Res Communis

Records regarding 36 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) closed investigations, 08-January-1991 – 21- October-2008

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

Government Attic has released a document titled Records regarding 36 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) closed investigations, 08-January-1991 – 21-
October-2008. Information on the following investiigations is included:

1. Dart Hazmat – Ames Research Center, January 5, 2007
2. Bird Strike Safety Precautions at KSC (Kennedy Space Center), April 23, 2007
3. Recovery of Suspected NASA Manned Space Program Property, Langley Research Center, May 23, 3007
4. Sale of Flown Items by NASA Civil Servant, Johnson Space Center, May 24, 2007
5. Sale of NASA Equipment by Sotheby’s (Eisele’s Omega Watch), June 12, 2007
6. NASA OIG investigation of the Hubble Space Telescope primary mirror (I-GO-90-259), January 8, 1991
7. Anomalies on the GOES-R Program, Goddard Space Flight Center, June 6, 2008
8. Concerns Involving COTS and ISS Contracts, NASA Headquarters, June 17, 2008
9. Review of GAO’s Audit on NASA Travel, Mission Management Aircrafts, June 18, 2008
10. Improper Letter to Houghton Mifflin Company, Goddard Space Flight Center, July 15, 2008
11. Final Memorandum Regarding Potential Overpayment to Contractor, Johnson Space Center, IG-08-028, August 28, 2008
12. Letter to Congress, “NASA’s Compliance with Federal Export Control Laws and Risks Associated with the lllegal Transfer or Theft of Sensitive Technologies,” Report No. ML-07-010, July 20, 2007
13. IG-98-003, Use of Government Credit Card by Someone Other Than the Cardholder, December 5, 1997
14. IG-98-002, Space Station Performance Measurement Cost Data, November 13, 1997
15. IG-99-017, Disaster Recovery Planning at Kennedy Space Center, March 31, 1999
16. IG-02-024, Barters on the International Space Station Program, September 6, 2002
17. Alleged Cost Mischarging on NASA Shuttle and Space Station Programs, Johnson Space Center, O-JS-08-0097-P, April 7, 2008
18. Alleged Conflict of Interest Standing Review Board Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle Project, Johnson Space Center, O-JS-08-0162-P, April 22, 2008
19. Alleged Columbia Tile for Sale on eBay, O-LA-08-0112-S, May 5, 2008
20. Alleged Science Suppression at ARC, O-AR-08-0315-S, May 7, 2008
21. NASA Documents, Pictures, Prototypes for Sale on Craig’s List, O-KE-08-0216-HL-P, June 4, 2008
22. Alleged Possession of Challenger O-Ring Debris, O-KE-08-0360-P, August 29, 2008
23. Alleged False Statements Regarding Water Recovery System (WRS), O-KE-08-0400-S, September 18, 2008
24. Alleged Suppression of Science and Scientists, NASA Headquarters, O-GO-07-0059-S, September 29, 2008
25. Alleged Procurement Integrity Violation – Constellation Space Suit Systems (CSSS), Johnson Space Center, O-JS-08-0370-P, October 20, 2008
26. Alleged Disclosure of Confidential Investigation, O-MF-08-0316-P, October 21, 2008
27. Possible Sale of Shuttle Parts, NASA Headquarters, O-LA-08-0186-HL-S, July 23, 2008
28. Auction of Space Items, Johnson Space Center, O-JS-08-0179-HL-S, July 29, 2008
29. Possible Challenger Debris, O-KE-08-0180-HL-S, August 4, 2008
30. Conflict of Interest Involving NASA Astronaut, Johnson Space Center, O-JS-08-0305-HL-M, August 8, 2008
31. Temperform USA, LLC et al., O-LB-01-0400-O, August 12, 2008
32. Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) Program Issues, Goddard Space Center, O-GO-07-0040-HL-S, July 24, 2007
33. Alleged Theft of Mercury Flown Helmet, Johnson Space Center, O-JS-07-0220-P, September 17, 2007
34. Alleged Moon Rock Possession, NASA Headquarters, O-JS-07-0441-HL-S, October 5, 2007
35. Accountability and Security Vulnerabilities of Lunar Material, Goddard Flight Center, OGO-07-0119-S, October 22, 2007
36. Apollo 11 SSTV Tapes, Goddard Space Flight Center, O-HS-06-0599-HYL-S, November 2, 2007

