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Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:02:59 GMT

Bonjour � tous les passionn�s qui ont comme moi rejoint ce hub!

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Pubblicato da Robin Soulier

EADS Astrium obtient un contrat de 500 millions d'euros pour quatre satellites

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:33:14 GMT

Source : La Tribune.fr - 30/11/2009

L'op�rateur priv� de satellites de t�l�communications SES a command� quatre satellites aupr�s de Astrium, filiale � 100% par EADS.

satellite

L'op�rateur de satellites SES et Astrium, filiale d'EADS, ont annonc� ce lundi la commande de quatre nouveaux satellites multi-missions. Cet investissement de 500 millions d'euros pour SES "vise � r�pondre aux besoins d'importants prestataires de services de t�l�vision directe par satellite en Europe et � stimuler le d�veloppement en Europe de l'Est et en Afrique", selon un communiqu� commun aux deux soci�t�s.

Ces satellites permettront "de fournir des capacit�s de remplacement ainsi que des capacit�s suppl�mentaires � ses divisions SES Astra et SES World Skies", indique le communiqu�.

Ces nouveaux satellites, appel�s Astra 2E, Astra 2F, Astra 2G et Astra 5B, permettront notamment � SES, bas� au Luxembourg, de "d�velopper encore davantage (ses) activit�s de diffusion directe par satellite, de TNT, de services aux entreprises et de haut d�bit", a pr�cis� Romain Bausch, PDG de SES.

Ce dernier a ajout� que "cet investissement important dans de nouvelles capacit�s satellitaires va renforcer l'importance de la position de SES Astra pour les march�s britanniques et irlandais et am�liorer la couverture de l'Europe de l'Est ".

Ces satellites devraient �tre lanc�s en plusieurs �tapes entre 2012 et 2014 et leur dur�e de vie serait de quinze ans.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Delta IV WGS-3 Launch Set For December 2

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:54:53 GMT

Cape Canaveral FL (SPX) Nov 27, 2009

The U.S. Air Force will launch the third Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle from Space Launch Complex 37 here Dec 2.

The launch window is 7:21-8:41 p.m. EST.

WGS satellites are designed to provide high-capacity communications to our nation's military forces.

They will augment and eventually replace the aging Defense Satellite Communication System, which has been the Department of Defense's backbone for satellite communications over the past two decades.

The satellite provides a giant leap in communications bandwidth and technology.

First launched in 2007, WGS will be a constellation of five satellites that will supply service for military leaders to command and control their tactical forces. WGS-3 will round out the remainder of the first phase of satellites.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Inauguration Of Site Of Galileo Station At Kourou

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:29:39 GMT

Kourou, French Guiana (ESA) Nov 23, 2009

The site of a ground station for Galileo, Europe's global navigation satellite system, inside the Guiana Space Centre (CSG), near Kourou in French Guiana, was inaugurated on 19 November.

The site, which was made available by France's Centre national d'etudes spatiales (CNES), will play an essential role in the setting up of the Galileo system, since it will accommodate the most comprehensive of the Galileo ground segment stations.

The Kourou station will consist of a telemetry, tracking and command (TT and C) station to monitor and control the Galileo constellation satellites

, a sensor station (GSS) for acquisition of the satellite navigation signals, and two uplink stations (ULS) for transmission of navigation and integrity messages to the satellites.

In all, the Galileo ground segment for the in-orbit validation phase (IOV) will comprise 18 sensor stations, 5 uplink stations, 2 telemetry, tracking and command stations, and 2 Galileo Control Centres (GCCs). The Control Centres will be situated at Fucino in Italy and Oberpfaffenhofen in Germany.

The data gathered by the sensor stations will be continuously transmitted to the GCCs where they will be processed by mission control in order to determine the navigation and integrity messages to be sent back to the satellites via the uplink stations.

The Galileo system's capability to directly inform its users of the integrity level of its signal represents a major advance compared to other satellite navigation systems.

The inauguration of the Kourou site marks an important stage in the in-orbit validation phase of the Galileo programme developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in cooperation with the European Commission. The first of the Galileo constellation satellites will be launched at the end of 2010 atop a Soyuz rocket that will lift off from the CSG.

Subsequently, the Galileo ground station at Kourou will evolve as the system - which will consist of 30 satellites - is built up to full deployment, with the addition of 2 ULS antennas and 2 further redundant GSS channels, producing the final configuration. CNES will be responsible for site security and infrastructure maintenance during the operational phase.

The site was inaugurated in the presence of Rene Oosterlinck, Director of the Galileo programme and navigation-related activities at ESA, and of Jo�l Barre, Director of CNES/CSG.

"I have been working on this project since 1998 and am happy to be here today at the CSG for the inauguration of this site. The ground network is just as important to Galileo as the 30 satellites that will transmit the data to users. Now we are all awaiting the launch of the satellites scheduled for end-2010", said Mr Oosterlinck.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

More fire alarms sound aboard the ISS

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:29:11 GMT

Houston (UPI) Nov 24, 2009

NASA said there was another false fire alarm Tuesday morning aboard the International Space Station -- the third such false alarm during the STS-129 mission.

About 7 a.m. EST smoke and fire alarms sounded inside the Japanese Kibo laboratory, but NASA said a rapid investigation proved the alarm was false. The two previous alarms originated in the new Russian Poisk mini research module.

Space agency managers said transfer operations under way aboard the complex might have stirred up dust particles that triggered the sensitive station alarm sensors.

The combined 12-member crew of space shuttle Atlantis and the International Space Station finished their remaining tasks Tuesday, in preparation for Wednesday's shuttle uncoupling. Among those tasks was a formal change of ISS command.

The STS-129 crew joined Expedition 21 Commander Frank De Winne, the first European commander of the space station, as he handed over his command to NASA astronaut Jeff Williams, who will command Expedition 22 when Atlantis departs.

Also during Tuesday's final tasks, the shuttle raised the space station's altitude by one nautical mile to refresh its orbit.

The shuttle is to undock Wednesday and make a circuit around the space station. NASA said that will allow ISS crew members to make a final visual inspection of the shuttle's heat shield, while the shuttle's crew inspects the space station, which is now 85 percent complete.

Atlantis is to return Friday to the Kennedy Space Center, weather permitting.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

NASA Assessing New Roles For Ailing QuikScat Satellite

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:28:47 GMT

Pasadena CA (SPX) Nov 25, 2009

NASA mission managers are assessing options for future operations of the venerable QuikScat satellite following the age-related failure of a mechanism that spins the scatterometer antenna. This spinning antenna had been providing near-real-time ocean- surface wind speed and direction data over 90 percent of the global ocean every day.

In recent months, the QuikScat project team has been monitoring a pattern of increasing friction in the bearings that allow the antenna to spin, leading to increased resistance and strain on the motor that turns QuikScat's rotating antenna. This degradation was fully expected, as the spin mechanism was designed to last about 5 years.

After experiencing further difficulties over the weekend, the antenna stopped spinning. The QuikScat spacecraft and scatterometer instrument themselves remain in otherwise good health.

Should engineers be unable to restart the antenna, QuikScat will be unable to continue its primary science mission, as the antenna spin is necessary to estimate wind speed and direction and form the wide data swath necessary to obtain nearly global sampling.

Over the coming days, NASA managers will review contingency plans for restarting the antenna and assess options for using the mission in its present degraded state to advance Earth system science in the event the antenna cannot be restarted.

For example, degraded scatterometer measurements from QuikScat can still be useful for cross-calibrating the mission's climate data record with measurements from other scatterometers, including the operational EUMETSAT ASCAT instrument, India's recently launched Oceansat-2 and a planned Chinese scatterometer. Specific operational forecasting applications such as polar ice measurements and limited hurricane observations may also be supportable.

By any measure of success, the 10-year-old QuikScat mission is a unique national resource that has achieved and far surpassed its science objectives. Designed for a two-year lifetime, QuikScat has been used around the globe by the world's operational meteorological agencies to improve weather forecasts and identify the location, size and strength of hurricanes and other storms in the open ocean.

The mission has also provided critical information for monitoring, modeling, forecasting and researching our atmosphere, ocean and climate.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

ESA's New SOHO Science Archive Now Online

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:27:05 GMT

Paris, France (SPX) Nov 24, 2009

Access to data from the ESA-NASA SOHO mission has just become easier with the launch of a new SOHO science archive with enhanced capabilities for searching and visualising the vast SOHO data archive. This is the first in a new generation of science archives under development at ESA's European Space Astronomy Centre.

Since operations began in 1995 the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) has been transmitting data from its twelve scientific instruments

back to Earth at a rate of 1 Gigabyte per day.

Analysis of this data has resulted in ground-breaking scientific results which have included the first images of a star's convection zone and the structure of sunspots below the photosphere; the most precise measurements of the temperature structure, interior rotation, and gas flow in the solar interior; the discovery of new dynamic phenomena such as coronal waves and solar tornadoes, and the discovery of more than 1600 comets.

The recently launched ESA SOHO Science Archive allows for seamless access to the complete archive of science data sets from the 12 instruments as soon as the data are processed.

A Graphical User Interface, based on state-of-the-art technology, provides both the expert and layman with access to a wide variety of data including helioseismic measurements of the centre of the Sun, full-disc images of the solar atmosphere in different wavelengths, and measurements of the solar wind filling the interplanetary media.

The ability to generate on-the-fly sequences of images facilitates viewing in minutes processes that take days or months in real time. This type of tool has contributed to discoveries of new solar phenomena, such as the aforementioned coronal waves, solar tornadoes, and even new comets.

Innovation and interoperability are key to the new archive

One of the challenges in developing the new archive was to find a way to provide a quick response to queries of a complex database of more than 2 million solar observations. The complex relations between the data fields resulted in slow responses when using traditional database searches.

This was overcome by applying the Dijkstra graph theory search algorithm to database searches. By generating table joins "on-the-fly", database searches are improved resulting in better response times when compared to the traditional approach. A simple query of all observations within the SOHO science archive, for instance, takes less than a second to return results, a response that could not be achieved using the traditional methods.

Enhanced functionality in the archive is provided by the 'Time Animator', a platform-independent tool that instantly generates video sequences of the Sun. Several imaging instruments can be selected at one time to create parallel video sequences.

The new archive has been developed in compliance

with protocols defined by the International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA). In addition, scientific requirements from the community have been gathered by the Archive Scientists and converted into functionalities within the archives.

These two factors along with the ability to interface with standard analysis tools that are also VO compliant renders this archive an essential tool in solar research.

Preserving the legacy of the ESA science missions

The SOHO science archive is the first in a series of new generation scientific archives being developed and implemented by the Science Archives and Virtual Observatory Team at the European Space Astronomy Centre in Spain. These archives will contribute to preserving the legacy of ESA's science missions by conserving and providing access to data from all of these missions.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

More Indigenous Components In Second Moon Mission: ISRO

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:26:35 GMT

Coimbatore, India (PTI) Nov 25, 2009

Mylswamy Annadurai, Project Director of Chandrayan Mission II, ISRO, on Monday said that there would be more indigenous components in country's second moon mission. Annadurai was in the city to participate in the 30th convocation of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.

Addressing the media on the sidelines of the function, Annadurai said: "This time we expect more indigenous components will be there. But of course, we don't rule out Indo-Russian composition, which is already there, but may not be that many number of instruments what we carried there (Mission Chandrayaan I)."

"As of now India and Russia, others also trying to get in, but until we exhaust our own instruments we are not able to do it," he added.

Annadurai further said that country's second Moon Mission would consist of the spacecraft and a landing platform with two moon rovers.

He added that ISRO would use the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in its second mission, which would be launched in 2012-13.

"This project is already in place and nearly Rs. 425 crores have been allotted for the budget provision for this Chandrayaan II Mission and scheduled to go for in 2012-13...another ISRO Mission Chndrayaan I was carried by PSLV whereas Chandrayaan II will be carried by GSLV," Annadurai added.

He also informed that as opposed to Chandrayaan-1, which was a moon orbiter, Chandrayaan-II would have moon rovers and would be capable of actually landing on the moon surface.

India terminated its first mission to the moon in August 2009, a day after scientists lost all contact with the unmanned spacecraft orbiting the moon.

The 79 million dollar mission was launched amid national euphoria last October, putting India in the Asian space race alongside rival China and reinforcing its claim to be considered a global power.

Source: Press Trust of India

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

United Launch Alliance Launches Intelsat 14

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:09:42 GMT

Cape Canaveral FL (SPX) Nov 24, 2009

United Launch Alliance deployed its fourth commercial mission of 2009 as an Atlas V rocket successfully launched the Intelsat 14 (IS-14) commercial telecommunications satellite at 1:55 a.m. EST.

Blasting off from Space Launch Complex-41 here, the launch was provided on behalf of Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services, which procured the Atlas V for this mission. Previous ULA commercial launches this year included the Delta IV GOES-O launch for NASA/NOAA on June 27, the Atlas V PAN mission on Sept. 8 and the Delta II WorldView-2 mission Oct. 8.

According to Intelsat, its IS-14 spacecraft will provide high-powered video and data services through its 40 C-band and 22 Ku-band payload to customers throughout the Americas, Europe and Africa. It will replace the Intelsat IS-1R satellite once it's operational.

Intelsat 14 was built by Space Systems/Loral and also hosted a payload for the Internet Router in Space or IRIS program for the Department of Defense.

"ULA congratulates our commercial space partners Intelsat, Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services, and Space Systems/Loral on their mission success," said Mark Wilkins, ULA vice president of the Atlas product line.

"ULA also appreciates the dedicated and professional support from the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center and 45th Space Wing in the success of the launch. With this launch, nine of the Atlas V's 19 launches since 2002 have been commercial missions, demonstrating the outstanding flexibility of the Atlas V team to support both government and commercial customers."

This mission, designated AV-024, was launched aboard an Atlas V 431 configuration using a Common Core Booster powered by a RD-180 engine, three Aerojet strap-on solid rocket motors, a Centaur upper stage powered by a Pratt and Whitney-manufactured RL10 engine, and a 4-meter diameter fairing. This successful Intelsat-14 launch represents the 35th launch by ULA since it's formation in Dec 2006.

ULA's next launch is the Delta IV Wideband Global SATCOM-3 mission for the Air Force currently scheduled for Dec. 2 with a launch window of 7:21 - 8:53 p.m. EST. The launch will occur from SLC-37 here.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Commercial Spaceflight Federation Announces Inaugural Spaceports Council

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:06:53 GMT

Washington DC (SPX) Nov 24, 2009

The Commercial Spaceflight Federation is pleased to announce the creation and initial membership of the Spaceports Council, composed of spaceports worldwide who seek to cooperate on issues of common interest such as airspace access, legal and regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, international policy migration, liability, and voluntary common operating standards.

The Spaceports Council, which will operate under the aegis of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF), was officially created following the conclusion of the second CSF Spaceports Executive Summit held on October 20, 2009 in Las Cruces, New Mexico to coincide with the International Symposium for Personal and Commercial Spaceflight.

This summit built on the success of an earlier CSF spaceports summit held on May 27, 2009, hosted by Space Florida as part of the International Space Development Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Initial member spaceports and spaceport principals of the CSF Spaceports Council include:

+ Spaceport America, represented by Executive Director Steve Landeene (Chairman)

+ Aeroports de Catalunya, represented by Executive Director Jordi Candela

+ Cecil Field Spaceport, represented by Administrator of Planning and Development Todd Lindner

+ Mojave Air and Space Port, represented by General Manager Stuart Witt

+ Oklahoma Spaceport, represented by Executive Director Bill Khourie

+ Space Florida, represented by President Frank DiBello

+ Spaceport Indiana, represented by President Brian Tanner

+ Spaceport Scotland, represented by Chairman Howie Firth

+ Spaceport Sweden, represented by Vice President Bengt Jaegtnes

+ Wisconsin Aerospace Authority, represented by Chairman Tom Crabb

Steve Landeene, Executive Director of Spaceport America, has been selected as the first chair of the CSF Spaceports Council.

Landeene stated, "I am deeply honored and humbled to take up the first chairmanship of the Spaceports Council. Collecting and sharing the knowledge and experience base of spaceports worldwide will be beneficial to us all as commercial space vehicles begin to push the envelope toward more and more flights. And when working with policymakers, spaceports will benefit by formulating and presenting common positions."

The Spaceports Council will convene regular meetings of spaceports principals, as well as coordinate additional cooperation between spaceports on the staff level, in order to address common problems affecting spaceports, work toward voluntary uniform standards for development of common use equipment and operational procedures, and advise vehicle operators, developers, and other members of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, on issues of concern to the spaceport community.

Bretton Alexander, President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, stated, "The formation of the Spaceports Council marks another milestone in the growth of the commercial spaceflight industry. By deepening the cooperation among both domestic and international spaceports in this new industry, we can help ensure that the industry continues to grow and flourish. Congratulations to Steve Landeene on his selection as the first chairman of this group, as well as all the spaceports that have chosen to form the initial membership of the Council."

Stuart O. Witt, General Manager of Mojave Air and Space Port and an Officer of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, added, "We are excited to welcome this great group of spaceports, both domestic and international, as we join together to share our lessons learned. As we look toward a new generation of suborbital and orbital launch vehicles, I know that a strong spaceport network, armed with the latest in operational 'lessons learned,' will be critical."

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Shuttle Undocks From Space Station

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:05:22 GMT

Washington (AFP) Nov 25, 2009

The space shuttle Atlantis and its seven-astronaut crew undocked from the International Space Station on Wednesday as it prepared its return to Earth.

Atlantis lifted from the orbiting outpost at 0953 GMT. Pilot Barry Wilmore then circled the space station before firing the shuttle's thrusters twice at 1104 and 1132 GMT to leave the vicinity.

The shuttle moved away at 1.5 feet (0.46 meters) per second or about 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) per orbit, according to the US space agency NASA.

The astronauts are scheduled to land back on Earth at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida at 9:44 am (1444 GMT) Friday.

They completed three spacewalks to install high-tech equipment on the ISS during an eventful 11-day mission that also saw mission specialist Randy Bresnik buoyed by the birth of his second daughter, Abigail Mae Bresnik, back on Earth late Saturday, shortly after his first ever spacewalk.

He got the news by private phone patch through mission control after the crew was awakened.

During their stay, the astronauts installed communications antennas and a wireless video system, changed the location of a monitor for electrical hazards, deployed a cargo attachment system and placed an oxygen tank and new scientific experiment outside the station.

Space station flight engineer Nicole Stott also hitched a ride aboard Atlantis on its return to Earth after a three-month stint aboard the ISS.

On Tuesday, European Space Agency astronaut Frank De Winne handed over command of the station to Jeff Williams, a veteran NASA astronaut who arrived at the space station in October.

De Winne, Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko and Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk are due to leave the station for return to Earth aboard a Russian Soyuz capsule on December 1 after 188 days in space.

After Atlantis, just six space missions will remain in the shuttle program before the fleet's three orbiters are retired.

NASA's shuttle program is due to be mothballed next year, but the White House could still decide to extend it through 2011 to reduce America's future reliance on Russia for transporting astronauts to the space station.

The shuttle remains the only spacecraft that can carry heavy, bulky equipment that is key to maintaining the ISS, set to remain operational until 2020.

Last month NASA successfully launched the prototype Ares I-X rocket that it hopes will launch the Orion, a new generation of manned space exploration vehicle that is still under development.

Orion, which is not expected to be ready until at least 2015, is being designed to take a crew of up to six astronauts on flights to the International Space Station, or a crew of four on lunar missions lasting up to 210 days.

But America's human space flight program, which swallows up 10 billion dollars of NASA's 18-billion-dollar annual budget, is at great risk of being grounded.

A panel set up by President Barack Obama and tasked with assessing its future has said an additional three billion dollars a year is needed for NASA to meet its goals.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

First Two Soyuz Launchers Arrive In French Guiana

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:04:45 GMT

Kourou, French Guiana (SPX) Nov 26, 2009

Arianespace has marked a historic milestone with the arrival of its first two Soyuz launchers in French Guiana, which will be used to inaugurate service with this medium-lift workhorse vehicle next year from the Spaceport.

The Soyuz 2-1a launchers were carried aboard the MN Colibri roll-on/roll-off transport ship, which docked on schedule yesterday morning at Pariacabo port near Kourou after completing the transatlantic crossing from St. Petersburg, Russia.

Unloading operations at Pariacabo started with refined kerosene propellant for the launcher's strap-on boosters and its Block A and Block I stages, along with UDMH, N2O4 and hydrazine for its Fregat upper stage.

The activity began yesterday from the ship's upper deck, and continued through this morning.

Also brought ashore yesterday from the MN Colibri's upper deck was a functional model of the Fregat, which will be used for fueling tests in French Guiana.

This was followed by today's rollout of containers with the Soyuz launchers' four first-stage strap-on boosters, their Block A core stages and Block I third stages, Fregat upper stages, as well as the Soyuz ST-type payload fairings. The transfer of these elements began in road convoys to the Spaceport today, and will be completed tomorrow.

Claude Bessemoulin, Arianespace's head of logistics, said the unloading operations went very well, and followed the procedures employed for years in transporting Ariane launchers from Europe to French Guiana - a process that utilizes the MN Colibri and its sister ship, the MN Toucan.

Soyuz is one of the world's most utilized launchers, having been operated in 1,750 missions from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and Russia's northern launch site at Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

Its introduction at French Guiana will bring this venerable medium-life vehicle into Arianespace's growing launcher family, joining its heavy-lift Ariane 5 now operational at the Spaceport, and subsequently the lightweight Vega.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Kazakhstan Plays Down Baikonur Spat

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:04:14 GMT

Astana, Kazakhstan (RIA Novosti) Nov 26, 2009

Kazakhstan moved to play down a spat with Russia over a delay in a rocket launch from the Russian-leased space center in the Central Asian republic earlier this week, saying it was a result of a misunderstanding.

Russia's launch of a European communications satellite on a Proton

rocket from Baikonur was delayed from Monday until late Tuesday, which sparked a bitter exchange of accusations between the two ex-Soviet nations.

"There has been no scandal around the launch. It was a typical misunderstanding. One side had put an inaccurately worded phrase in documents, and the other had to change a whole range of procedures as a result," Talgat Musabayev, head of Kazcosmos space agency told reporters, adding the two countries should streamline organizational procedures.

Kazcosmos accused Russia's space agency on Monday of constantly changing launch plans, which led to the delay in the Proton-M blast.

Roscosmos said it had submitted all documents in time and blamed its Kazakh partners for slowly issuing government approvals for launches.

"This is not the first time the launch of a spacecraft has been threatened with failure for reasons not depending on Russia," Roscosmos said.

Musabayev said on Wednesday that "Kazakhstan has remained Russia's reliable partner," and Kazcosmos hopes "its Russian brothers and friends" will help the country join the club of space powers.

Russia rents the Soviet-built launching facility in Kazakhstan since the Soviet Union broke up in 1991, paying an annual rent of $115 million.

Its activities in the area have been marred by Proton accidents and Kazakhstan's complaints about toxic pollution. Russia is building a new launching site in the Far East to cut its reliance on Baikonur.

Source: RIA Novosti

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

NASA Assessing New Roles For Ailing QuikScat Satellite

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:47:59 GMT

Pasadena CA (SPX) Nov 25, 2009

After experiencing further difficulties over the weekend, the antenna stopped spinning. The QuikScat spacecraft and scatterometer instrument themselves remain in otherwise good health.

The mission has also provided critical information for monitoring, modeling, forecasting and researching our atmosphere, ocean and climate.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

La fus�e Ariane propulsera H�lios 2B dans l’espace le 9 d�cembre

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:42:24 GMT

Philippe Cohen-Grillet, le vendredi 27 novembre 2009 � 04:00

R�ussite europ�enne, ce nouvel �quipement ultrasophistiqu� permet d’�tablir des cartes, de scruter des mouvements de troupes ou des activit�s nucl�aires. Le tout de jour comme de nuit avec une pr�cision de quelques m�tres !

