Space Shuttle Launch

“CAPE CANAVERAL — NASA is prepared to aggressively execute President Obama’s plan to develop commercial space taxis and turn Kennedy Space Center into a 21st-century spaceport, officials said Wednesday.

Contracts to develop private-sector spaceships could be issued as early as next summer, and U.S. astronauts could be flying them on round trips to the International Space Station by 2014 or 2015.

After 50 years, NASA would relinquish to commercial companies the responsibility for designing, developing and operating the spacecraft flown by U.S. astronauts.

But Cabana, a former shuttle pilot and mission commander, said the KSC work force is up to the job.

“I know this transition is going to be hard. It’s going to be extremely difficult, and it’s going to be sad. But we will get through it, and we will have a good future once we get there,” Cabana said.

Instead, NASA would invest $5 billion during the next five years in the development of commercial space taxi services.

Cabana and top deputies nonetheless have prepared to move swiftly if the administration wins congressional approval.

Plans have been put in place to open up a project office at KSC that would oversee development of commercial space taxis and ultimately procure commercial launch services.

A separate office would oversee sweeping modifications aimed at attracting commercial companies to the shuttle runway, processing hangars, the Vehicle Assembly Building and launch pads 39A and 39B.

“Commercial is the future,” Cabana said.”

-Courtesy of Todd Halvorson and Florida Today

Save Space is a movement started by people on the Space Coast to raise the awareness of the nation, the President, and other elected officials: Space needs to be a priority for America.

As the clock ticks toward the end of the Space Shuttle program, as the President and his advisors review the Augustine Commission recommendations, as Florida’s economic engine falters. it is imperative that we make our voices heard by writing letters to the President: Save Our Space Program!

America’s leadership in space exploration is vital. As other countries make investments in space, inspire more youth to study engineering and science, and gain economic and security advantages, the United States falters. Less than one percent of the federal budget is devoted to NASA, an agency focused on exploration, science, and new technologies.

Satellite communications, microwaves, cellular phones, miniaturized computers, pacemakers, kidney dialysis, scratch-resistant lenses, medical and sports technology, adjustable smoke detectors, cordless tools, and water filters are just a few examples of the advances that have occurred through NASA space research. Not to mention the entrepreneurs, jobs, and commercial aspects of many space research spin-offs.

Don’t let America’s leadership in space be lost because you didn’t speak up. Let President Barack Obama know that Floridians, in fact, all Americans, care about our security, our economic competitiveness, and our space program.

Goal: 500,000 letters by October 31. Join the cause today.

Information Courtesy of www.SaveSpace.us

With 30 days to launch, Shuttle Managers are targeting Wednesday to move space shuttle Atlantis to Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The STS-129 astronauts wrapped up their week at Johnson Space Center by completing two-days of equipment reviews related to the items they will use during their mission.

Launch of Atlantis on the STS-129 mission is targeted for 4:04 p.m. EST

Click here to keep up-to-date with the Shuttle Atlantis!