Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Fwd: NASA News and JSC Today - Tuesday, November 19, 2013



Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Date: November 19, 2013 7:47:31 AM CST
To: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Subject: FW: NASA News and JSC Today - Tuesday, November 19, 2013

PAO is late today with its version of NASA news,,, so I took a snapshot from my HQ source for news and shared it below.

 

From: JSC Today [mailto:jsc-jsctoday@mail.nasa.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2013 7:26 AM
To: JSC-Today
Subject: JSC Today - Tuesday, November 19, 2013

 

 

 

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

 

JSC 2.0

JSC External Homepage

Inside JSC

JSC Events

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Category Definitions

IRIS Launch Set For Thursday

 

 

   Headlines

  1. Ready to Party Like it's 1998?

There is still time to party like it's 1998 -- when station's first element launched. Tickets are available for the International Space Station 15-year anniversary event at Space Center Houston on Nov. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m., marking this important milestone in the space station's assembly sequence. Don't miss out on this event! There will be bands, food and beverages. We will also have astronauts there to sign autographs.

Tickets are available in Buildings 3 and 11 Starport Gift Shops ($12 for adults; $7 for children 5 to 12; and FREE for children under 5).

Save the date in your calendar and CELEBRATE this amazing engineering marvel!

Event Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2013   Event Start Time:6:00 PM   Event End Time:10:00 PM
Event Location: Space Center Houston

Add to Calendar

Jennifer McCarter x47885

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  1. Impress Your Co-Workers, Go Green

JSC's Environmental Excellence Policy encourages us all to think sustainably to reach our goals. Here are a few ideas on how to make your office holiday celebrations "green" this season. You can reduce trash generation by serving on reusable platters and offering reusable or compostable flatware and silverware to guests. Make sure there is a recycling bin on hand for easy access. Reuse decorations or make them yourself. Your extra efforts to be sustainable this holiday season will start your new year off right!

JSC Environmental Office x36207 http://www6.jsc.nasa.gov/ja/ja13/index.cfm

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  1. Take the Safety & Health Day Survey

Let us know what you thought about Safety & Health Day 2.0.13 by taking just a moment to fill out our survey.

Your opinion counts!

The survey will remain open until Nov. 22.

Suprecia Franklin x37817 http://www6.jsc.nasa.gov/safety/event/SHD13/postEventSurvey_submit.asp

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  1. Free Flu Shots Wednesday, Nov. 20

 

The Occupational Health Branch "flu fighters" are providing FREE flu shots to JSC civil servants and contractors who are housed on-site Wednesday, Nov. 20, in the Building 30 lobby from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

To expedite the process, PLEASE visit the website below, read the Influenza Vaccine Information Statement and complete the consent form prior to arrival. Please wear clothing that allows easy to access your upper arm (short sleeves or sleeveless).

This is the last on-site flu shot outreach clinic planned for the 2013/2014 flu season.

Event Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2013   Event Start Time:8:00 AM   Event End Time:12:00 PM
Event Location: Building 30 Lobby

Add to Calendar

Bob Martel x38581 http://sd.jsc.nasa.gov/omoh/scripts/OccupationalMedicine/Fluprogram.aspx

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   Organizations/Social

  1. Thanksgiving Lunch in the Cafes Today

Enjoy a home-style Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings today, Nov. 19, in the Buildings 3 and 11 cafés. Entrées will include roast turkey dinner or carved smoked pit ham. Choice of three sides: peas and mushrooms, maple-glazed brussel sprouts, winter squash with cranberry and pecans, candied sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green almondine and traditional cornbread stuffing. Choose from sweet potato pie or pumpkin pie for dessert. Fountain drink or iced tea also included. All for only $7.99!

