first human-rated spacecraft to be lauched from Europe's Spaceport

For the first time in 40 years of space activities, a silent revolution is taking place at the European launch site in Kourou. Jules Vernes, the first human-rated spacecraft to be launched from Europe's Spaceport, is being prepared for launch.The launch and maiden voyage to the International Space Station is scheduled on the first Ariane 5 flight of the new year in February 2008.

The 48 m3 pressurized module of the largest, most complex automated spacecraft ever developed in Europe has been inspected and closed, fulfilling the most stringent rules of human spaceflight.
in order to eliminate any risk of disease or contamination for the astronauts on board the ISS, we have disinfected all the surfaces inside the pressurized module with pure hydrogen peroxide.

The drinking water meets the Roscosmos standards which call for water with certain amounts of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and fluoride, and disinfection with silver obtained via electrolysis.
Once the ATV's pressurized module is closed and sealed, its air can be purged and replaced by pure synthesized air. The main purpose of this operation is to ensure that the astronauts breathe clean air, free from particles, bacteria or microbes and unaffected by off-gassing from the several tonnes of cargo.

As the year 2008 approaches, Jules Verne ATV will be transferred to the filling area in the restricted propellant zone of building S5-B. In the first days of February, the cargo vessel will be transferred to a different site for integration atop a special Ariane 5 launcher until its launch to the International Space Station later in February 2008.

Mexican Space Agency Considered

There’s discussion regarding creation of a Mexican Space Agency - or AEXA, for short. The Mexican Senate must first deliberate on the matter, before such an organization obtains legal status.

The bill for the creation of AEXA would incorporate Mexico within the international space community. Mexican Space Agency goals are several, but would include selecting technological alternatives for solving specific issues in that country. Also, information and technology obtained in all space science fields and other related arenas would be better coordinated.

Furthermore, AEXA would raise awareness regarding space matters that boost national economy, education, culture and community life in general.

The Mexican Space Agency would also work with Mexican firms to bolster the country’s competence in a host of areas, from meteorology, telecommunications, disaster prevention, and remote sensing to space robotics and exobiology.

Who's Responsibility?

The issue of Mars funding continues to be a very interesting story. Currently there are a number of politicians who are trying to stop any money being distributed to projects that are intended of human exploration. There is an interesting article that was written by Daniel Handlin of the Space Review. Handlin questions why the issue has not been dealt with by the current presidential candidates. I would highly recommended looking at this opinion piece if this story and the political ramifications are of interest to you. 

NASA Delays Launch

Today, NASA delayed the launching of the space shuttle Atlantis because a gauge in the fuel tank failed for the second time in two days. NASA delayed the launch until sometime in January with the hope of finding a way to fix the gauge. 

With only a fews days left in the launch window NASA decided to pull the plug on the launch to study the perplexing problem. This is yet another blow for the already scrutinized NASA administration. 

China to Mars

China is preparing to launch a probe to Mars in October 2009. The probe pictured below has a life span of 2 years and will first orbit Mars for a year sending back satellite images.
After a year, the probe will land on one of Mars' moons and collect soil samples to bring back to Earth. China just recently launched their first mission to the moon and does not seem to be wasting anytime launching further into space. It would be interesting to see what kind of progress could be made if there was a more united international quest to explore space. It seems that eventually as we explore further and further into space, the Earth will become smaller and it will be necessary to pool our resources.

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_To_Launch_Mars_Probe_In_2009_999.html

15 Years of Waiting

After a long 15 years of work Europe is finally ready to put their lab on the international space station. NASA's space shuttle Atlantis will takeoff from Kennedy Space Center tonight and will deliver the science lab to the space station. There were a number of road blocks that the delayed this project for the European subsidiary. If you want more information on this historic European event click here. 

10th International Mars Society Convention

The Mars Society was founded to further the exploration and settlement of the Red Planet. The International Mars Society convention presents a unique opportunity for those interested in Mars to come together and discuss the technology, science, social implications, philosophy and a multitude of other aspects of Mars exploration.

Convention information