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		<title><![CDATA[Scivillage.com Casual Discussion Science Forum - Astronautics]]></title>
		<link>https://www.scivillage.com/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Scivillage.com Casual Discussion Science Forum - https://www.scivillage.com]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:02:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<generator>MyBB</generator>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Jared's Vision for NASA]]></title>
			<link>https://www.scivillage.com/thread-21338.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:34:57 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.scivillage.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=10">Yazata</a>]]></dc:creator>
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			<description><![CDATA[In a speech at a conference, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman just laid out his vision for America’s next phase in space.<br />
<br />
Some bullet points:<br />
<br />
• NASA expects “dozens of landers” and “dozens of rovers” to head to the Moon over the next four years, alongside major robotics and lunar resource experiments.<br />
<br />
• Isaacman said the lunar south pole has only a limited number of viable landing areas near permanently shadowed craters containing water ice, creating what he described as a race for a small number of strategic “parking spots.”<br />
<br />
• He warned China is targeting the same region, intends to build a lunar base with Russia and “will get to the Moon.” Isaacman said China is now an “incredible rival” and that “the Chinese are extremely good in space right now.”<br />
<br />
• Isaacman called SpaceX NASA’s “most important launch partner” and said the U.S. would be “seriously challenged in the high ground of space” without its capabilities.<br />
<br />
• On Mars, he argued the hardest problem is not getting astronauts there, but getting them home - and said NASA should develop nuclear-powered transfer vehicles that reduce the need to manufacture return propellant on Mars.<br />
<br />
• He said NASA’s SR-1 Freedom nuclear mission will be followed by “SR-2, SR-3, SR-4,” with technology ultimately aimed at destinations including Enceladus, Europa and Titan.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[In a speech at a conference, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman just laid out his vision for America’s next phase in space.<br />
<br />
Some bullet points:<br />
<br />
• NASA expects “dozens of landers” and “dozens of rovers” to head to the Moon over the next four years, alongside major robotics and lunar resource experiments.<br />
<br />
• Isaacman said the lunar south pole has only a limited number of viable landing areas near permanently shadowed craters containing water ice, creating what he described as a race for a small number of strategic “parking spots.”<br />
<br />
• He warned China is targeting the same region, intends to build a lunar base with Russia and “will get to the Moon.” Isaacman said China is now an “incredible rival” and that “the Chinese are extremely good in space right now.”<br />
<br />
• Isaacman called SpaceX NASA’s “most important launch partner” and said the U.S. would be “seriously challenged in the high ground of space” without its capabilities.<br />
<br />
• On Mars, he argued the hardest problem is not getting astronauts there, but getting them home - and said NASA should develop nuclear-powered transfer vehicles that reduce the need to manufacture return propellant on Mars.<br />
<br />
• He said NASA’s SR-1 Freedom nuclear mission will be followed by “SR-2, SR-3, SR-4,” with technology ultimately aimed at destinations including Enceladus, Europa and Titan.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Eggshells: Next-generation spacecraft protection?]]></title>
			<link>https://www.scivillage.com/thread-21284.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:47:57 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.scivillage.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=6">C C</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.scivillage.com/thread-21284.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0324502" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0324502</a><br />
<br />
PRESS RELEASE: There are nearly 1 million pieces of debris larger than 1 centimeter in near-earth orbit. As we continue launching spacecraft and telescopes to explore the universe, this debris poses a significant threat of high-speed impact damage. In the <span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">Journal of Applied Physics</span>, by AIP Publishing, researchers from Dalian University of Technology, in China, explored an eggshell-inspired design as a potential spacecraft protection material.<br />
<br />
“Natural biological structures have evolved to demonstrate excellent energy absorption performance over long-term adaptation,” said author Yuxin Wang.<br />
<br />
It may seem counterintuitive to use eggshells as a blueprint for strength. However, the researchers found that organizing water-filled aluminum eggshells into an array adds useful material properties when placed blunt side down between two aluminum impact plates. Rather than being concentrated within a single eggshell, the energy from an impact gradually dissipates through the material, allowing each shell to sequentially collapse and deform.<br />
<br />
“A single eggshell breaks easily under local force, but the protection mechanism of the eggshell array is completely different,” Wang said. “The cooperative deformation of these eggshell units transforms the local impact load into distributed energy dissipation across the metastructure, thereby significantly enhancing the anti-impact performance of the target plates.”<br />
<br />
Filling the eggs with water helps, too. Under high impact, the water sloshes about and suppresses the impact waves from being propagated. This interaction between the water and the aluminum eggshell significantly reduces and dissipates the energy from the impact.<br />
<br />
Several 3D prints and simulations were compared: aluminum plates alone, water-filled aluminum spheres sandwiched between aluminum plates, and the eggshell structures.<br />
<br />
The sandwiched, water-filled eggshell material performed best. It withstood high loads and reduced the velocity of an impact projectile by nearly 65%, compared to only a 51% reduction achieved by the aluminum plates on their own. Among the various possible eggshell orientations, metastructure patterns with the eggs placed upright and their small end contacting the top plate were the most effective.<br />
<br />
Before being used for lightweight shielding on spacecraft, the material’s geometry and filling needs to be further optimized and impact-tested. The researchers are currently refining the thickness of the aluminum eggshells, their aspect ratio, and their layout to improve the material’s protective energy absorption.<br />
<br />
“This work demonstrates that bionic, lightweight metastructures are a promising route for hypervelocity-impact protection,” Wang said. “We hope this research can attract more attention to bio-inspired protective structures.”]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0324502" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0324502</a><br />
<br />
PRESS RELEASE: There are nearly 1 million pieces of debris larger than 1 centimeter in near-earth orbit. As we continue launching spacecraft and telescopes to explore the universe, this debris poses a significant threat of high-speed impact damage. In the <span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">Journal of Applied Physics</span>, by AIP Publishing, researchers from Dalian University of Technology, in China, explored an eggshell-inspired design as a potential spacecraft protection material.<br />
<br />
“Natural biological structures have evolved to demonstrate excellent energy absorption performance over long-term adaptation,” said author Yuxin Wang.<br />
<br />
It may seem counterintuitive to use eggshells as a blueprint for strength. However, the researchers found that organizing water-filled aluminum eggshells into an array adds useful material properties when placed blunt side down between two aluminum impact plates. Rather than being concentrated within a single eggshell, the energy from an impact gradually dissipates through the material, allowing each shell to sequentially collapse and deform.<br />
<br />
“A single eggshell breaks easily under local force, but the protection mechanism of the eggshell array is completely different,” Wang said. “The cooperative deformation of these eggshell units transforms the local impact load into distributed energy dissipation across the metastructure, thereby significantly enhancing the anti-impact performance of the target plates.”<br />
<br />
Filling the eggs with water helps, too. Under high impact, the water sloshes about and suppresses the impact waves from being propagated. This interaction between the water and the aluminum eggshell significantly reduces and dissipates the energy from the impact.<br />
<br />
Several 3D prints and simulations were compared: aluminum plates alone, water-filled aluminum spheres sandwiched between aluminum plates, and the eggshell structures.<br />
<br />
The sandwiched, water-filled eggshell material performed best. It withstood high loads and reduced the velocity of an impact projectile by nearly 65%, compared to only a 51% reduction achieved by the aluminum plates on their own. Among the various possible eggshell orientations, metastructure patterns with the eggs placed upright and their small end contacting the top plate were the most effective.<br />
<br />
Before being used for lightweight shielding on spacecraft, the material’s geometry and filling needs to be further optimized and impact-tested. The researchers are currently refining the thickness of the aluminum eggshells, their aspect ratio, and their layout to improve the material’s protective energy absorption.<br />
<br />
“This work demonstrates that bionic, lightweight metastructures are a promising route for hypervelocity-impact protection,” Wang said. “We hope this research can attract more attention to bio-inspired protective structures.”]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[United States Space Academy]]></title>
			<link>https://www.scivillage.com/thread-21210.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 03:53:29 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.scivillage.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=10">Yazata</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.scivillage.com/thread-21210.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Here's the text of President Trump's executive order, signed today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/08/establishing-the-united-states-space-academy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-...e-academy/</a><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="mycode_quote"><cite>Quote:</cite>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:<br />
<br />
Section 1.  Purpose and Policy.  Space is a critical domain for American national security, economic growth, scientific discovery, and technological innovation.  American superiority in space depends on the strength, skill, and character of those who explore, secure, and build the industries critical to it.  To continue to lead the world in space exploration and technology, while securing and defending our national interests in space, the Nation must prepare the next generation of astronauts, scientists, engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and warfighters and ensure that they are capable of advancing American interests in space.  Achieving this goal requires us to recruit, train, and retain America’s best and brightest from across the Nation.<br />
