Reagan tells Soviet jokes
An evening pause: On Ronald Reagan’s 100th birthday.
Category: Behind The Black
The first 360 degree view of the sun
Falcon 9 signed to launch Google Lunar X prize competitor
One of the competitor’s for the Google Lunar X prize has signed a contract with SpaceX to use the Falcon 9 to get its spacecraft to the Moon. Key quote:
The Falcon 9 upper stage will sling Astrobotic on a four-day cruise to the Moon. Astrobotic will then orbit the moon to align for landing. The spacecraft will land softly, precisely and safely using technologies pioneered by Carnegie Mellon University for guiding autonomous cars. The rover will explore for three months, operate continuously during the lunar days, and hibernate through the lunar nights. The lander will sustain payload operations with generous power and communications.
Palin speech honoring service members canceled due to liberal hate
The liberal way of toning down the rhetoric: A speech by Sarah Palin honoring soldiers and their families has been canceled due to “an onslaught of personal attacks against Governor Palin and others associated with her appearance.”
Dextre does its first work on ISS
Robots in action! The robot arm Dextre did its first work on ISS this week, unloading two payloads from the Japanese unmanned freighter that docked with the station last week.
The Beatles – Happy Birthday
An evening pause:
A Muslim community launches campaign expressing loyalty to US
We need more of this: An American Muslim community has launched a campaign expressing its loyalty to the US while condeming Islamic terrorism.
Former NASA employee is being investigated for stealing and selling shuttle tiles on eBay
The former NASA employee whose home was raided two days ago is being investigated for stealing and selling shuttle tiles on eBay.
Very Small Asteroid Makes record close Earth Approach on February 4, 2011
On February 4 a very small asteroid, about a yard in diameter, zipped past the Earth at a distance of only 3,400 miles, closer than any previously recorded asteroid.
While NASA retreats to capsule, two companies push commercial spaceplane concepts
While NASA retreats to building a capsule, two private companies push commercial spaceplane concepts.
This nicely illustrates the contrasting levels of innovation between NASA and the private sector.
A Roman super-highway built 1,900 years ago has been uncovered in England
A Roman super-highway, built 1,900 years ago, has been uncovered in England.
Ode to Forgetfulness
An evening pause: By Mack Dryden.