Nos militaires ne sont pas dans la Lune, mais ils ont tout de m�me la t�te dans les �toiles. Et pour l’arm�e fran�aise, c’est No�l avant l’heure. Les galonn�s attendent le 9 d�cembre, date � laquelle sera mis en orbite le dernier-n� des satellites espions tricolores, qui r�pond au doux nom d’H�lios 2B et ressemble � un gigantesque cadeau high-tech enrob� de papier dor�. Cet �quipement de tr�s haute pr�cision permet de fournir du renseignement aux plus hautes autorit�s de l’Etat comme aux troupes qui crapahutent sur le terrain. Le g�n�ral de brigade Bernard Lapprend tr�pigne d�j� d’impatience � l’id�e de voir s’�lever dans le ciel de Kourou, en Guyane, la fus�e Ariane 5 qui emm�nera le nouvel H�lios vers ses missions. � Il s’agit d’un �v�nement important pour nos concitoyens, pour les forces arm�es, pour nos partenaires europ�ens, pour l’Europe de la d�fense ! �, s’enthousiasme celui qui s’est taill� le surnom le � g�n�ral Espace � et qui pourrait diriger le futur Commandement interarm�es de l’espace (CEI qui sera cr�� en juillet 2010).

Partage entre alli�s

Le 9 d�cembre � 17 heures (heure de Paris), les bouchons de champagne ne vont pas accompagner Ariane dans les airs uniquement � l’�tat-major parisien. Car le programme H�lios est aussi un bijou technologique qui couronne la r�ussite d’un partenariat europ�en – suffisamment rare pour �tre soulign�. Au noyau dur des pays � l’origine de l’aventure en 1995 (France, Italie et Espagne), se sont joints la Belgique et la Gr�ce, ainsi que l’Allemagne, li�e, comme la p�ninsule transalpine, par un accord d’�change de donn�es recueillies par leurs propres satellites. En clair, Paris est bien le fer de lance de cet ambitieux projet au budget d’1,8 milliard d’euros sur dix ans, mais chaque partenaire –et donc contributeur – b�n�ficie des images tr�s indiscr�tes et secr�tes capt�es par H�lios.

Les cafouillages des d�buts

Concr�tement, chaque �tat-major transmet, quotidiennement, ses desiderata quant aux recoins du globe qu’il souhaite scruter. La demande, cod�e et qui reste donc confidentielle, est trait�e sur le site op�rationnel de Creil (Oise). H�lios est alors programm� et entreprend ses prises de vue, de jour comme de nuit gr�ce � des capteurs infrarouges. Ce partage des images rel�ve d’un domaine th�oriquement ultrasecret. Car savoir ce que l’Italie ou l’Espagne veut espionner r�v�le �videmment les pr�occupations de leurs gouvernements, de leurs arm�es, mais aussi leurs inqui�tudes, voire leurs faiblesses. Aux premiers mois du programme, ce souci de discr�tion a �t� � l’origine de savoureux quiproquos. Un g�n�ral fran�ais, qui fut aux premi�res loges, s’est confi� � France-Soir : � au d�but du programme H�lios, j’int�grais les donn�es g�ographiques des sites qui nous int�ressaient, puis des officiers italiens et espagnols faisaient de m�me, en toute confidentialit� �. Stupeur, apr�s avoir moulin�, le superordinateur indiquait que le satellite fournirait bien moins d’images que ce qui �tait attendu, provoquant la col�re jupit�rienne des �tats-majors, qui, accessoirement, avaient investi des sommes folles. � Nous avons fini par comprendre d’o� venait le bug, poursuit le g�n�ral. En fait, nous voulions tous observer les m�mes sites ! Mais le satellite traitait chaque demande s�par�ment et se reparam�trait � chaque fois ! �

Une pr�cision secret-d�fense

Aujourd’hui, pas besoin d’�tre dans le secret des dieux pour deviner que tous les pays partenaires d’H�lios d�veloppent une curiosit� d�bordante pour – au hasard – certains sites nucl�aires iraniens ou certains recoins d’Afghanistan. H�lios 2B permettra d’�tablir des cartes ultrapr�cises, de surveiller les activit�s � prolif�rantes � (c’est-�-dire le d�veloppements de programmes nucl�aires militaires), de mod�liser en 3D des reliefs, des villes, ou encore d’aider au ciblage des missiles balistiques. La pr�cision de la r�solution des images d’H�lios 2B est class�e secret-d�fense. Tout juste le g�n�ral Lapprend conc�de-t-il qu’elle est de � quelques dizaines de m�tres et permet d’identifier un camion ou un pik-up �. Le grad� est trop modeste. En fait, la pr�cision serait de quelques m�tres � peine. Et l’avenir de l’espionnage spatial promet des progr�s fulgurant. Vers 2015, le programme europ�en Musis (qui implique les pays pr�cit�s) prendra la rel�ve des satellites H�lios. Son acuit� sera encore plus fine et les images fournies seront en couleurs. Dans ce futur proche, si vous lisez votre journal pr�f�r� en pleine rue, l’�tat-major saura gr�ce � Musis que vous �tes en train de d�vorer France-Soir !

Edition France Soir du vendredi 27 novembre 2009 page 12

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Delta IV WGS-3 Launch Set For December 2

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:40:09 GMT

Cape Canaveral FL (SPX) Nov 27, 2009

The U.S. Air Force will launch the third Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle from Space Launch Complex 37 here Dec 2.

The launch window is 7:21-8:41 p.m. EST.

WGS satellites are designed to provide high-capacity communications to our nation's military forces.

They will augment and eventually replace the aging Defense Satellite Communication System, which has been the Department of Defense's backbone for satellite communications over the past two decades.

The satellite provides a giant leap in communications bandwidth and technology.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Atlantis Ready For Landing Friday

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:39:42 GMT

Houston TX (SPX) Nov 27, 2009

The STS-129 crew spent its final full day in space Thursday. The crew tested Atlantis' flight control system, the flaps and rudders that will guide it through the atmosphere, and test fired the thruster jets that control its orientation in space and during early re-entry.

All crew members spent time stowing items in the shuttle's cabin in preparation for the return to Earth. Landing is scheduled for 9:44 a.m. EST at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The shuttle and its seven-astronaut crew, Commander Charles Hobaugh, Pilot Barry Wilmore and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman, Robert Satcher Jr. and Nicole Stott also had a Thanksgiving meal and talked with media representatives.

Hobaugh, Wilmore and Melvin tested Atlantis' flight control system, the flaps and rudders that will guide it through the atmosphere, and test fired the thruster jets that control its orientation in space and during early re-entry.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Lunar Water Probably Came From Comets

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:39:16 GMT

Houston TX (PTI) Nov 27, 2009

In a discovery that may solve the mystery behind the source of moon's water, an evidence from NASA's LCROSS mission suggested that much of it was delivered by comets that slammed into the Earth's satellite billions of years ago.

Previous missions had also found hints of lunar water but its source was never clear. One idea is that it forms when hydrogen atoms from the solar wind latch onto oxygen atoms in the lunar soil, creating hydroxyl and water.

According to the data revealed recently at the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group meeting, a gathering of 160 lunar scientists in Houston, the evidence is mounting in favour of an alternative explanation - comet impacts.

The first line of evidence comes from compounds that vaporise readily, called volatiles. LCROSS found spectral signs of volatiles containing carbon and hydrogen - likely methane and ethanol - as well as others such as ammonia and carbon dioxide, journal New Scientist reported.

"It appears that we impacted into a very volatile-rich area," LCROSS principal scientist Tony Colaprete said.

These compounds should have been mostly lost to space billions of years ago, when the moon coalesced from the debris of an impact between the Earth and a Mars-sized object.

Water formed through an interaction with the solar wind would therefore be relatively pure - and free of volatiles.

But comets, which are thought to have been responsible for many of the moon's impact scars, are "dirty iceballs" known to contain volatiles such as methane.

Source: Press Trust of India

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Deep-Space Maneuver Positions MESSENGER For Mercury Orbit Insertion

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:38:52 GMT

Laurel MD (SPX) Nov 27, 2009

The Mercury-bound MESSENGER spacecraft completed its fifth and final deep-space maneuver of the mission today, providing the expected velocity change needed to place the spacecraft on course to enter into orbit about Mercury in March 2011.

A 3.3-minute firing of its bi-propellant engine provided nearly all of the probe's 177 meter per second (396 mile per hour) increase in its speed relative to the Sun.

MESSENGER was 230.4 million kilometers (143.2 million miles) from Earth when today's maneuver began at 4:45 p.m. EST. Mission controllers at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Md., verified the start of the maneuver about 12 minutes, 49 seconds later, when the first signals indicating spacecraft thruster activity reached NASA's Deep Space Network tracking station outside Goldstone, Calif.

"The team was well-prepared for the maneuver," said MESSENGER Mission Systems Engineer Eric Finnegan, of APL.

"Initial data analysis indicates an extremely accurate maneuver execution. After sifting through all the post-burn data I expect we will find ourselves right on target."

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Soyuz TMA-17 Crews Take Final Tests Before Flight To ISS

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:38:06 GMT

Moscow, Russia (RIA Novosti) Nov 27, 2009

The main and backup crews for the next mission to the International Space Station (ISS) will begin on Thursday their final tests at a space training center near Moscow.

Russia's Soyuz-FG carrier rocket bearing the Soyuz TMA-17 spacecraft is scheduled to lift off from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan on December 21.

"A two-day final exams session must confirm the readiness of cosmonauts and astronauts for the space flight planned for the second half of December 2009," a Russian official at the training center at Star City told reporters on Wednesday.

The main TMA-17 crew comprises Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, U.S. astronaut Timothy Creamer, and Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi.

Noguchi will be the second Japanese astronaut to fly on a Soyuz, after Toyohiro Akiyama.

The backup crew comprises Russian cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov, U.S. astronaut Douglas H. Wheelock, and Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa.

The main crew will take their tests on Thursday on a ground simulator of the Russian segment of the ISS, while the backup crew will be tested on a Soyuz spacecraft simulator.

On Friday, the crews will trade places, and a special commission will announce the final crew composition on Thursday based on the results of the tests.

TMA-17 will be the 104th flight of a Soyuz spacecraft since 1967. The spacecraft will most likely remain docked with the space station for the remainder of the Expedition 22 mission to serve as an emergency escape vehicle.

Source: RIA Novosti

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Preparations Underway For Launch Of Intelsat 15 Satellite

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:37:39 GMT

Long Beach CA (SPX) Nov 27, 2009

Preparations are moving forward at the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan for the fourth Land Launch mission, the first of a satellite for Intelsat. Liftoff on November 29 is planned at 1:00 pm PT (21:00 GMT), for the Intelsat 15 satellite, at the start of a one-hour launch window.

From the Land Launch pad at Area 45, a Zenit-3SLB vehicle will lift the Intelsat 15 spacecraft to geosynchronous transfer orbit, on its way to a final orbital position of 85 degrees East Longitude, replacing the Intelsat 709 spacecraft.

Orbital Sciences built the Intelsat 15 spacecraft to provide video and data services for Intelsat's customers operating in the Middle East and Indian Ocean regions as well as in Russia.

Orbital's STAR-2.4 spacecraft platform carries a Ku-band payload that will produce 4.6 kW of DC power and features advanced antennas, including two 2.3 meter dual-grid deployable antennas as well as a 1.4 meter dual-grid deck-mounted antenna.

The Intelsat 15 satellite is expected to have a useful life on orbit of at least 17 years and is part of Intelsat's eleven-satellite launch campaign, the largest in Intelsat's history

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Bangladesh Plans To Launch Telecom Satellite Soon

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:37:10 GMT

Dhaka, Bangladesh (XNA) Nov 27, 2009

Bangladesh wants to enter space-age soon as the government plans to launch a satellite into the space for the development of the country's telecommunications services.

The Bangladeshi Post and Telecommunications Minister Razi UddinAhmed Raju made the announcement at a press conference

Thursday, according to the private news agency UNB.

He said the satellite to be installed in the space will be used only for business purpose.

"The Post and Telecommunications Ministry has already negotiated with some countries like Germany, Russia and China for the launch of the first ever satellite of the country," he said.

"If we get technical supports from those countries, we will be able to launch the satellite into space soon," he added.

He also informed that many foreign investors expressed their willingness to invest in the country's telecommunications sector.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

NJIT Receives NSF Funding To Improve Big Bear Telescope

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:36:33 GMT

Newark NJ (SPX) Nov 27, 2009

NJIT researchers are at work on many scientific and technological frontiers. The National Science Foundation has recently provided support that totals nearly $4.3 million for the diverse efforts of the following investigators under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Four researchers have been awarded grants for investigation of solar phenomena. Philip R. Goode, distinguished professor of physics, will enhance the capabilities of NJIT's Big Bear Solar Observatory with a cryogenic infrared spectrograph. This is a substantial improvement over other solar infrared spectrographs in use at U.S. observatories.

Dale Gary, distinguished professor of physics, has received a grant to upgrade instrumentation at the Owens Valley Solar Array, the only solar-dedicated radio observatory in the U.S. Andrew Gerrard, associate physics professor, will help further investigations of solar-wind energy and the Earth's magnetic field lines.

Ju Jing, a research professor in the physics department, will study the evolution of the Sun's coronal magnetic configurations and the corresponding free magnetic energy associated with solar explosive phenomena. Such phenomena include flares and coronal mass ejections that can impact terrestrial telecommunications and power systems.

Trevor Tyson, professor of physics, received funding for his research project--Acquisition of a Properties Measurement System for Education and Research in Energy Related Materials. This work will address the critical need for better materials for energy storage, conversion and recovery.

Mechanical engineering professor Kwabena Narh will provide a joint NJIT/Rutgers six-week summer research experience for high school science teachers from local school districts.

Support for "Direct Numerical Simulations of Elastic Filament Suspensions and Multi-Scale Modeling of Soft-Particle Suspensions" will enable Yuan-Nan Young, assistant professor of mathematical sciences, to investigate new strategies for advancing micro- and nano-fluidic science and engineering.

Marino Xanthos, a professor in the department of chemical, biological and pharmaceutical engineering, has support for Fundamental Material and Processing Studies on Hot-Melt Extrusion - A Novel Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Process, research into meeting production challenges to bring new drugs into the market.

Yanchao Zhang, assistant professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering, has a CAREER grant for Dependable Data Management in Heterogeneous Sensor Networks to study remote-sensing solutions for distant and extreme environments such as oceans, volcanos, animal habitats and battlefields.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

NASA chief ready to work with China on space exploration

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:50:47 GMT

Tokyo (AFP) Nov 17, 2009

NASA is ready to cooperate with China in space exploration, the head of the US agency said Tuesday, as Beijing aims to send a manned mission to the moon by around 2020.

"I am perfectly willing, if that's the direction that comes to me, to engage the Chinese in trying to make them a partner in any space endeavour. I think they're a very capable nation," NASA chief Charles Bolden said.

"They have demonstrated their capability to do something that only two other nations that have done -- that is, to put humans in space. And I think that is an achievement you cannot ignore," he told reporters on a visit to Tokyo.

"They are a nation that is trying to really lead. If we could cooperate we would probably be better off than if we would not," the former astronaut said.

China has been pouring billions of dollars into its space activities in an effort to close the gap with Western nations. It has carried out three manned space missions, including a spacewalk, and put a lunar orbiter in space.

NASA also has ambitious plans to put US astronauts back on the moon by 2020 to establish manned lunar bases for further exploration to Mars.

But a review panel appointed by President Barack Obama said last month existing budgets were not large enough to fund a return mission before 2020. The existing US space shuttle fleet is due to be retired next year.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

SMOS Satellite Instrument Comes Alive

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:49:22 GMT

Paris, France (SPX) Nov 20, 2009

The MIRAS instrument on ESA's SMOS satellite, launched earlier this month, has been switched on and is operating normally. MIRAS will map soil moisture and ocean salinity to improve our understanding of the role these two key variables play in regulating Earth's water cycle.

"Following the switch-on, MIRAS is working beautifully well with all key subsystems, including all of the receivers, the optical fibres and the correlator unit, in perfect functioning condition," said ESA's Manuel Martin-Neira, SMOS Instrument Principal Engineer. "We have been able to produce reasonable test data even without in-orbit calibration."

MIRAS (Microwave Imaging Radiometer using Aperture Synthesis) is an L-band radiometer with 69 receivers mounted on three deployed arms to measure the radiation coming from Earth.

In order to measure accurately, the receivers must be within a +/-3 degrees C temperature range of each other, with the optimal operating temperature at 22 degrees C. Heaters are installed on the satellite to achieve the temperature needed.

Switching on the instrument begins with activating the central payload computer, which controls many of the instrument's subsystems and gives instructions to the distributed command and monitoring modes on each arm.

To assess the electrical performance of the instrument after switch-on while limiting the consumption of heater power, the physical temperature for start up was set to 10 degrees C.

"The active thermal control is now in operation and is keeping the instrument well within the expected temperature range," Mr Martin-Neira said. "Tomorrow we expect to assess the payload at the final 22 degrees C temperature."

The central payload computer also controls the 'mass memory', which collects all the science data from the receivers and sends them to receiving stations on the ground.

The high-speed downlink, which transmits the data to the ground station, was switched on, and data have been transmitted to ESA's European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC), in Villafranca, Spain. The data acquisition and processing systems located at ESAC are also working well, and the first test of the product generation system has been successful.

"With the critical launch and early orbit phase completed, the engineers can now evaluate the quality of the downlinks and concentrate on the calibration of the instrument," SMOS Project Manager Achim Hahne said.

Data provided by MIRAS will be important for weather and climate modelling, water resource management, agriculture planning, ocean currents and circulation studies and forecasting hazardous events such as floods.

"We are very happy that we have received the first data from MIRAS, which we expect to make very strong contributions to scientists' understanding of Earth's water cycle," said Guillermo Buenadicha, SMOS Payload Operations Engineer at ESAC.

"We are now looking forward to analysing the first data and to start testing the processing systems in the ground station," SMOS Mission Manager Susanne Mecklenburg said.

The SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) Earth Explorer satellite and ESA's Proba-2 were launched into orbit together from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia on 2 November.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

NASA Signs Agreement With ISRO For Indian Satellite

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:40:24 GMT

Washington DC (SPX) Nov 20, 2009

US space agency NASA has signed an agreement with ISRO to use data from Indian satellite Oceansat-2, for various American agencies for research activities, including weather forecasting.

Launched on September 23, 2009 using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle from Sriharikota, Oceansat-2; is designed to provide service continuity for operational users of the Ocean Colour Monitor

(OCM) instrument on Oceansat-1.

The agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation will lead to the use of data from Oceansat-2 for various US agencies for research, education and other activities of public good including weather forecasting.

The Letter of Intent in this regard was signed by Michael H Freilich, Director Earth Science Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Mary E Kicza Assistant Administrator for Satellite and Information Science of the Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and R R Navalgund, Director, Space Application Centre, ISRO.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Sri Lanka Signs Agreement With SSTL For Space Capability

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:39:51 GMT

London, UK (SPX) Nov 18, 2009

The Director General of the Sri Lankan Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, Priyantha Kariyapperuma and Professor Sir Martin Sweeting of Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), have signed a landmark agreement.

This agreement starts a Sri Lankan national space capability by providing an SSTL Earth Observation satellite and commencing the definition and design of Sri Lanka's first communications satellite.

Peter Hayes, the British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka recognised the value of the agreement, saying "This project is exciting for the development of telecommunications in Sri Lanka and will strengthen the ties between the two countries."

The programme, including a training and development programme and collaborative activities between the University of Surrey and leading Sri Lankan academic institutes, will promote academic, industrial and socio-economic development. The project has been approved by the Sri Lankan government under the personal direction of His Excellency, President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, who also chairs the Space Centre of the University of Surrey, said "Sri Lanka has already demonstrated a keen interest in space based technology, supported through numerous programmes within the country's universities and other academic organisations such as the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies. Our close partnership will allow Sri Lanka to fully embrace the benefits of space technology through training and education while stimulating industrial development. The economic benefits resulting from space based communications including TV, broadband services and earth observation applications are substantial and will positively contribute to the country's development as a "high-tech" trading nation".

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), SSTL will provide an Earth observation capability and start work on a geostationary communications satellite. By partnering with SSTL for Earth observation, Sri Lanka will become an important member of the Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) with the ability to participate in international disaster relief support activities coordinated by the United Nations through the International Charter.

SSTL will also advise on the establishment of the Sri Lanka Space Agency (SLASA), building on SSTL's experience of supporting the formation of five previous national agencies.

The Director General of the Sri Lankan Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, Priyantha Kariyapperuma welcomed the agreement, saying "Universities here in Sri Lanka have developed a programme of strong engineering research. Given that the UK is the most preferred destination for academic professionals working in technological fields to further their development, I am delighted that the opportunities created through this programme will serve to bring the two nations closer together."

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: Philippe DELANNOY � diventato membro del Hub

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Philippe DELANNOY � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Philippe DELANNOY

Monter en comp�tence sur CATIA, CADDS, PATRAN-NASTRAN, AUTOCAD, SOLIDWOORKS...

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:47:54 GMT

Chers membres du Hub,

Vous recherchez un compl�ment de formation sur les

outils informatiques industriels CAO/DAO comme :

- CATIA, CADDS, PRO-ENG, AUTOCAD, SOLIDWORKS ...

- PATRAN/NASTRAN ...

Faites appel � notre expertise.

Implant� en France et � l'international, le Groupe

eXcent (7 filiales, pr�s de 400 personnes) est

sp�cialis� dans l'ing�nierie d'�tude m�canique.

Fort d'une progression constante depuis bient�t 20 ans

et d'une strat�gie de diversification d'activit�s, nous

apportons notre expertise technique aux donneurs

d'ordre industriels (a�ronautique, automobile,

ferroviaire, �nergie...) sur leurs projets de

d�veloppement.

Notre entit� M.ind', organisme de formation agr��

intervient aupr�s des entreprises :

- sur la formation aux outils informatiques

industriels, CATIA V4, CATIA V5, CADDS 5, THINK DESIGN,

PRO ENGINEER, AUTOCAD, GILDA, COPEDOC , SOLIDWORKS,

PATRAN/NASTRAN, modules Composite, outils CTD...

Agr�ment de formation N� 73.31.03042.31.

En tant qu'organisme d�clar� � la Direction du Travail,

nos actions peuvent �tre financ�es dans le cadre du

"DIF" ou du "Plan de formation".

Nous pouvons �galement vous aider � monter les dossiers

de financement concernant ces formations.

N'h�sitez pas � nous consulter pour mettre en place des modules de

formations adapt�s � vos besoins.

Dans l'attente de vous rencontrer.

Cordiales salutations,

Lionel MAINGARD - Ing�nieur d'Affaires

lionel.maingard@m-ind.fr

2 Avenue L�on FOUCAULT

ZAC du Perget

31770 COLOMIERS T�l. : (33) 05 61 15 99 33

Mobile : 06.60.04.02.66

Pubblicato da M.ind' Groupe eXcent

Nuovo utente: Arnaud Zemmour � diventato membro del Hub

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Arnaud Zemmour � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Arnaud Zemmour

Nuovo utente: Michel Rinzler � diventato membro del Hub

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Michel Rinzler � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Michel Rinzler

Connexion Express Allemagne – Angleterre de Nuit – A saisir !

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:11:56 GMT

Bonjour,

A tout hasard, j’ai pens� que certains d’entre vous g�rez peut �tre des flux urgents entre l’Allemagne et l’Angleterre :

Nous avons lanc� une connection a�rienne quotidienne de nuit entre FRA et CVT pour certains de nos clients.

L’avion n’est pas plein � 100% tous les jours, si vous avez du fret de derni�re minute � envoyer – N’hesitez pas � nous consulter : Fr/Be : +32-47 48 59 299

D�part vers l’Angleterre :

Le vol part � 22:10 de FRA pour arriver � CVT � 23:25

Retour vers l’Allemagne :

D�part CVT 01:55, arriv�e FRA a 05:10am

- Ce vol est disponible tous les jours de la semaine pour les envois urgents de derni�re minute - Les volumes disponibles peuvent varier

- Nous pouvons prendre en charge des colis ou palettes

- Pr� et post acheminement sont �galement organis�s.

En attendant, un bon week-end - Bien cordialement

Nicolas Mery

Emergency Freight International�

www.emergencyfreight.com

Pubblicato da Nicolas Mery

Nuovo utente: Philippe Carmona � diventato membro del Hub

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Philippe Carmona � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Philippe Carmona

China To Launch French-Made CommSat

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:07:40 GMT

Beijing, China (XNA) Nov 09, 2009

China will launch a French-made communications satellite for the Hong Kong-based APT Satellite Holding Limited in the first half of 2012.

A contract for the launch service was signed here Sunday.

The satellite, dubbed APTSTAR-7 and made by the Thales Alenia Space, will be sent into space by China's Long March 3B/E carrier rocket at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern China, according to a statement issued by the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), the contractor of the launch on Sunday.

The satellite, with a designed life span of 15 years, will function for the service of live television broadcast and communications in Asia, the Middle East, Australia Africa and parts of the European Union.

