India Delays Human Space Launch
After promising the world that India would become a space power by 2015, it looks as if the world’s largest democracy is now scheduling its first human encounter with the stars by 2017.
India has aspirations to establish a lunar colony in the future as well, and has even proposed teaming up with Japan as well as Russia to help achieve their space goals.
Hopefully the land of a billion people will be able to to meet its timeline within seven years, as any further delay could result in India ceding dominance to China (who currently reigns as the space king in the east).
(via Spaceports)
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Mystery Chinese Space Stations?
As any regular space geek would inform you, America’s favorite frenemy China is envisioning space stations orbiting our home world in the future.
The question everyone is asking however is when are they going to launch it–and will it be friendly?
(Space Daily) We could be less than a year away from the launch of Tiangong-1, China’s first space laboratory. We’ve been expecting this launch for years, but relatively little is still known about this mission. [...]
What do we know for sure? Tiangong seems to consist of a short, cylindrical pressurized module, with not much more internal volume for the crew than a Shenzhou spacecraft. To the rear of this is a service module, containing two solar panel wings, a propulsion system and other gear. The service module has a slightly smaller diameter than the pressurized module.
Although we can guestimate the overall specs of China’s upcoming space station, we probably still do not know whether the new Chinese space station will be friendly or unfriendly (i.e. militaristic or challenging in nature).
China has made incredible strides in space in their attempt to catch up the NASA (as well as the Russians).
But until America can determine China’s overall purpose for embracing the stars, we may see a more confrontational approach later on–which could potentially translate into a second global space race. 
(Image Credit: NASA)
Read MoreRussia To Mars: Lets Go Nuclear!
It looks like the nation that pioneered the path the final frontier may help push humanity forward once again–plus or minus a “little” risk.
(Mars Daily) Since current rocket technologies are not sufficient for the future exploration of Mars and the whole Solar system, and since no alternative energy resources have been found as of now, the only possible way to implement those projects would be by using nuclear energy, [Vitaly] Lopota[, President and Chief Designer of Russia's Energia Aerospace Corporation] said at an academic conference on aerospace.
While nuclear rockets may be the most practical way to reach Mars, it may also set off a dangerous precedent as unstable nations (like Iran) may seek nuclear options as a way to transport their astronauts to Mars (and beyond).
Either way it may be the necessary step to help humanity embrace the heavens above, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Russia choose this path (despite the controversy).
Read MoreThe Future Of Space Lies East: Chinese Space Stations Vs America's Timid Nature
(Image: a model of the Chinese space station at the Chinese Pavilion, Hannover Expo. Credit: © Mark Wade of Astronautix.com)
With the release of the Augustine Report not too long ago, there has been a flurry of outcry regarding the future of humanity, most notably from the Mars Society.
While some may lament the fall of the western space age (thanks in part to the Great Depression 2.0), others may have to look east for a new hope (pun intended).
(Space Daily) 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 fact that China is building a space station is hardly surprising, seeing as they are not exactly allowed on the International Space Station (due to political/security reasons).
However China’s heavenly ascent is in direct contrast to what is happening in the west, as NASA is (once again) being neutered by its bureaucratic overlords.
(Physorg.com) Five years ago, then-President George W. Bush proposed returning astronauts to the moon by 2020. To pay for it, he planned on retiring the shuttle next year and shutting down the international space station in 2015. [...]
The panel also said the space shuttle should continue flying until early 2011 to finish all its space station work and that it can’t realistically retire by Oct. 1, 2010 as the Bush administration planned.
The panel called “unwise” the Bush plan to shut down the space station in 2015 and steer it into the ocean, after 25 years of construction and only five years of fully operational life. The space station’s life should be extended, the panel said.
Note: Emphasis mine
Instead of the US canceling the International Space Station (especially with cheaper and safer models coming from the private sector), our glorious government is content to spend more money ensuring that we encircle the globe for the next few decades.
While NASA does have ambitious goals of eventually establishing a moon base, it can not do that without sacrificing the “fat,” and seems more concerned with offending international partners than advancing into the heavens beyond.