<br />
Therefore, it is my Administration’s policy to strengthen the Nation’s space workforce by expanding opportunities to educate and develop the next generation of leaders across the space domain.   <br />
<br />
Sec. 2.  Establishment and Composition of the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy.  (a)  There is hereby established the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy (Commission).  The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shall serve as Chair of the Commission.  The Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST) and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy (APEP) shall serve as Vice Chairs of the Commission.  The Deputy Administrator of NASA shall serve as Executive Director.<br />
<br />
(b)  In addition to the Chair, Vice Chairs, and Executive Director, the Commission shall include the following officials or their designees:<br />
<br />
(i)    the Secretary of War;<br />
<br />
(ii)   the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff;<br />
<br />
(iii)  the Director of the Office of Management and Budget;<br />
<br />
(iv)   the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs;<br />
<br />
(v)    the Secretary of the Air Force; and<br />
<br />
(vi)   other full-time or permanent part-time employees of the Federal Government invited to join the Commission, at the discretion of the Chair, in consultation with the Vice Chairs.<br />
<br />
Sec. 3.  Duties.  (a)  The Commission shall advise and assist the President regarding proposals to establish the United States Space Academy (Space Academy), a proposed NASA-led Federal academy dedicated to combining rigorous technical education with leadership development, discipline, and a durable commitment to public service.  The Space Academy will develop a professional corps of civically grounded leaders prepared to advance American interests within the space domain.<br />
<br />
(b)  Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Commission shall submit to the President through the APST and the APEP a report proposing key details for the establishment of the Space Academy.  The report shall include recommendations regarding:<br />
<br />
(i)     a governance framework for the Space Academy, including the appropriate organizational structure, authorities, accreditations, and relationships among relevant executive departments and agencies (agencies).  Among the frameworks considered, the Commission shall evaluate the option of establishing the Space Academy within NASA, including actions necessary to implement such a structure; <br />
<br />
(ii)    an academic and leadership curriculum, including recommendations for degree programs, experiential training, and development programs;<br />
<br />
(iii)   service obligations for graduates, including service in the Armed Forces and civilian Federal service and the conditions under which such obligations should be fulfilled;<br />
<br />
(iv)    prerequisites for applicants, including citizenship status, security clearances, and government employment or military status;<br />
<br />
(v)     the process for selection of the permanent physical location of the Space Academy appropriate for the chosen governance framework;<br />
<br />
(vi)    administrative actions that may be taken under existing legal authorities to advance the objectives of establishing a Space Academy, including opportunities for pilot programs, partnerships, and other preparatory initiatives;<br />
<br />
(vii)   legislative actions necessary to implement the Commission’s recommendations;<br />
<br />
(viii)  coordination with existing Federal education programs, partnerships, and agreements; and  <br />
<br />
(ix)    an implementation strategy for the establishment of the Space Academy, including timelines, sequencing of administrative and legislative actions, and opportunities to use existing Federal authorities and programs.<br />
<br />
&copy;  The Chair may establish working groups composed of representatives from agencies, as necessary to support the Commission.  Such working groups may consult with experts from academia and industry, and with other stakeholders, as necessary to support the work of the Commission.  Any such working groups shall report directly to the Commission, and the Commission shall deliberate on any working-group recommendations before it may adopt them.<br />
<br />
(d)  Following approval by the President, and any necessary legislative action, the Administrator of NASA shall, in coordination with the heads of relevant agencies, implement the approved recommendations of the Commission, consistent with applicable law and available fiscal resources.   <br />
<br />
Sec. 4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:<br />
<br />
(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or<br />
<br />
(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.<br />
<br />
(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.<br />
<br />
&copy;  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.<br />
<br />
(d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.<br />
<br />
                             DONALD J. TRUMP<br />
<br />
THE WHITE HOUSE,<br />
<br />
    August 28, 2026.</blockquote>
<br />
NASA says:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/president-trump-signs-executive-order-to-create-us-space-academy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/presid...e-academy/</a><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="mycode_quote"><cite>Quote:</cite>To strengthen the nation’s space workforce and develop the next generation of space leaders, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order on Friday to establish the nation’s first U.S. Space Academy...<br />
<br />
“Given the rapid growth of the U.S. Space Force and commercial space industry, and the expansion of our ambitions to the Moon and far beyond the Moon, it’s clear we will need to educate and train an entire generation of skilled service members, engineers, and civil operators,” said President Trump. “That’s why I will sign an Executive Order to begin the process of creating a new a national academy called the U.S. Space Academy.”<br />
<br />
The order also calls on NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman to serve as the chair of a new Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy, and NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson to serve as the executive director. They will work with vice chairs — Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, Michael Kratsios, and Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, Kevin Hassett — and other representatives from the White House and the interagency on the commission.<br />
<br />
“President Trump’s vision for a new academy is a transformational step to educate the engineers, scientists, technicians, operators and even the astronauts who will be necessary for the inspiring future we are pursuing in space. In the years ahead, we will return NASA astronauts to the lunar surface, build the Moon Base, get underway on nuclear power, ignite the orbital economy and launch more missions of science and discovery,” said Isaacman. “I have no doubt that so much of the future talent that will graduate and contribute to these exciting endeavors will be educated at the United States Space Academy.”<br />
<br />
A report from the commission to the President is due within 120 days of the signing with recommendations on governance framework, service obligations for graduates, physical location of the academy, legislative requirements, and more.<br />
<br />
The signing of “Establishing the United States Space Academy Executive Order,” took place at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston where the President also presented the Artemis II crew members with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.<br />
<br />
The Executive Order is the latest from President Trump that demonstrates his commitment to maintaining U.S. leadership in space and advancing NASA’s Golden Age exploration and innovation. In December 2025, he signed the Ensuring American Space Superiority, and recently, a new National Space Transportation Policy memorandum on Aug. 20.<br />
<br />
Read the full Executive Order on The White House website: <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/08/establishing-the-united-states-space-academy" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-...ce-academy</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/08/establishing-the-united-states-space-academy" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-...ce-academy</a> </blockquote>
<br />
And this is for MR:<br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQ2iNYCaYAAU2IY?format=jpg&amp;name=small" alt="[Image: HQ2iNYCaYAAU2IY?format=jpg&amp;name=small]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQ2iNYCaYAAU2IY?format=jpg&amp;name=small" title="[Image: HQ2iNYCaYAAU2IY?format=jpg&amp;name=small]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HQ2iNYCaYAAU2IY?format=jpg&amp;name=small]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Here's the text of President Trump's executive order, signed today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/08/establishing-the-united-states-space-academy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-...e-academy/</a><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="mycode_quote"><cite>Quote:</cite>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:<br />
<br />
Section 1.  Purpose and Policy.  Space is a critical domain for American national security, economic growth, scientific discovery, and technological innovation.  American superiority in space depends on the strength, skill, and character of those who explore, secure, and build the industries critical to it.  To continue to lead the world in space exploration and technology, while securing and defending our national interests in space, the Nation must prepare the next generation of astronauts, scientists, engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and warfighters and ensure that they are capable of advancing American interests in space.  Achieving this goal requires us to recruit, train, and retain America’s best and brightest from across the Nation.<br />
<br />
Therefore, it is my Administration’s policy to strengthen the Nation’s space workforce by expanding opportunities to educate and develop the next generation of leaders across the space domain.   <br />
<br />
Sec. 2.  Establishment and Composition of the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy.  (a)  There is hereby established the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy (Commission).  The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shall serve as Chair of the Commission.  The Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST) and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy (APEP) shall serve as Vice Chairs of the Commission.  The Deputy Administrator of NASA shall serve as Executive Director.<br />
<br />
(b)  In addition to the Chair, Vice Chairs, and Executive Director, the Commission shall include the following officials or their designees:<br />
<br />
(i)    the Secretary of War;<br />
<br />
(ii)   the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff;<br />
<br />