As the only Chinese company engaged in international commercial satellite launching services, CGWIC, a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, has launched 36 foreign satellites.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Russian rockets shipped for French Guiana launch

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:03:23 GMT

Saint Petersburg (AFP) Nov 7, 2009

The first Russian rockets to be fired into space next year from a space centre in distant South America were Saturday to begin the long voyage to the launch site from Saint Petersburg.

Two Russian Soyuz rockets, the mainstay of its space programme, were later Saturday to leave the northern city by ship bound for the French overseas department of French Guiana ahead of their expected launch next year.

Packed in containers on board the French vessel Le Colibri, they will arrive 15 days later ahead of the first planned launches next year of Soyuz rockets from France's launch site in French Guiana.

"We are in line for the first launch in the second quarter of next year," the chief executive of French aerospace firm Arianespace Jean-Yves Le Gall told AFP.

Didier Coulon, the head of the project at the European Space Agency (ESA), said the first launch could take place as early as April.

Finally confirming the project is ready after a string of delays, he said that the first satellite to be launched by a Soyuz from French Guiana will be the Hylas telecommunications satellite of British firm Avanti Communications.

The satellite will deliver broadband and corporate data network services across Europe, according to the company.

Two other such launches are planned in 2010 -- the Pleiades Observation Satellite and a launch of two satellites in Europe's Galileo programme.

The first Soyuz launch had been envisaged in 2009 but was delayed due to hold-ups in the delivery of the infrastructure that the rocket needs in order to function. France and Russia signed a deal on the launches back in 2003.

The move to French Guiana is a major step for Russia, which has mostly relied on the Baikonur launch pad in Kazakhstan from where the first man-made object and the first astronaut were launched into space.

Launching Russian rockets so close to the United States is likely to send a strong message about Russia's continued role in space.

It brings several other advantages for Moscow, including reducing dependence on Baikonur, which has been the subject of periodic disputes with Kazakh authorities.

French Guiana's closeness to the equator also enables heavier payloads -- three tonnes compared with 1.7 tonnes from Baikonur -- as launches can gain extra momentum from the Earth's own spinning motion.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Iran readies launch of new satellite

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:33:02 GMT

Tehran (UPI) Nov 9, 2009

Iran is preparing to launch its second indigenous communications satellite aboard a Safir-2 (Ambassador) booster rocket, an event that will test the country's ballistic missile capabilities.

And, if it's successful, it could impact significantly on U.S.-led negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear ambitions by demonstrating the Iranians' growing mastery of missile technology.

Satellite launch vehicles such as the two-stage Safir-2, believed to be a modified Shehab-3 intermediate-range ballistic missile, are generally considered to have a potential application as an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Ten months ago Iran successfully launched the Omid 1 (Hope) satellite into orbit atop a 72-foot Safir from the Semnan Space Research Center in the Dasht-e-Kavir desert south of Tehran after at least one failure.

The new satellite, known as Mesbah (Lantern), will weigh 132 pounds, 10 times more than Omid, which burned up on re-entering Earth's atmosphere in April.

Jane's Intelligence Digest reported at the time that the use of a two-stage launch vehicle was a "noteworthy technical achievement."

"Tehran has now established its status as having the most advanced space, missile and nuclear programs in the Muslim Middle East, confirming its technical superiority over its Arab allies," it commented.

Many of the technological building blocks involved in the booster rockets like the Safir-2 are the same as those needed to develop long-range ballistic missiles.

This was the pattern of early U.S. and Russian missile development in the 1950s and 60s.

According to Western sources, the Iranians have built two Mesbahs in cooperation with Italy's Carlo Gavazzi Space company under an $11.3 million program. The first Mesbah was destroyed in a 2005 launch mishap.

The satellite program and a slew of recent test-firings of Shehab-3 and the more sophisticated, solid-fuel Sajjil-2 ballistic missiles indicate that Iran's scientists and engineers have made significant technological advances in the last two or three years.

The concerns of the United States and Israel, along with European and Arab states, about Iran's missile capabilities were heightened earlier this month with reports that the U.N. nuclear watchdog believed Iranian scientists had experimented with an advanced nuclear warhead design.

The dossier compiled by the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency was described as "breathtaking" by Western experts.

"It's remarkable that, before perfecting step one, they're going straight to step four or five," said James Acton, a British nuclear arms expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"To start with more sophisticated designs speaks of a level of technical ambition that is surprising."

U.S. surveillance satellites and aircraft have been monitoring the Semnan facility since Tehran indicated in the summer that another satellite launch was in the works.

No target date was announced, but state-run television has been broadcasting footage of booster tests in hangars at the Semnan facility for several weeks.

Following the Omid launch on Feb. 3, the telecommunications minister, Mohammad Soleimani, announced that Iran was manufacturing four more satellites.

Iran has also announced that it plans to start sending research animals into space in 2010-11, first on Shahabs deployed as sounding rockets that can reach an altitude of 100 miles.

This would be followed by orbital missions using animals as a prelude to a manned Islamic space programs by about 2021, according to Soleimani's successor, Raza Taiq-pour.

According to one U.S. analysis of the recent advances in Iran's missile technology, a successful Safir-2 mission "could raise concerns in Congress among Republicans who believe President Obama acted wrongly by reducing Missile Defense Agency facilities in Poland and the Czech Republic against Iranian Safir-type missiles that could eventually have the capability to strike the United States directly."

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

The CEOS Missions, Instruments And Measurements Database 2009

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:49:20 GMT

Paris, France (ESA) Nov 11, 2009

The European Space Agency (ESA), on behalf of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), has announced the release of the 2009 edition of the CEOS Missions, Instruments and Measurements (MIM) database.

The CEOS database is the only official, consolidated statement of the Earth observation programmes and plans of all the world's civil space agencies.

The database features details of around 260 Earth observing satellite missions and 400 instruments, which are currently operating or planned for launch in the next 15 years - funded and operated by around 30 space agencies worldwide.

The database is the cornerstone of the efforts of CEOS coordination on gaps and overlaps to optimise global observations in support of key societal needs such as climate change information.

CEOS provides this information on-line for the benefit of the global community, to promote awareness as to the capabilities of Earth observation satellites and to develop understanding of their potential in applications of benefit to society.

The latest edition of the database is current as of October 2009 - making it the most up-to-date and comprehensive statement of governmental Earth observation programmes available.

The CEOS database, and the print version known as the EO Handbook, is always keenly anticipated by the space community for its insights into future trends worldwide in remote sensing programmes.

The major aims of CEOS are to achieve international coordination in the planning of these Earth observing satellite programmes and to maximise utilisation of their data, in order to effectively address the most critical requirements.

ESA, the European Space Agency, is Europe's gateway to space. It is an international organisation with 18 Member States. ESA's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.

The CEOS Database and EO Handbook are researched and compiled by Symbios Spazio.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

New Report Offers Steps To Outer Space Security

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:47:59 GMT

Paris, FRance (SPX) Nov 16, 2009

Outer space security has become an increasingly important issue over recent years. For example, the global community of spacefaring nations is witnessing a sizeable increase in orbital debris from both deliberate and accidental satellite destructions.

A new report has flagged a series of recommendations to help address the orbital debris concern, and other issues that can assure enhanced security in space for all.

The report -- entitled "Towards Greater Security in Outer Space: Some Recommendations" -- has been released, made possible by information gathered during a recent workshop held in Paris, France and co-sponsored by Secure World Foundation and the L'Institut fran�ais des relations internationales (Ifri).

Collision avoidance exercises

The report puts in perspective the dynamics of current international deliberations and actions on space security and presents a set of key recommendations, among them:

+ There should be a concerted effort to establish an international Space Situational Awareness (SSA) architecture in order to reduce the risk of accidental collisions in space.

+ Research should be increased on methods of deorbiting critical pieces of debris safely and effectively. In addition, research should start on the legal and political issues of removing debris from orbit in order to provide the legal and policy bases for such activities.

+ The space community should have a "phonebook" of the satellite maneuvering centers maintained by operators to contact them quickly in case of need. In addition, satellite operators could agree to conduct "collision avoidance" exercises.

+ The Working Group on Best Practices within the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations' Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in Geneva should pursue additional means to limit creation of space debris. Regular communication with delegates at the CD should ensure the latter understand the role of debris in contributing to an insecure space environment. Information exchanges

In addition, the report underscored the fact that information exchanges between UN COPUOS and the CD would foster better communication and understanding of the work of each committee with respect to outer space and resolve possible divergences should they occur.

The report also spotlighted, as an independent entity active in the field, that the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) has played an important role in reinforcing the communication channels between the two bodies and should continue to do so.

Furthermore, the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) community can also make an important contribution to better understanding and assist in raising the level of technical and diplomatic expertise on outer space matters in both international entities.

Overall, the study has found it important to upgrade the level of technical knowledge of policy-makers sitting at negotiation tables. Doing so, for instance, could help distinguishing weapon versus non-weapon space applications.

Now is the time to act

Based on a consultation with noteworthy actors in the field, the SWF/Ifri report contains both an assessment of the situation and a series of recommendations.

"The report is intended to facilitate future debates on space security," explained Laurence Nardon. Research Fellow and Head of the United States Program and of the Space Policy Program at Ifri.

Nardon said that the recent series of debris-creating events in space has produced a better sense of the threat to space stability. "Now is the time to act," she added.

"We also recommend practical steps for better space stability," Nardon said, such as maintaining a satellite operators' phonebook for emergency situations, or conducting virtual collision avoidance exercises.

Dr. Ray Williamson, SWF's Executive Director said that the workshop held in Paris constituted an important step forward.

"It brought key players from several countries directly involved in the discussions in the United Nations and other forums together to identify constructive actions that can be taken to achieve greater stability and security in outer space," Williamson said.

"This report is unique because it brings views and opinions of experts and diplomats from both the civil space and disarmament arenas," said Agnieszka Lukaszczyk, SWF's Space Policy Consultant based in Vienna, Austria and co-writer of the report.

"It rarely happens that these two communities speak to each other," Lukaszczyk added, therefore the workshop and report "have been very important stepping stones in building a bridge between those two venues, which simply cannot continue ignoring each other."

Secure World Foundation and Ifri

Secure World Foundation (SWF) is headquartered in Superior, Colorado, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Vienna, Austria. SWF is a private operating foundation dedicated to the secure and sustainable use of space for the benefit of Earth and all its peoples.

SWF engages with academics, policy makers, scientists and advocates in the space and international affairs communities to support steps that strengthen global space security. It promotes the development of cooperative and effective use of space for the protection of Earth's environment and human security.

The Foundation acts as a research body, convener and facilitator to advocate for key space security and other space related topics and to examine their influence on governance and international development.

Founded in 1979 by Thierry de Montbrial, The French Institute of International Relations - Institut fran�ais des relations internationales or Ifri - is France's leading independent international relations center dedicated to policy-oriented research and analysis of global political affairs.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Russia Goes All Out To Develop Nuclear-Powered Spacecraft

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:46:05 GMT

Moscow, Russia (XNA) Nov 16, 2009

President Dmitry Medvedev says Russia will prioritize the development of nuclear energy, especially the use of nuclear technology in spacecraft. Medvedev made the announcement Thursday during his annual address to the Federal Assembly.

This was not the first time that Russia has suggested the development of nuclear-powered spacecraft.

Anatoly Perminov, the head of Federal Space Agency Roscosmos, said last month that the agency has planned to develop spacecraft with a megawatt-class nuclear power set.

He said the project would advance Russia's astronautic technology to a world-leading level. The project, he said, also would greatly reinforce the performance of Russia's new manned spacecraft while decreasing energy consumption.

Perminov said the draft design of the spacecraft would be finished by 2012, and at least 17 billion rubles (more than 580 million U.S. dollars) were needed for further development over the next nine years.

"This project is very serious, to which the government must lend financial support," Medvedev said.

Russian astronautic experts have been actively discussing the use of nuclear technology in spacecraft's power systems for a while.

Vitaly Lopota, president and chief designer of Russia's Energia Aerospace Corporation, said at an academic conference on aerospace in late October that given the current space technology, the only possible way to implement the exploration of Mars and the entire solar system would be by using nuclear powered spacecraft.

Lopota believed Russia is capable of building nuclear energy modules based on megawatt-class nuclear reactors.

"In fact, we have already mapped out several schemes for the use of nuclear reactors," he said.

Lopota said nuclear energy technology could be first tried on satellites, then on cargo spaceships. Manned spacecraft with nuclear power sets could be built and sent to Mars and other planets in the solar system.

Anatoly Koroteyev, president of the Russian Academy of Astronautics, also affirmed the construction of nuclear-powered spacecraft. He said they are practical and feasible.

Meanwhile, Koroteyev emphasized that a definite timetable should be fixed to implement such plans. For instance, he said, the relevant design work should be completed by 2012, the actual nuclear power device should be developed by 2015, and the spacecraft should be put into service by 2018.

"If we really do hope to bring the development of astronautics into a new stage, and to solve every problem ranging from deep space exploration to daily life on Earth, then it is completely necessary to implement such projects," he said.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Goddard Team Develops New Carriers For ISS

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:45:38 GMT

by Cynthia O'Carroll

Greenbelt MD (SPX) Nov 16, 2009

In a partnership that exemplifies One NASA, engineers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. teamed up with engineers at NASA's Johnson and Kennedy Space Centers to design, build, and test five new ExPRESS Logistics Carriers, or ELCs, which will be delivered to the International Space Station.

"ExPRESS" stands for Expedite the Processing of Experiments to the Space Station.

The ELCs will provide scientists with a platform and infrastructure to deploy experiments in the vacuum of space without requiring a separate dedicated Earth-orbiting satellite, and will also serve as parking fixtures for spare International Space Station (ISS) hardware which can be retrieved robotically long after the shuttle retires.

"It took more than 100 engineers from Goddard, Johnson and Kennedy Space Centers working together over a three-year period to complete this project," said ELC Project Manager Kevin Carmack at NASA Goddard.

Engineers from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Carriers Development Office at Goddard constitute a large segment of this new organization.

The team developed the unique ELC design, which incorporates elements of both types of science and spare hardware pallets. Goddard served as the overall integrator and manufacturer of the ELCs.

The ELCs are designed to fit in the space shuttle's cargo bay and each is capable of carrying up to 12 fully integrated payloads, Orbital Replacement Units, and/or first time outfitting cargo to the ISS.

Two ELCs will be attached to the ISS on the starboard truss 3 and two ELCs will be attached to the port truss via the space shuttle's robotic arm.

ELCs #1 and #2 will fly aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-129 mission slated for November 16. ELC #3 will fly aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-134 mission in July 2010, while ELC #4 will be carried to the ISS aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-133 mission in September 2010. ELC #5 will serve as a spare.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

China To Launch Research Satellite In Near Future

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:59:24 GMT

Beijing, China (XNA) Nov 12, 2009

China will launch a scientific research satellite into space in the near future from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the northwestern Gansu Province, a spokesman with the center said Wednesday.

The satellite, "Shijian XI-01," would be carried by a China-developed Long March 2C rocket, he said.

Both the satellite and the rocket were in good condition and preparations were proceeding well, the spokesman said without giving further details.

According to a white paper published in 2006, China's Shijian, or Practice, series of satellites are designed for scientific research and technological experiments.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

LockMart Ready For Launch Of Intelsat 14 Spacecraft

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:58 GMT

Cape Canaveral FL (SPX) Nov 12, 2009

Lockheed Martin is in the final stages of preparation for Saturday's launch of a commercial telecommunications satellite for Intelsat, the world's leading provider of fixed satellite services, aboard an Atlas V booster provided by United Launch Alliance. The launch window opens at 12:48 a.m. EST and extends until 2:18 a.m.

Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services is under contract to Intelsat Ltd. to place the Intelsat 14 (IS-14) spacecraft into an injected orbit, ultimately positioned at 315 degrees east longitude.

IS-14 was built by Space Systems/Loral and will provide high-powered video and data services through its C-band and Ku-band payload, serving Intelsat customers throughout the Americas, Europe and Africa and will replace Intelsat's IS-1R satellite once it enters service.

The spacecraft also carries a hosted payload for the Internet Router in Space, or IRIS program, for Cisco Systems.

"We are fully cognizant of the importance of this launch to Intelsat and all stakeholders and are particularly proud to have been chosen as the launch services partner," said David Markham, president of Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services.

"This mission will further demonstrate the reliability, flexibility and capabilities of the Atlas launch vehicle, which can be applied to the commercial market as we continue to seek one to two commercial orders per year."

Intelsat is the leading provider of fixed satellite services worldwide. For 45 years, Intelsat has been delivering information and entertainment for many of the world's leading media and network companies, multinational corporations, Internet service providers and governmental agencies. Intelsat's satellite, teleport and fiber infrastructure is unmatched in the industry, setting the standard for transmissions of video, data and voice services.

Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services, which markets the Atlas V to commercial customers worldwide, is a unit of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, which is a major operating unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Space Systems Company designs, develops, tests, manufactures and operates a full spectrum of advanced-technology systems for national security, civil and commercial customers.

Chief products include human space flight systems; a full range of remote sensing, navigation, meteorological and communications satellites and instruments; space observatories and interplanetary spacecraft; laser radar; ballistic missiles; missile defense systems; and nanotechnology research and development.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Russian Company Set To Bail Out Sea Launch Project

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:32 GMT

Baikonur, Russia (RIA Novosti) Nov 11, 2009

RSC-Energia is putting a strong effort to revive its bankrupt Sea Launch joint international project, the head of the company said on Tuesday.

The Sea Launch consortium, established in 1995, is owned by Boeing, RSC-Energia, Norway's Kvaerner ASA, Ukraine's Yuzhnoye design bureau and Yuzhmash production association. It is the only company that conducts launches from a sea-based platform near the Equator, which allows rockets to carry heavier payloads than from other latitudes.

"Boeing has paid off its Sea Launch debts and filed claims to other partners...We are taking steps to save the project so that Boeing receives dividends from it rather than putting claims against us," Vitaly Lopota said.

"We have solid prospects and have found investors," he added.

In June 2009, the provider of the Sea Launch service, California-based Sea Launch Co. LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a U.S. court.

Sea Launch told the court that its assets were valued between $100 million and $500 million, but that its liabilities are between $500 million and $1 billion. The company hired Alston and Bird LLP to handle the restructuring.

While the company continues work on reorganization, preparations are underway for the launch of the Intelsat 15 communications satellite later this year, from its Land Launch site at the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan.

Sea Launch has carried out 30 rocket launches from the Odyssey launch platform in the Pacific Ocean since 1999.

Source: RIA Novosti

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: Petra Schwikowski � diventato membro del Hub

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Petra Schwikowski � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Petra Schwikowski

Nuovo utente: Eloi Klein � diventato membro del Hub

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Eloi Klein � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Eloi Klein

Nuovo utente: Christophe Verdeil � diventato membro del Hub

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Christophe Verdeil � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Christophe Verdeil

Nuovo utente: Ole K. � diventato membro del Hub

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Ole K. � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Ole K.

Atlantis gets Nov. 16 'maybe' launch date

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:35:36 GMT

Cape Canaveral, Fla. (UPI) Nov 2, 2009

NASA has selected a tentative launch date for space shuttle Atlantis' 11-day flight to the International Space Station from the Kennedy Space Center.

Space agency officials said the Nov. 16 launch at 2:28 p.m. EST is dependent on the planned Nov. 14 launch of an Atlas V rocket from the nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. If the Atlas launch is delayed to Nov. 15, the shuttle's liftoff will move to no earlier than 2:02 p.m. EST on Nov. 17, NASA said.

"The STS-129 mission will focus on storing spare hardware on the exterior of the space station," NASA said in a statement. "The flight will include three spacewalks and (installation of) two platforms on the station's truss, or backbone. The platforms will hold spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttle fleet is retired."

Commander Charlie Hobaugh and his crew of five astronauts are to arrive at Kennedy at approximately 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, for final launch preparations. Joining Archambault on STS-129 will be Pilot Barry Wilmore and astronauts Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Bobby Satcher.

Nicole Stott, an astronaut who is currently on the space station, will return to Earth with the Atlantis crew after living in space for more than two months. Her return on the shuttle will mark the final time it is used to rotate space station crew members.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Study: Bacteria may limit space travel

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:35:04 GMT

Lorraine, France (UPI) Nov 2, 2009

French scientists say the prolific virulence and growth of bacteria in space, coupled with reduced production of antibodies, might limit future space travel.

The researchers from Nancy-University in Lorraine, France, said long-term space flights might compromised by microbial hitchhikers, such as bacteria. That's because space travel appears to weaken the human immune system, while increasing the virulence and growth of microbes, they said.

"When people think of space travel, often the vast distances are what come to mind first," said Jean-Pol Frippiat, one of the report's co-authors. "But even after we figure out a way to cover these distances in a reasonable amount of time, we still need to figure out how astronauts are going to overcome disease and sickness."

Frippiat and colleagues said they based their conclusions on studies showing that immune systems of both people and animals in space flight conditions are significantly weaker than their grounded counterparts. They also reviewed studies that examined the effects of space flight conditions and altered gravity on virulence and growth of common pathogens such as Salmonella, E.coli and Staphylococcus. Those studies, they said, show such bacteria reproduce more rapidly in space flight conditions, leading to increased risk of contamination, colonization and serious infection.

The research appears in The Journal of Leukocyte Biology.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

ESA to transfer Tranquility node to NASA

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:30:42 GMT

Cape Canaveral, Fla. (UPI) Nov 2, 2009

The European Space Agency says it will transfer ownership of the International Space Station's Tranquility node to the U.S. space agency.

The ceremony marking the ownership transfer is to take place at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. EST.

"Tranquility is a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems," NASA said in a statement. "Attached to the node is a cupola -- a work station with windows on its six sides and top. The module will be delivered to the station during space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission, targeted for launch Feb. 4, 2010."

Officials said Tranquility is the last element of an ESA-NASA barter agreement for station hardware. ESA contributed the node in exchange for NASA's delivery of ESA's Columbus laboratory to the station. Thales Alenia Space in Turin, Italy, built the module.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Russia launches European satellites into space

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:30:15 GMT

Moscow (AFP) Nov 2, 2009

Russia has successfully launched a Rokot rocket carrying two European satellites into space from its military spacedrome of Plesetsk, the RIA Novosti news agency reported early Monday.

"The launch of the Rokot rocket carrying SMOS and Proba-2 satellites made for the European Space Agency was successful," a Russian space official was quoted as saying.

Rokot also successfully placed both satellites in orbit, officials said.

SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) is due to collect radio signals emitted by water cells on the Earth's surface, allowing it to determine changes in the water cycle due to global warming and other climate changes.

The satellite will provide maps of soil humidity from its 758-kilometre- (470-mile-)high orbit, as well as measure ocean salinity with its 69 linked antennas.

Proba-2 is part of the Project for Onboard Autonomy, and is due to test space equipment in real spaceflight conditions.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Eurockot Launches SMOS And Proba-2

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:29:49 GMT

Plesetsk, Russia (ESA) Nov 02, 2009

The second satellite in ESA's Earth Explorer series-the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission-and the second demonstration satellite under ESA's Project for Onboard Autonomy (Proba-2) were launched into orbit last night from northern Russia.

SMOS will play a key role in the monitoring of climate change on a global scale. It is the first ever satellite designed both to map sea surface salinity and to monitor soil moisture on a global scale. It features a unique interferometric radiometer that will enable passive surveying of the water cycle between oceans, the atmosphere and land.

Travelling piggyback on the launch of SMOS, Proba 2 is a follow-on to the highly successful Proba 1 satellite launched in 2001.

It will demonstrate 17 advanced satellite technologies -such as miniaturised sensors for ESA's future space probes and a highly sophisticated CCD camera with a wide angle view of about 120 degrees -while carrying a set of four science instruments to observe the Sun and study the plasma environment in orbit.

Two satellites on two orbits

The satellites were launched atop a Rockot launch vehicle provided by Eurockot GmbH. Liftoff from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia took place at 01:50 UTC (02:50 CET) on Monday 2 November. Some 70 minutes after launch, SMOS successfully separated from the Rockot's Breeze-KM upper stage.

Shortly after, the satellite's initial telemetry was acquired by the Hartebeesthoek ground station, near Johannesburg, South Africa. The upper stage then performed additional manoeuvres to arrive at a slightly lower orbit and Proba-2 was released too, some 3 hours into flight.