NASA’s hope may lie in partnering with the private sector, but unless they receive greater backing from their political superiors, the future citizens of the solar system may be reading space history in Chinese rather than English.
Read MoreWhy Japan Needs To Embrace Human Spaceflight
(Hat Tip: Hobby Space)
Earlier this month, the land of the rising sun decided to reverse its robotic space policy and actually embrace the idea of sending flesh and blood to explore the heavens above.
(Mainichi Daily News) The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) wants “to have the technology for independent manned missions,” President Keiji Tachikawa announced last month, in a reversal of Japan’s policy against manned space exploration.
The plan on manned space missions was due to be mentioned in a meeting of an expert panel at the government’s space development strategy headquarters on Friday. While not setting any specific time frame, it does call for a review of current policy on manned space missions as part of plans for the proposed Space Solar Power System (SSPS), and a future manned mission to the moon.
This is a smart (although late) move for Japan, who had to watch as their rival China conducted its first spacewalk (establishing the Asian giant as the dominant space power).
Although Japan has successfully launched a satellite around the Moon (in HD nonetheless), they need to place more emphasis on sending their own citizens into space, especially now that China is intent on building a military space station by the end of next year.
Unlike their silicon beasts that roam the heavens above, a human presence will help the Japanese establish a public claim to outer space (as robots can always be blasted out of the sky without raising too much public outrage).
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Why A NASA-Pentagon Merger Would Help (And Hurt) America
(Hat Tip: Tales of the Heliosphere and AstroEngine, Image Credit: ExDream.com)
Rumor has it that President Elect Barack Obama’s transition team is seriously considering “tearing down the walls” that prevents the Pentagon from working with NASA.
(Bloomberg) President-elect Barack Obama will probably tear down long-standing barriers between the U.S.’s civilian and military space programs to speed up a mission to the moon amid the prospect of a new space race with China.
Obama’s transition team is considering a collaboration between the Defense Department and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration because military rockets may be cheaper and ready sooner than the space agency’s planned launch vehicle, which isn’t slated to fly until 2015, according to people who’ve discussed the idea with the Obama team. [...]
“If China puts a man on the moon, that in itself isn’t necessarily a threat to the U.S.,” said Dean Cheng, a senior Asia analyst with CNA Corp., an Alexandria, Virginia-based national-security research firm. “But it would suggest that China had reached a level of proficiency in space comparable to that of the United States.”
According to Bloomberg, the Pentagon’s space budget is approximately $22 billion (which is 33% larger than NASA’s budget). By allowing both agencies to collaborate together, NASA would be able to easily retire the shuttle as well as prepare for an eventual moon landing.
This could also benefit the Pentagon as it could help encourage citizens to join a “future space force” (which would make the Pentagon very happy).
Unfortunately a marriage between civilian and military would have its draw backs as well, since an alliance between the two could alienate NASA from future space allies like India and Japan who may not be open towards partnering with foreign military agencies.
It could also change NASA’s focus from scientific exploration of the universe to a more “divide and conquer” approach (which in the long run could help the US to eventually conquer the solar system).
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India: We Want A Man On The Moon
After successfully deploying a satellite around the Moon, it looks as if the worlds largest democracy is preparing to place one of its own citizens upon Earth’s nearest neighbor.
(Moon Daily) “Sending man to moon is a very complicated mission. So, as a first step, we plan to develop an Indian spacecraft that will take astronauts across the earth and bring them back,” ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair said delivering a lecture on ‘India’s Recent Space Achievements’ here on Sunday. [...]
ISRO was also in the process of developing technologies for a manned moon mission and it would take more than six to seven years to develop those technologies, he said adding our effort is to achieve the milestone by the time the proposed next manned moon mission of USA and China materialise in 2020″.
Even though India has yet to put a man into space (note: they are planning to send their first citizen around 2015), their belated entrance could help motivate Asia as a whole, especially if they team up with the Japanese.
Currently China is the leading space power in the region, as they have already conducted a space walk, with future plans on landing a lunar rover to explore the Moon’s surface.
Only time will tell whether or not India realizes its dream among the stars–but if the nation of a billion people is successful, we may see future astronauts speaking an additional 20 plus languages (instead of just English and Chinese).