(iii)  the Director of the Office of Management and Budget;<br />
<br />
(iv)   the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs;<br />
<br />
(v)    the Secretary of the Air Force; and<br />
<br />
(vi)   other full-time or permanent part-time employees of the Federal Government invited to join the Commission, at the discretion of the Chair, in consultation with the Vice Chairs.<br />
<br />
Sec. 3.  Duties.  (a)  The Commission shall advise and assist the President regarding proposals to establish the United States Space Academy (Space Academy), a proposed NASA-led Federal academy dedicated to combining rigorous technical education with leadership development, discipline, and a durable commitment to public service.  The Space Academy will develop a professional corps of civically grounded leaders prepared to advance American interests within the space domain.<br />
<br />
(b)  Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Commission shall submit to the President through the APST and the APEP a report proposing key details for the establishment of the Space Academy.  The report shall include recommendations regarding:<br />
<br />
(i)     a governance framework for the Space Academy, including the appropriate organizational structure, authorities, accreditations, and relationships among relevant executive departments and agencies (agencies).  Among the frameworks considered, the Commission shall evaluate the option of establishing the Space Academy within NASA, including actions necessary to implement such a structure; <br />
<br />
(ii)    an academic and leadership curriculum, including recommendations for degree programs, experiential training, and development programs;<br />
<br />
(iii)   service obligations for graduates, including service in the Armed Forces and civilian Federal service and the conditions under which such obligations should be fulfilled;<br />
<br />
(iv)    prerequisites for applicants, including citizenship status, security clearances, and government employment or military status;<br />
<br />
(v)     the process for selection of the permanent physical location of the Space Academy appropriate for the chosen governance framework;<br />
<br />
(vi)    administrative actions that may be taken under existing legal authorities to advance the objectives of establishing a Space Academy, including opportunities for pilot programs, partnerships, and other preparatory initiatives;<br />
<br />
(vii)   legislative actions necessary to implement the Commission’s recommendations;<br />
<br />
(viii)  coordination with existing Federal education programs, partnerships, and agreements; and  <br />
<br />
(ix)    an implementation strategy for the establishment of the Space Academy, including timelines, sequencing of administrative and legislative actions, and opportunities to use existing Federal authorities and programs.<br />
<br />
&copy;  The Chair may establish working groups composed of representatives from agencies, as necessary to support the Commission.  Such working groups may consult with experts from academia and industry, and with other stakeholders, as necessary to support the work of the Commission.  Any such working groups shall report directly to the Commission, and the Commission shall deliberate on any working-group recommendations before it may adopt them.<br />
<br />
(d)  Following approval by the President, and any necessary legislative action, the Administrator of NASA shall, in coordination with the heads of relevant agencies, implement the approved recommendations of the Commission, consistent with applicable law and available fiscal resources.   <br />
<br />
Sec. 4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:<br />
<br />
(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or<br />
<br />
(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.<br />
<br />
(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.<br />
<br />
&copy;  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.<br />
<br />
(d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.<br />
<br />
                             DONALD J. TRUMP<br />
<br />
THE WHITE HOUSE,<br />
<br />
    August 28, 2026.</blockquote>
<br />
NASA says:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/president-trump-signs-executive-order-to-create-us-space-academy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/presid...e-academy/</a><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="mycode_quote"><cite>Quote:</cite>To strengthen the nation’s space workforce and develop the next generation of space leaders, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order on Friday to establish the nation’s first U.S. Space Academy...<br />
<br />
“Given the rapid growth of the U.S. Space Force and commercial space industry, and the expansion of our ambitions to the Moon and far beyond the Moon, it’s clear we will need to educate and train an entire generation of skilled service members, engineers, and civil operators,” said President Trump. “That’s why I will sign an Executive Order to begin the process of creating a new a national academy called the U.S. Space Academy.”<br />
<br />
The order also calls on NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman to serve as the chair of a new Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy, and NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson to serve as the executive director. They will work with vice chairs — Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, Michael Kratsios, and Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, Kevin Hassett — and other representatives from the White House and the interagency on the commission.<br />
<br />
“President Trump’s vision for a new academy is a transformational step to educate the engineers, scientists, technicians, operators and even the astronauts who will be necessary for the inspiring future we are pursuing in space. In the years ahead, we will return NASA astronauts to the lunar surface, build the Moon Base, get underway on nuclear power, ignite the orbital economy and launch more missions of science and discovery,” said Isaacman. “I have no doubt that so much of the future talent that will graduate and contribute to these exciting endeavors will be educated at the United States Space Academy.”<br />
<br />
A report from the commission to the President is due within 120 days of the signing with recommendations on governance framework, service obligations for graduates, physical location of the academy, legislative requirements, and more.<br />
<br />
The signing of “Establishing the United States Space Academy Executive Order,” took place at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston where the President also presented the Artemis II crew members with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.<br />
<br />
The Executive Order is the latest from President Trump that demonstrates his commitment to maintaining U.S. leadership in space and advancing NASA’s Golden Age exploration and innovation. In December 2025, he signed the Ensuring American Space Superiority, and recently, a new National Space Transportation Policy memorandum on Aug. 20.<br />
<br />
Read the full Executive Order on The White House website: <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/08/establishing-the-united-states-space-academy" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-...ce-academy</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/08/establishing-the-united-states-space-academy" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-...ce-academy</a> </blockquote>
<br />
And this is for MR:<br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQ2iNYCaYAAU2IY?format=jpg&amp;name=small" alt="[Image: HQ2iNYCaYAAU2IY?format=jpg&amp;name=small]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQ2iNYCaYAAU2IY?format=jpg&amp;name=small" title="[Image: HQ2iNYCaYAAU2IY?format=jpg&amp;name=small]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HQ2iNYCaYAAU2IY?format=jpg&amp;name=small]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Starbase Louisiana]]></title>
			<link>https://www.scivillage.com/thread-21184.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:37:24 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.scivillage.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=10">Yazata</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.scivillage.com/thread-21184.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Well it's official! The Louisiana Purchase has been announced as <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Starbase Louisiana</span>.<br />
<br />
SpaceX says construction will start next year and the first Starship launches should be in 2029. The plan is for it to launch more than 1000 Starships a year, which would be ~3 launches a day! They say, <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="mycode_quote"><cite>Quote:</cite>This self-sustaining spaceport will have propellant production, power generation, deep-water shipping capabilities, vehicle processing facilities, and an airport.  <br />
<br />
SpaceX is committed to investing at least &#36;100 billion and creating more than 3,000 new jobs at Starbase, Louisana hiring heavily from nearby communities and utilizing Louisiana workers’ extensive experience of building complex infrastructure in their unique environment.</blockquote>
<br />
They point out that while people typically think of spaceport jobs as aerospace engineers, in reality the great majority of the people they hire will be technicians like welders and pipe-fitters. Skills that already exist in the petrochemical industry in Louisiana which builds things like offshore oil platforms.<br />
<br />
Cool introductory video here<br />
<br />
<a href="https://x.com/SpaceX/status/2092284173730144732" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://x.com/SpaceX/status/2092284173730144732</a><br />
<br />
Here's Gwynne's speech at the event<br />
<br />
<a href="https://x.com/cb_doge/status/2092298224224919949" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://x.com/cb_doge/status/2092298224224919949</a><br />
<br />
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry's speech at the event<br />
<br />
<a href="https://x.com/cb_doge/status/2092308448780411161" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://x.com/cb_doge/status/2092308448780411161</a><br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQlJ4IqWkAASLCm?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" alt="[Image: HQlJ4IqWkAASLCm?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQlJ4IqWkAASLCm?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" title="[Image: HQlJ4IqWkAASLCm?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HQlJ4IqWkAASLCm?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure><br />
<br />
They say that this will be the largest capital investment project in Louisiana history. Gov. Landry calls it a transformational inflection point for the state.<br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQlAOhOW8AAUXYs?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096" alt="[Image: HQlAOhOW8AAUXYs?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQlAOhOW8AAUXYs?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096" title="[Image: HQlAOhOW8AAUXYs?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HQlAOhOW8AAUXYs?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure><br />
<br />
Between Starbase Louisiana and Terafab, Elon is all-in on the future, once again placing his typical big bets and swinging for the fences with the two largest construction projects in the United States!<br />
<br />