Danial Hornbuckle x30240 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/

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  1. Pecan Tasting in the Starport Café Today

Stop by the Starport table and taste our delicious Sweetwater Pecans. Available in plain halves or chopped, milk chocolate, white chocolate, crunchy praline, and roasted and salted - just $12 per pound. Get the highest-quality pecans for your favorite holiday dishes at Starport. Sample them today in the  Buildings 3 and 11 cafés.

cyndi kibby x47467

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  1. ICEAA Houston/Clear Lake Chapter Meeting

International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA)Houston/Clear Lake Luncheon with Glenn Lutz

ICEAA invited Lutz to speak with us on how cost estimating and analysis, EVM, schedule analysis, and JCL fit in the Performance Management and Integration Office at JSC; how the various tools and aspects of the program management benefit the program/NASA; and skills he looks for as a manager, as well as any trends/needs he sees for the future.

Event Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2013   Event Start Time:11:30 AM   Event End Time:1:00 PM
Event Location: Tommy's Bay Area

Add to Calendar

Krista Stroh x47451 https://www.iceaaonline.org/chapters/texas-houston/index.cfm

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  1. INCOSE Program Thursday, Nov. 21

This month's INCOSE Texas Gulf Coast Chapter program will feature a discussion by astronaut Mike Fossum on "Systems Engineering from an End User's Perspective: Do You Want to Hear About Life in a Hostile Environment, Where Your Life Depends on Systems Engineering?" Fossum is a three-time space veteran who was most recently the commander of Expedition 29. The event is open to all and will take place in the fellowship room of House of Prayer Lutheran Church (14045 Space Center Blvd., Houston,  77062 - just north of the corner of Space Center Blvd. and Clear Lake City Blvd. - across from Randall's). Networking and social time starts at 5:30 p.m., and the program begins just after 6 p.m. All are welcome. RSVP to Larry Spratlin via email or at 281-461-5218 so we can plan refreshments. See our chapter website for more information.

Larry Spratlin 281-461-5218

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  1. Grab Your Walking Shoes for JSC Wellness Walks

Looking for a convenient way to get active and have fun? If so, join us outside the Building 3 café for JSC Wellness Walks each Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m. The walks are suitable for all fitness levels and last 30 minutes.

No reservations are required. Just show up ready to have fun and get fit. Bring a friend and get fit together!

JSC Wellness Walks are led by a member of the Starport Wellness Team.

Joseph Callahan x42769 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/wellness/wellness-walks

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  1. Stop Smoking and Get a Free Personal Trainer

The American Cancer Society marks the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November each year by encouraging smokers to use the date to quit. By quitting -- even for one day -- smokers will be taking an important step toward a healthier life -- one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.

If you're ready to quit, Starport wants to support your efforts by offering you a free personal training session at the Gilruth Center. Simply stop by the Gilruth this Thursday and turn in your "last pack of cigarettes" in exchange for a session.

Replacing your tobacco use with physical activity will reduce your cancer risk and help make the JSC community a healthier place to work.

Joseph Callahan x42769

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  1. Shoot & Shop Basketball Camp

Shoot-and-shop campers will enjoy a fun-filled day of hoops with basketball coach Tim Glover while mom and dad use this time to finish all of their holiday shopping! 

Robert Vaughn x38049 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/familyyouth-programs/sports-ca...

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  1. Starport Fall Break Camp: $75 Special

Starport Fall Break Camp is three weeks away! If you're looking for a fun, convenient and familiar place for your children to go for the school break, look no further. NASA Starport camps at the Gilruth Center are the perfect place. We plan to keep your children active and entertained with games, crafts, sports and all types of fun activities!

Register between now and Friday, Nov. 22, and only pay $75 for all days.

Dates: Nov. 25 to 27

Time: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ages: 6 to 12

Cost: $75 all days|$40 per day

Registration is now open at the Gilruth Center.

Shericka Phillips x35563 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/familyyouth-programs/youth-day...

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  1. Breakfast with Santa - Register Now for Your Spot

Santa Claus is coming to town and making a stop at the Gilruth Center! Enjoy breakfast with Santa in the Alamo Ballroom from 9 to 11 a.m. on Dec. 7. Your child will have the opportunity to sit on Santa's lap to give him their wish list, have their picture taken and receive a special gift!