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India Gearing Up For Human Space Flight
After seeing their Asian rival conduct a space walk, it looks as if the worlds largest democracy is laying down the necessary foundation for sending Indian astronauts beyond the sky by 2015.
(Times of India) India plans to a have a new launch pad to undertake its proposed human space flight (manned mission) programme, ISRO officials said.
A project report on the human space flight is ready and is awaiting final approval from the government, Director of Satish Dawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, M P Dathan said.
Despite being far behind both China and Japan, India is determined to establish their presence beyond the heavens, and is even willing to court the private sector in its attempts at catching up.
Hopefully India will consider extending its ambitions lunar side, as launching men and women into space may not guarantee ones status as a space power.
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China To World: Let Us Instruct You On The Art Of Space
Right after successfully completing a spacewalk, it looks as if the Asian giant is now offering “lessons” to interested countries seeking to train their own citizens to be astronauts.
(International Herald Tribune) Having launched consecutive successful manned space missions, China now hopes train astronauts for other nations, the head of the Chinese astronaut training program was quoted as saying on Thursday. [...]
“It was one of the center’s goals to train international astronauts in future,” Chen said.
Although China has largely gone it alone in developing its manned space program, Chen said international cooperation was an “inevitable trend in manned space flight” due to the expense and complex technology involved.
This is probably a wise move by China, who after conducting their anti-satellite test found itself with very few allies on planet Earth.
China has already cultivated deep relationships with many African nations (note: although how beneficial they are is subject to debate), and it would not be surprising to see them establish trade agreements enabling them to liftoff from launch friendly regions of the continent.
Either way this is yet another sign of China’s attempt to influence current (and future) space culture–an item that may not thrill US politicians.
Update (10/2): Inserted missing link.
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China's Space Footprint (And Why America Should Be Worried)
Despite the fact that the United States is the leading space power (at least in this solar system), it looks like they may now have some serious competition from China, who recently was able to complete their first space walk (a feat that very few nations have achieved).
(Video: China’s first space walk, Hat Tip: Spaceports)
Even though the Asian giant has a long ways to go (technology wise) in order to catch up with both Russia and the United States, China is already gazing further upward towards a terrestrial body once grazed by American footprints.
(Space.com) “We still do not have an exact timetable for a manned mission to the moon, but I believe a Chinese (astronaut) will set foot on the moon in the not too distant future,” an unnamed official told the Communist Party newspaper the People’s Daily after the mission landed.
Wang Zhaoyao, spokesman for the manned space program, told reporters Sunday that it is “necessary” for China to put a man on the moon, the Agence France-Presse news service reported.
“We believe that as long as we can make further progress in science and technology, we can achieve the dream of a manned space flight to the moon in the near future,” he said.
Despite the fact that China is in no position to currently challenge the United States for space supremacy, their future is looking a little brighter than their western friend, as the US is facing a financial crisis that could potentially derail NASA’s attempts at establishing a lunar base in the not so distant future.
To make matters even more interesting, a few analysts expect China’s economy to surpass the United States by 2035 (if not sooner), which will give them a financial advantage in not only creating outposts on the Moon, but harvesting the helium-3 within its soil.
America’s only hope for solar dominance may lie in NASA and NewSpace teaming up for the final frontier, which (thankfully) is a concept that is quickly becoming a reality (hat tip: Space Transport News).
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Russia And China: A Future Alliance In The Making?
After declaring their support for Cuba’s space center, the former Soviet Union is now planning on helping China conduct its first space walk.
(RIA Novosti) Russian experts will have a role in overseeing the upcoming mission of Chinese astronauts, which will include China’s first spacewalk, a spokesman for country’s manned space program said Wednesday.
The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft with three astronauts on board is scheduled to launch Thursday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu province, in the northwest of China. [...]
“We are also grateful to Russia for its active cooperation in the training of astronauts,” the spokesman said, adding that good opportunities were opening up for further partnership.
With Russia facing isolation from NASA over its conflict with Georgia, the former Soviet empire is probably attempting to strengthen its position as a space power, while at the same time ensuring that it has a dedicated partner to help take them beyond the sky.