Elon says it himself: "<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">SpaceX makes sci-fi real.</span>" That's the attraction, what it's all about.<br />
<br />
I'm happy to say that I'm a SPCX shareholder along for the ride! (The G-forces are intense though...)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Well it's official! The Louisiana Purchase has been announced as <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Starbase Louisiana</span>.<br />
<br />
SpaceX says construction will start next year and the first Starship launches should be in 2029. The plan is for it to launch more than 1000 Starships a year, which would be ~3 launches a day! They say, <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="mycode_quote"><cite>Quote:</cite>This self-sustaining spaceport will have propellant production, power generation, deep-water shipping capabilities, vehicle processing facilities, and an airport.  <br />
<br />
SpaceX is committed to investing at least &#36;100 billion and creating more than 3,000 new jobs at Starbase, Louisana hiring heavily from nearby communities and utilizing Louisiana workers’ extensive experience of building complex infrastructure in their unique environment.</blockquote>
<br />
They point out that while people typically think of spaceport jobs as aerospace engineers, in reality the great majority of the people they hire will be technicians like welders and pipe-fitters. Skills that already exist in the petrochemical industry in Louisiana which builds things like offshore oil platforms.<br />
<br />
Cool introductory video here<br />
<br />
<a href="https://x.com/SpaceX/status/2092284173730144732" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://x.com/SpaceX/status/2092284173730144732</a><br />
<br />
Here's Gwynne's speech at the event<br />
<br />
<a href="https://x.com/cb_doge/status/2092298224224919949" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://x.com/cb_doge/status/2092298224224919949</a><br />
<br />
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry's speech at the event<br />
<br />
<a href="https://x.com/cb_doge/status/2092308448780411161" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://x.com/cb_doge/status/2092308448780411161</a><br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQlJ4IqWkAASLCm?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" alt="[Image: HQlJ4IqWkAASLCm?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQlJ4IqWkAASLCm?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" title="[Image: HQlJ4IqWkAASLCm?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HQlJ4IqWkAASLCm?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure><br />
<br />
They say that this will be the largest capital investment project in Louisiana history. Gov. Landry calls it a transformational inflection point for the state.<br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQlAOhOW8AAUXYs?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096" alt="[Image: HQlAOhOW8AAUXYs?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQlAOhOW8AAUXYs?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096" title="[Image: HQlAOhOW8AAUXYs?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HQlAOhOW8AAUXYs?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure><br />
<br />
Between Starbase Louisiana and Terafab, Elon is all-in on the future, once again placing his typical big bets and swinging for the fences with the two largest construction projects in the United States!<br />
<br />
Elon says it himself: "<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">SpaceX makes sci-fi real.</span>" That's the attraction, what it's all about.<br />
<br />
I'm happy to say that I'm a SPCX shareholder along for the ride! (The G-forces are intense though...)]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Satellite operators are in panic mode due to a worsening launch crisis]]></title>
			<link>https://www.scivillage.com/thread-21121.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:54:12 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.scivillage.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=6">C C</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.scivillage.com/thread-21121.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/08/theres-a-huge-launch-crunch-right-now-and-it-will-probably-get-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/08/th...get-worse/</a><br />
<br />
EXCERPTS: During the last three years, an average of 270 orbital rockets have launched from Earth, a more than threefold increase from only a decade ago. By every metric available, the launch industry is crushing it: Prices have never been more competitive, launches never more frequent, and access to space never more rapid.<br />
<br />
Paradoxically, though, there is a growing crunch in launch availability...<br />
<br />
[...] Myriad factors are driving this crunch, but the principal concern of late has been SpaceX.<br />
<br />
The company that is almost exclusively responsible for the dramatic increase in launch availability in the 2020s has signaled that it intends to wind down Falcon 9 operations as quickly as possible in favor of the larger Starship rocket. Some might see that as a good thing due to Starship’s enormous payload capacity. But there are growing concerns that SpaceX will largely focus on its own payloads—Starlink v3 satellites and orbital data centers—because of their potential to drive far greater profits. The Starship rocket’s PEZ satellite dispenser, optimized for Starlink, is an indication of the company’s priorities.<br />
<br />
In financial documents, it’s clear that SpaceX views commercial launch as a rounding error compared to revenues from its own satellites in space. A majority of the company’s revenue (&#36;4.3 billion out of &#36;7.8 billion) during the second quarter of 2026 came from Starlink, whereas less than 12 percent was due to space services, of which commercial launch is but a fraction. This disparity is only likely to widen.<br />
<br />
SpaceX has already moved beyond “peak” Falcon 9 operations. The company flew the rocket 165 times last year, and it will probably fly about 20 fewer missions this year. SpaceX is already making ground system changes to reflect these reductions.<br />
<br />
The company’s president, Gwynne Shotwell, has previously said the operational lifetime of the Falcon 9 may end in 2030 or 2032. However, more recently, commercial satellite customers have been running into difficulties when trying to purchase a launch after 2028. One source said SpaceX has told the US government that it intends to end commercial launches after 2028 but will continue flying the Falcon 9 rocket for a limited number of federally contracted missions after that.<br />
<br />
Whether or not these dates stick, it has become clear to commercial satellite operators that they can no longer reliably plan their future around the workhorse Falcon 9 rocket, creating a huge pain point for the commercial space industry in the United States and other Western countries... (<a href="https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/08/theres-a-huge-launch-crunch-right-now-and-it-will-probably-get-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">MORE - missing details</a>)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/08/theres-a-huge-launch-crunch-right-now-and-it-will-probably-get-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/08/th...get-worse/</a><br />
<br />
EXCERPTS: During the last three years, an average of 270 orbital rockets have launched from Earth, a more than threefold increase from only a decade ago. By every metric available, the launch industry is crushing it: Prices have never been more competitive, launches never more frequent, and access to space never more rapid.<br />
<br />
Paradoxically, though, there is a growing crunch in launch availability...<br />
<br />
[...] Myriad factors are driving this crunch, but the principal concern of late has been SpaceX.<br />
<br />
The company that is almost exclusively responsible for the dramatic increase in launch availability in the 2020s has signaled that it intends to wind down Falcon 9 operations as quickly as possible in favor of the larger Starship rocket. Some might see that as a good thing due to Starship’s enormous payload capacity. But there are growing concerns that SpaceX will largely focus on its own payloads—Starlink v3 satellites and orbital data centers—because of their potential to drive far greater profits. The Starship rocket’s PEZ satellite dispenser, optimized for Starlink, is an indication of the company’s priorities.<br />
<br />
In financial documents, it’s clear that SpaceX views commercial launch as a rounding error compared to revenues from its own satellites in space. A majority of the company’s revenue (&#36;4.3 billion out of &#36;7.8 billion) during the second quarter of 2026 came from Starlink, whereas less than 12 percent was due to space services, of which commercial launch is but a fraction. This disparity is only likely to widen.<br />
<br />
SpaceX has already moved beyond “peak” Falcon 9 operations. The company flew the rocket 165 times last year, and it will probably fly about 20 fewer missions this year. SpaceX is already making ground system changes to reflect these reductions.<br />
<br />
The company’s president, Gwynne Shotwell, has previously said the operational lifetime of the Falcon 9 may end in 2030 or 2032. However, more recently, commercial satellite customers have been running into difficulties when trying to purchase a launch after 2028. One source said SpaceX has told the US government that it intends to end commercial launches after 2028 but will continue flying the Falcon 9 rocket for a limited number of federally contracted missions after that.<br />
<br />
Whether or not these dates stick, it has become clear to commercial satellite operators that they can no longer reliably plan their future around the workhorse Falcon 9 rocket, creating a huge pain point for the commercial space industry in the United States and other Western countries... (<a href="https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/08/theres-a-huge-launch-crunch-right-now-and-it-will-probably-get-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">MORE - missing details</a>)]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[GAO Assessment of Major NASA Projects]]></title>
			<link>https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20950.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:06:40 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.scivillage.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=10">Yazata</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20950.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-26-108556.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-26-108556.pdf</a><br />
<br />
Here's what it says about the Artemis Human Landing System<br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HOMl4HoawAAklnr?format=jpg&amp;name=large" alt="[Image: HOMl4HoawAAklnr?format=jpg&amp;name=large]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HOMl4HoawAAklnr?format=jpg&amp;name=large" title="[Image: HOMl4HoawAAklnr?format=jpg&amp;name=large]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HOMl4HoawAAklnr?format=jpg&amp;name=large]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure><br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HOMl4HsbcAAv6DY?format=jpg&amp;name=large" alt="[Image: HOMl4HsbcAAv6DY?format=jpg&amp;name=large]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HOMl4HsbcAAv6DY?format=jpg&amp;name=large" title="[Image: HOMl4HsbcAAv6DY?format=jpg&amp;name=large]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HOMl4HsbcAAv6DY?format=jpg&amp;name=large]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-26-108556.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-26-108556.pdf</a><br />
