NASA
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NASA Orders Medical Evacuation from ISS
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NASA has decided to conduct a "controlled medical evacuation" of four crew members from the International Space Station after one experienced a medical issue. The affected astronaut, part of the Crew-11 mission, is reportedly stable, but NASA is prioritizing caution by returning the entire crew to Earth earlier than planned. The Crew-11 team, which includes commander Zena Cardman, pilot Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, will return via the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. NASA emphasizes that the health and well-being of astronauts remain their highest priority, maintaining privacy about the specific medical condition. This matters because it underscores NASA's commitment to astronaut safety and the complexities involved in managing health issues in space.
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Medical Concern Delays ISS Spacewalk
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A planned spacewalk outside the International Space Station was postponed due to a "medical concern" involving a crew member, as announced by NASA. Originally scheduled for Thursday morning, astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman were set to spend six-and-a-half hours outside to prepare for the installation of new roll-out solar arrays, which are crucial for the station's electrical system upgrade before its decommissioning in 2030. While NASA emphasized the importance of medical privacy and did not disclose further details, they assured the situation is stable and will provide updates on a new date for the spacewalk. This mission was intended to be the first of two spacewalks planned for the month, with the second aimed at completing maintenance tasks. This matters because ensuring the health and safety of astronauts is crucial for the successful completion of essential upgrades and maintenance on the International Space Station, which plays a key role in ongoing space exploration and research.
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Private Equity’s Impact on Rocket Industry
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The sale of Rocketdyne's assets to private equity firm AE Industrial highlights the decline of America's traditional rocket industry, as L3Harris retains only the RS-25 engine program. The RS-25, originally the Space Shuttle Main Engine, is crucial for NASA's Artemis Moon program but comes with a hefty price tag of $100 million per engine. This high cost has led to criticism of the SLS rocket program, despite congressional support to continue it through Artemis V. AE Industrial's acquisition includes the RL10 upper stage engine production and ongoing work in various propulsion technologies, allowing L3Harris to focus on defense contracts. This shift underscores the changing landscape of the aerospace industry, where cost efficiency and innovation are increasingly prioritized.
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NASA Science Budget Secures Future Missions
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The NASA science budget is set to be approved soon, with the House of Representatives and the Senate expected to vote on the bill, and President Trump likely to sign it into effect for the current fiscal year. The Mars Sample Return mission, initially paused due to its high projected cost, will not be supported in its current form, but $110 million is allocated for the "Mars Future Missions" program, which focuses on developing critical technologies for future missions. The budget also preserves funding for other scientific endeavors, including the DAVINCI probe to Venus, a study for a Uranus orbiter, and a flagship telescope aimed at discovering signs of life on Earth-like planets. This matters because it ensures continued investment in space exploration and scientific research, maintaining NASA's competitive edge globally.
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NASA’s Starliner Incident: Safety Concerns Raised
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The NASA safety panel, led by retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Susan Helms, criticized NASA for not taking the Starliner incident seriously enough, emphasizing the importance of declaring mishaps and close calls promptly to facilitate effective investigations. Mark Sirangelo, another panel member, highlighted that early declaration allows for quicker and more effective investigative processes. During the Starliner test flight, there was confusion due to NASA's decision not to declare a mishap, with officials downplaying thruster issues and creating ambiguity about the spacecraft's safety for crew return. Ultimately, NASA decided to return the Starliner without astronauts, and the safety panel recommended revising NASA's criteria to ensure clear communication regarding in-flight mishaps or close calls affecting crew or spacecraft safety. This matters because clear safety protocols and communication are crucial for ensuring astronaut safety and mission success.