Fees are $10/child and $15/adult if purchased on or before Nov. 30. Register for this event at the Gilruth Center or online. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Don't miss out on this special event.

More information can be found here.

Event Date: Saturday, December 7, 2013   Event Start Time:9:00 AM   Event End Time:11:00 AM
Event Location: Gilruth Center

Add to Calendar

Shelly Haralson x39168 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/

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   Jobs and Training

  1. Healthy Financial Decisions - You've Got Choices

Financial issues are complicated enough -- never mind the additional difficulty of determining where to go for accurate and reliable information. Do you recall who taught you about personal financial planning? And who taught them? English and math are required in school, but some of the most important elements in our lives are not part of our school programs.

Join Exploration Wellness for a Financial Transitions class in December (two sessions).

Topics include:

    • Preparing for transitions
    • Emergency cash
    • Budget alignment
    • Debt management
    • And more

Complimentary counseling is available to all employees, even if you are unable to attend a class. Please see the link below for details and registration.

Details and registration link.

Event Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2013   Event Start Time:11:00 AM   Event End Time:1:00 PM
Event Location: B12, RM 152/154

Add to Calendar

Nicole Hernandez x37894 http://jscsep2013.eventbrite.com/

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  1. Extended TDY FedTraveler Live Lab: Nov. 20

Do you need some hands-on, personal help with FedTraveler.com? Join the Business Systems and Process Improvement Office for an Extended TDY FedTraveler Live Lab tomorrow, Nov. 20, any time between 9 a.m. and noon in Building 12, Room 142. Our help desk representatives will be available to help you work through Extended TDY travel processes and learn more about using FedTraveler during this informal workshop. Bring your current travel documents or specific questions that you have about the system and join us for some hands-on, in-person help with FedTraveler. If you'd like to sign up for this Extended TDY FedTraveler Live Lab, please log into SATERN and register. For additional information, please contact Judy Seier at x32771. To register in SATERN, please click on this SATERN direct link: https://satern.nasa.gov/learning/user/deeplink_redirect.jsp?linkId=SCHEDULED_...

Gina Clenney x39851

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  1. Introduction to I&I

Space available: Introduction to Inclusion & Innovation (I&I) on Dec. 11. Join Dr. Steve Robbins for this one-day session as he facilitates discussions around the connections between open mindedness, inclusion, creativity and innovation.

Sign up today!

https://satern.nasa.gov/learning/user/deeplink_redirect.jsp?linkId=REGISTRATI...

Class Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Registration begins at 8 a.m.)

Location: Crystal Ballroom (first floor) at the South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center (2500 South Shore Blvd., League City).

Diane Kutchinski x46490

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  1. NASA Budget: OMB's Roles and Responsibilities

Want more situational awareness of the federal budget process and how it can impact (and be impacted by) NASA and JSC programs? As part of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer subject-matter expert course series, former White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) examiner Ryan Schaefer will lead a one-hour session that helps navigate through the budget process and explain how OMB's roles and responsibilities can affect program budgets. To provide context for budgetary decisions and priorities, the course also explores other stakeholders and elements in the NASA budget landscape and how JSC inputs can support favorable outcomes. This course is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Building 45, Room 251. This session is not offered through WebEx, so please register by Dec. 3 in SATERN via the link below or by searching the catalog for the course title.

SATERN direct link: https://satern.nasa.gov/learning/user/deeplink_redirect.jsp?linkId=SCHEDULED_...

Gina Clenney x39851

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  1. Lockout/Tagout - Dec. 3; Building 20, R205/206

 

The purpose of this course is to provide employees with the standards, procedures and requirements necessary for the control of hazardous energy through lockout and tagout of energy-isolating devices. Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard 29 CFR 1910.147, "The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)," is the basis for this course. A comprehensive test will be offered at the end of the class. Use this direct link for registration: https://satern.nasa.gov/learning/user/deeplink_redirect.jsp?linkId=SCHEDULED_...

