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

India Claims it has the Capability to Send Spacecraft to Mars

In an article released today, The Economic Times reported that India now has the capability to send a spacecraft to Mars. The mission will cost approximately Rs 500 crore. The Minister of the State in the Prime Minister's office, Prithviraj Chavan said sending a spacecraft to Mars will help them to understand the evolution of the planet. They want to study the atmosphere and the ionosphere. It would also help in studying dust storms, magnetic field and the plasma environment surrounding Mars, surface topography, interaction of solar radiation and particles with the Red Planet, composition, and distribution of water and ice. In the ensuing months, the world will see if India truly has this capability.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

This has nothing to do with international issues and Mars but it is very interesting and funny. SpaceRef created a fake NASA memo written by Mike "Grinch" Griffin highlighting his "Twelve Days of Christmas and the Vision for Space Exploration." Click here if you want a good laugh. 

China Youth Mars Movement

In an effort to raise Mars awareness, China has partnered with ASU to put together a contest to raise student understanding and interest in Mars exploration. Students must race against the clock to build models of the first human outpost on Mars using nothing but materials that can be purchased at the dollar store. China is currently hosting the finals and the top 15 students will be flown to ASU and join 15 American students in a 10 day hands on learning session at ASU's Mars Space Flight Facility in the School of Earth and Space Exploration. For more information on this summit click here. 

China/Russia Cooperation?

China will launch its first Mars probe and it is scheduled to be launched on top of a Russian rocket by 2009. The probe should reach Mars by 2010 and resembles a weather orbiter that has two solar panels on either side of a cubic shape. This probe will be equipped with 7 scientific devices. 

Who would have thought a few decades ago that China and Russia would be combining resources and traveling to Mars? 

U.S. to lose Mars race by 10 years?

Every time I see that the U.S. is not planning to send humans to Mars for over 23 years, I can't help but wonder what is taking so long... haven't they been working on this idea for years already? Anyways, I guess I'm no expert on this and they do have a lot to figure out. But according to this article, Russia's recent experiments on human spaceflight and prolonged isolation in preparation for a Mars trip are part of a coordinated international effort to send humans to Mars by the year 2020. I plan to try to find something else out about this, although I wasn't able to find much information other than this article. If it's true, how is it that Europe/SE Asia can work together to get people to Mars by 2020 and it's going to take the US until 2030? And if the cost is to high to send humans to Mars, why isn't the US collaborating more with other countries?

YouTube and Mars

In addition to my last post I just thought that I should point out that a question about the exploration of Mars was asked during the November 28th Republican YouTube debate. It appeared that none of the frontrunners wanted to take a clear stand on the issue but Governor Huckabee had some interesting insight. If you want to read the transcript click here. 

Presidential Candidates Not Interested

So far the issue of space exploration has garnered very little debate among the presidential hopefuls. To date Hilary Clinton is the only person who has come out with a clear stance on the issue. Below is a very basic look at some of the candidates positions:

Hilary Clinton: Has outlined the need for a "robust" program. 

Barack Obama: Not that excited about NASA's current efforts to build spacecrafts. 

John McCain: No stated position.

Rudy Giuliani: "I am not sure anything is out there on this project."

Mitt Romney: Supports Bush's vision

John Edward: The program needs balance between space and aeronautics programs.

If you want to read more on their positions click here. 

Russians readying for Mars

The Russians are performing experiments and tests in preparation for sending a space crew to Mars. They are preparing to conduct a full scale simulation in which 6 crew members (2 Europeans and 4 Russians) will live as if they were traveling to Mars. The final simulation will last from 520-700 days during which the members will conduct their daily lives in accordance to how they would in an actual trip to Mars. They will experience "space flight" conditions, use tools and equipment, and follow strict diets and exercise routines. Their simulation is titled Mars-500.

http://www.marsdaily.com/reports/Russia_Conducts_First_Experiment_In_Preparation_For_Mars_500_999.html