China is probably warming up to the idea (as going alone can be rough), as an agreement between the two could help form a counterweight against America’s, who has been less than thrilled about partnering with the Asian giant ever since the Anti-Satellite Test (aka ASAT).
Either way, this alliance could help spark a future space cold war, which may ultimately motivate our species to expand off world (note: provided we do not destroy this one of course).
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Europe: Human Space Flight Is Far From Dead
After seeking out future candidates interested in becoming Europe’s next generation of astronauts, the European Space Agency has been swarmed with applications–a health sign that Europe’s quest for the stars is not only alive and well, but it is just warming up.
(Space Travel) At the close of the application phase which lasted a month, 8413 aspiring astronauts provided a medical certificate and finalised the online application form. This qualifies them for the next step in the selection process. [...]
“We now have a large number of highly qualified applicants. I am confident that we will find the outstanding individuals we are looking for. This will be ensured by the next selection steps, starting with a first round of psychological testing,” said Michel Tognini, Head of the European Astronaut Centre.
Most of the applications were from France and Germany, although to the article the vast majority of them were from men (note: where are all of the ladies?). This is a good sign for Europe, as having their own space program will help keep NASA and China competitive (and perhaps help ease tensions between the two as well).
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Video: Europe Getting Serious About Moon, Mars
Not content at watching NASA and China claim the stars for themselves, it looks as if the European Space Agency (or ESA) is seriously considering sending their own representatives to visit the surfaces of both the Moon and Mars.
(Video: ESA promoting both humans and robots for space missions. Credit: ESA)
While their recent attempts at recruiting astronauts is a start, the Europeans need to figure out a way of launching their own citizens into space.
If Europe is to inherit the vast wealth our solar system has to offer our planet, then they seriously need to consider adding humans to the equation lest they find themselves looking to the past for their glory, instead of the future.
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Is NASA Trying To Provoke A Space Race?
Despite the fact that NASA has gained additional funding for its quest towards the stars, the space agency faces an enormous problem.
With a major Presidental candidate expressing disinterest in returning humans to the Moon, and Congress against sending Americans to Mars, NASA may be attempting to spark interest in human space exploration by promoting America’s Asian rival.
(Orlando Sentinel) Aides acknowledge that Griffin — like the rest of the space community — is hoping for some kind of a “Sputnik moment,” an event capable of driving public demand for space exploration as the Soviet Union’s launch of the first satellite did 50 years ago. And recently, he has been warning that America is already falling behind China’s aggressive space program. [...]
But there is considerable question whether Griffin’s invocation of China — or even his assertion that space exploration is important to U.S. national security — will move a Congress or a public that each year seems less enthusiastic about the space program and increasingly focused on the price of war and terrorism.
While NASA’s attempt at provoking a space race may gain the attention of Congress, it will receive little support with the public. The space agency is in a different era than Apollo, and unless they outsource jobs to China, making nationalistic statements will have little effect upon the IPOD generation.
NASA’s only hope may lie in the private sector, who may be able to help the space agency reach the moon at a fraction of the cost.
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The United Kingdom May Lack Space Vision
It looks as if the British government may not have a “clear cut strategy” when it comes to the cosmos. Often known for promoting robots over humans, England seems to be slipping in the overall space race, something many observers are beginning to notice.
(BBC News) Observers say that despite having many leading space scientists and some of the best industry expertise, the UK remains a bit-part player on the international stage.
Britain’s lack of influence means that it misses out on lucrative contracts to build science instruments and spacecraft, they argue. [...]
Phil Willis MP, the committee’s chairman commented: “There is no doubt that UK space is a big success story, but there is no doubt either that we are living on past investments.”
He added: “In order to stay in the game and ahead of the game we now have to take some very hard decisions, both in research terms and in commercial terms. First of all, we need focus.
Although the United Kingdom will probably blame government funding, lack of leadership, teamwork, etc. the real problem may have to do with the absence of people in their space program.
Without the human element, exploring the heavens around us will gain little sympathy in the public arena, which can easily translate into budget cuts as the program loses importance.
