X-37B changes orbit
Amateurs tracking the X-37B military test shuttle have discovered that it has made two orbital maneuvers. Since the Air Force refuses to discuss the flight program, the reasons behind these maneuvers remains unknown.
Category: Points of Information
Very brief descriptions, with appropriate links, of current or recent news items.
Danes set to launch private suborbital rocket
Two Danish inventors are about to test fly their own privately financed suborbital rocket, designed to eventually carry humans. Key quote:
It is due to launch from a submarine in the Baltic Sea on August 30th and, if successful, they will repeat it with a human passenger on board as soon as possible.
X-37B spotted by amateurs
Not only have amateur skywatchers photographed the X-37B military space plane presently in orbit, they use a smart phone app for tracking satellites and available to all to tell them when to look.
More on the new Jupiter impact
More information on the recently discovered fireball that impacted Jupiter on August 20, including images.
Another Jupiter fireball
For the third time in the last year, Jupiter has been hit by a large previously unknown object.
Testing of Orion capsule proceeds
Pressure testing NASA’s Orion capsule is about to begin, despite the space war about its future.
Trapped Chilean miners face weeks long rescue effort
The thirty-three Chilean miners presently trapped underground face a months-long effort before a new tunnel can reach them.
Modern science
Why bother with research when all we need to do is ask our politicians? Scientist Hillary Clinton studies the floods in Pakistan and the forest fires in Russia and declares them both proof that global warming is happening!
FAA starts planning the regulation of private space travel
Oh boy! Doesn’t this sound exciting! The FAA is teaming up with seven universities to lay out the regulation of private space travel.
Mount St. Helens
Today we hiked almost ten miles around Mt. St. Helens, walking down to the shore of Spirit Lake (see below) as well as tromping about on the debris field just below the crater. I will have a long post on the experience tomorrow.
No sunspots, for the first time in months
Paradise Valley and Lakes
The sun was out, the sky was clear, and so today we did a short 6.5 circuit hike below Mt. Rainier, following the Lakes trail.
