29th ISDC Conference & Space Summit 8 to Address Space Exploration Options
On May 27-31, space industry leaders and participants willing to advance the future of space exploration will converge at the 29th Annual International Space Development Conference (ISDC) in Chicago IL. Presented by the National Space Society, this year’s event follows recent dramatic changes to the USA space policy by the Obama administration. Topics include NewSpace entrepreneurs, evaluating USA’s space program post Augustine Report, building a Moonbase and space solar power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In attendance are NASA administrator Charles Bolden (BL), Deputy Administrator Lori Garver, Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin (BCL), XCOR Aerospace President Jeff Greason (BCR) and Space Adventures CEO Eric Anderson. Other events coinciding with ISDC include Students for the Exploration and Development of Space meeting, the AIAA Space Colonization Technical Committee Symposium ‘Living in Space,’ and the 1st commencement ceremony of Kepler Space University. Space Investment Summit 8 (SIS) on May 26 features dialogue between prominent investment leaders and aspiring space entrepreneurs. 13 SIS panel speakers will present on commercial space markets and synergistic efforts with the Government to expand commercial space opportunities. Some of these speakers include Amaresh Kollipara (BR) of Earth2Orbit LLC and Max Grimard of EADS Astrium. (Credit: National Space Society, SpaceX, NASA, techwall.org, BuzzAldrin.com, Spacefrontier.org)
SpaceX Debut Launch of Falcon 9 May Herald New Era of USA Commercial Space Access
The long-awaited debut launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 (TR) is now scheduled for May 28 from Cape Canaveral FL, USA. Set to carry the qualification unit for its Dragon spacecraft, the launch is pending successful certification of its Flight Termination System. If the launch is successful, the company will conduct 3 additional test launches this year, culminating in a berthing demonstration at the ISS. Falcon 9 could then begin delivering cargo to the station as early as next year to begin fulfillment of its US$1.6B contract for 12 ISS resupply missions. With access to a portion of the US$6B NASA will be providing to commercial launch providers, SpaceX projects it will begin launching astronauts in its reconfigured Dragon capsule (TL) in 3 years time. SpaceX founder Elon Musk’s (BR) driving motivation is to bring about a dramatic reduction in the cost of going to space, thereby helping to advance humanity’s expansion throughout the solar system. The list price for a Falcon 9 launch is around US$50M, compared with US$138M for an Atlas 5. (Credit: SpaceX, NASA)
= All times for terrestrial events in local time unless noted. = All times for international terrestrial events in local time unless noted. = All times for space events, and… = All times for international space / astro events in Hawaii Standard Time unless noted. Add 10 hours to obtain UT (‘Universal Time;’ Greenwich, England).
May 24 — International Space Station, LEO: E-23 crew members continue ongoing scientific experiments after departure of STS-132 crew who are set to arrive back to Earth on May 26.
May 24 — NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), Lunar Orbit: NASA LRO operating nominally and continues to use Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) technology to map out images of the Moon in preparation for future manned missions.
May 24 — Mars, Red Planet: Mars Odyssey continues last attempts to send radio signals to a dormant Phoenix Mars Lander in the hopes the robotic Lander will pick them up and respond.
May 24 — Minority Innovation Challenges Institute (MICI),Online: New NASA MICI kick-off event now open for registration; All registrants to have free access to year-round virtual conference focused on getting students involved in NASA technical competitions.
May 24 — Asteroid (Near-Earth Flyby): 2010 JN71 (0.021 AU); 2010 JV34 (0.042 AU).
Continued from . . .
Jan 30 — Museum of Science and Industry, Confucius Institute / University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom: ‘Exhibition: From Gunpowder to Space Rockets – The China Space Program,’ includes models of ancient rockets, recent satellites, rockets, space ships and a lunar rover; through Aug 7.
TUESDAY
May 25— 49th Observance of President John F. Kennedy Moon Speech: On May 25, 1961, President JFK announces ambitious goal of sending America to the Moon before end of decade. His vision was achieved on July 20, 1969 when Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong became the 1st person to set foot on the lunar surface.
May 25-27 — NASA Headquarters, Washington DC: ‘Space Shuttle Discovery STS-131 Crew Interviews,’ with astronauts Alan Poindexter, Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, Jim Dutton, Rick Mastracchio, Stephanie Wilson and Clay Anderson.
May 27 — Moon: Full Moon, 13:07; 2.0° NNW of Antares; 16:00.
May 27 — Asteroid 11055 Honduras: Closest Approach to Earth (0.985 AU).
FRIDAY
NET May 28 — SpaceX, Launch Falcon 9 / Dragon,Cape Canaveral FL: Falcon 9 rocket maiden launch demonstration mission to test future resupply flights to the ISS.
May 28 — Timeshare Relief Inc, Warner Grand Theater, San Pedro CA: Exclusive Los Angeles Premiere ‘Orphans of Apollo,’ with Keynote Speaker Astronaut Brian Binnie.
May 28-30 — Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ), Dunedin, New Zealand: ‘RASNZ Conference 2010.’