<br />
Here's what it says about the Artemis Human Landing System<br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HOMl4HoawAAklnr?format=jpg&amp;name=large" alt="[Image: HOMl4HoawAAklnr?format=jpg&amp;name=large]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HOMl4HoawAAklnr?format=jpg&amp;name=large" title="[Image: HOMl4HoawAAklnr?format=jpg&amp;name=large]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HOMl4HoawAAklnr?format=jpg&amp;name=large]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure><br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HOMl4HsbcAAv6DY?format=jpg&amp;name=large" alt="[Image: HOMl4HsbcAAv6DY?format=jpg&amp;name=large]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HOMl4HsbcAAv6DY?format=jpg&amp;name=large" title="[Image: HOMl4HsbcAAv6DY?format=jpg&amp;name=large]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HOMl4HsbcAAv6DY?format=jpg&amp;name=large]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Vandenberg Stuff]]></title>
			<link>https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20755.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:15:27 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.scivillage.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=10">Yazata</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20755.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<blockquote class="mycode_quote"><cite><span> (Oct 17, 2025 08:35 PM)</span>Yazata Wrote:  <a href="https://www.scivillage.com/post-77455.html#pid77455" class="quick_jump"></a></cite>SpaceX already launches and lands Falcon 9's from Launch Complex 4 (near the top in the photo below)<br />
<br />
The plan is to adapt Launch Complex 6 (red marker towards the bottom) to launch Falcon 9's and Falcon Heavy's, including two new landing pads for returning boosters.<br />
<br />
The plan is to have the new pad ready by the start of 2027. <br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G3erUgIWQAAFk-Q?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900" alt="[Image: G3erUgIWQAAFk-Q?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G3erUgIWQAAFk-Q?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900" title="[Image: G3erUgIWQAAFk-Q?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: G3erUgIWQAAFk-Q?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure></blockquote><br />
SpaceX and the Space Force recently demolished the existing structures at Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg. It was a sad moment, because this pad was originally intended to become a west coast Space Shuttle launch pad, and the huge structures were built to accomodate and service shuttles. <br />
<br />
Then the Shuttle Challenger blew up during launch and the plans to launch shuttles from Vandenberg were scrapped.<br />
<br />
Since then, ULA used Launch Complex 6 to launch their <a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSK6z92COnsntY0cU67A_XSm_4YiPAgN-jm28ltQHC-Yw&amp;s=10" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">strikingly beautiful</a> but now-retired Delta IV Heavy rockets, another iconic part of space lore.<br />
<br />
Well, the Space Force aren't known for sentiment, so down it all came.<br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HK-wKL8WQAApCJC?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" alt="[Image: HK-wKL8WQAApCJC?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HK-wKL8WQAApCJC?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" title="[Image: HK-wKL8WQAApCJC?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HK-wKL8WQAApCJC?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="mycode_quote"><cite><span> (Oct 17, 2025 08:35 PM)</span>Yazata Wrote:  <a href="https://www.scivillage.com/post-77455.html#pid77455" class="quick_jump"></a></cite>SpaceX already launches and lands Falcon 9's from Launch Complex 4 (near the top in the photo below)<br />
<br />
The plan is to adapt Launch Complex 6 (red marker towards the bottom) to launch Falcon 9's and Falcon Heavy's, including two new landing pads for returning boosters.<br />
<br />
The plan is to have the new pad ready by the start of 2027. <br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G3erUgIWQAAFk-Q?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900" alt="[Image: G3erUgIWQAAFk-Q?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G3erUgIWQAAFk-Q?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900" title="[Image: G3erUgIWQAAFk-Q?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: G3erUgIWQAAFk-Q?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure></blockquote><br />
SpaceX and the Space Force recently demolished the existing structures at Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg. It was a sad moment, because this pad was originally intended to become a west coast Space Shuttle launch pad, and the huge structures were built to accomodate and service shuttles. <br />
<br />
Then the Shuttle Challenger blew up during launch and the plans to launch shuttles from Vandenberg were scrapped.<br />
<br />
Since then, ULA used Launch Complex 6 to launch their <a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSK6z92COnsntY0cU67A_XSm_4YiPAgN-jm28ltQHC-Yw&amp;s=10" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">strikingly beautiful</a> but now-retired Delta IV Heavy rockets, another iconic part of space lore.<br />
<br />
Well, the Space Force aren't known for sentiment, so down it all came.<br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HK-wKL8WQAApCJC?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" alt="[Image: HK-wKL8WQAApCJC?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HK-wKL8WQAApCJC?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" title="[Image: HK-wKL8WQAApCJC?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HK-wKL8WQAApCJC?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure>]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Starfall]]></title>
			<link>https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20737.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 23:26:09 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.scivillage.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=10">Yazata</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20737.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[This is another SpaceX thing. Though I should say that several other companies are working on similar ideas. One is Varda Space Industries.<br />
<br />
Starfall is a cheap capsule designed to carry about one metric ton of cargo and survive atmospheric reentry. It's a disk about 10 feet in diameter and about 2 1/2 feet in thickness. It will have cold-gas thrusters to keep it oriented properly. Other than that, it's basically just an aluminum cargo container with a heat shield. Hopefully it will be reusable.<br />
<br />
One of its use-cases is for the Space Force to launch military cargo that's needed immediately at a battle-front somewhere on suborbital point to point trajectories. They should be able to reach any point on Earth in less than an hour that way. It will descend with parachutes and should be accurate enough to land at precise points. The military has already explored using Starship for point-to-point cargo delivery, but decided that it would be impractical to land giant spaceships in battle zones and then try to refuel them somehow with lox and liquid methane so as to fly them out of the battle zone for reuse. The Starfall capsules are far less expensive than a Starship, small enough to transport back home by air and don't contain any especially advanced technology that we wouldn't want to fall into enemy hands.<br />
<br />
Another use-case is to return products of space manufacturing from orbit back to the surface. One thing that microgravity enables is growing almost perfect crystals, which might have many applications including pharmaceuticals, lasers, semiconductors, nanomaterials, thin films, advanced alloys, exotic glass, even quantum materials. There's also interest in the possibility of growing bio-printed organs in microgravity.<br />
<br />
Starfall is more than just a 'vaporware' artists concept proposal. On June 23, 2026, SpaceX flew a prototype Starfall capsule atop a Falcon 9 and recovered it off the coast of California. <br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HJq40ySXIAcEad2?format=jpg&amp;name=small" alt="[Image: HJq40ySXIAcEad2?format=jpg&amp;name=small]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HJq40ySXIAcEad2?format=jpg&amp;name=small" title="[Image: HJq40ySXIAcEad2?format=jpg&amp;name=small]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HJq40ySXIAcEad2?format=jpg&amp;name=small]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[This is another SpaceX thing. Though I should say that several other companies are working on similar ideas. One is Varda Space Industries.<br />
<br />
Starfall is a cheap capsule designed to carry about one metric ton of cargo and survive atmospheric reentry. It's a disk about 10 feet in diameter and about 2 1/2 feet in thickness. It will have cold-gas thrusters to keep it oriented properly. Other than that, it's basically just an aluminum cargo container with a heat shield. Hopefully it will be reusable.<br />
<br />
One of its use-cases is for the Space Force to launch military cargo that's needed immediately at a battle-front somewhere on suborbital point to point trajectories. They should be able to reach any point on Earth in less than an hour that way. It will descend with parachutes and should be accurate enough to land at precise points. The military has already explored using Starship for point-to-point cargo delivery, but decided that it would be impractical to land giant spaceships in battle zones and then try to refuel them somehow with lox and liquid methane so as to fly them out of the battle zone for reuse. The Starfall capsules are far less expensive than a Starship, small enough to transport back home by air and don't contain any especially advanced technology that we wouldn't want to fall into enemy hands.<br />
<br />
Another use-case is to return products of space manufacturing from orbit back to the surface. One thing that microgravity enables is growing almost perfect crystals, which might have many applications including pharmaceuticals, lasers, semiconductors, nanomaterials, thin films, advanced alloys, exotic glass, even quantum materials. There's also interest in the possibility of growing bio-printed organs in microgravity.<br />
<br />
Starfall is more than just a 'vaporware' artists concept proposal. On June 23, 2026, SpaceX flew a prototype Starfall capsule atop a Falcon 9 and recovered it off the coast of California. <br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HJq40ySXIAcEad2?format=jpg&amp;name=small" alt="[Image: HJq40ySXIAcEad2?format=jpg&amp;name=small]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HJq40ySXIAcEad2?format=jpg&amp;name=small" title="[Image: HJq40ySXIAcEad2?format=jpg&amp;name=small]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HJq40ySXIAcEad2?format=jpg&amp;name=small]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure>]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
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			<title><![CDATA[Russian satellites appear to be stalking a spacecraft aiding Ukraine]]></title>