If England does not seriously consider adding humans to the overall space program, they may find themselves having to depend upon foreign goodwill in order to reach the stars beyond the sky.
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China's Lunar Delay May Aid Japan
It looks as if the red dragon is having to take a breather regarding its ascent towards the lunar heavens. With China delaying its lunar orbiter for “unspecified reasons,” Japan may be in the perfect position to eclipse its Asian rival.
(Aviation Week) China’s new oxygen/hydrogen propulsion system development, needed for even more ambitious Chinese lunar missions, is also falling years behind schedule, U. S. intelligence analysts believe.
China had originally planned to launch its 5,000-lb. Chang’e lunar orbiter in April on an existing Long March booster. Beijing officials who had been touting the spring target for a year suddenly are announcing a September or October date at the earliest for their first Moon mission, as if the early spring target had never been on the books.
In contrast, the 6,600-lb. Japanese Selene lunar orbiter has been delivered to the Tanegashima Space Center for launch in early August on an increasingly important Asia-Pacific space mission.
China’s setback could easily help Japan regain its place in the Asian space as the nation has remained in China’s shadow for far too long. Although they have yet to launch a human being into space, a successful lunar mission would go a long ways towards convincing Japanese officials of the value of space, let alone a future lunar colony.
Japan has enormous potential technology wise, but if the nation of the rising sun ever desires to see their flag shine on other worlds, they will need to demonstrate an ability to not only send robots to the cosmos, but humans as well.
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In Space, Everyone Speaks Chinese
Were racing towards the sky
To be the first to build
A lunar nest so very high
The eagle arrived first
But the moon the dragon claimed
Because the eagle could not land
For one of his legs was lame
~Darnell Clayton, 2007
Although this current space race is still too early to call, China and the United States are clearly the front runners in this marathon. China has made impressive strides in its campaign to conquer the cosmos, with future plans of not only landing a lunar rover, but sending a man to the moon as well.
Over in the American corner however, the space pace seems to be slowing down. With NASA lacking the necessary funds for human exploration, they are forced to cannibalize their scientific programs in an effort to keep the vision alive.
With the current dreams of American space exploration evaporating, many have begun attacking their former space champion in an attempt to provide reason for the lack of progress in the space arena. This often results in NASA spending more energy defending itself than promoting space culture, which usually benefits the United States rivals (i.e. China) than it does the American public.
What many entrepreneurs in the emerging space industry as well as bureaucrats in NASA fail to see is that in order for our nation to reach the stars, they will have to begin to publicly cooperate with each other. Just as a lichen can not survive if one organism neglects the other, so to will the “new space” (aka emerging space industry) and NASA will fail at settling the moon if there is an unwillingness to partner with the other.
Despite the fact that NASA has the “committed” funding and a track record of returning to the moon, they lack the innovation needed to not only develop the technology to keep us on lunar soil, but to make it affordable for humanity as well. Although one could argue that New Space has the innovation as well as the passion to develop the technology, unless backed by several thrillionaires they may have trouble getting into orbit, let alone upon another world.
NASA and New Space need to realize that together that they are a team, and if they expect the US to actually visit the moon we so often look at in the sky, they need to figure out how to compliment each other instead of complaining about the other.
While NASA’s current focus of reinventing Apollo may not be the best way to visit the stars, New Space should focus on filling the gaps instead of mocking at them. NASA in turn should encourage the promotion of New Space within the governmental sphere, acting as their chief lobbyist and looking out for their best interest.
This unity is crucial for both NASA as well as New Space, as any perception of division in the public may cause some to see space as a wasted affair. This could cause both politicians and investors voting away towards seeding the heavens with our DNA and instead focus on eternal problems such as disease, hunger and poverty.
Unlike the US, China’s governmental and corporate space programs seem to flow in harmony with each other, which may lead to them conquering the moon before we do. A head start for China could translate into a head start for harvesting lunar resources which could translate into our future children having to learn Chinese because the red dragon is the dominant space empire, at least commercially.