Includes ~150 meetings covering the fields of COSPAR Scientific Commissions / Panels / Task Groups, such as SC B: The Earth-Moon System, Planets, and...
At the Palais des Nations and online. Outer space is entering a renewed phase of strategic importance, defined by rapid innovation, growing competition and deepening...
This international lunar science meeting has two objectives: to provide a platform for leading experts to review recent advances across lunar research, from the...
At CSIR International Convention Centre. Key topics are Earth Observation, Developing Space Tourism, Space Supply Manufacturing. Cultural tours are offered.
(No earlier than 10 Aug) Japan to launch the MICHIBIKI No. 7 | Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZS-7) navigation satellite. Launch window remains open through...
Participants will receive theoretical and hands-on training in electron imaging and X-ray spectroscopy for application to planetary samples. This training opportunity is targeted at...
"Leading Australia’s Space Future for Our Strategic Advantage". Southern Space 2026 brings together decision-makers who set the direction for Australia’s space sector. It is...
The second test launch of LandSpace's ZQ-3 rocket with undisclosed test payloads. Zhuque-3 first stage booster will attempt to land on its downrange landing...
A total solar eclipse with a magnitude of 1.0386 (greatest eclipse 17:47:06 UTC) will be visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic...
Includes presentation of the Neil Armstrong Award of Excellence, activities for the new class of Astronaut Scholars, 2-day Technical Conference where Scholars present their...
During U.S. spacewalk 97, two astronauts will replace a Space-to-Ground antenna on the orbital complex. The antenna is a critical communication system NASA uses...
Key themes include: Characterizing exoplanet-host solar-like stars; Star-planet interactions; Planet populations around solar-like stars. At University of Liège.
On May 27-31, space industry leaders and participants willing to advance the future of space exploration will converge at the 29th Annual International Space Development Conference (ISDC) in Chicago IL. Presented by the National Space Society, this year’s event follows recent dramatic changes to the USA space policy by the Obama administration. Topics include NewSpace entrepreneurs, evaluating USA’s space program post Augustine Report, building a Moonbase and space solar power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In attendance are NASA administrator Charles Bolden (BL), Deputy Administrator Lori Garver, Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin (BCL), XCOR Aerospace President Jeff Greason (BCR) and Space Adventures CEO Eric Anderson. Other events coinciding with ISDC include Students for the Exploration and Development of Space meeting, the AIAA Space Colonization Technical Committee Symposium ‘Living in Space,’ and the 1st commencement ceremony of Kepler Space University. Space Investment Summit 8 (SIS) on May 26 features dialogue between prominent investment leaders and aspiring space entrepreneurs. 13 SIS panel speakers will present on commercial space markets and synergistic efforts with the Government to expand commercial space opportunities. Some of these speakers include Amaresh Kollipara (BR) of Earth2Orbit LLC and Max Grimard of EADS Astrium. (Credit: National Space Society, SpaceX, NASA, techwall.org, BuzzAldrin.com, Spacefrontier.org)
The long-awaited debut launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 (TR) is now scheduled for May 28 from Cape Canaveral FL, USA. Set to carry the qualification unit for its Dragon spacecraft, the launch is pending successful certification of its Flight Termination System. If the launch is successful, the company will conduct 3 additional test launches this year, culminating in a berthing demonstration at the ISS. Falcon 9 could then begin delivering cargo to the station as early as next year to begin fulfillment of its US$1.6B contract for 12 ISS resupply missions. With access to a portion of the US$6B NASA will be providing to commercial launch providers, SpaceX projects it will begin launching astronauts in its reconfigured Dragon capsule (TL) in 3 years time. SpaceX founder Elon Musk’s (BR) driving motivation is to bring about a dramatic reduction in the cost of going to space, thereby helping to advance humanity’s expansion throughout the solar system. The list price for a Falcon 9 launch is around US$50M, compared with US$138M for an Atlas 5. (Credit: SpaceX, NASA)
= All times for terrestrial events in local time unless noted.
= All times for international terrestrial events in local time unless noted.
= All times for space events, and…
= All times for international space / astro events in Hawaii Standard Time unless noted. Add 10 hours to obtain UT (‘Universal Time;’ Greenwich, England).
May 24 — International Space Station, LEO: E-23 crew members continue ongoing scientific experiments after departure of STS-132 crew who are set to arrive back to Earth on May 26.
May 24 — Minority Innovation Challenges Institute (MICI), Online: New NASA MICI kick-off event now open for registration; All registrants to have free access to year-round virtual conference focused on getting students involved in NASA technical competitions.
Jan 30 — Museum of Science and Industry, Confucius Institute / University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom: ‘Exhibition: From Gunpowder to Space Rockets – The China Space Program,’ includes models of ancient rockets, recent satellites, rockets, space ships and a lunar rover; through Aug 7.
NET May 28 — SpaceX, Launch Falcon 9 / Dragon, Cape Canaveral FL: Falcon 9 rocket maiden launch demonstration mission to test future resupply flights to the ISS.
