optional programme, there were no expectations a British astronaut would be announced. But Peake was an exceptional candidate who deserved his selection.

Immediately afterwards, the UK minister for science and innovation, Lord Drayson, called Esa. As a result of this phone call, I rushed to Gare du Nord, took a train, and arrived in London for an unplanned meeting with the minister. Sometime later, the UK joined Esas human spaceflight programme.

A lot has changed since 2009, however. Innovation in the area of spaceflight is increasing exponentially. Just look at the Starship programme managed by Elon Musks SpaceX, or Jeff Bezos Blue Origin, which is developing new rockets and a new vehicle to land on the Moon.

The ISSs lifetime has been extended until 2030 after which it will be decommissioned, re-entering the Earths atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean. However, commercial companies in the US are developing their own private space stations.

One of those companies is Axiom Space. Based in Houston, Axiom wants to build a space station that will be operational from 2028. In its first phase, it will have two or more modules docked to the ISS. Once they are ready, the Axiom station will be detached so that it can function independently.

In preparation for their space stations operations phase, Axiom has begun sending commercially funded missions to the ISS using SpaceXs Crew Dragon vehicle. These have been commanded by ex-Nasa astronauts but carry non-professionals.

The recent Ax2 mission, for example, was commanded by ex-Nasa astronaut Peggy Whitson and carried a racing driver and investor, John Schoffner, who paid for his flight, as well as two Saudi Arabian commercial astronauts sponsored by the Saudi Space Commission. An upcoming mission, Ax3, will fly to the ISS in January 2024.

Ax4, expected to take place mid-2024, could be the target for this all-UK crew although they might have to wait for a later mission.

All of this is happening as Esas latest astronaut class, chosen in 2022 and the first since Peakes intake in 2009, is being prepared for missions to low Earth orbit and later, beyond. In this new class are five career astronauts, 11 reserve astronauts reserve and one astronaut with a disability.

So the rise of the commercial astronaut provides access to space for countries that may not have a longstanding relationship with one of the big space agencies and therefore support the process of democratising space.

The benefits that come from the use of space-based data and infrastructure are increasingly evident, and more attention from the general public helps put space on the map for policy and decision makers in a virtuous circle.

Space is indispensable for tackling climate change, in disaster management, global health, in agriculture, education, digital transformation and the green economy.

Therefore, a commercially funded mission to cost around 200m carrying UK-born commercial astronauts Rosemary Coogan (also selected as an Esa active astronaut), John McFall and Meganne Christian (who are Esa reserve astronauts) could be seen as a good investment. The mission will also undoubtedly produce good outcomes, including scientific results.

Peake will reportedly come out of retirement to lead this first all-UK astronaut mission, following his last flight back in 2015.

The space economy is a blooming flower that we must support in order for it to grow. The pay-off will benefit us all.

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All-UK astronaut mission shows that private enterprise is vital to the ... - The Conversation Indonesia

Published October 31, 2023

Daniel Tani traces his love of engineering and space exploration to his childhood.

As a young boy, Tani loved playing with model rockets. He would use the money he made delivering newspapers to buy and build them.

I was enthralled by the magic of the power of my thumb, making something go so fast and so high, Tani recently told students of professor Giovanni Zanaldas space economics class. We were astronaut crazy in the 1960s. I never thought it would be a reality.

Zanalda, professor of the practice in economics and history with the Social Science Research Institute at Duke, as well as co-chair of the Space Diplomacy Lab and director of the Rethinking Diplomacy Program, moderated the discussion.

It wasnt until Tani was around 25 and working in the aerospace industry that he met an astronaut and decided to fulfill his childhood dream.

It lit the lightbulb in my head to think maybe there was a path for me, he said.

Tani applied to NASAs space program and was accepted in 1996. He spent 16 years working for the agency. During that time, he flew on two space missions, spent 120 days in space and on the International Space Station and took part in six spacewalks.

Now director of business development operations, human exploration operations at Northrop Grumman, Tani shared inspiring stories of his experiences in space.

One student asked what it was like to return to Earth after spending time in zero gravity. There was lots of walking into walls, very entertaining for your kids, he said. I couldnt drive until a week after I got back. I could navigate a left turn but no right turns.

And what were space walks like?

Its so scary you are going to go out to the vacuum of space. You know its just you and your buddy, but there are 100 people at NASA watching you, you are so consumed with getting the right bolt in the right place, he said.

Space Then and Now

Tani also presented a timeline of human space flight beginning with Russias successful launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 through todays privatized Space X program founded by Elon Musk.

He voiced his disappointment about the lack of U.S. government funding and enthusiasm for space travel that existed in the early days of the space race.

I would have hoped that we would see some sort of exponential kind of growth in the number of people that we can put into space, Tani lamented.

Instead, NASA's budget peaked during the Apollo program in the 1960s. With just a fraction of the governments total spending budget, NASA is charged with returning astronauts to the moon by 2025, addressing the global climate crisis via research, supporting the existing International Space Station program, advancing robotic exploration of the Moon and Mars and creating industry partnerships.

When asked about space tourism, Tani suggested it has its limitations.

You get some celebrities to fly. And it's inspiring, and it's cool. But can you really have a long-term business plan there? God forbid there's a bad outcome on one of those things. You could see that thing drying up pretty quickly, he said.

At the same time, he is excited about smaller space companies.

I am optimistic about small space companies, that can be agile, raise their own capital and take on risks that bigger companies arent willing to do, Tani said. The innovation happens at the small company level.

With plans to retire the International Space Station in 2030, NASA is looking to private industry to move the needle on space flight. The agency recently selected seven companies to advance space capabilities. For its part, NASA will provide technical expertise, assessments, lessons learned, technologies and data.

Tani noted that relying on private industry for space research will present growing pains that will have to be figured out. For example, he asked: If you are a commercial space station and your job is to make money what is your corporate obligation and your obligation to this country? These are all very complicated, good questions.

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Former Astronaut Discusses Space Travel and Its Future With ... - Duke Today