Event Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2013   Event Start Time:8:30 AM   Event End Time:11:30 AM
Event Location: Bldg. 20 Room 205/206

Add to Calendar

Shirley Robinson x41284

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   Community

  1. ISS Party Seeks Volunteers for Brief Relationship

All good birthday parties need a few people working behind the scenes, and this one is no exception.  There is an urgent need for volunteers to help staff the ISS 15th Anniversary Celebration going on at Space Center Houston (SCH) on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 5 to 10 p.m. We need a few people to help collect tickets as guests arrive at SCH, and a few people to help distribute the goodie bags to guests. 

Can you help? In exchange for volunteering, your entry into SCH will be FREE!!! What's not to love about that? To sign up, check out the event page on the V-CORPs website.  If you are already registered in V-CORPs, be sure to sign into the V-CORPs web page first, then sign up for this opportunity. Not yet a V-CORPs volunteer? It's easy to sign up - just click on the COUNT ME IN button on the V-CORPs website.

 And while you are looking at the V-CORPs home page, check out the myriad opportunities that are available for outreach! We have lots of science fairs, career days and speaking engagements that could sure use your expertise.  Be sure to check back frequently - events are added every day.

JSC External Relations, Community Relations Office x35111 https://nasajsc.secure.force.com/vcorps

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  1. Volunteers Needed to Mentor Reduced Gravity Flight

The Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program is looking for JSC scientists, engineers and technical experts of all levels who would like to advise and mentor flight teams for our 2014 program. Teams can be comprised of college undergraduate students or K to 12 teachers. Preference will be given to individuals who are currently working as scientists and engineers and are familiar with the type of experiments appropriate for reduced-gravity flight. Interested in learning more? We will offer an optional information session to interested mentors; feel free to attend one of the two available sessions. Note that the sessions are offered in different locations.

    1. Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 10 to 11 a.m. (Building 30 Auditorium)
    2. Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 3 to 4 p.m. (Building 12, Room 200)

Already know you want to participate? Click here for more details and to apply. The deadline is Nov. 27.

All interested mentors should visit V-CORPs to create an account and see all the opportunities available.

James Semple 281-792-7872 https://microgravityuniversity.jsc.nasa.gov/

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  1. High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)

HAS needs Texas high school juniors. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Nov. 21, at 5 p.m. CST.

HAS is an interactive, online experience highlighted by a six-day residential summer experience at JSC. Students will explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts and space exploration during the online experience. Students who are selected to come to JSC will continue their STEM studies with hands-on team activities while mentored by NASA engineers and scientists.

HAS is a great STEM opportunity for Texas high school juniors. For additional details, please visit the HAS website.

Stacey Welch 281-792-8223 https://has.aerospacescholars.org/

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  1. MSI Reduced Gravity Education Flight Opportunity

NASA is offering undergraduate students from minority-serving institutions an opportunity to test experiments in microgravity aboard NASA's reduced-gravity aircraft!

This opportunity is a partnership between the Minority University Research and Education Program and NASA's Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program, which gives aspiring science, technology, engineering and math professionals a chance to propose, design and fabricate a reduced-gravity experiment. Selected teams will test and evaluate their experiments aboard NASA's reduced-gravity airplane. The aircraft flies about 30 rollercoaster-like climbs and dips during experiment flights to produce periods of weightlessness and hypergravity ranging from 0 gravity (g) to 2g. All applicants must be full-time undergraduate students, U.S. citizens and at least 18 years old.

Proposals are due Dec. 4.

For more information about this program and proposal submission, click here.

For more information about the Minority University Research and Education Program, click here.

Questions about this opportunity should be emailed to: jsc-reducedgravity@nasa.gov

Sarah Gonzales x38623 https://microgravityuniversity.jsc.nasa.gov/murep/

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MAVEN Spacecraft Now On Its Way To Mars.