Both satellites are currently circling the Earth on their respective sun-synchronous orbits, at an altitude of some 760 km in the case of SMOS and 725 km in that of Proba-2. The Proteus mission control centre operated by the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) in Toulouse, France, is in control of SMOS on behalf of ESA, while the Proba control centre, at ESA's tracking station in Redu, Belgium, has taken over Proba-2.

Early in-orbit operations have begun to check the satellites before commissioning them for operations. Proba-2 is planned to reach operational status in two months' time.

The highly innovative payload onboard SMOS will take longer to check and calibrate, and the spacecraft

will enter fully operational mode within six months.

"We are extremely pleased with this double "lucky strike" that will provide Europe with new tools to better understand our planet and climate change, as well as new technology breakthroughs that will enhance the competitiveness of European industry on the world-wide market, thus contributing to the global economy," said Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA's Director General, witnessing the launch from Plesetsk.

Looking for water exchanges

SMOS is a 658-kg satellite developed by ESA in cooperation with France's CNES and Spain's Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnologico Industrial (CDTI).

It is based on the Proteus small satellite platform designed and built by Thales Alenia Space and its payload is composed of a single instrument, the Microwave Imaging Radiometer using Aperture Synthesis (MIRAS), developed by EADS CASA Espacio.

MIRAS is an interferometer that connects together 69 receivers mounted on three deployable arms to measure the temperature of the reflection of the Earth's surface in the microwave frequency range.

This temperature is linked to both the actual temperature of the surface and its conductive characteristics, which are in turn linked to soil moisture for land surface and to water salinity for sea surface.

"The data collected by SMOS will complement measurements already performed on the ground and at sea to monitor water exchanges on a global scale. Since these exchange- most of which occur in remote areas-directly affect the weather, they are of paramount importance to meteorologist" said Volker Liebig, ESA's Director of Earth Observation Programmes.

"Moreover, salinity is one of the drivers for the Thermohaline Circulation, the large network of currents that steers heat exchanges within the oceans on a global scale, and its survey has long been awaited by climatologists who try to predict the long-term effects of today's climate change," Liebig added, witnessing the launch from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

SMOS is the second satellite launched under the Earth Explorer programme conducted by ESA to foster the acquisition of new environmental data for the science community. It follows the Gravity and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE), also launched on a Rockot, in March 2009. More Earth Explorers are already undergoing preparation.

Cryosat-2, which will measure the thickness of the ice sheets, is due for launch in February 2010. It will be followed by ADM-Aeolus to study atmospheric dynamics and the Swarm mission to monitor the weakening of the Earth's magnetic field, in 2011, as well as by the EarthCARE mission on clouds and aerosols in 2013.

Technologies for tomorrow

With a launch mass of 135 kg, Proba 2 is a much smaller satellite, "but like its predecessor Proba 1, it is aimed at demonstrating a wide range of technologies, both for future satellite systems and for space science instruments.

Among these is a demonstration model of a miniaturised startracker developed for ESA's BepiColombo mission to Mercury and the future Solar Orbiter probe,"said Michel Courtois, ESA's Director of Technology and Quality Management, from Plesetsk.

Other technologies to be demonstrated include a digital sun sensor, miniaturised wide angle camera, fibre sensors, a high-precision magnetometer, a dual frequency GPS space receiver, a xenon-fed resistojet thruster, a cold gas generator and many more.

In addition, Proba 2 carries two Belgian solar physics instruments and two Czech plasma physics experiments.

Two more Proba missions are already in the design and development phase. Proba V will carry a vegetation multispectral sensor to monitor vegetation cover, and Proba 3 is due to demonstrate formation flying.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: Corinne Kroemmer � diventato membro del Hub

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Corinne Kroemmer � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Corinne Kroemmer

Nuovo utente: Matthieu Paindavoine � diventato membro del Hub

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Matthieu Paindavoine � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Matthieu Paindavoine

Nuovo utente: Marianne Sinquin � diventato membro del Hub

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Marianne Sinquin � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Marianne Sinquin

Google adds free GPS navigation to mobile phones

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:42:33 GMT

Washington (AFP) Oct 28, 2009

Internet giant Google unveiled a free navigation system for mobile phones Wednesday in a move seen as a potential challenge to the makers of standalone GPS navigation devices.

US telecom carrier Verizon Wireless

and US handset maker Motorola announced simultaneously that a smartphone going on sale in the United States next week, the Droid, would be the first to feature Google Maps Navigation.

The Droid, which will cost 200 dollars and is being touted as a challenger to Apple's iPhone and the Blackberry from Research in Motion, is powered by Android 2.0 software, Google's next-generation mobile phone operating system.

Google Maps Navigation, which will only work on smartphones running Android 2.0, includes many of the features of a traditional GPS device such as 3D map views and turn-by-turn voice guidance.

Google's Internet-connected system allows navigation using voice search in English, provides live traffic updates, includes satellite imagery from Google Maps and features "street view" -- real ground-level pictures of destinations.

Google Maps Navigation also allows users to conduct a search along their route for gas stations or restaurants, for example.

Industry analysts said the free Google feature could pose a threat to the personal navigation devices for drivers made by companies such as Garmin of the United States and TomTom of the Netherlands.

"Global positioning devices were already on the road to becoming irrelevant and Google Maps Navigation for Android 2.0 may speed up the trip," wrote Larry Dignan, editor-in-chief of technology blog ZDNet.

Analyst Rob Enderle of Silicon Valley's Enderle Group said he did not expect it to happen overnight, however.

"Most folks tend to be much more comfortable with the standalone devices at the moment," Enderle told AFP. "I think primarily because the phones don't lend themselves yet to in-car navigation.

"The displays are too small and have a tendency to wash out," he said. "The in-car experience just isn't good enough to get rid of what is now a relatively inexpensive device."

Shares in Garmin plunged by 16.23 percent in New York, however, to 31.65 dollars while TomTom was down 20 percent in Amsterdam.

Verizon and Motorola said the Droid, which features a touchscreen, a slide-out Qwerty keyboard, a five-megapixel camera and DVD-quality video capture and playback, will go on sale in the United States on November 6.

Verizon is the latest US telecom carrier or manufacturer to adopt Android software in a bid to mount a challenge to the market-leading Blackberry and iPhone.

Motorola released another Android-powered device, the Cliq, in September and is pinning hopes of a turnaround in its flagging fortunes on smartphones using Google's operating system.

Android is already being used to power smartphones from T-Mobile and US wireless carrier Sprint Nextel and Taiwan's HTC are also releasing a mobile phone powered by Android, the HTC Hero.

The Wall Street Journal reported this month that US computer maker Dell is teaming with telecom colossus AT&T, the exclusive US carrier for the iPhone, to launch an Android-based smartphone next year.

Industry tracker Gartner said this week that smartphones, which currently account for 14 per cent of overall mobile device sales, will make up around 37 per cent of global handset sales by 2012.

Citing Gartner figures, Computerworld reported recently that Android-based smartphones will capture 18 percent of the global market by 2012 compared with a mere two percent today.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Arianespace Orbits NSS-12 And THOR 6

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:42:10 GMT

Kourou, French Guiana (SPX) Oct 30, 2009

The sixth Ariane 5 flight of 2009 marked another success for this heavy-lift launcher today, carrying the first satellite launched by Arianespace for Telenor Satellite Broadcasting AS - THOR 6, along with the 32nd spacecraft from the SES group of companies entrusted for an Ariane launch - NSS-12.

Lifting off on time at 5:00 p.m. from the Spaceport in French Guiana, the Ariane 5 deployed the two television broadcast satellites during a mission lasting 31 minutes. It was the 48th flight of an Ariane 5 and its 34th success in a row.

"This latest success confirms that Ariane 5 is the commercial market's only operational launcher capable of simultaneously launching two large direct television broadcast satellites," said Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall.

"It also confirms that Arianespace is the only launch services company capable of orbiting four commercial satellites in four weeks - which I also think is a new record."

Ariane 5's payload lift performance for the daytime flight was a total of 9,515 kg., which included a combined total of approximately 8,700 kg. for the NSS-12 and THOR 6 spacecraft, plus the launch vehicle's dual-passenger dispenser system and satellite integration hardware.

The launcher provided another accurate delivery, with the following provisional parameters at the injection of Ariane 5's cryogenic upper stage: - Perigee: 250.1 km. for a target of 249.8 km. - Apogee 35,961 km. for a target of 35,947 km. - Inclination: 5.98 deg. for a target of 6.00 deg.

This mission with NSS-12 continues Arianespace's 25-year relationship of uninterrupted cooperation with the SES Group of companies, which was initiated in 1984 with the launch of Spacenet 1 on the inaugural commercial Ariane mission performed by Arianespace.

The NSS-12 satellite was released first during today's launch, being deployed at 26 minutes into the flight. With a liftoff weight of approximately 5,620 kg., this spacecraft carries 40 C-band and 48 Ku-band transponders to provide telecommunications and direct-to-home television broadcast services for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.

It will be operated by SES WORLD SKIES from a geostationary orbit location of 57 deg. East, and is the second satellite launched by Arianespace this year for the SES group - following NSS-9, which was orbited by Ariane 5 in February.

NSS-12 was produced by Space Systems/Loral and is the 35th platform from this U.S.-based satellite manufacturer that Arianespace has launched.

THOR 6 was carried in the lower passenger position of Ariane 5's payload "stack," and it separated from the launcher at 31 minutes into the flight. Built in Europe by Thales Alenia Space, the 3,050-kg. satellite is fitted with 36 Ku-band transponders and will deliver high-power, direct-to-home television services from an orbital location of 1 deg. West.

When in service for Telenor Satellite Broadcasting, the capacity provided by THOR 6 will respond to the growing broadcast demands within Central and Eastern Europe and also provide additional capacity in the Nordic region.

"Congratulations to Arianespace. We have worked together now for two years to achieve this launch, and you continue to deliver, time after time," commented Cato Halsaa, the Vice President and CEO of Telenor Satellite Broadcasting. "As this is your 34th consecutive successful launch, you must be very proud - and we are very proud to be part of your team here."

Today's launch continues the Ariane 5's sustained mission pace and keeps the company on track for a total of seven missions planned this year. With the six flights already performed since February, the workhorse launcher has placed approximately 42,670 kg. in orbit.

The previous missions of 2009 were performed on October 1 with the Amazonas 2 and COMSATBw-1 satellites; on August 21 with JCSAT-12 and Optus D3; on July 1 with TerreStar-1; on May 14 with Herschel and Planck; and on February 12 with the HOT BIRDT 10 and NSS-9 satellites, along with two Spirale auxiliary passengers.

Arianespace's next mission is planned for early December with the Helios 2B French military reconnaissance satellite, marking Ariane 5's final flight of this year.

"We set the goal of increasing our launch rate, and are on track to meet this challenge," concluded Arianespace Chairman and CEO Le Gall. "Whenever one takes up a challenge, there are doubters. Arianespace will be pleased to win over these doubters by demonstrating that we can deliver, and that we made the right choice."

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

China's Fourth Satellite Launch Center To Be Built In Hainan

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:41:43 GMT

Beijing, China (XNA) Oct 30, 2009

A new satellite launch center is now under construction near Wenchang in China's southernmost island province of Hainan. Once completed, it will be the country's fourth satellite launch centre and replace the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre (XSLC) for geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and other space launch missions. Yang Yong has more.

Covering 20 square kilometers, the Wenchang Satellite Launch Centre will include a command centre, in addition to a rocket-launching site, rocket assembly plant, and a space-science theme park.

The most important part, the rocket-launching site, will be located in Longlou Town, a mountainous place 40 minutes from Wenchang. The launch tower is about 800 meters away from the seaside.

Wang Kangqiang, director of Hainan Space Program Service Bureau, says that Hainan was selected as China's fourth launch centre mainly for its geographical advantages.

"Hainan is China's closest site to the equator and affords energy saving opportunities. The lower the latitude of the launch location the greater the centrifugal force is and a launch becomes easier and less expensive. "

Compared to the existing Xichang launch centre, a GEO satellite launched from Wenchang will be able to extend its service life by two or three years as a result of the fuel saved from the shorter maneuver from the transit orbit to GEO, Wang says.

"Additionally, as the new launch centre faces the sea in south and east directions, there is no danger of debris of the used launch vehicles falling into residential areas and large rockets can be easily transported to the launch center by sea."

According to Wang Kangqiang, the new launch centre is planned to be ready by 2013 and it will mainly shoulder the launching of GEO satellites, polar orbiting satellites, large space stations and deep space exploration satellites.

Liu Chunmei, mayor of Wenchang says that a space theme park will be built near the launch center, where tourists will have a grand view of the launching process.

"With rich natural beauty, the following up space themed resources in Wenchang will draw more attention from home and abroad. And it will surely boost local tourism and economy."

China currently has three satellite launch centers located in Xichang in southwest Sichuan Province, Jiuquan in northwest Gansu Province and Taiyuan in Shanxi Province which is in the north of the country.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

EU Space Missions To Strengthen Earth Observation For Climate And Security

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:40:58 GMT

Paris, France (SPX) Oct 30, 2009

In 2005, the EU made the strategic choice to develop an independent European space borne earth observation capacity to deliver services in the environmental and security fields, called Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES).

This capacity is designed in a way that is firmly rooted on existing capacities led by the European Space Agency (ESA), Eumetsat and individual countries, complemented by additional EU components to ensure its global dimension. Together these three activity strands are forming the GMES space capabilities.

A Communication, adopted by the European Commission, deals with the achievements and the next steps to bring GMES in a fully operational stage in the most cost efficient way. It however covers only the space component, since it defines largely the scope of the programme as well as of the in situ infrastructure and the overall financial costs.

Vice-President Gunter Verheugen, Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry, said: " GMES is essential for understanding climate change, supporting the EU emergency missions and improving the security of citizens. Further steps need to be taken to ensure that the investment put in so far pays off and that GMES becomes fully operational in the most cost-conscious way. This public investment on cutting edge infrastructure marks a turning point in the implementation of the European Space Policy. "

Overall, good progress has been made and the build-up phase of the GMES Space Component is well underway under the coordination of the European Space Agency (ESA). Since 2008, four pre-operational GMES services have been launched, including: land monitoring, marine operations, atmospheric composition monitoring and emergency response.

GMES services have already proven helpful for the EU and the international Community, in particular in responding to such disasters as floods and earthquakes in Southeast Asia and the forest fires in Europe in an efficient and timely manner.

When outlining the next steps the Commission highlights that further steps need to be taken to ensure that the investment taken so far pays off and that GMES becomes fully operational in the most cost-conscious way.

Significant resources have been allocated both through ESA and the EU budget through the 7 th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (2007-2013) to develop GMES. Current combined investments 1 , implemented through the ESA GMES Space Component Programme, amount to 626 M euros (28%) and 1621 M euros (72%) by the EU budget and ESA Participating States contributions respectively.

This investment will ensure the development of 12 Sentinel constellations and will also ensure data access schemes to the relevant EUMETSAT, ESA and national missions. In addition, the GMES Space Component programme relies on some 40 missions carried out by Member States, ESA, EUMETSAT and other third parties to meet the needs for GMES services.

To start the operational phase for GMES in time 2011, further funding decisions have to be made, both by the EU and by ESA. The Commission has already laid the ground for the relevant EU decision.

Furthermore it is stressed that according to the ESA Long-term Scenario 2 analysis and based on all investments already made, the financial effort for operating GMES would represent in total some euros 4 billion for the period 2014-2020.

This forecasted investment includes estimated annual costs of euros 430 million for the operational activities and euros 170 million for R and D. Much however depends on the scope of GMES, since any upgrade beyond 2020 would imply further costs, notably if GMES would be given a strong security dimension.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

NASA Managers Give Atlantis "Go" For Launch

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:40:00 GMT

Cape Canaveral FL (SPX) Oct 30, 2009

Space shuttle Atlantis, its crew and payload have been given the green light to launch to the International Space Station on Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST.

At the post-FRR press briefing held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations congratulated the Ares I-X launch team for a successful flight test. He then talked about the extremely thorough review of vast amounts of data that led to announcing that Atlantis is certified to launch.

"We accomplished what we wanted to to get ready to move to the next activity ... with just a little bit of open work left to do," said Gerstenmaier.

Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager thanked the teams across the country for their hard work getting Atlantis into good shape for the launch. He highlighted the Kennedy teams, complimenting them for working on preparations for both the Atlantis and Ares I-X launches at the same time.

"I'm really pleased - this is going to be a challenging 11-day mission with three EVAs; the cargo resupply to the station is going to set them up for the future," said Moses.

Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director said Atlantis' payload for the STS-129 mission will be transported to Launch Pad 39A by Friday morning. The pad's rotating service structure, or RSS, which protects the shuttle against inclement weather and also provides access to the vehicle's payload bay, is being rolled away. This will allow techs to lift Atlantis' payload up to the pad for installation into the shuttle's cargo bay.

"It's a standard path flow for us and we have little bit of contingency hidden in the flow, so no problems there, said Leinbach. "We should be able to get to our T-0 on the 16th with no issues at all."

The Nov. 16 target date will depend on the planned Nov. 14 launch of an Atlas V rocket from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Atlas has reserved the Eastern Range on Nov. 14 and 15. But if the Atlas launch is delayed to Nov. 15, the shuttle's liftoff will move to no earlier than 2:02 p.m. on Nov. 17.

The STS-129 mission will be commanded by Charles O. Hobaugh and piloted by Barry E. Wilmore. Mission Specialists are Robert L. Satcher Jr., Mike Foreman, Randy Bresnik and Leland Melvin. Wilmore, Satcher and Bresnik will be making their first trips to space.

Atlantis and its crew will deliver two control moment gyroscopes, equipment and EXPRESS Logistics Carrier 1 and 2 to the International Space Station. The mission will feature three spacewalks.

Atlantis also will return station crew member Nicole Stott to Earth and is slated to be the final space shuttle crew rotation flight.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

NASA rocket launch advances Moon mission dream

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:39:36 GMT

Cape Canaveral, Florida (AFP) Oct 28, 2009

NASA successfully launched Wednesday the prototype for a new generation of space rocket, advancing its plans to return man to the Moon by 2020.

The Ares I-X, the tallest rocket ever built, blasted off at 11:30 am (1530 GMT) from Cape Canaveral in Florida, carrying with it the US space agency's lofty ambitions for human space flight.

The rocket is the prototype of the Ares I, designed to carry a new capsule-shaped crew module called the Orion into low Earth orbit for missions to the International Space Station, the Moon, and beyond.

"I can't say enough about this team," said Doug Cooke, associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA headquarters in Washington.

"They've been together probably a little over three years now, and they went from a concept to flying this vehicle in that period of time, which is the first time this has been done by a human spaceflight team in a long time."

After a frustrating Tuesday, when several attempts to launch were abandoned, the clouds finally parted long enough for the syringe-like rocket to shoot up into the blue sky above the Kennedy Space Center.

The booster section of the 327-foot (100-meter) rocket separated from a simulated upper stage after two and a half minutes before dropping to Earth and splashing down in the Atlantic awaiting retrieval.

"It's the most beautiful rocket launch I have ever seen," said program director Jeff Hanley when the applause had died down in the NASA control room. "I get tears in my eyes. It was very special."

More than 700 sensors should provide engineers with important data for fine-tuning the design of the rocket that with Orion is intended to replace NASA's aging fleet of space shuttles, which is due to be retired in 2010.

"The vehicle flew well and we are going to get a lot of data back and we are going to learn a lot that will stand us in good stead for the future," Cooke told a press conference.

NASA said the data gathered from the 445-million-dollar launch -- the first time in 30 years that a space craft other than a shuttle has blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center -- would take several months to analyze.

Ares and Orion are part of Constellation, NASA's grand program to send astronauts back to the Moon by 2020, and then perhaps to Mars and other destinations in the solar system.

Although the shuttle is to be retired next year, the Ares I will not enter into service until 2015 at the earliest. In the interim, NASA will have to rely on Russia to put US astronauts into space, at a hefty price, too.

The Orion is initially being designed to take a crew of up to six astronauts on flights to the International Space Station, or four on lunar missions of up to 210 days.

Instead of landing like a plane as the shuttle does, it will float back to Earth using parachutes, more like the Apollo module that took Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin to the Moon more than 40 years ago.

The Orion perches atop the Ares rocket and NASA has incorporated a special launch abort system to enable the capsule to jettison out of harm's way should something go wrong.

The test flight comes at a crucial time as the White House is considering a report ordered by President Barack Obama's administration that raises concerns about the whole Constellation project.

A commission, chaired by Norman Augustine, a former executive at aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, concluded that the program "appears to be on an unsustainable trajectory" and was seeking goals not matched by its resources.

The Ares rocket has suffered major development problems and its price tag has fueled criticism of NASA, an agency notorious for its cost overruns.

The initial budget for the Constellation program was set at 28 billion dollars, but has swollen to at least 44 billion.

NASA's annual budget is about 18 billion dollars, 10 billion of which is being plowed into the human space flight program, chiefly in developing the Ares and the Orion.

The Augustine Commission said an additional three billion dollars a year was needed for NASA to meet Constellation program goals or take human space flight the next step beyond the existing International Space Station.

The commission proposed several alternatives, including sidestepping the rocket and going straight to the Ares V family of launch vehicles, which would take astronauts back to the Moon and eventually on to Mars.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: Pierre DUCOURTIEUX � diventato membro del Hub

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Pierre DUCOURTIEUX � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Pierre DUCOURTIEUX

Expertise SIG (Syst�mes d'Information G�ographique)

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:44:37 GMT

Cr�� en 2005, COTTON ARTWORK est un cabinet-conseil Ind�pendant d’expertise d�di� aux probl�matiques et aux applications g�omatiques.

COTTON ARTWORK est dirig� par Emilie MIGNOT, consultante SIG et G�od�cisionnel depuis plus de 8 ans.

COTTON ARTWORK est �galement membre de l’AFIGEO et du Syndicat Professionnel de la G�omatique.

Nous accompagnons les entreprises, gestionnaires d’infrastructures public ou priv� ainsi que les collectivit�s territoriales dans toutes leurs d�marches de projet SIG.

Nos prestations couvrent toutes les �tapes de mise en œuvre d’un projet SIG :

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o Recommandations sur l’opportunit� et la faisabilit� de diverses actions possibles dans le cadre de l’exploitation d’un SIG.

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o Pr�conisations sur l’organisation � mettre en œuvre en interne (mise en place et exploitation du SIG)

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Pubblicato da Emilie MIGNOT

Aerospace Industry Leaders To Debate America's Next Steps In Space

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:23:39 GMT

Reston VA (SPX) Oct 29, 2009

Aerospace industry leaders will meet on November 2 to debate the future of America's space programs in light of the recent findings by the Augustine Commission.

The half-day event, "Does the Final Frontier Have a Future? Debating America's Next Steps in Human Space Flight," will feature panelists from leading space exploration companies as well as from NASA and academia.

Organized by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the discussion is free and open to the public, and takes place on Monday, November 2, at 1:00 p.m. in Room 106, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Constitution Ave. and 1st St. NE, Washington, D.C.

AIAA President Dave Thompson stated: "With the release of the Augustine Commission report it is clear that America faces several obstacles in its quest to remain at the forefront of space exploration and development efforts. Events such as these are crucial toward sparking the types of conversations that allow us to begin laying a substantive framework for future exploration and development efforts that can surmount the obstacles that the Commission has identified."

Attendees will hear from two panels. The first panel, "Access to Low Earth Orbit and International Space Station Servicing," will be moderated by aerospace consultant Patti Grace Smith, former FAA associate administrator for commercial space transportation.

Featured panelists will include Scott "Doc" Horowitz, former NASA astronaut and president and CEO of Doc's Aerospace; Ken Reightler, former NASA astronaut and vice president, NASA program integration, Lockheed Martin Corporation; Mike Kahn, executive vice president, ATK space systems; Mike Gold, director of the Washington, D.C. office of Bigelow Aerospace; and Larry Williams, vice president, strategic relations, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX).

The afternoon's second panel, "Heavy Lift and Exploration Beyond Low Earth Orbit," will be moderated by Roger D. Launius, senior curator for the division of space history at the Smithsonian Institute's National Air and Space Museum, and will feature Stephen Metschan, co-founder of the DIRECT shuttle derived heavy-lift vehicle team; Douglas Stanley, principal research engineer, Georgia Institute of Technology; and a representative from NASA's Constellation program office.