			<link>https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20680.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Jun 2026 16:15:31 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.scivillage.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=6">C C</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20680.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.supercluster.com/editorial/strange-maneuvers-by-mystery-russian-space-fleet-raise-concerns" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.supercluster.com/editorial/s...e-concerns</a><br />
<br />
EXCERPTS: Six mysterious Russian satellites launched earlier this year have been creeping toward an observation spacecraft used by Ukraine. Experts worry the complex maneuvers may be a prelude to an attempt to destroy the satellite or disrupt its operations.<br />
<br />
Something about the way in which Russia placed into orbit a batch of its Kosmos satellites in late April of this year piqued Greg Gillinger’s interest. Gillinger, the Senior Vice President at space intelligence company Integrity ISR, thought it was strange when Russia used its Soyuz rocket to drop off the first of the satellites at an altitude of 550 kilometers, then dispatched the rest to a different orbital plane using the Volga space tug.<br />
<br />
The satellites, numbered 2609 to 2614, weigh about 600 kilograms each. But that’s about as much as Western analysts know about them. For Gillinger, the effort Russia put into fine-tuning its orbits raises alarms. <br />
<br />
[...] “My assumption is that you don’t do this by accident,” said Gillinger. “It requires an enormous amount of energy to change orbital inclination. It’s not typical to see reconnaissance satellites or communication satellites or other types of satellites do anything like this.” <br />
<br />
[...] Gillinger says that although the Russian sextet doesn’t “do anything dangerous or alarming” at the moment. The close approaches suggest that Russia may want to cause some harm to the ICEYE satellites or disrupt their operations.<br />
<br />
“It’s a behavior we haven’t seen before,” Gillinger said. “It could be something as easy as an inspection mission. We don’t know. They might even want to interfere with the ICEYE satellite kinetically or non-kinetically.” <br />
<br />
[...] Victoria Samson, the Chief Director for Space Security and Stability at the Secure World Foundation, said that although the Kosmos satellites are not the first Russian spacecraft to sneak up on Western spacecraft in orbit, the incident is a step-up from earlier Russian threats.<br />
<br />
“This type of RPO (rendezvous and proximity operations) is not unusual for Russia,” Samson told Supercluster in an email. “Their Luch and Luch 2 satellites have gotten co-planar [orbiting in the same plane] with numerous US intelligence satellites. But this is the first time, as far as I know, that Russian satellites have gotten co-planar with a commercial satellite in low Earth orbit.” <br />
<br />
[...] “We might want to start thinking about equipping satellites with their own space awareness capabilities,” he said. “If you really want to be certain what’s going on around your satellites, having an onboard capability to see the surrounding area will become more important..." <br />
<br />
[...] Space security experts have been sounding the alarm for years about emerging threats in the space environment. Last year, China sent ripples through the space world by performing close-proximity maneuvers described as satellite dogfighting. U.S. military sources said at that time that five Chinese satellites had been moving around each other “in synchronicity and with control” in a way reminiscent of the acrobatic chases performed during the Second World War between German and British fighter aircraft.<br />
<br />
In January this year, Germany’s State Secretary for Defence Jens Plötner said that European satellites experience interference from Russia and China “on an almost daily basis,” according to Euronews... (<a href="https://www.supercluster.com/editorial/strange-maneuvers-by-mystery-russian-space-fleet-raise-concerns" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">MORE - missing detail</a>)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.supercluster.com/editorial/strange-maneuvers-by-mystery-russian-space-fleet-raise-concerns" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.supercluster.com/editorial/s...e-concerns</a><br />
<br />
EXCERPTS: Six mysterious Russian satellites launched earlier this year have been creeping toward an observation spacecraft used by Ukraine. Experts worry the complex maneuvers may be a prelude to an attempt to destroy the satellite or disrupt its operations.<br />
<br />
Something about the way in which Russia placed into orbit a batch of its Kosmos satellites in late April of this year piqued Greg Gillinger’s interest. Gillinger, the Senior Vice President at space intelligence company Integrity ISR, thought it was strange when Russia used its Soyuz rocket to drop off the first of the satellites at an altitude of 550 kilometers, then dispatched the rest to a different orbital plane using the Volga space tug.<br />
<br />
The satellites, numbered 2609 to 2614, weigh about 600 kilograms each. But that’s about as much as Western analysts know about them. For Gillinger, the effort Russia put into fine-tuning its orbits raises alarms. <br />
<br />
[...] “My assumption is that you don’t do this by accident,” said Gillinger. “It requires an enormous amount of energy to change orbital inclination. It’s not typical to see reconnaissance satellites or communication satellites or other types of satellites do anything like this.” <br />
<br />
[...] Gillinger says that although the Russian sextet doesn’t “do anything dangerous or alarming” at the moment. The close approaches suggest that Russia may want to cause some harm to the ICEYE satellites or disrupt their operations.<br />
<br />
“It’s a behavior we haven’t seen before,” Gillinger said. “It could be something as easy as an inspection mission. We don’t know. They might even want to interfere with the ICEYE satellite kinetically or non-kinetically.” <br />
<br />
[...] Victoria Samson, the Chief Director for Space Security and Stability at the Secure World Foundation, said that although the Kosmos satellites are not the first Russian spacecraft to sneak up on Western spacecraft in orbit, the incident is a step-up from earlier Russian threats.<br />
<br />
“This type of RPO (rendezvous and proximity operations) is not unusual for Russia,” Samson told Supercluster in an email. “Their Luch and Luch 2 satellites have gotten co-planar [orbiting in the same plane] with numerous US intelligence satellites. But this is the first time, as far as I know, that Russian satellites have gotten co-planar with a commercial satellite in low Earth orbit.” <br />
<br />
[...] “We might want to start thinking about equipping satellites with their own space awareness capabilities,” he said. “If you really want to be certain what’s going on around your satellites, having an onboard capability to see the surrounding area will become more important..." <br />
<br />
[...] Space security experts have been sounding the alarm for years about emerging threats in the space environment. Last year, China sent ripples through the space world by performing close-proximity maneuvers described as satellite dogfighting. U.S. military sources said at that time that five Chinese satellites had been moving around each other “in synchronicity and with control” in a way reminiscent of the acrobatic chases performed during the Second World War between German and British fighter aircraft.<br />
<br />
In January this year, Germany’s State Secretary for Defence Jens Plötner said that European satellites experience interference from Russia and China “on an almost daily basis,” according to Euronews... (<a href="https://www.supercluster.com/editorial/strange-maneuvers-by-mystery-russian-space-fleet-raise-concerns" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">MORE - missing detail</a>)]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Will the shift to reusable satellites finally be realized?]]></title>
			<link>https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20641.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:35:02 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.scivillage.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=6">C C</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20641.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.supercluster.com/editorial/can-future-satellites-be-reusable" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.supercluster.com/editorial/c...e-reusable</a><br />
<br />
EXCERPT: Lux Aeterna’s <a href="https://www.luxaeterna.com/updates/introducing-lux-aeterna" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">Delphi demonstration mission</a>, scheduled to launch in early 2027, will attempt to demonstrate what the future of reusable satellites might look like. The 200-kilogram satellite is fitted with a conical heat shield that will protect the spacecraft during the fiery return to Earth.<br />
<br />
Taylor said that Lux Aeterna has tested the heat shield in cooperation with NASA ahead of the launch next year. During the test flight, Delphi will host a range of customer payloads, which will spend three months in space inside the spacecraft before splashing down to the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia.<br />
<br />
The company has recently raised an oversubscribed &#36;10 million seed round, which is enough to complete the mission, the company said. <br />
<br />
UK-based <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Forge" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">Space Forge</a> is also looking into returnable satellites. And although the company’s primary focus is on in-orbit manufacturing, its representatives have previously said that reusable satellites could help in the future slash the environmental impact of satellite re-entries.<br />
<br />
California-based <a href="https://www.arkisys.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">Arkysis</a> wants to develop a network of orbital Ports — robotic space garages offering refueling and maintenance for satellites in orbit. Next year, the company plans to launch its demonstration space tug called the Cutter, designed to deliver spare parts, fuel, and broken spacecraft to the Port for repairs and upgrades.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.orbitfab.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">Orbit Fab</a>, headquartered in Colorado, is working on a network of orbital fuel depots and fuel shuttles intended to extend the lifetime of satellites beyond the limitations imposed by the size of their fuel tanks. The company launched a demonstration mission in 2021 and may conduct another by the end of 2026. <br />
<br />
But analysts warn that weaning the space industry off its one-use-only mentality may not be that simple... (<a href="https://www.supercluster.com/editorial/can-future-satellites-be-reusable" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">MORE - details</a>)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.supercluster.com/editorial/can-future-satellites-be-reusable" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.supercluster.com/editorial/c...e-reusable</a><br />
<br />
EXCERPT: Lux Aeterna’s <a href="https://www.luxaeterna.com/updates/introducing-lux-aeterna" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">Delphi demonstration mission</a>, scheduled to launch in early 2027, will attempt to demonstrate what the future of reusable satellites might look like. The 200-kilogram satellite is fitted with a conical heat shield that will protect the spacecraft during the fiery return to Earth.<br />