The AP (11/19, Dunn) reports that the MAVEN spacecraft was successfully launched on its way to Mars Monday. NASA project manager David Mitchell said, "What a Monday at the office. ... Maybe I'm not showing it, but I'm euphoric." According to the article, the "mastermind" of this mission, Bruce Jakosky of the University of Colorado at Boulder, called the launch the "first big hurdle," with the next being the insertion into Mars' orbit. NASA Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate John Grunsfeld said MAVEN's goal of understanding what happened at Mars is "part of our quest for trying to answer, 'Are we alone in the universe?' in a much broader sense." He also was noted by the article for saying that NASA wants to send people to Mars, but "considerable technology" needs to be developed first. Meanwhile, Mitchell also spoke about India's spacecraft which should arrive at Mars around the same time, saying, "It's kind of a neat race, and we wish them all the best."

 

 

 

NASA NEWS

Cassidy Helps Explain Kennedy's Legacy On New Website.

The AP (11/19, Rubinsky) reports the "An Idea Lives On" website, which opened Monday, asks the public to share their thoughts about President John F. Kennedy. The website has an "interactive video" with notable stars like NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy, discussing the "lasting impact" Kennedy had. The Kennedy Library Foundation, which is organizing the project, hopes it will help those who did not know Kennedy "comprehend" what his assassination meant at the time.

        Cassidy To Take Part In Ceremony Friday. The Boston Globe (11/19, Abel, 1.75M) reports the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum will open a new exhibit Friday to mark the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination. If will be briefly closed for a ceremony that will include astronaut Cassidy, who recently returned from the ISS.

NASA, Ukrainian Space Industry To Consider Joint Projects.

ForUm (UKR) (11/18) reports that the Ukraine is in "active dialogue" with NASA and other countries for joint space industry projects. According to an Aviation Week & Space Technology article, the deputy prime minister and the chairman of the country's space agency met with NASA Administrators Charles Bolden and Associate Administrator for International and Interagency Relations Michael O'Brian. Furthermore, Ukrainian companies Youzhmash and Youzhnoye signed a contract with NASA valued at $1.9 billion.

Zubrin: US, Russia Should Collaborate On Manned Martian Mission.

Robert Zubrin, president of the Mars Society, writes in USA Today (11/19, 5.82M) that inviting Russia to collaborate on a manned mission to Mars would neutralize those within Russian politics who advance an anti-Western agenda as well as inspire innovation in both Russia and the US. Zubrin describes the International Space Station as "a glacial bureaucratic effort, drifting without objectives," and argues that a Mars program would "capture the world's imagination." Russia's help would be a "practical move" as it adds that nation's space capacities to the effort.

Tyson Explains Motivations For Space Exploration.

The Syracuse (NY) Post-Standard (11/18, Tampone, 638K) interviewed Neil deGrasse Tyson, who is the upcoming keynote speaker at a NEXT event. Tyson believes the US would be able recreate the push into space of the 1960s if there is an external threat like the Soviet Union, as the Apollo mission was "militaristically driven." However, it was an "economic driver" as well, and another large space program could have similar benefits today. Tyson does not think another possible war is needed, though. Meanwhile, when it comes to going into space, Tyson thinks its manned, not unmanned missions that are the real drivers. While unmanned missions provide more science per dollar, the historic motivation has always involved "geopolitical" and "economic" motivations, not scientific

Nyberg's Time In Space Called A "Reminder" Of Astronaut Familial Sacrifices.

The Houston Chronicle (11/19, Berger, 2.26M) reports how astronaut Karen Nyberg's family coped while she was at the ISS these past six months. This situation is a "very real reminder" of the sacrifices astronauts make to conduct their missions. The article notes some have questioned why Nyberg would have spent so much time away from her three-year old son. Her husband, astronaut Doug Hurley, said this questions does bother Nyberg, since she does not like being "singled out" when every astronaut, man or woman, faces the same issues. Astronaut Chris Hadfield said Nyberg did a "magnificent job" in space, and overall it will be a "net positive" experience for her family because of the example she sets. Meanwhile, Nyberg said the special iPad NASA gave her son so they could video chat once per week was "definitely priceless," not to mention the shorter conversations they had on a daily basis without any lag.