Edward Crawley, Ford Professor of Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has also been invited to participate.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

It's A Go For Next Ariane 5 Launch

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:46:05 GMT

Kourou, French Guiana (SPX) Oct 28, 2009

Arianespace's sixth Ariane 5 flight of 2009 has been approved for its October 29 liftoff following the launch readiness review, performed at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

This traditional milestone prior to every Ariane mission validated the heavy-lift launch vehicle's status, along with the NSS-12 and THOR 6 satellite payloads, the infrastructure at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana and the network of downrange tracking stations.

The readiness review clears Ariane 5 for tomorrow's transfer from the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone, followed by a final countdown leading to the liftoff during a 1 hr. 40 minute launch window that opens on October 29 at 5:00 p.m. local time in French Guiana.

Ariane 5's payload lift performance for this latest mission is 9,515 kg., which includes a combined total of about 8,700 kg. for the NSS-12 and THOR 6 spacecraft, plus the launch vehicle's dual-passenger dispenser system and satellite integration hardware.

NSS-12 is riding in the upper position of Ariane 5's payload "stack," and will be deployed at 26 min., 36 sec. into the flight. This U.S.-built relay platform was produced by Space Systems/Loral using its SS/L 1300 platform, and weighs approximately 5,700 kg. for liftoff.

Outfitted with 48 active Ku-band transponders and 40 C-band transponders, NSS-12 will be operated by SES WORLD SKIES from a geostationary orbit of 57 degrees East - delivering direct-to-home television broadcast services for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.

THOR 6 is installed in the lower position of Ariane 5's payload stack, and is planned for release at 31 min., 14 sec. into the mission. It will be the first satellite launched by Arianespace for Telenor Satellite Broadcasting AS, a subsidiary of the Norwegian operator Telenor, and weighs 3,000 kg.

THOR 6 was built by Europe's Thales Alenia Space using a Spacebus 4000B2 platform, and is equipped with 36 Ku-band transponders. Operating from an orbital slot of 1 degree West, the spacecraft will distribute direct-to-home services to the Nordic region and throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

Arianespace's upcoming flight with THOR 6 and NSS-12 will be followed by another mission before year-end. This Ariane 5 currently is in the Launcher Integration Building at the Spaceport, and is being readied for its transfer to the Final Assembly Building.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Russia Needs More Volunteers For Mars Flight Simulation

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:45:43 GMT

Moscow, Russia (RIA Novosti) Oct 28, 2009

The Russian Institute of Medical and Biological Problems continues to recruit volunteers for participation in a 520-day simulation of an expedition to Mars, the institute said Monday.

"The basic requirements for volunteer testers are the following: age 25-50, higher education, knowledge of the Russian and English languages ensuring professional and household communication," the institute said, adding the professions of doctors and engineers are required.

A 105-day experiment to simulate a flight to Mars ended in July. It involved four Russians - astronauts

Oleg Artemyev and Sergei Ryazansky, oncologist Alexei Baranov, and sports physiologist Alexei Shpakov.

It also involved two members of the European Space Agency: French civilian pilot Cyrille Fournier and German mechanical engineer Oliver Knickel. The six people spent over three months in a lab that simulated life on board a spaceship.

Each participant was paid 15,500 euros ($20,000) and underwent a variety of physical, psychological and professional tests during the mission. The scientists also tested various life-support, communications and scientific equipment.

The 105-day trial was a continuation of a 14-day experiment in November 2007, and precedes the main event, a 520-day simulation flight due to start in late 2009-early 2010.

The 520-day experiment will simulate all aspects of a journey to the Red Planet, with a 250-day outward trip, a 30-day stay on its surface, and a 240-day return flight.

During nearly two years of isolation, crew members will experience many of the conditions likely to be encountered by astronauts on a real space flight.

They will stick to a rigid daily regime of work, rest and exercise, and follow the same diet as crews aboard the International Space Station.

Source: RIA Novosti

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

China to help Bolivia launch satellite by 2013

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:50:21 GMT

La Paz (AFP) Oct 23, 2009

Bolivia signed a memorandum of understanding Friday with Chinese officials for the construction and launch of a communications satellite.

President Evo Morales said the 300-million-dollar satellite, whose design is set to be completed by March 2010, would be named after Tupac Katari, a Bolivian indigenous leader who fought against Spanish colonial rule.

A Bolivian delegation will travel to China to seal the deal and spur the satellite's construction, ready for a 2013 launch.

The memorandum was also signed by representatives of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

A Great Challenge To Head ISRO: New Chairman

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:49:56 GMT

Thrissur, India (PTI) Oct 26, 2009

Newly appointed ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan today said it was a great challenge to head the country's space agency, considering the high expectations from various quarters.

Speaking to reporters here, Radhakrishnan also said he was privileged to get the post and considered it an honour.

"As a team, in ISRO we need to move ahead. We will do our best to achieve our goals," Radhakrishnan, presently Director of Vikram Sabarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, said.

Yesterday, he had offered prayers at the Sree Krishna Temple at Guruvayur near here soon after he was appointed the new Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

"Space applications, satellites and launch vehicles are programmes of thrust. Another imporant mission is the human space flight programme," he said.

Source: Press Trust of India

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Formations : l'ing�nierie syst�me avec SysML

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:20:34 GMT

- Qu'est-ce que l'ing�nierie syst�me, quels sont les apports d'un standard de mod�lisation ?

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Pubblicato da Fran�oise Caron

Nuovo utente: Sonia Stita � diventato membro del Hub

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Sonia Stita � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Sonia Stita

China Works For Mars And Moon Missions

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:47:50 GMT

by Alexander Peslyak

Moscow, Russia (RIA Novosti) Oct 20, 2009

The launch of a Russian Phobos Grunt probe to Mars on October 16 has been delayed until 2011. The delay also affects China's first mission to Mars. The 240-pound Chinese Yinghou-1 spacecraft was to be mounted atop the Russian spacecraft for transport to the Martian orbit, where it was to be released before the Russian spacecraft landed on Phobos.

The delay, however, gives us grounds to analyze China's achievements in space exploration, especially in the year of the 60th anniversary of its establishment as the People's Republic of China, when the Chinese economy has growth 8% despite the global economic downturn. It spends over $3.5 billion on space exploration annually.

Since its first steps made in the sphere of space technology with Soviet assistance in 1956, China "has made eye-catching achievements, and ranks among the world's most advanced countries in some important fields of space technology," reads the government's White Paper on "China's Space Activities in 2006."

Summing up China's space achievements of the past ten years, we can pinpoint the following trends. It has increased the sphere of satellite application and orbited over 100 of its own and foreign spacecraft.

Working in the interests of national security and economic, social and technological development, China has focused on several spheres of space exploration, including telecommunications and broadcasting satellites Dongfanghong, weather satellites Fengyun (there will be eight of them), research and technological experiment satellites Shijian and Yaogan, Earth remote sensing satellites Ziyuan, and the Beidou navigation system.

Second, its space exploration program has brought practical benefits to the national economy, with satellites helping in remote sensing of mineral reserves, environmental protection, the construction of the West-East natural gas pipeline, the project to move water from the southern to the northern provinces, and the construction of the Sanxia (Three Gorges Dam) power plant on the Yangtze.

The Fengyun-3A satellite ensured quality weather forecasts for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the space walks by Chinese astronauts, sometimes referred to as "taikonauts."

The information it provides is crucial for timely warnings of upcoming natural disasters, which happen in China often. Last year alone, they claimed nearly 90,000 lives, and there were several killer typhoons this year.

Third, the Chinese government has set the goal of advancing from experimental satellites to a practical space industry. Chinese scientists are now working not only to launch but also to create foreign satellites. It has contracts with Venezuela, Bolivia, Indonesia and Singapore.

Fourth, while actively creating orbital satellites, China is cooperating in all spheres of space exploration with France, Germany, Ukraine, Nigeria and Argentina. The first collaborative effort between China and the European Space Agency, the Double Star Project (DSP), or Tan Ce (TC), completed its first mission in 2007.

The 16 Dragon research projects, which use data from the ESA and Chinese Earth observation satellites, cover agriculture, forest, water, weather, ocean studies and natural disaster forecasting.

The Chinese-Brazilian SBERS-2B system launched more than ten years ago to a 700-km orbit supplies high-resolution imagery satellite photographs of city neighborhoods with a 2-meter resolution.

China and Russia have recently signed a document on joint use of the GLONASS and Beidou navigation and control systems.

Fifth, Beijing has stepped up regional cooperation and is reinforcing its position as a leader. The Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), which has been effective since late last year, comprises China, Bangladesh, Iran, Mongolia, Pakistan, Peru and Thailand.

China and Russia have recently proposed establishing a space communication system of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

China is strengthening the physical plant for these programs. It is setting up a remote sensing research center, which will have equipment covering up to 70% of Asia. Professionals at the Xian Satellite Control Center have learned to use one network to simultaneously control several spacecraft.

Last year, China joined the group of the world's leaders with the largest number of Earth imagery satellites (it has six such satellites). It is building a center for creating, building and testing satellites in Shenzhen, where two institutions and a space corporation will produce four or five satellites and components for them annually.

China is building a fourth spaceport, on the island of Hainan. It is to be commissioned in 2013 by launching a new heavy booster capable of orbiting up to 25 tons of cargo.

The Chang Zheng-5 booster will be the second most powerful in the world, with 120- and 50-ton engines working on a combination fuel of liquid oxygen and jet fuel, and oxygen-hydrogen, said Liang Xiaohong, vice president of the China Academy of Space Technology.

China's biggest victory in space in 2009 was the Chang'e-1 orbiter, which orbited the Moon for a year using 3D equipment to photograph it before falling on it. Ye Peijian, China's chief spacecraft designer, said the second phase of the project stipulates launching the Chang'e-3 probe in 2013 on a soft landing and probing mission.

"However, the key technological task is to return the probe to the Earth," said a professor at the Beihang University (formerly Beijing Institute of Aeronautics) or BUAA. "It is planned for 2017-2020, when the orbiters sent to the Moon will bring soil samples to the Earth."

A time-out has been taken for the manned program to choose seven astronauts, both men and women. Last year's space walk by Zhai Zhigang from the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft made China the world's third space power capable of working outside orbited spacecraft.

The new phase scheduled for next year implies the launch of an unmanned module weighing 8.5 tons, to be docked with an unmanned Shenzhou-8 spacecraft and a manned Shenzhou-9 a year later. The docking of the "Divine Craft", as Shenzhou translates from the Chinese, to the International Space Station is so far not on the agenda.

The opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily represent those of RIA Novosti.

Source: RIA Novosti

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

The Ambitions Of Europe In Space

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:43:50 GMT

Paris, France (ESA) Oct 20, 2009

A conference on 'The Ambitions of Europe in Space' on 15 and 16 October brought together members of the European Parliament, Council, European Commission, agencies, industry, research entities, operators, financing institutions as well as interested people from the media and public.

In his opening speech, the newly re-elected president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Dur�o Barroso, noted that space is an enabling tool allowing Europe to face some fundamental challenges: fighting the economic crisis, ensuring the well-being of our citizens, tackling climate change, finding ways to unleash our full potential for innovation and job creation, and to bring about a true knowledge society, as well as reinforcing Europe's position in the world scene.

President Barroso also highlighted the useful role played by space in invigorating European competitiveness and economic growth, recalling that the Lisbon Treaty enshrines space as a shared responsibility for the EU and its Member States. The outstanding record of achievements of ESA and several EU Member States provide solid foundations.

The flagship Galileo/EGNOS and Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) space programmes were presented as projects of fundamental importance for Europe's future, under the leadership of the EU.

Many other applications of space in the different sectorial policies of the EU were presented and discussed. Conference speakers also highlighted how space can provide adapted and sustainable solutions for the delivery of humanitarian aid, peacekeeping and sustainable development.

With a renewed interest for space, EC Vice-President Jacques Barrot announced that the EU intended to take full advantage of space technologies for its 'EUROSUR' border surveillance system. Likewise, Commissioner Joe Borg stressed that space systems provide an increasingly important contribution to an integrated maritime policy.

This would be especially true for the fragile Arctic environment, where new space infrastructure could be needed to meet its specific communication and observation requirements.

In the closing session, Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of ESA, concluded that indeed Europe had ambitions and capabilities in space. In spite of devoting significantly lower resources to space than other countries, Europe is a world player and European space industry, operators and scientists are world-class.

Mr Dordain also noted that space is no longer an isolated field, but is more than ever important for global issues such as climate change and energy - probably the greatest challenges for our society. Space is a symbol of success for Europe and the objectives for the future were well defined in the European Space Policy.

Mr Dordain pointed out that space is a political issue, which makes it important that priorities are clearly set. In the short term, emphasis should be on the contribution of space to the economy, with projects including navigation, telecommunications and energy.

In the medium term, the emphasis should be on climate change. Human space exploration is also, basically, a political issue, an international venture where Europe should continue an important role.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: J�r�my DRISCH � diventato membro del Hub

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:00:00 GMT

J�r�my DRISCH � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da J�r�my DRISCH

Russia's New Space Center In Far East

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:08:53 GMT

Moscow, Russia (RIA Novosti) Oct 16, 2009

Russia will spend an estimated 400 billion rubles ($13.5 billion) on the construction of the new Vostochny space center in its Far Eastern Amur Region, federal space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday.

Russia currently uses two launch sites for space carrier rockets and ballistic missiles tests: the Baikonur space center in the Central Asian Republic of Kazakhstan, which it has leased since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the Plesetsk space center in northwest Russia.

The new space center, which will employ 20,000-25,000 people, will ensure Russia's independence in the launch of piloted space vehicles, currently carried out at Baikonur.

The first launch from the new space center is scheduled for 2015 and piloted spacecraft are intended to blast off from Vostochny in 2018.

Construction is expected to start in 2011, with design and survey work already under way.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Ground-Based Lasers Could Interfere With Orbiting Satellites

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:08:00 GMT

by Benjamin Somers

Washington DC (SPX) Oct 16, 2009

In October 2006, the military affairs journal Jane's Intelligence Weekly reported that U.S. Army officials detected a "sudden decline" in the effectiveness of some its spy satellites throughout the fall as they passed over China.

Before receiving an explanation from the Chinese military, initial fears were that the country had intentionally aimed ground-based lasers at the U.S. satellites to temporally disrupt their ability to collect information, or worse, materially damage them.

Was this a hostile attempt by the Chinese to test its laser anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, obstructing U.S. military reconnaissance missions in Low Earth Orbit?

Probably not, said a pair of military affairs experts at a recent AAAS co-sponsored briefing. More likely, they said, the Chinese may have been trying to glean details of the satellites orbital path or, perhaps, conducting a test to see if we could detect their laser against our spy satellites. But the case does raise questions about protecting satellites in orbit.

Held 27 August at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C., the event was sponsored by the AAAS Center for Science, Technology, and Security Policy and the Center for Media and Security.

Yousaf Butt, an astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and Brian Weeden, a technical adviser for the Secure World Foundation, said that the U.S. military noticed unexpected features in some of its satellite imagery of China taken in fall 2006.

According to the 16 October 2006 article in Jane's, previous tests by the Chinese had been reported, but this newest round of "laser attacks were at least partially effective."

Soon after that report appeared, U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major David Lady, who was quoted in the Janes's article, said that that sensors at the Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein atoll in the South Pacific "sensed the projection of beams against the spacecraft (spy satellite)."

The sensors, used to detect unusual activity surrounding U.S. satellites, indicated that photons, or a laser beam, had "illuminated" the satellite.

Some news outlets identified the events as China testing a new type of warfare. Defense Daily reported that China had "fired high-power lasers at U.S. spy satellites flying over its territory in what experts see as a test of Chinese ability to blind the spacecraft." But Butt and Weeden have a less alarmist explanation-satellite laser ranging (SLR) technology.

SLR stations aim ultra-short laser pulses at the satellites and time how long it takes the light to return to Earth. By documenting the round-trip time of the pulsed light, scientists can gather information about the Earth's gravity, calibrate sensitive instruments, and also obtain satellites' orbital parameters. Butt said that there are about 40 SLR stations around the world including five in China.

"Not all lasing in space is malicious," said Butt. At Chinese SLR stations, he added, the lasers are typically pulsed at 10 times per second and relatively weak, around one watt average power-though the power of a given pulse may be much higher.

If Chinese SLR activities are the explanation, then they need not even have directly illuminated the satellite optics, he explained, but the scattered light may still have caused the reconstructed image to be overexposed in a pulsed fashion.

Butt said that if the Chinese were trying to use this laser to damage satellites optics, it would have to know exactly when the mirror was aimed directly at the SLR site. And even then, he puts the chance of permanent optical damage at 1 in a 1000.

Without a formal explanation from the Chinese, Butt and Weeden speculated that the most likely explanations were either that the Chinese were interested in obtaining the orbital parameters of the satellites or that the Chinese intentionally fired the laser at the satellite from their SLR station to test if the U.S. could detect it.

"The Chinese most likely knew that they wouldn't be able to damage our satellite," he said. "But it does point out the U.S. must do more to ensure the safety and stability of its satellites."

Added Butt: "We can't ban lasers in space, but we can regulate them."

Benn Tannenbaum, associate program director for the AAAS Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy, stressed the importance of developing international regulations for what is, and what is not, allowed in space.

"While the SRL lasers do not pose much of an immediate threat to U.S. satellites, the incidents exposed a potential vulnerability of our space surveillance programs," said Tannenbaum. "And now it's important for policy officials and military experts to develop strategies to mitigate the threat."

Weeden, who served nine years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force working in space and intercontinental ballistic missile operations, said that while space law is a "developing entity," there are some guidelines already in place to regulate space lasing.

In 2000, the U.S. Department of Defense established the Laser Clearinghouse Program, which was designed to protect satellites against accidental lasing which could damage or disrupt satellites.

Based at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the program requires all U.S. government organizations, including the U.S. military, to register their lasers which might damage satellites. A similar program could be considered for implementation world-wide to safely manage all peaceful laser firings into space.

Those lasers deemed incapable of damaging satellites in orbit are waived from firing restrictions. Weeden said that laser operators sending beams potentially powerful enough to damage a satellite are given "safe windows" in which they can be fired. These safe windows are determined by looking at the positions of the estimated 900 active satellites in orbit, of which about 430 are owned by the U.S., according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

"There are a lot of peaceful uses for lasers in space, so we need to be careful not to overly restrict their use," said Weeden. For example, using lasers to communicate between the ground and orbiting satellites is very secure and potentially a way to alleviate the spectrum crunch.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Third Wideband Global SATCOM Sat Shipped To Cape Canaveral

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:07:19 GMT

El Segundo CA (SPX) Oct 16, 2009

Boeing has announced that the third Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite built for the U.S. Air Force was shipped on Sept. 28 to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., where it will be tested and prepared for a November launch.

WGS-3 completes the initial constellation of three WGS satellites, which will provide high-capacity X-band and Ka-band communications to U.S. forces and allies across all current theaters of operation around the world.

WGS-1 has been in operation over the Pacific since April 2008, and WGS-2 has been operating over the Middle East since August 2009. Both satellites have met or exceeded mission requirements throughout their testing and operational phases.

"With its extraordinary increase in satellite communications capacity and flexibility, WGS helps our warfighters more effectively execute their missions on land, at sea and in the air," said Brig. Gen. Samuel Greaves, Vice Commander of the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles.

"This is another great milestone for the WGS team, which is performing superbly and setting the standards for getting these critical communications assets into space and into operational use."

"WGS addresses our military's ever-growing appetite for high-bandwidth satellite communications," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems.

"We're now working with the Air Force to determine how future WGS satellites could be enhanced to handle missions involving airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and communications-on-the-move."

WGS-3 was flown on an Air Force C-5 transport from Boeing's Satellite Development Center in El Segundo to Cape Canaveral last month. Before being shipped, WGS-3 completed mission assurance reviews and challenging factory tests that simulated the stress of the satellite's mission.

The satellite successfully completed vibration tests and thermal vacuum tests. The vibration tests replicated the stresses of launch. Thermal vacuum tests were conducted in an airless chamber, with the satellite operating at full power, and subjected to extremes of heat and cold to simulate the working conditions it will experience in space.

At Cape Canaveral, WGS-3 will undergo about six weeks of prelaunch testing and processing, including fueling, encapsulation inside the launch vehicle fairing, and integration with the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV launch vehicle.

Boeing built two previous WGS satellites and is currently building three more for the Air Force. WGS-3 is the final satellite in the Block I series. Three Block II satellites are planned for launch in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

UAE Pioneers Way Into Space For Arab Countries

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:40:06 GMT

Abu Dhabi, UAE (SPX) Oct 19, 2009

The UAE is forging ahead with the development of a national space industry and its pioneering role can help accelerate the establishment of a Pan Arab space agency which would reduce the cost of sending satellites into orbit.

The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology's recent launch of the UAE's first ingeniously built remote sensing satellite, DubaiSat-1, and Yahsat's planned telecommunications satellite launches are evidence that the UAE is showing the way forward for Arab countries in the creation of a regional space programme.

The need for the UAE to lead Arab countries into space was highlighted by senior delegates at the Global Space Technology Forum launched in Abu Dhabi last November, and that message is being underlined in the countdown to this year's event which will attract experts from NASA to the UAE capital for the first time in December.

The establishment of an Arab Space Research Agency is seen as essential to combine talent, information and technology between countries in the Middle East and North Africa, and plans have already been submitted to governments across the region.

"With the UAE Government already working hard to develop science and technology, the Emirates is seen as the logical venue for the agency's headquarters," said Nick Webb, Director of Streamline Marketing Group, organisers of the Global Space Technology Forum. "Regional governments have been studying plans and more detailed proposals are being formulated.

"The Middle East, North Africa and Indian Subcontinent as a whole are keen to enter the space age in a big way in order to benefit from the enormous opportunities offered by next generation space research and commercial space applications."

DubaiSat-1, which was launched last summer from the Baikonur complex in Kazakstan, the former centre for the Soviet space programme, will provide data for infrastructure development, rural and urban development planning, management of natural disasters and provision of accurate maps.

It is among more than 20 emerging national space projects in the Middle East and Africa, a region which is rapidly evolving as one of the key growth markets for the global space industry.

This will be highlighted at the second Global Space Technology Forum taking place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 7-9 December, which will draw senior representatives from space agencies and national space programmes, government officials and policy makers, as well as entrepreneurs, investors, engineers, scientists, and airline and aerospace senior management.

The event combines a three-day exhibition of the latest space technology equipment and services with a two-day conference outlining global policy relating to private ventures and future projects in space, new technology and research efforts making space access easy and affordable.

The forum will provide a platform for decision makers representing Middle East Space and Satellite projects from countries such as Turkey, Syria, Egypt, Oman, Vietnam, UAE and Algeria to come together for the first time to discuss Space and Satellite Technology, and join representatives of the NASA, European Space Agency, and other prestigious space programmes worldwide. A series of special closed-door meetings will allow decision makers representing leading Middle East space programmes and other emerging space markets to discuss their requirements and projects.

The Forum will be rounded off on the final day by a high level Advanced Sat-Com Conference spotlighting the advances in satellite communications which are slowly revolutionising the communication sector.

Highlighting the UAE's pioneering role in regional space industry developments is Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), the country's first nationally-owned satellite operator.

Last year Yahsat signed an agreement with the UAE Armed Forces to provide secure satellite communications in the UAE following an earlier agreement with Arianespace, the European launch service and solutions company, to launch the Yahsat 1A satellite in the fourth quarter of 2010. Another agreement has been signed with International Launch Services (ILS) to launch the Yahsat 1B satellite in first half of 2011.

The 2009 Global Space Technology Forum is expected to grow on last year's launch event, which saw 32 leading experts from worldwide space organisations addressing a targeted audience of just over 250 conference delegates, with almost 1100 professionals attending the event overall.

Now in its second year, the event is sponsored by LSE Space Middle East, Yahsat and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. The forum has also gained the support of the UAE Space Reconnaissance Center, the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), the International Space University, UAE University, the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, the National Space Society and the Society of Engineers, UAE, highlighting strong support from the international space community.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

New Concept May Enhance Earth-Mars Communication

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:39:40 GMT

Paris, France (ESA) Oct 19, 2009

Direct communication between Earth and Mars can be strongly disturbed and even blocked by the Sun for weeks at a time, cutting off any future human mission to the Red Planet. An ESA engineer working with engineers in the UK may have found a solution using a new type of orbit combined with continuous-thrust ion propulsion.

The European researchers studied a possible solution to a crucial problem affecting future human missions to Mars: how to ensure reliable radio communication even when Mars and Earth line up at opposite sides of the Sun, which then blocks any signal between mission controllers on Earth and astronauts on the red surface.

The natural alignment, known as a conjunction, happens approximately every 780 days, and would seriously degrade and even block transmission of voice, data and video signals.