<br />
Taylor said that Lux Aeterna has tested the heat shield in cooperation with NASA ahead of the launch next year. During the test flight, Delphi will host a range of customer payloads, which will spend three months in space inside the spacecraft before splashing down to the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia.<br />
<br />
The company has recently raised an oversubscribed &#36;10 million seed round, which is enough to complete the mission, the company said. <br />
<br />
UK-based <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Forge" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">Space Forge</a> is also looking into returnable satellites. And although the company’s primary focus is on in-orbit manufacturing, its representatives have previously said that reusable satellites could help in the future slash the environmental impact of satellite re-entries.<br />
<br />
California-based <a href="https://www.arkisys.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">Arkysis</a> wants to develop a network of orbital Ports — robotic space garages offering refueling and maintenance for satellites in orbit. Next year, the company plans to launch its demonstration space tug called the Cutter, designed to deliver spare parts, fuel, and broken spacecraft to the Port for repairs and upgrades.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.orbitfab.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">Orbit Fab</a>, headquartered in Colorado, is working on a network of orbital fuel depots and fuel shuttles intended to extend the lifetime of satellites beyond the limitations imposed by the size of their fuel tanks. The company launched a demonstration mission in 2021 and may conduct another by the end of 2026. <br />
<br />
But analysts warn that weaning the space industry off its one-use-only mentality may not be that simple... (<a href="https://www.supercluster.com/editorial/can-future-satellites-be-reusable" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">MORE - details</a>)]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[SpaceX is now trading on NASDAQ as SPCX]]></title>
			<link>https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20624.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:28:29 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.scivillage.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=10">Yazata</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20624.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[It was initially valued at &#36;1.75 trillion and it's already up 20% in its first hours of trading. That puts its value at over &#36;2 trillion and when Elon's share in SPCX is combined with his share of TSLA and his other companies, it definitely makes him history's very first trillionaire!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[It was initially valued at &#36;1.75 trillion and it's already up 20% in its first hours of trading. That puts its value at over &#36;2 trillion and when Elon's share in SPCX is combined with his share of TSLA and his other companies, it definitely makes him history's very first trillionaire!]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Why you can't settle Mars or colonize the Moon without real property rights]]></title>
			<link>https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20620.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:24:39 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.scivillage.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=6">C C</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20620.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://reason.com/2026/06/09/why-you-cant-settle-mars-or-colonize-the-moon-without-real-property-rights/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://reason.com/2026/06/09/why-you-ca...ty-rights/</a><br />
<br />
EXCERPT: Some of these countries are now demanding that you hand over a significant share of your profits to people who have never had anything to do with asteroid mining—many of whom couldn't even say exactly what an asteroid is, let alone launch rockets into orbit. <br />
<br />
They invoke Article IV, Paragraph 1, and Article XI, Paragraphs 1 and 3, of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_Treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">Moon Agreement</a>, which state: "<span style="color: #660000;" class="mycode_color">The exploration and use of the Moon shall be the province of all mankind and shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interest of all countries, irrespective of their degree of economic and scientific development. Due regard shall be paid to the interests of present and future generations as well as to the need to promote higher standards of living and conditions of economic and social progress and development in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.</span>" So much for Article IV. <br />
<br />
Article XI states: "<span style="color: #660000;" class="mycode_color">The Moon and its natural resources are the common heritage of mankind. Neither the surface nor the subsurface of the Moon, nor any part thereof or natural resources in place, shall become property of any State, international intergovernmental or non-governmental organization, national organization or non-governmental entity or of any natural person.</span>"<br />
<br />
The Moon Agreement, since signed by 22 countries and ratified by 18, was developed to work in the same way as seabed law, and a delegate from Sri Lanka explained in simple terms what the intention was: "If you touch the nodules [valuable mineral deposits on the seabed] at the bottom of the sea, you touch my property. If you take them away, you take away my property." <br />
<br />
The plaintiffs now demand their "rightful share" of your profits, arguing that the platinum belongs not to you, but to all of humanity—and especially to developing countries, many of which are not yet engaged in space exploration. Should the plaintiffs win, neither you nor any other company would ever be able to attract investors again. Asteroid mining would be dead and buried after this very first attempt.<br />
<br />
Suffice it to say: Investors can remain confident, as a lawsuit based on a treaty signed by only a small number of countries is unlikely to succeed. But consider a second thought experiment... <br />
<br />
[...] The settlers have repeatedly attempted to establish private property rights and even create a digital land registry, but legal experts keep putting a stop to their efforts. This time, the problem is not the 1984 Moon Agreement, but the 1967 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_Space_Treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">Outer Space Treaty</a> (OST) ... What can be done when a treaty, in this case the OST, is open to so many different interpretations? First, it could be renegotiated... <br />
<br />
[...] So, who should have the right to acquire property in space? My answer: those who have the financial means to get there, develop, and use the land. [...] However, we would need to tread carefully: If the Chinese were the first to reach Mars, it is possible they would declare the entire planet as belonging to China... (<a href="https://reason.com/2026/06/09/why-you-cant-settle-mars-or-colonize-the-moon-without-real-property-rights/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">MORE - missing details</a>)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://reason.com/2026/06/09/why-you-cant-settle-mars-or-colonize-the-moon-without-real-property-rights/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://reason.com/2026/06/09/why-you-ca...ty-rights/</a><br />
<br />
EXCERPT: Some of these countries are now demanding that you hand over a significant share of your profits to people who have never had anything to do with asteroid mining—many of whom couldn't even say exactly what an asteroid is, let alone launch rockets into orbit. <br />
<br />
They invoke Article IV, Paragraph 1, and Article XI, Paragraphs 1 and 3, of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_Treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">Moon Agreement</a>, which state: "<span style="color: #660000;" class="mycode_color">The exploration and use of the Moon shall be the province of all mankind and shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interest of all countries, irrespective of their degree of economic and scientific development. Due regard shall be paid to the interests of present and future generations as well as to the need to promote higher standards of living and conditions of economic and social progress and development in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.</span>" So much for Article IV. <br />
<br />
Article XI states: "<span style="color: #660000;" class="mycode_color">The Moon and its natural resources are the common heritage of mankind. Neither the surface nor the subsurface of the Moon, nor any part thereof or natural resources in place, shall become property of any State, international intergovernmental or non-governmental organization, national organization or non-governmental entity or of any natural person.</span>"<br />
<br />
The Moon Agreement, since signed by 22 countries and ratified by 18, was developed to work in the same way as seabed law, and a delegate from Sri Lanka explained in simple terms what the intention was: "If you touch the nodules [valuable mineral deposits on the seabed] at the bottom of the sea, you touch my property. If you take them away, you take away my property." <br />
<br />
The plaintiffs now demand their "rightful share" of your profits, arguing that the platinum belongs not to you, but to all of humanity—and especially to developing countries, many of which are not yet engaged in space exploration. Should the plaintiffs win, neither you nor any other company would ever be able to attract investors again. Asteroid mining would be dead and buried after this very first attempt.<br />
<br />
Suffice it to say: Investors can remain confident, as a lawsuit based on a treaty signed by only a small number of countries is unlikely to succeed. But consider a second thought experiment... <br />
<br />
[...] The settlers have repeatedly attempted to establish private property rights and even create a digital land registry, but legal experts keep putting a stop to their efforts. This time, the problem is not the 1984 Moon Agreement, but the 1967 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_Space_Treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">Outer Space Treaty</a> (OST) ... What can be done when a treaty, in this case the OST, is open to so many different interpretations? First, it could be renegotiated... <br />
<br />
[...] So, who should have the right to acquire property in space? My answer: those who have the financial means to get there, develop, and use the land. [...] However, we would need to tread carefully: If the Chinese were the first to reach Mars, it is possible they would declare the entire planet as belonging to China... (<a href="https://reason.com/2026/06/09/why-you-cant-settle-mars-or-colonize-the-moon-without-real-property-rights/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">MORE - missing details</a>)]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[NASA Headquarters Might Be Leaving Washington DC]]></title>