        Meanwhile, the WCCO-TV Minneapolis (11/19, 6:01 a.m. ET, 56K) broadcasted the "priceless photograph" of Nyberg hugging her son now that she is back from the ISS.

        Blog Coverage. Bob Collins at the KSJR-FM Collegeville, MN (11/19, 34K) "NewsCut" blog criticizes the Houston Chronicle for the way it profiles Nyberg's choice, asking readers when a male astronaut was ever asked how he could have left his family.

CASIS Promotes ISS As Earth-Observing Platform.

Space News (11/19, Werner, Subscription Publication, 481) reports that instrument access is just one of the ways the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) is promoting the ISS as a valuable location to conduct Earth observations. Last month it issued the "Remote Sensing from the International Space Station" request for proposals. The article notes that the ISS has a "unique vantage point" in space, allowing it to gather information on locations "under various lighting conditions." CASIS Chief Operating Officer Duane Ratliff said there is a "huge market" for the ISS, especially for those undertaking mapping projects. John Horack, space systems vice president for Teledyne Brown Engineering, which is sending its MUSES Earth imaging platform to the ISS, said the station is a "cost-effective" location to increase space commercialization and increase research.

        Blog Coverage. Elizabeth Howell at Universe Today (11/19, 25K) writes the UrtheCast dual camera system is scheduled to launch to the ISS on November 25, giving the ISS the "world's first ever high definition, live-streaming video platform of planet Earth." UrtheCast co-founder Wade Larson said the cameras should be installed in December. Chief Technology Officer George Tyc said there was "a strict set of requirements" that had to be met in order to place the cameras at the ISS. Tyc added that depending on how it is received, the cameras could lead to a "shift" in public perspective by bringing a bit of what astronauts experience to people on Earth. Quartz (11/19, 296K) also notes the story.

Private Space Ventures Now Have Silicon Valley's "Risk-Taking" Attitude.

The PBS NewsHour (11/18, 7:30 p.m. ET) broadcast that the "risk-taking startup culture of Silicon Valley" is now being applied to space, as more private companies are developing projects. Venture capitalist Steve Jurvetson said Silicon Valley is the "hotbed of entrepreneurship," as exemplified by SpaceX, which sent a private rocket to the ISS. Jurvetson added that the philosophy of "failure is not an option" is one that goes against the spirit of innovation, because some risk is needed and without the chance of failure there is no innovation.

        The PBS' NewsHour (11/19, 81K) website also has the story.

        Future "Looks Promising" For Commercial Space Ventures. In an article for the Space Review (11/18), Jonathan Coopersmith of Texas A&M University wrote on his experience at the Texas Space Commercialization Workshop, where participants thought space commercialization was at an "inflection point," but they questioned what role Texas would have. Coopersmith claimed that one "sign of durable, successful commercialization" was NanoRacks' ability to launch CubeSats from the ISS using "ITAR-free rules." While representatives at the workshop presented several optimistic proposals, Coopersmith noted that optimistic proposals have been developed in the past, but those have not panned out. Still, Coopersmith things the future of commercial space "looks promising and far brighter" than it did even two years ago when he last participated in the workshop.

Space Agencies To Mark ISS Anniversary.

The Canadian Press (11/19) reports that NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, the ESA, and JAXA will mark the 15th anniversary of the ISS on Tuesday with a "worldwide wave on Twitter." A tweet will be issued ever hour on the hour for 24 hours starting at 7 p.m. under the hashtag #ISS15.

 

JSC's ISS celebration is tomorrow night at 6pm at Space Center Houston.

 

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