The research findings were released this week at the 60th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), the world's biggest space event, being held in Daejeon, South Korea. This new solution is one result of a 100 000 euro study funded by ESA's General Studies Programme to catalogue non-traditional orbital zones throughout the Solar System that could be exploited thanks to emerging propulsion technologies.

According to the paper, "Non-Keplerian Orbits Using Low Thrust, High ISP Propulsion Systems," an innovative solution to the Mars communication problem may be found by placing a pair of communication relay satellites into a very special type of orbit near Mars: a so-called 'B-orbit' (in contrast to an 'A-orbit', based on natural orbital laws).

However, to counter the effects of gravity and remain in place, they would have to be equipped with cutting-edge electric ion propulsion.

The ion thrusters, powered by solar electricity and using tiny amounts of xenon gas as propellant, would hold the satellites in a B-orbit in full view of both Mars and Earth. The satellites could then relay radio signals throughout the Mars-Earth conjunction season, ensuring that astronauts at Mars were never out of touch with Earth.

Fran�ois Bosquillon de Frescheville, based at ESA's European Space Operations Centre, Darmstadt, is co-author of the paper together with five engineers at the Universities of Strathclyde and Glasgow, Scotland. He agreed to answer questions on the results being presented by his colleagues at IAC.

Q1. What is special about the orbital positions described in your paper?

Satellites usually follow Keplerian orbits named after Johannes Kepler, who helped discover over 400 years ago the basic mathematical equations that describe orbital motions.

Once it is launched, a satellite in unpowered free flight will essentially 'glide' through our Solar System following the troughs and crests of gravitational forces exerted on it by the Sun, the planets and other bodies, much like a surfer glides over wave tops and troughs as she surfs toward a beach. In fact, an unpowered satellite can't do anything but follow these swells of gravitational potential, which constrain its trajectory.

Q2. But if a satellite could generate continuous thrust, it could skip across these gravitational peaks and troughs?

Yes - it could jump, as you say, into another class of orbits - the B-orbits, or non-Keplerian orbits. But you have to provide some on-board means of generating a continuous thrust, pushing in a certain direction against residual gravity. Then, an entirely new set of orbital trajectories become available.

Q3. Why not simply use the thrusters that most satellites already have, like those on Mars Express or Venus Express?

Traditional thrusters use a lot of fuel, so we only fire them for short periods to kick the satellite into a new, free-flight orbit. It is prohibitively expensive in terms of weight to equip a satellite with continuous thrust capability.

But a solar electric propulsion system uses electricity generated from sunlight to emit chemical ions, giving a tiny thrust - about the same force that you feel if you blow on your hand - but over time, it's enough to move almost anything.

ESA's SMART-1 got to the Moon in 2004 after 16 months using ion propulsion; its thruster only generated 0.2 millimetres per second per second of acceleration, but that's sufficient!

The trick is to find possible orbital trajectories in our Solar System where such a tiny amount of thrust, applied perpendicular to the direction of the satellite's motion, can usefully keep it in a certain location, supporting scientific observations or communications, for example.

Q4. And that's when you considered the Mars radio communication problem?

Yes. It has been known for some time that, due to the natural orbital motions of the Sun, Earth and Mars, any communication relay satellite that orbits Mars in a traditional, unpowered Keplerian orbit will, at some point, be blocked by the Sun. So it will never enable continuous communications between Mars and Earth for 100% of the time. That's not good for any astronauts on Mars.

What we have shown is that if you can provide continuous thrust, a pair of spacecraft could 'hover', respectively, over a point leading, and under a point trailing, the Mars orbit, and provide continuous radio communications between Earth and Mars. You would need two relay spacecraft to cover both halves of Mars.

You would get, in effect, full-time communications to almost anywhere on the Red Planet's surface. When the Earth-Mars conjunction season is over, the spacecraft could stop thrusting, save fuel and take up regular, unpowered or near-Keplerian orbits until the following conjunction approaches, and then take up their relay positions again for the next conjunction.

We found that a pair of relay satellites would only have to switch on their thrusters for about 90 days out of every 2.13-year period, and this solution would only increase the one-way signal travel time by one minute, so it could be effective.

Q5. Could such a double-spacecraft, 'continuous-thrust' mission be launched today?

Well, most of the technologies are in place or are very close to being ready.

However, our research was only the first step in understanding the complex details of such a mission. A lot more work must be done to understand in detail how the satellites have to apply the thrust - for example, taking into account the natural eccentricity of the Martian orbit.

Also, failure scenarios must be studied, to have a back-up plan in case one of the ion thrusters failed. In addition, as part of our research, we catalogued other possible mission profiles.

One example would be to use continuous thrust to create a fixed, virtual 'truss' between two spacecraft perpendicular to their flight direction. It would be like having the two spacecraft connected by fixed bar or rod; this could be useful for certain applications.

Another example would be to hover near one of the Earth-Sun system Lagrange points. NASA studied just such a mission profile, called GeoStorm, back in the 1990s with a view to stationing a satellite closer to the Sun than the L1 Lagrange point so as to provide improved early warning of magnetic storms caused by solar coronal mass ejections.

Such a mission would have used a solar wind sail for its thrust, but it could also be done using ion propulsion, which can offer control advantages compared to solar sails; this must be studied further.

There's still lots to be done, but this research will help pave the way for future robotic missions to places we've never been or for a human mission to Mars.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: Robin Marino � diventato membro del Hub

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Robin Marino � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Robin Marino

Boeing Launches Second WorldView EO Satellite

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:25:46 GMT

Vandenberg AFB CA (SPX) Oct 12, 2009

Boeing, through its commercial launch business, has successfully launched the WorldView-2 satellite for DigitalGlobe aboard a Delta II rocket.

Liftoff occurred at 11:51 a.m. Pacific time from Pad SLC-2W at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The Delta II released WorldView-2 approximately 62 minutes after liftoff, delivering it into a sun-synchronous orbit where the satellite will begin its mission of collecting and recording commercial, high-resolution Earth imagery.

"We are pleased to provide another successful launch for DigitalGlobe," said Ken Heinly, director of Boeing Launch Products and Services and president of Boeing Launch Services. "The launch of WorldView-2 marks the 91st consecutive successful launch of the highly reliable and dependable Delta II launch vehicle."

The first of the DigitalGlobe next-generation class of imaging satellites, WorldView-1, was launched by a Delta II in September 2007.

United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, provides the Delta II launch vehicle and mission services under a commercial contract administered by Boeing Launch Services.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: PICHON Pierre-Yves � diventato membro del Hub

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:00:00 GMT

PICHON Pierre-Yves � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da PICHON Pierre-Yves

L'ETAT HEBREU VISE 5% DU MARCHE SPATIAL DANS 15 ANS

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:22:06 GMT

Les ventes isra�liennes se chiffrent actuellement � $ 600 millions

par D. Bourra, CEO NanoJV www.israelvalley.com

Publi� le 10 octobre 2009

Isra�l, huiti�me puissance spatiale, envisage de conqu�rir 5% du march� mondial dans 15 ans contre 0,3% aujourd’hui (1) Le march� civil et militaire du secteur spatial est �valu� � 170 milliards de dollars par an.

Les ventes isra�liennes se chiffrent actuellement � 600 millions de dollars/ an. Soit environ 0,3 % du march� mondial. L’objectif est �conomique et g�o-strat�gique. L’infrastructure spatiale d�velopp�e au cours des 25 derni�res ann�es (2) en Isra�l a cr�� des emplois (Israel Aerospace Industry est la plus grande soci�t� isra�lienne) , fix� les talents scientifiques sur le sol national, g�n�r� de la valeur, avec un fort retour sur investissement et permis la p�n�tration de march�s tiers. Les comp�tences isra�liennes en t�l�communications satellitaires, observation et d�tection se vendent bien � l’�tranger; y compris dans des pays musulmans comme le Kazakhstan qui met le centre spatial de Ba�konour (ex-URSS ; sous administration russe) � disposition de l’Etat h�breu. Sans parler d’alli�s comme l’Inde notamment; ou encore la France avec laquelle sont men�es de nombreuses op�rations conjointes dans le cadre d’accords gouvernementaux.

(1) In : ”2028 Vision and Strategy For Economy and Society in a Global World” publi�e par l’US – Israel Science and Technology Commission and Foundation (USISTC-F).

(2) La recherche spatiale isra�lienne a d�but� dans les ann�es 1960. En septembre 1988, le lancement du satellite militaire OFEQ-1 par le lanceur SHAVIT depuis le site de Palmah’im a propuls� Isra�l dans le club tr�s ferm� des puissances spatiales capables de concevoir, fabriquer et lancer un satellite. (En 1988 : URSS, USA, Royaume-Uni, Japon, Inde, France, Chine ; Isra�l devenant la huiti�me puissance spatiale). Le satellite isra�lien AMOS sera lanc� en 1996 � Kourou(Guyane Fran�aise) par Ariane 4 apr�s un passage par Toulouse. Ilan Ramon, colonel dans l’arm�e de l’air isra�lienne, pilote sur l’op�ration Osirak, fut le premier astronaute isra�lien (Ilan trouva la mort dans l’accident de la navette spatiale Columbia � son retour

Source: http://nanojv.wordpress.com/

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

First European Commander Of The ISS

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:25:08 GMT

Paris, France (ESA) Oct 12, 2009

ESA astronaut Frank De Winne became the first European commander of the International Space Station this morning with the departure of Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka who had filled this role since April. De Winne is the first non-American and non-Russian to take on this role.

Nearly nine years after the first Expedition crew took up residence on the International Space Station (ISS) in November 2000; De Winne has became commander of the ISS Expedition 21 crew.

A ceremonial change-of-command ceremony took place on the Station last Friday. However, the role of ISS Commander only formally passed to De Winne this morning when Padalka undocked from the ISS on board his Soyuz TMA-14 spacecraft.

Padalka landed in Kazakhstan early this morning together with NASA astronaut Michael Barratt and Canadian spaceflight participant Guy Laliberte. During his commandership, Padalka oversaw the increase of the Station's crew-size from three to six for the first time.

As well as De Winne's day-to-day responsibilities as commander, such as conducting operations on the ISS, directing the activities of the ISS crewmembers as a single, integrated team, ensuring the safety of the crew and the protection of the ISS elements, equipment, and payloads, he will also oversee a number of milestone during the Expedition 21 commandership.

The Expedition 21 milestones include the docking of the Russian Progress 35 spacecraft with a delivery of supplies and equipment for the ISS, unberthing of the Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle using the Station's robotic arm, docking of the Russian Mini Research Module and an 11-day visit of Space Shuttle Atlantis and her crew of six on flight STS-129.

The Expedition 21 crewmembers on the ISS together with De Winne are NASA astronauts Jeff Williams and Nicole Stott, Russian cosmonauts Roman Romenenko and Max Suraev and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Robert Thirsk.

De Winne remains ISS Commander until shortly before his return to Earth at the end of his six-month OasISS Mission - currently set for 1 December. Williams will then take over as ISS Commander for the next crew rotation; Expedition 22.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

ISRO To Launch YOUTHSAT In 2010

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:08:49 GMT

Tirupati, India (SPX) Oct 09, 2009

ISRO plans to launch another important micro satellite 'YOUTHSAT' next year with participation of youth from universities in India and abroad, ISRO Chairman, G Madhavan Nair said.

Speaking at the 13th convocation of Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (women's university), he said ISRO was pursuing efforts to inculcate interest in space-related activities among the youth and provide opportunities for realisation of future payloads for scientific experiments.

Additionally, ISRO has now been providing opportunity to Indian students to develop, integrate, test and operate micro satellites. Many such satellites are being developed at various institutes and universities across India, he said.

"Today India is rated as one of the top five or six countries in the world having end-to-end capability in space technology and more than that, our country has shown to the world as to how advances in space technology and applications can be tailored, and to take care of the common problems facing the country," Nair said.

He said Chandrayaan-1 has achieved its mission objective to the satisfaction of the global scientific community. He pointed out that scientists from across the globe had recently gathered in Bangalore to study the invaluable data yielded by various instruments of Chandrayaan-1 mission.

Earlier, the university conferred honorary degree of Doctor of Letters on Sudha Murthy, Chairperson, Infosys Foundation and K Rajyalakshmi, MLC and also former Vice Chancellor of the varsity and degrees and diplomas on candidates.

Source: Press Trust of India

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

New USAF Weather Satellite Ready For Launch

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:08:24 GMT

Vandenberg AFB CA (SPX) Oct 09, 2009

The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F-18 Block 5D-3 spacecraft, built under contract for the U.S. Air Force by Lockheed Martin, is undergoing final preparation for a launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. on October 18, 2009.

"After several years of building, integrating, upgrading and testing DMSP F-18, our third Block 5D-3 spacecraft, we're eagerly anticipating this launch so that this satellite can carry out its vital mission of supporting our warfighters," said Sue Stretch, Lockheed Martin DMSP program director.

"Our partnership with the Air Force dates to the very beginning of the DMSP program with a common goal of ensuring that commanders have access to environmental data critical to the preparation and execution of military operations."

The Block 5D-3 series accommodates larger sensor payloads than earlier generations. They also feature a larger capability power subsystem; a more powerful on-board computer with increased memory - allowing greater spacecraft autonomy - and increased battery capacity that extends the mean mission duration.

Starting with F-17, the attitude control subsystem has also been enhanced with the integration of a second inertial measurement unit using ring laser, versus mechanical, gyros to provide greater precision pointing flexibility.

DMSP is used for strategic and tactical weather prediction to aid the U.S. military in planning operations at sea, on land and in the air. Equipped with a sophisticated sensor suite that can image visible and infrared cloud cover and measure precipitation, surface temperature, and soil moisture, the satellite collects specialized global meteorological, oceanographic, and solar-geophysical information in all weather conditions.

The DMSP constellation comprises two spacecraft in near-polar orbits, C3 (command, control and communications), user terminals and weather centers. The most recent launch of a DMSP spacecraft took place on November 4, 2006 from Vandenberg Air Force Base. DMSP F-18 will launch on a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket.

In addition to DMSP F-18 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, two satellites remain to be launched and are maintained at Space Systems' operations in Sunnyvale, Calif. for storage, functional testing, and upgrading. The spacecraft are shipped to Vandenberg for launch when requested by the Air Force.

Since 1965, 36 Lockheed Martin DMSP satellites have been launched successfully by the U.S. Air Force. Now in its fourth decade of service, the DMSP has proven itself to be a valuable tool in scheduling and protecting military operations on land, at sea and in the air. The Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. manages the DMSP program.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: DO Duc Hai � diventato membro del Hub

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 22:00:00 GMT

DO Duc Hai � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da DO Duc Hai

Nuovo utente: Vladimir SRDIC � diventato membro del Hub

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Vladimir SRDIC � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Vladimir SRDIC

Russia To Launch Two European Satellites

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:18:54 GMT

Moscow, Russia (RIA Novosti) Oct 08, 2009

A Rokot carrier rocket with two European satellites is being prepared for a November 2 launch from the Plesetsk space center in northwest Russia, a spokesman for the Khrunichev center said on Tuesday.

The dry run, or dress rehearsal of the launch, began at the space center in early October, according to the schedule.

"The launch is scheduled for November 2. A deal to launch Rockot with the SMOS spacecraft [primary payload] and the Proba-2 mini-satellite was concluded between the ESA and Eurockot Launch Services GmbH [a joint venture of the Khrunichev center and EADS Astrium]," the spokesman said.

Once in orbit at an altitude of 756 km (470 miles), the 665-kg SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity), will produce global maps of high resolution and sensitivity showing variations in soil moisture and saline levels in the world's oceans. The mission is part of ESA's Earth Explorer Envelope Program.

The 130-kg Proba-2 (Project for On-Board Autonomy) research satellite will test new technologies for autonomous space missions for ESA's Technology Directorate.

The Rokot launch vehicle is a modified version of the Russian RS-18 (SS-19 Stiletto) intercontinental ballistic missile. It uses the two original lower stages of the ICBM, in conjunction with a Breeze-KM upper-stage for commercial payloads.

This is the third Rokot launch of 2009. In March, a Rokot launch vehicle successfully put into orbit the European GOCE satellite, which will measure and map the Earth's gravitational field. In July, a Rokot with three Russian Cosmos-series military satellites was launched by Russia's Space Forces from the Plesetsk space center.

Source: RIA Novosti

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Iran To Launch Research Rocket Into Space

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:18:30 GMT

Tehran, Iran (XNA) Oct 08, 2009

Iran's Aerospace Research Center official announced on Tuesday that the country will launch its research rocket called Kavoshgar (Explorer) into space by the end of March 2010, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

"Iranian Kavoshgar rocket will be sent into the space by the end of the current (Iranian) year (ending on March 20) to do research studies," Head of Iran's Aerospace Research Center Mohammad Ebrahimi was quoted as saying.

Talking at a ceremony marking the World Space Week, Ebrahimi said that "The rocket can be sent to altitudes at the height of 50km to 150km which is not a fly zone for aircraft and satellites ... it can be employed in different researches and studies."

Earlier in February, Tehran announced that the Omid lightweight telecommunications satellite, its first home-made satellite, was successfully sent into space by the Iranian-produced satellite carrier Safir 2, evoking the West's concern over its potential military purposes.

In last November, Iran launched successfully a space rocket which was called "Kavosh 2" (Explore 2).

"The rocket was launched into the space and after completing its mission returned to the earth using parachute," Iran's state TV IRIB said.

Iranian officials have said Iran has plans to put a "series of satellites" into space by 2010 to aid natural disaster management programs and improve telecommunications.

The United States and Israel have consistently refused to rule out the possibility of military strikes against Iran over its refusal to halt nuclear program, accusing Tehran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program.

Iran has denied the charges and insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Boeing And RSC-Energia Team To Develop Future Spacecraft Docking System

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:18:07 GMT

Moscow, Beijing (SPX) Oct 08, 2009

Boeing and Russian aerospace company RSC-Energia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Moscow on Oct. 2 to work together on a future common docking system for advanced space exploration vehicles.

The two companies will complement each other's extensive knowledge in International Space Station (ISS) design, assembly and operation to produce an international standard for docking mechanisms.

"Future space exploration will provide opportunities for more international collaboration," said former astronaut Brewster Shaw, vice president and general manager of Boeing's Space Exploration division.

"As the commercial space market matures, there will be a need for an international standard for docking on orbit. The Boeing Company and Energia will draw on proven experience to provide an innovative docking solution for future space exploration."

The agreement outlines collaboration between the two companies to produce a mechanism based on Energia's existing Androgynous Peripheral Docking System (APDS). Designed and built by Energia in Russia, APDS is a proven system that has connected every space shuttle mission to the ISS for more than a decade.

"By partnering with Energia, we are taking an important step to the future of space exploration," said Joy Bryant, vice president and program manager for Boeing's ISS program.

"As NASA and other space agencies begin to explore beyond low Earth orbit to places such as the Moon and Mars, it will become more critical that spacecraft from countries around the world can dock together."

Boeing has a long relationship working with Energia on the ISS, including the use of the Orbiter Docking System for space shuttle docking maneuvers to the ISS, elements of the station's waste hygiene system, and the Guidance, Navigation and Control system that maintains the station's attitude.

Boeing is the prime contractor to NASA for the International Space Station. In addition to designing and building all the major U.S. elements, Boeing is also responsible for ensuring the successful integration of any new hardware and software - including components from international partners - as well as for providing sustaining engineering work for the ISS.

Russian Space Corporation Energia, named after S.P. Korolev, is Russia's leader in the rocket and space industry. It conducted the launch of the first Earth satellite in 1957, the first Earth cosmonaut mission of Y.A. Gagarin in 1961, and the first orbital stations Salyut and Mir missions.

Today, RSC Energia is the prime contractor of Roskosmos for the Russian segment of the ISS and prime integrator of this unique, science-driven, high-technology international space project.

RSC Energia develops and manufactures elements of the ISS transport system - the Soyuz TMA and Progress M series vehicles - and supports operation of the ISS Russian segment and ISS flight management in close cooperation with international partners. RSC Energia is responsible for the software development and integration for the Russian segment. Integration docking systems developed by RSC Energia have implemented over 300 successful dockings.

RSC Energia is the prime developer in several major Russian space projects, including launch vehicles and automated space systems.

RSC Energia and Boeing are closely cooperating in the international Sea Launch project.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: Yann Langlet � diventato membro del Hub

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Yann Langlet � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Yann Langlet

Nuovo utente: J�r�mie LOUIS � diventato membro del Hub

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:00:00 GMT

J�r�mie LOUIS � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da J�r�mie LOUIS

Nuovo utente: Denis Gueyffier � diventato membro del Hub

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Denis Gueyffier � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Denis Gueyffier

Nuovo utente: Paul Chazottes � diventato membro del Hub

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Paul Chazottes � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Paul Chazottes

NSS-12 Satellite Arrives At Kourou

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:51:44 GMT

The Hague, Netherlands (SPX) Sep 29, 2009

SES WORLD SKIES announces that its NSS-12 satellite has safely arrived at the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, onboard an Antonov cargo plane. The NSS-12 spacecraft, manufactured by Space Systems/Loral (SSL) will now be readied for launch onboard an Ariane 5 booster, scheduled for lift off on October 29, 2009.

The powerful, state-of-the-art NSS-12 satellite will provide comprehensive and robust coverage of some of the world's fastest-growing markets.

The spacecraft will replace NSS-703 at 57 degrees East and cover virtually the entire Eastern Hemisphere, bringing increased capacity and transmission power to a key orbital location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.

The spacecraft features 40 C-band transponders and 48 Ku-band transponders with DTH power levels, as well as elaborate beam interconnectivity and C-/Ku-band cross-strapping. NSS-12 is based on SS/L's space-proven 1300 platform and has been designed to have a minimum expected lifetime of 15 years.

NSS-12 will deliver DTH power and performance through four regional Ku-band spot beams over the Middle East and Europe, Central and South Asia and, for the first time, East Africa.

The satellite's high-capacity, high-power C-band hemispheric beams - one covering Europe, Africa (including Mauritius) and the Middle East, and the other stretching across Asia to Australia - have been augmented by a powerful C-band global beam spanning from the UK to the Far East. The satellite will reach an estimated two-thirds of the world's population.

States Rob Bednarek, President and CEO of SES WORLD SKIES: "NSS-12 will be the largest and most powerful satellite in the SES WORLD SKIES fleet and an important spacecraft in our strategy going forward. The new satellite will allow us to provide seamless continuity and significant incremental capacity at a key orbital location, allowing existing and future customers to introduce new services, expand into new markets and replicate the success of the various video, government and enterprise applications currently transmitted via 57 degrees East."

"SES currently has three additional spacecraft under construction with Space Systems/Loral, but NSS-12 marks the first SS/L launch for the SES Group," said Martin Halliwell, President of SES ENGINEERING.

"We look forward to another Ariane-5 success as the combined teams of Arianespace, Space Systems/Loral and SES go through the NSS-12 launch count down over the next few weeks."

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

India Set To Launch Satellite With Indigenously Developed Cryogenic Engine

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:51:14 GMT

Thiruvananthapuram, India (PTI) Oct 01, 2009

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman G. Madhavan Nair has said that the country was all set to launch a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) using an indigenously developed cryogenic engine.

Talking to reporters here on Monday, Nair said, "I have to say that it is yet another historic event for ISRO. Till now we were using Russian built cryogenic stages. We had developed our own cryogenic engine two years ago and we have now prepared a stage that could be propelled. Today we have flagging it from Mahendragiri and most likely we will be able to launch GSLV using an indigenously developed cryogenic engine by the year-end," he said.

"The launch will most likely be in December this year," he added.

GSLV flights were launched so far by India using Russian cryogenic engine and with this, India would become self-dependent in space launch vehicle technology.

Last week ISRO scientists added another feather to their cap by successfully launching Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. The vehicle carried the 960 kilograms indigenous Oceansat 2 and six other nano satellites, including four Cubesats and two Rubinsats in its present mission.

Nair also termed findings made by India's first moon mission, as a path-breaking discovery would modify the next mission accordingly.

"We have got more data than what we have expected in the three experiments. The discovery of water (on the moon) is a major one. Not only the Indian scientists but also scientists all around the globe view it as a big thing. The origin of water is still a mystery and we have to find more on this. Then we have to ascertain whether there is more water near the pole. According to this we may have to modify Mission Chandrayaan-2. We are contemplating that," he said.