			<link>https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20326.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:27:17 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.scivillage.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=10">Yazata</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20326.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[It seems that NASA's lease on the building they are currently using in Washington DC will expire in 2028. So right now it's unclear whether NASA will stay in DC or move. Jared says that no decision has been made yet. <br />
<br />
If NASA moves, the leading candidate is Florida, which is lobbying hard to have the NASA Headquarters move to Cape Canaveral. <br />
<br />
Texas is pushing its own proposal to have NASA Headquarters move to the Johnson Space Center outside Houston.<br />
<br />
There are more long-shot proposals from Colorado and Ohio as well. Alabama wants NASA to move to Huntsville AL, the future home of the military's US space Command.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[It seems that NASA's lease on the building they are currently using in Washington DC will expire in 2028. So right now it's unclear whether NASA will stay in DC or move. Jared says that no decision has been made yet. <br />
<br />
If NASA moves, the leading candidate is Florida, which is lobbying hard to have the NASA Headquarters move to Cape Canaveral. <br />
<br />
Texas is pushing its own proposal to have NASA Headquarters move to the Johnson Space Center outside Houston.<br />
<br />
There are more long-shot proposals from Colorado and Ohio as well. Alabama wants NASA to move to Huntsville AL, the future home of the military's US space Command.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[National Initiative for Space Nuclear Power]]></title>
			<link>https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20193.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:50:37 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.scivillage.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=10">Yazata</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20193.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/NSTM-3-2026_04_14-corrected.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/up...rected.pdf</a><br />
<br />
Jared is a big nuclear power in space guy and he likes it: "The time has come for America to get underway on nuclear power in space."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://x.com/NASAAdmin/status/2044056202045477261" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://x.com/NASAAdmin/status/2044056202045477261</a><br />
<br />
It envisions parallel NASA and Department of War/Space Force design competitions.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">NASA</span><br />
<br />
NASA will, within 30 days, begin design and development of a lunar fission surface power (FSP) reactor, with an option for a nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) reactor variant. In conjunction with private developers, NASA will proceed through a preliminary design review and early ground tests where necessary. Reactor designs should emphasize mid-size reactors, with options for smaller reactors if they offer lower cost and less time risk. The design should also be expandable to higher power reactors.<br />
<br />
Within a year, NASA should down-select the two best designs, based on their assessed ability to meet cost, schedule and technical requirements. To the maximal extent possible, NASA should emphasize common nuclear thermal propulsion and nuclear electric propulsion components, such as shielding, radiation hardened instrumentation and controls and so on.<br />
<br />
NASA should work with DoW to share costs and information.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Department of War</span><br />
<br />
DoW will pursue deployment of mid-size space reactors by 2031, contingent on funding.<br />
<br />
Within 90 days the DoW will brief the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Office of Management and Budget and the National Security Council on operationally relevant use cases for a mid power space reactor.<br />
<br />
During the first year, DoW will contribute its funding to NASA's design studies.<br />
<br />
Beginning in the second year, DoW should start work with at least two competing vendors. DoW should encourage proposals from the suppliers of NASA's two selected designs, so as to avoid duplication of efforts.<br />
<br />
Again, DoW should be prepared to share costs and information with NASA.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Department of Energy</span> <br />
<br />
Should be ready to work with NASA and DoW to achieve these objectives. To this end they must provide an assessment of the US nuclear industrial industry to produce up to four space reactors in five years, including design, long-lead components and nuclear fuel. Coordinate with NASA and DoW on research and development and ground testing. Provide nuclear safety and security analysis.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/NSTM-3-2026_04_14-corrected.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/up...rected.pdf</a><br />
<br />
Jared is a big nuclear power in space guy and he likes it: "The time has come for America to get underway on nuclear power in space."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://x.com/NASAAdmin/status/2044056202045477261" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://x.com/NASAAdmin/status/2044056202045477261</a><br />
<br />
It envisions parallel NASA and Department of War/Space Force design competitions.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">NASA</span><br />
<br />
NASA will, within 30 days, begin design and development of a lunar fission surface power (FSP) reactor, with an option for a nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) reactor variant. In conjunction with private developers, NASA will proceed through a preliminary design review and early ground tests where necessary. Reactor designs should emphasize mid-size reactors, with options for smaller reactors if they offer lower cost and less time risk. The design should also be expandable to higher power reactors.<br />
<br />
Within a year, NASA should down-select the two best designs, based on their assessed ability to meet cost, schedule and technical requirements. To the maximal extent possible, NASA should emphasize common nuclear thermal propulsion and nuclear electric propulsion components, such as shielding, radiation hardened instrumentation and controls and so on.<br />
<br />
NASA should work with DoW to share costs and information.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Department of War</span><br />
<br />
DoW will pursue deployment of mid-size space reactors by 2031, contingent on funding.<br />
<br />
Within 90 days the DoW will brief the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Office of Management and Budget and the National Security Council on operationally relevant use cases for a mid power space reactor.<br />
<br />
During the first year, DoW will contribute its funding to NASA's design studies.<br />
<br />
Beginning in the second year, DoW should start work with at least two competing vendors. DoW should encourage proposals from the suppliers of NASA's two selected designs, so as to avoid duplication of efforts.<br />
<br />
Again, DoW should be prepared to share costs and information with NASA.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Department of Energy</span> <br />
<br />
Should be ready to work with NASA and DoW to achieve these objectives. To this end they must provide an assessment of the US nuclear industrial industry to produce up to four space reactors in five years, including design, long-lead components and nuclear fuel. Coordinate with NASA and DoW on research and development and ground testing. Provide nuclear safety and security analysis.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[NASA's SR-1 Freedom Mission]]></title>
			<link>https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20058.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:57:06 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.scivillage.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=10">Yazata</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.scivillage.com/thread-20058.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Announced by Jared at his Ignition event on Tuesday March 24, 2026. <br />
<br />
America's first nuclear powered spacecraft (SR-1 means Space Reactor 1) planned to launch uncrewed to Mars in December 2028. It will carry JPL's Skyfall mission, designed to land three Ingenuity class Mars helicopters on Mars.<br />
<br />
Nuclear spacecraft are sort of Jared Isaacman's dream and his new job gives him the opportunity to make his dreams reality. The project aims to establish regulatory and launch precedents for nuclear hardware in space, creating a foundation for future missions to the outer solar system where solar energy is insufficient. It will use a very small nuclear fission reactor to generate electricity, which will then power ion thrusters.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_thruster" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_thruster</a><br />
<br />
Very preliminary design graphic. The SR-1 Freedom spacecraft is still being designed and the final version might change a lot.<br />
<br />
(NASA graphic) <br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HEMw8SvaIAACXyA?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" alt="[Image: HEMw8SvaIAACXyA?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HEMw8SvaIAACXyA?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" title="[Image: HEMw8SvaIAACXyA?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HEMw8SvaIAACXyA?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Announced by Jared at his Ignition event on Tuesday March 24, 2026. <br />
<br />
America's first nuclear powered spacecraft (SR-1 means Space Reactor 1) planned to launch uncrewed to Mars in December 2028. It will carry JPL's Skyfall mission, designed to land three Ingenuity class Mars helicopters on Mars.<br />
<br />
Nuclear spacecraft are sort of Jared Isaacman's dream and his new job gives him the opportunity to make his dreams reality. The project aims to establish regulatory and launch precedents for nuclear hardware in space, creating a foundation for future missions to the outer solar system where solar energy is insufficient. It will use a very small nuclear fission reactor to generate electricity, which will then power ion thrusters.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_thruster" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc" class="mycode_url">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_thruster</a><br />
<br />
Very preliminary design graphic. The SR-1 Freedom spacecraft is still being designed and the final version might change a lot.<br />
<br />
(NASA graphic) <br />
<br />
<figure><br />
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HEMw8SvaIAACXyA?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" alt="[Image: HEMw8SvaIAACXyA?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]"  class="mycode_img" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"/><br />
 	 <figcaption><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HEMw8SvaIAACXyA?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" title="[Image: HEMw8SvaIAACXyA?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external ugc">[Image: HEMw8SvaIAACXyA?format=jpg&amp;name=medium]</a></figcaption><br />
</figure>]]></content:encoded>
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