the cost of solar energy is crashing down
The cost of solar energy is plummeting.
Though it can’t work in many places in the world and therefore can’t completely replace the electrical grid, this is still good news.
Tag: commercial
Orbital Science rocket engine sustains damage in test
One of the rocket engines for Orbital Science’s Taurus rocket, to be used to supply cargo to ISS, was badly damaged in a fuel fire June 9.
The results of the investigation and prognosis for the engine and the Taurus II should come together by the end of this week or early next week, Beneski says. Two other AJ26 engines have completed hot-fire acceptance testing without mishap, according to the Aerojet website. Beneski said the engine mishap potentially affects the testing planned to get the Taurus II ready for operational missions to resupply the ISS.
Branson says Virgin Galactic will fly a suborbital flight within a year
From Clark Lindsey: Branson says Virgin Galactic will fly a suborbital flight within a year.
Online prices soar for space shuttle Atlantis launch tickets
Better buy that ticket now if you want to see the last shuttle launch from the best spot: Online prices have soared for space shuttle Atlantis launch tickets.
ATV burns up, Progress launched
Busy day for travel to and from ISS: The European unmanned ATV freighter Johannes Kepler burned up in the atmosphere even as a Russian Progress freighter was launched.
In related news, the U.S. and ESA are in negotiations to merge the European unmanned ATV freighter program with NASA’s manned Orion derivative. At the same time, Europe has announced its plans to test fly a reusable space plane.
The first Soyuz launch from French Guiana is set for October 20, 2011
The first Soyuz launch from French Guiana has now been scheduled for October 20, 2011.
Energia not to produce Soyuz spaceship for space tourists
According to the chief of the Russian space agency, it presently does not have the capacity to produce additional Soyuz capsule for tourist flights.
How pasta became the world’s favourite food
How pasta became the world’s favourite food.
SpaceShipTwo completes two glide test flights within twenty-four hours
SpaceShipTwo completes two glide test flights within twenty-four hours.
SpaceX gets another contract for its Falcon 9
SpaceX gets another launch contract for its Falcon 9.
SpaceShipTwo’s test program ramps up
Scaled Composites continues to ramp up the test flight program of SpaceShipTwo. More here.
Delta charged returning GIs $2,800 in bags fees
Another example of airline stupidity, which is why I drive whenever I can: Delta Airlines charges returning GIs $2,800 in bags fees.
Most of the GIs, it seems, had four bags. Delta only allows three for free in coach, “and anything over three bags, you have to pay for,” another soldier said, “even though there’s a contract between the U.S. government and Delta Airlines.”
Market research firm predicts over 1,600 satellites worth $250 billion will be launched in the next fifteen years
A bright future for commercial space: A market research firm predicts the launching of more than 1,600 satellites, worth $250 billion, in the next fifteen years.
The photography of the first clown in space
The photography of the first clown in space.
Copenhagen Suborbitals’ first test launch
The first test flight of the Copenhagen Suborbitals rocket, designed to carry one passenger, launched successfully today, though there were problems with the parachutes.
Oil money in Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Venezuela fueling modest space dreams
Oil money in Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Venezuela is fueling their modest space efforts.
The costs of space cargo
This week there was a bit of a political kerfuffle during House hearings over a House report [pdf] that stated that the cost per pound for launching cargo to ISS was much cheaper using the shuttle versus the new commercial companies under the COTS program. This is shown in this table from page 5 of the report:
The problem is that these numbers are a complete lie, as they are based on a yearly cost of $3 billion to operate the shuttle (highlighted in yellow). I have been following NASA budget battles now for decades, and the shuttle operational budget has never, ever been that low. Routinely, NASA figures the cost to operate the shuttle per year, regardless of number of flights, to be about $4 billion per year.
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Bigelow expands its space station factory
Bigelow expands its space station factory. Via Clark Lindsey.
NASA sting nets woman offering moon rock for $1.7M
All your Moon rocks are belong to us: A NASA sting nets a woman offering to sell a Moon rock for $1.7M.
Shell gas plant to be biggest floating object ever
Liquified gas plant to be the biggest floating object ever built.