As the news came out about Chandrayaan tracing water molecules on the moon's surface, scientists across the globe rejoiced at the discovery and hope that it will pave the way for growing vegetation in the earth's natural satellite in future.

Americas National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) thanked the efforts of ISRO, which traced water molecules on the moon's surface.

ISRO scientists last week said that the Chandrayan 1 spacecraft found several examples of evidence confirming water on moon.

India is planning to launch its second Moon Mission by 2013. Besides this, the country is also preparing to send astronauts in space by 2015.

Source: Press Trust of India

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Arianespace Maintains Record Launch Rate

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:50:51 GMT

Paris, France (SPX) Oct 01, 2009

Arianespace is continuing its sustained launch pace - with the next mission ready for an October 1 liftoff, and payloads for the following flight now undergoing final checkout at the Spaceport.

The October 1 liftoff will be Ariane 5's fifth mission of 2009, carrying the civilian Amazonas 2 satellite for Spain's HISPASAT, along with the German COMSATBw-1 military telecommunications platform.

The heavy-lift vehicle was transferred from the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building to the launch pad, where it is scheduled to depart tomorrow at the start of a 1 hr., 11 min. launch window that opens at 6:59 p.m. local time in French Guiana.

Arianespace is keeping up the mission pace, with a total of seven flights planned during 2009 - the busiest year of launch activity for Ariane 5 since its commercial introduction in 1999.

The total lift performance for this upcoming launch is 9,087 kg., which includes 7,905 kg. for the Amazonas 2 and COMSATBw-1 satellites, along with the mass of Ariane 5's SYLDA dual-payload dispenser and the associated integration hardware.

Riding as the upper payload in Ariane 5's payload "stack," Amazonas 2 will be released at 27 minutes into the flight. The satellite weighs approximately 5,500-kg. and will provide a wide range of telecommunications services over its coverage area extending from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.

COMSATBw-1 has a liftoff mass of about 2,500 kg., and will be deployed from Ariane 5's lower passenger position at just over 33 minutes into the flight. To be operated from an orbital position of 63 deg. East, this satellite will be a key element in the German Bundeswehr's (German Armed Forces) concept for network-centric operations.

Meanwhile, the NSS-12 and THOR 6 payloads for Ariane 5's sixth launch of 2009 arrived at the Spaceport, where they are now undergoing final checks.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Russia To Launch Orbital Lab "Oka-T" In 2015

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:50:29 GMT

Moscow, Russia (XNA) Oct 01, 2009

Russia will launch an orbital laboratory in 2015, according to the head of the Russian Federal Space Agency Roscosmos on Tuesday.

The lab, called Oka-T, would serve the crews of the International Space Station (ISS), Anatoly Perminov told the Rossiyskaya Gazeta paper.

Oka-T would be an autonomous spacecraft that would support experiments on space technologies and material sciences in the environment of microgravity.

The lab would dock to the ISS only when transmitting laboratory results, replacing or maintaining research equipment and bringing supplies, he said.

The eight-ton orbital lab could also be used to develop microelectronic and nanoelectronic technologies, producing alloys, composite materials and biological substances, he added.

The lab is now being jointly manufactured by several Russian space corporations. It will serve for at least five years.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Les secrets d’Emergency�

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:14:46 GMT

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Pubblicato da Nicolas Mery

China to build, launch satellite for Laos

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:31:12 GMT

Beijing (AFP) Sept 26, 2009

China will build and launch a communications satellite for Laos, Chinese media reported Saturday, following similar ventures for Nigeria and Venezuela.

China would also build a satellite control centre for Laos, according to an agreement signed Friday, reports said, citing an official at the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT).

The Dongfang Hong (The East is Red) model satellite would be launched by a Long March rocket. No date was given for the launch.

In 2007, China for the first time launched a Chinese-made satellite for a foreign country, Nigeria.

However, the 257-million-dollar NigComSat-1 satellite -- which was launched to provide phone, broadband Internet and broadcasting services to rural Africa -- failed after a year due to technical problems.

In October 2008, Beijing launched Venezuela's first satellite, Venesat-1, which cost 241 million dollars.

Bolivian President Evo Morales indicated after a meeting Thursday with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, that China had agreed to help Bolivia build and launch its first telecommunications satellite within three years.

China, which has developed its space programme considerably in recent years, is a growing presence in the market for building and launching satellites.

In March this year, the head of European aerospace giant Arianespace expressed "shock" that China had been chosen by Eutelsat Communications to launch a satellite, and claimed it circumvented US rules to prevent the export of sensitive materials to certain countries, including China.

"We do not dispute the price factor, even if we think that to penetrate the market, China offers prices which do not reflect economic reality," Arianespace chairman Jean-Yves Le Gall had said.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

India launches seven satellites: space agency

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:50:34 GMT

Bangalore, India (AFP) Sept 23, 2009

India successfully launched seven satellites including six from foreign countries on Wednesday, officials said, underlining the country's ambitions in the space business.

About a month after its first moon mission was aborted, the country's space agency announced that the seven satellites had been put into orbit about 720 kilometres (447 miles) above the Earth.

India will use one of the satellites, Oceansat-2, for monitoring ocean patterns and identifying fishing zones, enhancing the capability of the first Oceansat, which was launched in 1999, the agency said.

Of the six foreign satellites, there are four from Germany and one each from Switzerland and Turkey. They are university-funded payloads being used to test new technologies.

"Once again we have proved that we can do the job precisely. The satellites have been placed in the desired orbit at the exact time," said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman G. Madhavan Nair from the spaceport Sriharikota, about 80 kilometres northeast of Chennai.

The cost of the launch was two billion rupees (40 million dollars), including 1.3 billion rupees for the satellite and 700 million rupees for the rocket, ISRO director S. Satish said.

India began its space programme in 1963, developing its own satellites and launch vehicles to cut dependence on overseas agencies.

It first staked its claim to a share of the global commercial launch market by sending an Italian satellite into orbit in 2007 and is keen to use its cost advantage to garner further business.

The Indian satellite will study the role of oceans on the Earth's atmosphere and data beamed back will be used to identify fishing zones, as well as helping with coastal studies, weather forecasting and climate studies.

India put a probe on the moon's surface to great fanfare and national pride late last year, but controllers lost contact with the space vehicle last month and aborted the mission.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

USA And France Sign Agreements For Civil Space Cooperation

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:21:46 GMT

Washington DC (SPX) Sep 21, 2009

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and French Space Agency President Yannick d'Escatha signed four agreements in support of U.S. and French space cooperation during a ceremony Thursday at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

"The French Space Agency has a long history of participating with NASA in Earth and space science missions," Bolden said. "I am pleased to see this cooperation expand as we look to further engage the international community in exploring space."

The Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, or CNES, is the French government agency responsible for shaping and implementing the country's space policy in Europe. It was founded in 1961 and headquartered in Paris. The CNES mission is to invent future space systems, bring space technologies to maturity and guarantee France's independent access to space.

The agreements involve missions in NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. They are:

A Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution mission scheduled to launch in 2013. This NASA-led project will provide the first direct measurements to address key scientific questions about the evolution of the red planet. CNES will provide the Solar Wind Electron

Analyzer sensor to measure solar wind and ionospheric electrons.

A Magnetospheric MultiScale mission scheduled to launch in 2014. This is a NASA-led, four spacecraft project. It will make measurements to help explain the fundamental physical processes involved with magnetic reconnection, particle acceleration and turbulence on both the micro and meso scales in the Earth's magnetosphere. CNES will provide portions of the instrument suite for the investigation.

A Convection Rotation and Planetary Transits mission launched in December 2006. The project is led by CNES in conjunction with the European Space Agency and other international partners.

The agreement involves participation by U.S. scientists in the data analysis of planetary observations in return for NASA time for follow-up ground observations by the Keck telescope in Mauna Kea in Hawaii.

A Surface Water and Ocean Topography mission for the study and definition of potential cooperation on this Earth Science Decadal Survey mission.

The project could give scientists the first comprehensive view of Earth's freshwater bodies from space and more detailed measurements of the ocean surface than ever before, thereby enabling improved water management and climate predictions.

NASA's Science Mission Directorate engages the nation's science community, sponsors scientific research and develops and deploys satellites and probes in collaboration with NASA's international partners to answer fundamental questions requiring a view from and into space.

The directorate studies Earth as a planet, explores the planetary bodies of our solar system, studies the sun and its influence throughout the solar system, and scans the universe to gauge its expanse while searching for Earth-like planets.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: Fr�d�ric Vergoz � diventato membro del Hub

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Fr�d�ric Vergoz � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Fr�d�ric Vergoz

SpaceX And Astrium Announce Groundbreaking Deal

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:29:37 GMT

Hawthorne CA (SPX) Sep 11, 2009

Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and Astrium announce a contract for a SpaceX Falcon 1e to launch an Earth observation satellite designed by Astrium or its recently acquired subsidiary Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL).

The Falcon 1e is an 'enhanced' version of SpaceX's successful Falcon 1 launch vehicle. Designed from the ground up by SpaceX, the Falcon 1e has upgraded propulsion, structures and avionics systems in order to further improve reliability and bring to market increased mass-to-orbit capability to better serve the needs of the small satellite community.

Astrium and SSTL provide a range of innovative, cutting edge Earth Observation satellite products and through this agreement will be able to offer customers a turnkey solution, with in-orbit delivery of a low Earth orbit satellite system.

The partnership between SpaceX and Astrium paves the way for potential future cooperation.

"SpaceX's Falcon 1e launch vehicle was designed to provide the highest level of reliability as well as the lowest dedicated mission price of any orbital launch system," said Elon Musk, CEO and CTO of SpaceX. "SpaceX is pleased to be the launch services provider for this mission."

"This Falcon 1e contract allows Astrium to provide a competitive solution for in-orbit delivery of an Earth observation satellite in low Earth orbit," said Evert Dudok CEO of Astrium Satellites. "This deal will ultimately benefit customers seeking innovative and low-cost solutions for valuable Earth observation programs".

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: Florent Bibal � diventato membro del Hub

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Florent Bibal � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Florent Bibal

Russia To Start Construction Of New Space Center In 2011

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:33:08 GMT

Moscow, Russia (RIA Novosti) Sep 08, 2009

The construction of a new space center in Russia's Far East will start in 2011, a government official said on Monday.

Army Gen. Nikolai Abroskin, head of the Federal Service for the Production of Special Construction Work, said construction of the new Vostochny station would be carried out in three stages, and would be completed in 2018.

"In all, seven launch pads are to be built at the space center, including two for manned flights and two for space freighters," the general said.

He said an inter-agency working group had been created, and that work to design elements of the station's infrastructure was in progress.

Source: RIA Novosti

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Eutelsat Statement On Launch Of W7 Satellite

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:32:47 GMT

Paris, France (SPX) Sep 08, 2009

Eutelsat Communications has announced that it has signed a contract with International Launch Services (ILS) for the launch in mid-November 2009 of the W7 satellite on an ILS Proton. Built by Thales Alenia Space, the satellite will now undergo final preparation for delivery to the Baikonour Cosmodrome.

Originally scheduled for launch by Sea Launch, this selection of Proton follows the confirmation to Eutelsat by Sea Launch of their unavailability to orbit W7 within the agreed timeframe.

The decision to launch with ILS and Khrunichev was taken on the basis of their commitment to meeting Eutelsat's critical timeframe to launch W7 in mid-November, enabling Eutelsat to bring the satellite into service by the end of 2009. Eutelsat is meanwhile continuing discussions with Sea Launch with a view to assigning the launch originally assigned for W7 to a future Eutelsat satellite.

Commenting on this reorganisation, Giuliano Berretta, Eutelsat Chairman and CEO said: "Timely access to space is an essential component of Eutelsat's significant satellite expansion programme of nine satellites to launch between 2008 and 2011, and most particularly in the case of W7.

With the first three of these new satellites already delivered into orbit by Ariane and the fourth by Proton, Arianespace and ILS have provided us with flawless service, further consolidating our appreciation of the Ariane 5 and Proton vehicles. Concerning Sea Launch, we firmly intend to pursue our discussions with the shared objective of delivering future Eutelsat spacecraft into orbit."

W7 will be colocated with W4 at 36 degrees East to double resources at one of Eutelsat's fastest-growing neighbourhoods. Through a configuration of 70 transponders connected to high-performance fixed and steerable beams, the new satellite will provide coverage of Russia and sub-Saharan Africa for digital broadcasting services, including pay-TV, and add flexibility for growing markets in central Asia.

W7 will also assume all traffic on Eutelsat's 18-transponder SESAT 1 satellite which is currently positioned at 36 degrees East and which will subsequently continue in commercial service at an alternative location.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Proba-2 Flies Into Its Russian Launch Site

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:31:34 GMT

Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia (SPX) Sep 08, 2009

Proba-2 has reached Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia, where it is being prepared for launch this November. Among the smallest satellites ever built by ESA, it was transported there aboard an Ilyushin cargo plane.

Proba-2 is a mission of ESA's General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) , building on almost eight years of operational experience gained with Proba-1.

While standard satellites are lorry-sized structures, the Probas occupy less than a cubic metre. But this small scale does not limit their capabilities: Proba-2 carries a total of 17 new technology developments and four scientific experiments, focused on solar and space weather observations.

Proba-2 and its support equipment were safely packed in a container for the trans-continental journey. The satellite was accompanied throughout its trip by five members of the Verhaert Space team responsible for its assembly, as well as by ESA's Proba-2 system engineer, Kristof Gantois.

Proba-2 left its Belgian homeland on Thursday 27 August, taking off from Brussels Airport at 08:50 CEST. After a four-hour flight, the Volga Airlines-operated Ilyushin touched down at Archangelsk in the far north of European Russia for customs clearance.

It took off again at 17:00 local time for the second and final leg of the flight, to Plesetsk Cosmodrome located due south. This 200 km journey took half an hour. The plane was met by a welcoming committee from the Russian military space forces, Khrunichev and Eurockot - the companies running the Plesetsk launch facilities and Rockot launcher, respectively - as well as the ESA team already on site.

Within 30 minutes, the Proba-2 container was unloaded and placed on a lorry for its final trip of the day: the three-and-a-half hour drive from Plesetsk's airport to the clean room of the 'MIK' integration facility. Unpacking the satellite and preparing equipment began the following day.

A shared launch

As part of ESA's strategy to reduce mission costs, Proba-2 will piggyback its way to orbit on the same Rockot carrying ESA's larger Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) Earth Explorer satellite. The two are scheduled to be launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome on 2 November.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: David L. � diventato membro del Hub

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:00:00 GMT

David L. � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da David L.

Les satellites ne connaissent pas la crise

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:02:08 GMT

par Vincent Lamigeon, journaliste � Challenges.08.09.2009

Cette industrie devrait conna�tre une croissance de 7% cette ann�e en raison de la demande des op�rateurs t�l�coms et bouquets t�l�visuels.

La crise, quelle crise ? La Satellite Business Week, le grand raout annuel du secteur du satellite qui s'est d�roul� du 7 au 10 septembre � Paris, a confirm� la bonne sant� d'une industrie dont la croissance devrait atteindre 7 % en 2009 et se maintenir � 5 % en 2010, selon Euroconsult. "Le march� souffre beaucoup moins qu'� l'explosion de la bulle Internet en 2000-2002, constate Pac�me Revillon, directeur g�n�ral de ce cabinet sp�cialis�. La demande des op�rateurs de t�l�coms et des bouquets de cha�nes t�l� reste tr�s robuste."

Le flot n'est pas pr�s de se tarir : pr�s de 1.200 satellites devraient �tre construits et lanc�s entre 2009 et 2018, soit un march� potentiel de 125 milliards d'euros. "Notre strat�gie est de remplacer les satellites arrivant en fin de vie par des satellites de plus grande capacit�, explique Jean-Paul Brillaud, directeur g�n�ral d�l�gu� de l'op�rateur Eutelsat. Nous visons une augmentation de capacit�s de 30 % en trois ans." Les lancements gouvernementaux (d�fense et applications civiles) et scientifiques devraient assurer une grande stabilit� au march�, en lissant les cycles des satellites de t�l�coms.

En ces temps de crise mondiale, ces performances frisent l'insolence. Pourquoi un tel boom? D'abord, parce que les op�rateurs doivent renouveler leur flotte de satellites : les trois quarts de ces engins spatiaux sont construits pour en remplacer d'autres, l'esp�rance de vie d'un satellite oscillant entre dix et quinze ans. Ensuite, l'industrie peut aussi compter sur la forte demande des march�s �mergents (Asie, Europe centrale, Am�rique latine, Afrique). "Le secteur est port� par la multiplication des cha�nes de t�l�vision par satellite, par l'essor de la t�l�vision haute d�finition et de l'Internet � haut d�bit", indique Giuliano Berretta, le patron d'Eutelsat.

Et l'Europe dans tout �a? Elle est bien plac�e pour profiter du dynamisme du secteur, avec deux constructeurs de satellites qui captent, bon an, mal an, la moiti� du march� des satellites de t�l�coms (Thales Alenia Space et EADS Astrium); et deux des trois plus gros op�rateurs de satellites (SES et Eutelsat). Sans oublier un leader mondial des lanceurs, Arianespace, qui ne risque pas de ch�mer: pr�s d'une douzaine de contrats ont d�j� �t� sign�s depuis le d�but de l'ann�e, et le carnet de commandes repr�sente trois ann�es de lancements.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: Anne Sophie Lizon � diventato membro del Hub

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Anne Sophie Lizon � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Anne Sophie Lizon

Nuovo utente: Samia Yahia � diventato membro del Hub

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Samia Yahia � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Samia Yahia

La France et l'Allemagne dans le spatial europ�en

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:42:45 GMT

Bonjour,

voici une invitation � un petit-d�jeuner d�bat sur l'industrie spatiale en franco-allemand le 29 septembre 2009.

Bien cordialement,

LMC

La France et l'Allemagne dans le spatial europ�en

29/09/2009 8:30-10:00, Ifri, 27 rue de la procession, 75015 Paris

Deuxi�me conf�rence-d�bat du cycle franco-allemand sur les hautes technologies organis�e par le Comit� d'�tudes des relationsf ranco-allemandes de l'IFRI et la Chambre Franco-Allemande de Commerce et d'Industrie,

Intervenants :

Alain Bories, directeur de la Strat�gie et du D�veloppement, OHB Technology AG,

Johannes von Thadden, directeur des Affaires publiques, EADS Astrium Germany

Bernhard von Weyhe, responsable Relations M�dias, European Space Agency (ESA).

Pr�sidence : Laurence Nardon, responsable du Programme Espace, Ifri.

Les orateurs s?exprimeront en fran�ais.

Inscription gratuite et obligatoire. Accueil � partir de 8h00. Veuillez pr�senter une pi�ce d'identit�.

Pour s'inscrire, contacter Noumouni Ke�ta : keita.cerfa@ifri.org

Pubblicato da Louis-Marie CLOUET

La France et l'Allemagne dans le spatial europ�en

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:42:45 GMT

Bonjour,

voici une invitation � un petit-d�jeuner d�bat sur l'industrie spatiale en franco-allemand le 29 septembre 2009.

Bien cordialement,

LMC

La France et l'Allemagne dans le spatial europ�en

29/09/2009 8:30-10:00, Ifri, 27 rue de la procession, 75015 Paris

Intervenants :

Alain Bories, directeur de la Strat�gie et du D�veloppement, OHB Technology AG,

Johannes von Thadden, directeur des Affaires publiques, EADS Astrium Germany

Bernhard von Weyhe, responsable Relations M�dias, European Space Agency (ESA).

Pr�sidence : Laurence Nardon, responsable du Programme Espace, Ifri.

Les orateurs s?exprimeront en fran�ais.

Inscription gratuite et obligatoire. Accueil � partir de 8h00. Veuillez pr�senter une pi�ce d'identit�.

Pour s'inscrire, contacter Noumouni Ke�ta : keita.cerfa@ifri.org

Pubblicato da Louis-Marie CLOUET

La Chine commence la mise au point d'une fus�e Longue Marche 6

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 22:36:46 GMT

PUBLI� LE 06/09/2009 � 06:32 | � 2009 XINHUA / CHINE INFORMATIONS

La Chine a commenc� la mise au point d'une fus�e Longue Marche 6 destin�e � devenir une fus�e porteuse pour ses programmes spatiaux, a annonc� dimanche l'Administration nationale de l'Espace de Chine sur son site internet.

Les fus�es porteuses Longue Marche 6 devraient �tre op�rationnelles en 2013. Elles seront non toxiques, non polluantes et elles utiliseront plusieurs technologies nouvelles utilis�es pour la premi�re fois en Chine, pr�cise l'administration.

La Longue Marche 6 sera con�ue par la China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, constructeur du vaisseau spatial Shenzhou VII, depuis lequel les ta�konautes chinois ont effectu� la premi�re sortie spatiale du pays en 2008.

On ignore encore la charge utile de la fus�e et les programmes auxquels elle est destin�e.

La Chine veut mettre en orbite un laboratoire spatial rudimentaire en 2011 et une station spatiale habitable en 2020. Elle envisage �galement un atterrissage sur la Lune.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: Louis-Marie CLOUET � diventato membro del Hub

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Louis-Marie CLOUET � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Louis-Marie CLOUET

New Class Of European Astronauts Report For Training

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 06:45:47 GMT

The new astronauts are:

+ Samantha Cristoforetti, from Milan, Italy.

+ Alexander Gerst, from Kunzelsau, Germany.

+ Andreas Mogensen, from Copenhagen, Denmark.

+ Luca Parmitano, from Patern�, Italy.

+ Timothy Peake, from Chichester, UK.

+ Thomas Pesquet, from Rouen, France.

Paris, France (ESA) Sep 04, 2009

ESA's new astronaut recruits reported this week to the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. The six have started the first days of their 18-month basic training in preparation for future missions to the International Space Station and beyond.

"I am very happy that our new colleagues reported to EAC in Cologne to start their training. The taking-up duty of the new class of ESA astronaut marks our commitment to a future important role for Europe in human spaceflight," said Simonetta Di Pippo, ESA's Director of Human Spaceflight.

"We are already flying an average of two ESA astronauts every year to the ISS. In 2010, ESA astronaut Roberto Vittori will fly to the ISS in July to deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli will fly in November to work on the ISS for six months.

"In 2011, ESA astronaut Andre Kuipers will spend six months on the ISS as well. The new European astronauts, who will be ready to be assigned around 2013, will allow us to secure this continuity. As we are discussing the extension of the ISS beyond 2016, they will surely get the chance to fly to the ISS and beyond quite soon."

Basic training for the European astronauts will take place mostly at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC), where they will follow a training programme developed by EAC according to international specifications agreed between the International Space Station (ISS) partners.

Classroom lessons will introduce them to ESA and the industrial partners, followed by fundamentals such as electrical engineering, before entering in more detail into space systems and operations and subjects such as Europe's participation in ISS (Columbus, Automated Transfer Vehicle) and Soyuz.

Other lessons will provide grounding for special skills necessary for their future, such as learning Russian, SCUBA diving for spacewalk familiarisation and survival training.

After completion of basic training, the astronauts are ready to enter the next ISS training phase and, once assigned to a mission, their training will be tailored to their specific tasks.

"It is not enough to be a good scientist or an excellent engineer to become an astronaut; the 18-month basic training at EAC will bring the new astronauts to a professional level in various fields, including Russian, fundamentals of several scientific disciplines, history of spaceflight, space engineering, human behaviour, flight training and other essential parts of the astronaut job. This will enable them to be trained to carry out complex tasks during space missions," said Michel Tognini, Head of EAC.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: Bertrand BOUSQUET-HOURAT*, PMP � diventato membro del Hub

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Bertrand BOUSQUET-HOURAT*, PMP � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Bertrand BOUSQUET-HOURAT*, PMP

ESA Astronaut Answers Your Questions From Space

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:26:23 GMT

Paris, France (ESA) Sep 03, 2009

How do you wash your clothes in space? How does food stay fresh if there is no fridge on the ISS? ESA"s Frank De Winne is answering these, and many more of your questions, right now, from space.

Is there something you always wanted to know about being an astronaut? Or you are just curious about living and working in space? Well, now is the time to ask. Instead of searching the Internet, you can ask an ESA astronaut directly. Frank De Winne, on the International Space Station, is keen to answer your questions personally via ESA"s YouTube channel.

Questions answered so far have been "Will you exercise a lot on your bike?", "What medical conditions would stop you becoming an astronaut?", "Will Europe have its own Space Shuttle in the future?" and "Do you use washing powder for washing clothes in space?"