Just as every major empire has had an influence on the “business language” of the planet (i.e. Rome with Greek, England with English) so will the future space power have influence on the solar business language. After all, it is often the victors who write the history books, and unity between NASA and New Space could spell the difference between our descendants reading space history in English, or reading it in Chinese.
Update: Apparently it seems as if I missed the carnival of space (which you can view over at Music of the Spheres). I’ll try to submit a late entry, although if it is not included in this round, I’ll submit it to the next.
Update (6/13): Corrected grammatical error. Also resubmitting post to this week’s Carnival of Space as I was unable to make it in last time.
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Borat's Kazakhstan Modernizing Army Via Space Tech
Kazakhstan, a nation made (in)famous thanks to a Hollywood film by the title of Borat, is seeking to modernize its military force using space technology.
(Ria Novosti World) Kazakhstan’s president has called for overhauling the Central Asian country’s military focusing on the introduction of space technologies Monday. [...]
“Considering Kazakhstan’s growing demands for space exploration, it is necessary to accelerate the introduction of space technologies. They are used in modern technical reconnaissance and are applied in almost all military fields, such as communications, administration, navigation and mapping,” Nazarbayev said at a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the independent Kazakhstan’s Armed Forces.
Although it is doubtful whether or not Kazakhstan will actually be able to get it’s forces off world anytime soon (unless Russia gives them a hand), it is good to see smaller nations taking a more active role within the general space race.
Despite the fact that Kazakhstan is taking a military approach, their involvement will hopefully add greater diversity amongst the heavens.
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India Seeks Military Free Space Exploration
It looks like India is reversing an earlier decision regarding weaponizing the heavens above us and is instead pursuing an exploration of the cosmos free from military influence.
(ZeeNews.com) Implying that Chinese anti-satellite missile tests had no influence on India’s space programme, President A P J Abdul Kalam has made it clear that New Delhi’s space ambitions had no military interest.
“Indian space programme has no military interest,” he said during a question-answer session at the International Space University here last night.
“It has been built to be locally relevant when globally challenging and its foundation is the quest of India and other space faring nations to use the collective wisdom of the humanity to solve the socio-economic problems of our society,” he said.
Although this is a noble stance, India may have to reverse course on this decision once the moon begins to buzz with human activity. Despite our best wishes, humanity has never been known to ever visit a land without military escorts (during or after) and the Moon will probably be no exception.
India is currently seeking to expand its influence as an upcoming space power, as evidenced by its first successful rocket launch not too long ago. If any nation were to lead the way towards peaceful exploration, India would be the one to do it as it has yet to commit the cosmic sin of shattering a satellite in ones atmosphere.
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Wish Upon A Moon, Japanese Style
With the Chinese red dragon giving even NASA a run for their money, Japan is attempting to promote space culture among its own, seeking not only to regain its lost leadership in the eastern space race, but over take its rival of a billion people.
(Chron.com) Japan’s space agency JAXA announced last week that the much-delayed SELENE probe will be launched in August aboard an H-2A rocket, the mainstay of Japan’s space program. [...]
“This mission will involve observation of the whole moon, not just parts of it,” said JAXA spokesman Satoki Kurokawa. “It is a very ambitious project.”
The mission is a stepping stone in Japan’s plan to more aggressively pursue space objectives — including a lunar landing and, possibly, manned missions in space. To raise public awareness, JAXA is conducting a “Wish Upon the Moon” campaign that allows people to send brief messages up with the orbiter.
Japan has not had as much success as their eastern brethren in regards to the space race. With problems ranging from Martian space probes going off course, to over delaying a lunar probe, the land of the rising sun does not appear too shiny lately regarding its space program.
Although one could site Japan’s problems as being financial, technical, etc., their main issue here seems to be the fact that they are attempting to overtake China by pioneering “grandiose” missions without taking the necessary baby steps first.
China is already determined to revisit the moon, (hat tip: Space For Commerce) regardless whether the US, Russia, Japan or India beat them to it. If Japan desires to actually become a space power, then they need to discover national reasons for colonizing space apart from world activities, as that will inspire their people more than “keeping up with the Joneses.”
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Love of Lunar
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Interplanetary Essays
