Tag: Gateway
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NASA evaluates EM-2 launch options for Deep Space Gateway PPE
While NASA engages spacecraft industry help in studying concepts for design, development, test, and evaluation of the Power Propulsion Element (PPE), it is also studying where the anchor component of the proposed Deep Space Gateway (DSG) would orbit the Moon and how it would get there when launched as a part of Exploration Mission-2 (EM-2).…
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SLS EM-1 & -2 launch dates realign; EM-3 gains notional mission outline
Following a series of issues over the last year with the Core Stage for the first flight of the Space Launch System rocket, the launch dates for both the EM-1 and EM-2 flights are beginning to align, with EM-1 now targeting No Earlier Than 15 December 2019 and EM-2 following on 1 June 2022. Additionally,…
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ASAP on board with NASA’s DSG as stepping stone to Mars
NASA’s major push towards building a new outpost near the Moon has received encouraging words from its key safety advisory body. NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) was told the build up of the outpost in the 2020s represented an ambitious, forward-looking and credible plan that has both agency and political support. DSG: NASA has been…
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Gaia arrives at its destination – Lagrange points hold future possibilities
Europe’s galactic survey spacecraft, Gaia, recently arrived at its deep space location, ahead of conducting its primary mission of observing one billion stars. Gaia is now in a location known as Lagrange point 2 (L2), one of a number of destinations of interest for a number of future spacecraft, from JWST through to the potential “Gateway”…
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New SLS mission options explored via new Large Upper Stage
As NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket continues toward its initial debut in 2017, a Boeing proposal for a new Large Upper Stage for the rocket would see SLS gain the ability to perform more complex, long-range missions in a more cost-effective manner. New missions for SLS: As previously reported by NASASpaceflight.com, Boeing has brought…
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Boeing discusses use of SLS for robust lunar program
As the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket continues development for its debut mission in December 2017, the Boeing company has identified several exploration architectures that would be enabled by the superior capability of the Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLV) – ranging from missions to the Moon, through to expeditions to Mars. SLS architecture paves the way for human return to…
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NASA teams evaluating ISS-built Exploration Platform roadmap
NASA’s Human Architecture Team (HAT) are coming to the conclusion of their support activity phase for what could be the major focal point for exploring deep space destinations. The Exploration Gateway/Platform – constructed from international modules at the ISS, before being deployed to EML2 – would see greater involvement from “existing launchers” in building the…
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Asteroid mission planning continues as NEEMO 16 selects an international crew
NASA, ESA and JAXA astronauts will all be involved in the upcoming NEEMO 16 (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations) mission. The asteroid training mission – set to take place near the Florida coastline in June – comes at a time NASA managers continue to refine their deep space plans. Missions To An Asteroid: The underwater training exercises are staged…
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Boeing outlines new modules/technologies for Near Earth Asteroid missions
As NASA continues the early development phase of its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, contract companies of the U.S. space agency continue their push for new and innovative technologies – including Radiation Storm Shelters, Deep Space Habitats, and Solar Electric Propulsion – to be used as humankind pushes beyond the confines of planet Earth toward…
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Aerojet cite Solar Electric Propulsion as an enabler for an Exploration Gateway
Aerojet – famous for being a key element of numerous launch vehicle and satellite propulsion systems – believe their Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) technology can be positively applied to an Exploration Gateway Platform – which has been touted as a potential – and often favored – approach in NASA’s ongoing studies into a long-term exploration…