Frank is answering questions from space fans all over Europe, and he will greet you in English, French or Dutch in your personal video response.

All you have to do is record your question using a webcam, video camera or mobile phone, and post it on ESA"s YouTube channel. Each week, Frank posts his responses to your questions on the site, directly from space.

Frank is part way through his six-month mission on the International Space Station. Later in his mission, he will also become the first European commander of the ISS.

Have a go, it could be your question answered next!

Record and upload your questions to ESA"s YouTube channel as a 'Video Response' to De Winne's video message (also below).

Indian satellite confirmed US moon landing

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:23:40 GMT

Panaji, India (AFP) Sept 2, 2009

India's first lunar mission has captured images of the landing site of the Apollo 15 craft, debunking theories that the US mission was a hoax, the country's state-run space agency said Wednesday.

"The images captured by a hyper-spectral camera fitted as a part of Chandrayaan-I... has reconfirmed the veracity of the Apollo 15 mission," said Prakash Chauhan, from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

NASA's 12-day Apollo 15 mission in 1971 was the first designed to explore the surface of the moon in great detail and over a long period.

But it and others in the Apollo project, including the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, when astronauts

first stepped on the moon, have been the subject of a catalogue of conspiracy theories ever since.

Chauhan said Chandrayaan-I, which India launched late last year, located the Apollo 15 landing site by identifying disturbances on the moon's dark surface.

"The disturbed surface is bright," he said, in a presentation in the western state of Goa, where a conference on space missions is being held.

"Our images also show tracks left behind by the lunar rovers which were used by the astronauts."

US, Japanese and Russian scientists have previously found evidence of Apollo 15's landing site by studying photographs.

Chauhan said Chandrayaan-I's findings were further, "independent corroboration" of the landing, adding to other evidence of the Apollo missions, including photographs and analysis of rock samples.

The images were among 70,000 taken by the Chandrayaan-I craft before the mission was aborted last weekend. Scientists blamed a computer malfunction for cutting communications with the orbiter.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Arianespace Pre-Launch Processing Of Amazonas 2 Underway

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:22:25 GMT

Kourou, French Guiana (SPX) Sep 03, 2009

The first-arrived payload for Ariane 5's next flight is undergoing initial checkout at the Spaceport in French Guiana as preparations move forward for Arianespace's dual-passenger mission later this month - which will be its fifth heavy-lift launch of 2009.

Amazonas 2 is in the Spaceport's S5 satellite preparation facility, having been removed from the shipping container that protected this EADS Astrium-built spacecraft during its trans-Atlantic voyage from Europe aboard a cargo jetliner last week.

Weighing approximately 5,500 kg. at liftoff, Amazonas 2 will be injected into geostationary transfer orbit by Ariane 5, and is to operate from a final orbital slot of 61 deg. West.

The satellite is based on EADS Astrium's Eurostar E3000 spacecraft bus, which will supply a payload power of about 14 kW.

Amazonas 2 will provide the Spanish-based HISPASAT telecommunications operator with relay capacity over the Americas, with its coverage area extending from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.

The spacecraft is designed for a useful lifetime of 15 years, and is to handle a wide range of communications services - including direct-to-home television - through its 54 Ku-band transponders and 10 C-band transponders.

Riding with Amazonas 2 on the upcoming Ariane 5 mission will be Germany's COMSATBw-1 military telecommunications satellite. COMSATBw-1 is part of a secure information network to supply voice, fax and advanced data, video and multimedia applications for the German armed forces, including units on deployed missions.

EADS Astrium is prime contractor for this program's space segment, which is composed of two satellites based on the Spacebus platform.

Arianespace's late September launch with Amazonas 2 and COMSATBw-1 is part of the company's sustained Ariane 5 mission pace - which calls for a total of seven flights with the workhorse heavy-lift vehicle this year. It will make 2009 the busiest year since Ariane 5's commercial service introduction by Arianespace in 1999.

Ariane 5's four missions performed so far in 2009 have orbited a combined payload mass of more than 26,000 kg. These launches have lofted five commercial telecommunications satellites for operators in Europe, Asia and North America, along with two European deep space telescopes and a pair of French demonstrator spacecraft for a future defense early warning system.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

SMOS Team Gears Up For Launch Campaign

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:21:45 GMT

Paris, France (ESA) Sep 03, 2009

With launch just two months away, members of the SMOS team are currently in Russia inspecting the facilities where the launch campaign will soon get underway to prepare the ESA's water mission for liftoff on 2 November.

Members of the team are busy checking the facilities at both Arkhangelsk, where the satellite and support equipment will arrive in Russia by plane, and the integration facilities at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, some 200 km south of Arkhangelsk, where the satellite will be prepared and encapsulated in fairing for launch.

The team is there this week to ensure that the infrastructure - from computer networks down to furniture - is all in place before the facilities are accepted as ready.

Following the completion of the last tests on the Breeze-KM third stage, this section of the launcher is also ready to be shipped from Moscow to the launch site. While the Rockot launcher uses two generic lower stages, the third stage, is customised for each satellite launch.

This third stage comprises the fairing, which protects the satellite during the first ascent phase of the launch, the electronics to control the launcher and the adapters, which provide the mechanical interfaces between the satellite and the launcher.

As well as housing the SMOS satellite, this third stage is also accommodating ESA's Proba-2 satellite, which is being launched at the same time.

In fact, Proba-2 will arrive from Belgium at Plesetsk on 3 September in order to be prepared for launch before the SMOS satellite arrives on 16 September.

The SMOS mission will observe soil moisture over the Earth's landmasses and salinity over the oceans. Soil moisture data are urgently required for hydrological studies and data on ocean salinity are vital for improving our understanding of ocean circulation patterns. Data from SMOS will lead to a better understanding of Earth's water cycle.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Rocket Hiccup No Jam-Up For China

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:21:25 GMT

by Xin Dingding for Xinhua News Agency

Xichang, China (SPX) Sep 03, 2009

The failure to put a satellite into orbit earlier this week is only one bump on a long road of successes, said a space expert.

The setback occurred Monday when the third stage of a Chinese-made rocket failed to fire, causing the Indonesian telecom satellite Palapa D that it was carrying to miss its orbit.

The rocket, called the Long March 3B, was launched at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan province, one of the country's two major sites for rocket liftoffs. It is China's main launcher for commercial missions.

The mishap is the first glitch in a string of 75 successful launches for China's rocket program dating to October 1996, said Pang Zhihao, researcher and deputy editor-in-chief of the monthly Space International.

"At more than 90 percent, China has as high a success rate as Russia, the US and Europe in launching rockets," he said.

The Palapa D satellite, owned by Indonesian satellite communications company Indosat, was supposed to provide satellite links and broadcast services for Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries.

However, the satellite still has a chance to enter its preset orbit.

The satellite's manufacturer, French company ThalesAlenia Space, said the satellite has been captured and is now able to maneuver.

In 2001, the European Space Agency spent 18 months getting the Artemis telecommunications satellite into its target orbit after an unsuccessful launch from Kourou, French Guiana, in South America.

"Though maneuvers may use much of the fuel in the satellites and shorten their life spans, it is better than giving up and having nothing left," Pang said.

China Great Wall Industry Corporation, which provides the orbit delivery service, and ThalesAlenia both declined to comment Tuesday.

A China Great Wall Industry staff told China Daily on condition of anonymity that the corporation is in talks with the Indonesian side to decide what actions will be taken.

China experienced major setbacks between 1994 and 1996, but regained its international reputation after tightened quality control and a series of successes.

Pang pointed out that launching a satellite is risky, and other countries have also experienced failures.

Recent examples include a protective nose cone fairing on the US Taurus-XL rocket failing to separate during ascent, leading to the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, a pioneering satellite designed to map carbon dioxide concentrations, to crash into the ocean near Antarctica in February this year.

South Korea also failed to send its satellite, carried by its first launch vehicle, into its target orbit on Aug 25.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

NASA Partners To Revolutionize Personal Transportation

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:20:51 GMT

Moffett Field, CA (SPX) Sep 03, 2009

NASA officials have signed an agreement with Unimodal Systems, LLC to collaborate on the use of NASA-developed control software and human factors techniques to evaluate acceleration, jerk and vibration of an advanced transportation vehicle system. The control software was originally designed to control robots and other applications. The collaboration will help NASA better understand the software's usefulness, human performance and safety.

"This collaborative effort is anticipated to help NASA with its aeronautics and space activities, while Unimodal gets to develop the next generation high-speed transportation system," said Jeffery Smith, deputy chief of the Entrepreneurial Initiatives Division at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. "NASA will receive valuable feedback from our systems software usage."

Per the agreement, Unimodal will contribute its SkyTran vehicle, currently located at NASA Research Park, and its advanced transportation technology; NASA will provide its Plan Execution Interchange Language (PLEXIL) and Universal Executive (UE) software to control the vehicle.

In the future, SkyTran will use small vehicles running on elevated, magnetically levitated (maglev) guideways, which distinguishes it from other railed systems.

The vehicles are lightweight, personal compartments that can transport up to three passengers. Travelers board the pod-like vehicles and type their destinations into a small computer. Using intelligent control system software, SkyTran will run non-stop point-to-point service without interrupting the flow of traffic.

These vehicles will eventually travel up to 150 mph and move 14,000 people per hour, both locally and regionally. SkyTran will serve as a feeder system to other transit systems, such as BART and high-speed rail.

"SkyTran's personal rapid transit has generated serious interest with local, regional and state transportation leaders who are considering funding the building of the Unimodal maglev PRT system in the NASA Research Park," said Michael Marlaire, director of NASA Research Park at Ames.

"This construction and new R and D partnership may usher a new 'green' technology maglev PRT system into Silicon Valley."

"We're working with NASA and aerospace engineers to ensure aerospace-level standards that exceed the safety records of current transportation systems," explained Christopher Perkins, chief executive officer of Unimodal Systems, LLC, based in NASA Research Park.

Both organizations will mutually benefit. NASA will receive feedback on its software's usefulness in ground-based propulsion systems, while Unimodal will develop a transportation system designed to eliminate traffic congestion, mitigate greenhouse gases and reduce dependence on foreign oil.

"For cities across the nation, SkyTran will create greentech jobs and launch a new era of public-private partnerships that will make public transit affordable to install, and profitable to operate," said Perkins.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Nuovo utente: Florent Duchon � diventato membro del Hub

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Florent Duchon � diventato membro del Hub

Pubblicato da Florent Duchon

China To Begin Construction Of Orbital Space Station In 2020

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:24:49 GMT

Beijing, China (RIA Novosti) Sep 01, 2009

China will begin the construction of its own orbital space station in 2020, the Sina news service said on Monday, citing a top official with the country's manned spaceflight program.

Gu Yidong said that China would sent two or three space labs into orbit in 2010-2015, while the basic module of the space station is to be orbited by 2020.

The spacecrafts will "form the basic orbital complex of the Chinese space station" when docked together, he said.

According to earlier Chinese media reports, China plans to send a manned mission to the Moon by 2030 and subsequently build a lunar base to send missions to other planets in the Solar System, such as Mars.

By 2050, China plans to develop and launch a research probe to space bodies outside the Solar System.

A Chinese astronaut conducted the country's first spacewalk last September, making China the third country in the world after Russia and the United States to send a man into open space.

Source: RIA Novosti

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

China-Launched Indonesian Satellite Fails To Enter Orbit

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:24:23 GMT

Xichang, China (XNA) Sep 01, 2009

Indonesian communications satellite Palapa D failed to enter a preset orbit after being launched at 5:28 pm Monday at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China.

The satellite was launched atop a Chinese-made Long March 3B rocket.

The first and second stages of the rocket entered space normally, but the third stage failed during a second-time ignition. Experts are investigating.

The Palapa D satellite, owned by Indonesian satellite communications company Indosat, would have provided satellite links and broadcasting services for Indonesia and other southeastern Asian nations.

Indosat ordered the Palapa D satellite from the French company ThalesAlenia Space in 2007.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

ISRO Aims For Mars Mission By 2013-2015

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:23:57 GMT

Panaji, India (PTI) Sep 01, 2009

India's mission to Mars will take place between 2013-2015, Indian Space Research Organisation chief G Madhavan Nair said on Monday. "We have given a call for proposal to different scientific communities. Depending on the type of experiments they propose, we will be able to plan the mission," he said.

The mission is at conceptual stage and will be taken up after Chandrayaan-2, Nair said.

"Once in two years you get an opportunity for the mission," Nair said.

ISRO Chairman is in Goa to host the eighth international conference on low cost planetary missions.

He said that like Chandrayaan-1, which had cost less than 100 million dollars, the mission on Mars will also be low cost space odyssey.

On Saturday, ISRO's scientists and engineers, who had slogged over the country's first moon mission Chandrayaan-1 had lost radio contact with the spacecraft orbiting about 200 km above the moon's surface.

Data from Chandrayaan-1's last orbit was transmitted until 12.25am on Saturday to the Indian Deep Space Network at Byalalu near Bangalore.

Though Chandrayaan-1 was slated to be a two-year mission, ISRO chairman Madhavan Nair had said that nearly 95% of Chandrayaan's scientific goals had already been accomplished in less than a year.

Source: Press Trust of India

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

US shuttle Discovery docks with space station

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:23:35 GMT

Washington (AFP) Aug 31, 2009

The US shuttle Discovery made a textbook docking Sunday with the International Space Station where a total of 13 astronauts now begin nine days together improving and supplying the orbiting outpost.

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration confirmed the docking procedure, which occurred at 0054 GMT, about 10 minutes ahead of schedule.

Commander Rick Sturckow guided the shuttle to a "smooth-as-silk" mating of the two vessels some 225 miles (360 kilometers) above the Atlantic Ocean, said a commentator on NASA TV.

"Both vehicles at free drift, all thrusts disabled," he added.

Following the link-up, the crews opened hatches between the two spacecraft and greeted each other in a traditional welcoming ceremony.

Earlier, as the shuttle sped toward the ISS, the astronauts conducted a routine inspection of Discovery's heat shield by maneuvering a sensor on a robotic arm to look for possible damage.

Then a more comprehensive inspection was performed ahead of the docking with the ISS, with Sturckow guiding Discovery into a slow-motion backflip that allowed the station's crew to snap hundreds of digital photographs of the heat shield from some 600 feet (185 meters) away to look for any damage that may have occurred during liftoff.

The inspections have been taking place on every shuttle mission since heat shield damage caused Columbia to explode as it returned to Earth in 2003, killing its seven astronauts.

Discovery's seven astronauts -- including one Swede -- are delivering equipment for a new bedroom, a treadmill, a freezer, food and other supplies.

They will also be dropping off the newest member of the ISS team -- US astronaut Nicole Stott, who will be taking over from engineer and fellow American Tim Kopra.

Kopra has been aboard the orbiting laboratory since July and is returning to Earth with the shuttle.

Discovery began its latest journey with the failure of one of two small steering jets that flank the orbiter nose after a leak, but NASA said the loss would have no impact on the shuttle's flight

or return to Earth.

The crew will close a manifold to isolate both jets and disable them from use for the remainder of the mission, said the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Discovery blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Friday after its launch was delayed three times by bad weather and a valve problem.

The crew will be delivering to the station 6.8 tonnes of cargo transported in a pressurized module called Leonardo that was built by the Italian space agency.

Two astronauts from the team are scheduled to conduct three spacewalks of six-and-a-half hours each during the 13-day mission, the fourth of five planned for the shuttle program this year. The last is scheduled for November.

One of the key goals of the spacewalks is the replacement of an old liquid ammonia tank, which will be substituted with a new 800-kilogram (1,760-pound) replacement. The substance is used as a coolant.

The astronauts will also be retrieving experiment equipment from the exterior of the ISS and returning it to Earth for processing.

The freezer being delivered will store samples of blood, urine and other materials that will eventually be taken back to Earth for study on the effects of zero-gravity.

The COLBERT treadmill, named after popular US comedy talkshow host Stephen Colbert, will be the second aboard the ISS. Exercise is key for astronauts spending long periods of time in space, where zero-gravity can result in muscle atrophy.

The mission will be the 128th for the space shuttle program, and the 30th mission to the ISS.

Once the Discovery mission is complete, just six more shuttle flights remain before NASA's three shuttles are retired in September next year.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

NASA calls off Discovery launch

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:02:57 GMT

Cape Canaveral, Florida (AFP) Aug 25, 2009

A ruptured hydrogen valve found while fueling the shuttle Discovery led NASA to postpone a launch planned for Wednesday -- the second to be scrapped in 24 hours.

An agency spokesman said Tuesday that fixing the broken valve, discovered while filling the shuttle's external fuel tank, would push back the launch at least 48 hours.

"At this point we don't know when the next attempt will be," said NASA spokesman Allard Beutel.

Officials said a press conference to discuss the US space agency's revised launch plans was likely later Tuesday.

NASA had begun refilling Discovery's fuel tank in preparation for a second liftoff attempt, when the decision to call of the launch was made. The space agency scrapped a first launch attempt late Monday due to thunderstorms.

The delays were a reminder of turbulence that surrounded the previous shuttle mission aboard the space shuttle Endeavour, which was postponed five times by weather woes and technical glitches.

The Discovery crew is scheduled to conduct three spacewalks of six and a half hours each during the mission.

A key task during the spacewalks will be to replace an old liquid ammonia coolant tank, which will be substituted with a new, 1,760-pound (800-kilogram) replacement brought aboard Discovery.

The seven shuttle astronauts also will be retrieving experiment equipment from outside the ISS and returning it to Earth for processing.

The new freezer will store samples of blood, urine and other materials that will eventually be taken back for study on the effects of zero-gravity.

A treadmill named after popular US comedy talkshow host Stephen Colbert will be the second aboard the ISS. Exercise is key for astronauts spending long periods of time in space, where zero-gravity can result in muscle atrophy.

The shuttle flight is the first with two Hispanic astronauts: veteran mission specialist John "Danny" Olivas, 44, of El Paso, Texas, and rookie Jose Hernandez, 47, of Stockton, California. Veteran European astronaut Christer Fuglesang, 52, of Sweden, is also among the crew.

Once the Discovery mission is complete, just six more shuttle flights remain before NASA's three shuttles are retired in September 2010.

The ISS is a project jointly run by 16 countries at a cost of 100 billion dollars -- largely financed by the United States.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

Soyuz launch from French Guiana delayed

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:01:39 GMT

Moscow (AFP) Aug 25, 2009

The first launch of a Russian Soyuz rocket from the European Space Agency base at Kourou in French Guiana has been postponed until April 2010, Russia's Progress space programme said Tuesday.

The postponement is due to a delay "linked to a mobile launch pad," the Itar-Tass news agency quoted Progress director Alexander Kirilin as saying.

The first launch of a Soyuz in cooperation with the European Space Agency was initially scheduled for the end of 2009 and had already been postponed once to January 2010.

The move to French Guiana, an overseas department of France located on the north coast of South America, is a major step for Russia, which has mostly relied on the Baikonur launch pad in Kazakhstan.

French Guiana's closeness to the equator allows heavier payloads as launches can gain extra momentum from the Earth's own spinning motion. The Soyuz rockets will be able to carry three tonnes instead of the usual 1.7 tonnes.

The head of the Russian space agency said Tuesday that Russia would more than double the number of civilian satellites in orbit by 2015, RIA Novosti reported.

Roscosmos chief Vitaly Davydov said there were currently 50 such satellites in orbit.

"That figure should more than double before 2015," the news agency quoted Davydov as saying.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

ISRO Announces Launch Of Oceansat-2 In September

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:01:16 GMT

Coimbatore, India (PTI) Aug 26, 2009

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch Oceansat-2, a unique integrated satellite to track marine life and identify potential fishing zones in September.

This was disclosed by Y V N Krishnamurthy, Director of ISRO's Regional Remote Sensing Service Centre here on Monday.

The integration of the satellite, designed to identify potential fishing zones, assists in forecasting marine trends and coastal zone studies will also provide inputs for weather forecasting and climate studies.

Krishnamurthy said that all pre-launch tests on the functional aspects of the satellite have been successfully completed.

"We are launching a satellite called Oceansat-2 based on the ocean colour and the wind vectors. This scatterometer, which gives us, the wind vectors will provide information on where the fish potential zones are and how these are moving. In a dynamic situation also, the fishermen can get the advisories from the remote sensing information," he added.

Oceansat-2 would blast off on board India's indigenous workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota located on the Indian east coast.

This satellite will be an in-orbit replacement to Oceansat-1, which was launched by ISRO in May 1999 to study physical and biological aspects of oceanography.

Oceansat-2 would carry an Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) and a Ku-band pencil beam Scatterometer - for the first time, besides a Radio Occultation Sounder for Atmospheric Studies (ROSA). (ANI)

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

University Builds First All-Swiss Satellite

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:00:53 GMT

Lausanne, Switzerland (SPX) Aug 26, 2009

Students here have built the first all-Swiss cube satellite to study the upper atmosphere and test low-cost positioning system and have turned to ISRO to put it in orbit.

Built by students at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), the 10x10x10 cm Cubesat - named as the SwissCube - weighs less than a kilogram and is equipped with a mini telescope besides over 1,000 components.

Initially, the satellite was to be launched by an European rocket which ran into delays prompting EPFL to opt for ISRO which offered a "reasonable" deal.

The satellite is designed to take photos of the "airglow" - the faint bands of green and mauve light caused by high-energy radiation from the sun colliding with atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere.

"SwissCube was delivered to ISRO earlier this month and would be launched by its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) - C14 next month," senior EPFL scientist Anton Ivanov told a group of visiting Indian journalists here.

SwissCube is not only small in size, but also low cost, having been put together from commercially available parts.

"The entire project, including the launch fee, cost us 300,000 euros and a major portion was spent on allowances to students who worked after completing their semesters," Muriel Noca, project manager of SwissCube said.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

NASA begins filling Discovery's external fuel tank

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:03:55 GMT

Cape Canaveral, Florida (AFP) Aug 24, 2009

NASA on Monday began filling the external fuel tank of the shuttle Discovery, one day before it blasts off toward the International Space Station carrying a crew of seven astronauts.

As space officials prepared for Tuesday's launch, they said they saw nothing worrisome at this time that would lead to a delay.

"Everything looks normal. There is no technical issue to report," said NASA spokesman George Diller.

Mission officials said there is an 80 percent chance of launch-friendly meteorological conditions, although there is a slight risk of thunderstorms and lightning within an eight-kilometer (five-mile) area of the launchpad.

Discovery's liftoff is set for 0136 am (0536 GMT) Tuesday from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The task of filling the enormous reservoir, which got underway about 10 minutes late, was to be completed at 7:15 pm (23H15 GMT), US space officials said. The space vehicle's external fuel tank was being filled with nearly two million liters of liquid hydrogen and oxygen.

Discovery is to deliver equipment for a new bedroom, a treadmill, a freezer, food and other supplies. It will also be dropping off the newest member of the ISS team -- US astronaut Nicole Stott.

Stott will be taking over from engineer and fellow American Tim Kopra, who has been aboard the ISS since July and is returning to Earth with the Discovery.

The Discovery crew, led by astronaut Rick Sturckow, will be delivering 6.8 tonnes of cargo transported in a pressurized module called Leonardo that was built by the Italian space agency.

Two astronauts from the team are scheduled to conduct three spacewalks of six and a half hours each during the 13-day mission, which is the fourth of five planned for the shuttle this year. The last is scheduled for November.

One of the key goals of the space walks is the replacement of an old liquid ammonia tank, which will be substituted with a new 800 kilogram replacement brought from Earth aboard the Discovery. The substance is used as a coolant.

The astronauts will also be retrieving experiment equipment from the outside of the ISS and returning it to Earth for processing.

The new freezer will store samples of blood, urine and other materials that will eventually be taken back to Earth for study on the effects of zero-gravity.

Among the seven-member crew is veteran European astronaut Christer Fugglesang, 52, of Sweden.

The shuttle flight also is the first with two Hispanic astronauts: veteran mission specialist John "Danny" Olivas, 44, of El Paso, Texas, and rookie Jose Hernandez, 47, of Stockton, California.

Hernandez will provide bilingual Twitter updates from space, via Twitter.com.

The mission will be the 128th for the space shuttle program, and the 30th mission to the ISS.

Once the Discovery mission is complete, just six more shuttle flights remain before NASA's three shuttles are retired in September 2010.

The International Space Station is a project jointly run by 16 countries at a cost of 100 billion dollars -- largely financed by the United States.

Pubblicato da Jean-Fran�ois LINTANFF

NASA begins filling Discovery's external fuel tank

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:35:41 GMT