“We completed the second qualification test for the launch abort motor for NASA’s Orion Spacecraft. The motor fired for 5 seconds with a force of just under 370,000 pounds and will be used to pull the crewed capsule away from NASA’s Space Launch System in the event of an emergency on the launch pad or during ascent. The next major milestone for the motor will be the Ascent Abort-2 Flight Test (AA-2) that will take place in 2019.”
“The Space Launch System (SLS) is an American Space Shuttle-derived super heavy-lift expendable launch vehicle. It is part of NASA’s deep space exploration plans including a crewed mission to Mars. SLS follows the cancellation of the Constellation program, and is to replace the retired Space Shuttle. The NASA Authorization Act of 2010 envisions the transformation of the Constellation program’s Ares I and Ares V vehicle designs into a single launch vehicle usable for both crew and cargo, similar to the Ares IV concept. The SLS is to be the most powerful rocket ever built with a total thrust greater than that of the Saturn V, although Saturn V could carry a greater payload mass.
The SLS launch vehicle is to be upgraded over time with more powerful versions. Its initial Block 1 version is to lift a payload of 95 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO), which will be increased with the debut of Block 1B and the Exploration Upper Stage. Block 2 will replace the initial Shuttle-derived boosters with advanced boosters and is planned to have a LEO capability of more than 130 metric tons to meet the congressional requirement. These upgrades will allow the SLS to lift astronauts and hardware to destinations beyond LEO: on a circumlunar trajectory as part of Exploration Mission 1 & 2 with Block 1; to deliver elements of the Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway (LOP-G) with Block 1B; and to Mars with Block 2. The SLS will launch the Orion Crew and Service Module and may support trips to the International Space Station if necessary. SLS will use the ground operations and launch facilities at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida.”
“Scientists from NASA Goddard have discovered that not only are Saturn’s rings younger than previously thought, but also that the rings are actually disappearing at a rapid pace through a process called ring rain.”
“On December 18, 2018, the GPM satellite found extreme rainfall in Kenanga’s well-defined circular eyewall. Heaviest rainfall was found by GPM in the tropical cyclone’s southeastern quadrant, falling at a rate of over 161 mm (6.3 inches) per hour on that side of the tropical cyclone. GPM’s radar probes of Kenanga’s eastern side indicated that storm tops in that part of the tropical cyclone were reaching heights above 12.2 km (7.6 miles).”
“NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and private industry partners, Boeing and SpaceX, will make history in 2019 with the return of human spaceflight launches to the International Space Station from U.S. soil. Get ready for the rocket rumble!”
“NASA’s InSight has been busy. After landing on the Red Planet, the mission sent home pictures and sound, then placed its first instrument on the planet’s surface. Plus, find out what the Curiosity rover has been up to. “
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