More on Russian-German Space Cooperation

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

Yesterday, we posted a Roscosmos press release on the signing of an Agreement for cooperation between Roscosmos and DLR. DLR has now issued its own release:

eROSITA X-ray telescope: DLR and Roskosmos sign agreement in Moscow
18 August 2009

The German eROSITA (extended ROentgen Survey with an Imaging Telescope Array) ) X-ray telescope is to start searching for black holes and dark matter in 2012, using seven electronic ‘eyes’. On 18 August 2009, executive board members of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) and the head of Russians space agency Roskosmos signed a detailed agreement during the MAKS International Aviation and Space Salon in Moscow, setting out all the organisational and technical boundary conditions for the eROSITA project.

As long ago as March 2007, a memorandum of understanding defined the willingness of the agencies to collaborate in principle on this project.

“This scientifically highly-demanding project is a beacon project of scientific collaboration in space between Russia and Germany,” DLR executive board chairman Prof. Johann-Dietrich Wörner said. Prof. Wörner continued: “It is my understanding that with this collaboration we can draw on the experience of the past not just with regard to unmanned space flight.”

eROSITA will be taken into orbit in 2012 from the Russian Baikonur cosmodrome on board the Russian Spektrum Roentgen Gamma (SRG) satellite. A Soyuz-Fregat rocket will take the satellite into an orbit around the second Lagrange point of the Sun-Earth system, L2. This point, located approximately 1.5 million kilometres behind Earth as seen from the Sun, is particularly good as a site for performing astrophysical observations. The European Herschel and Planck space telescopes have been in orbit around L2 since July 2009. From this position, eROSITA will observe the whole sky for seven years and scan it multiple times.

eROSITA: on the track of dark energy

The universe has been expanding ever since the Big Bang – and this expansion might be expected to be slowing down under the influence of gravity. Instead, the expansion is accelerating, driven by a poorly understood phenomenon referred to as ‘dark energy’. eROSITA is intended to shed light on the darkness. The X-ray telescope is being built under the lead management of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE).

“The internationally strong position in X-ray astronomy that we have acquired in Germany through our participation in missions such as Rosat, XMM-Newton (X ray Multi-Mirror) and Chandra (Chandra X-Ray Observatory) will continue to grow,” Gerold Reichle, a DLR executive board member, said. “The results of the eROSITA mission will provide the international community of scientists with valuable new findings for a deeper understanding of the processes in the universe,” Reichle continued.

German eROSITA telescope to be a new star in the sky

Construction of the new eROSITA telescope began in 2007, since the production of the mirrors and the cameras takes a long time. “Forty-five scientists, engineers and technicians are employed on its development and construction at the MPE alone,” said Dr. Peter Predehl, the project’s lead scientist from the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, adding: “eROSITA is a world-leading instrument for X-ray astronomy, both scientifically and technologically.”

The German X-ray telescope consists of seven individual mirror systems with apertures of just under 36 centimetres for radiation ingress and 54 nested mirror shells each, which will scan the whole of the sky in parallel. The combination of collecting area, field-of-view and resolution is unparalleled. At the focal point of each X-ray mirror system, there is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera specially developed for eROSITA. The seven electronic ‘eyes’ must be cooled to a temperature of below minus 80 degrees Celsius during operation. The cameras utilise expertise from the semiconductor laboratory maintained by the Max Planck Institutes for Physics and for Extraterrestrial Physics in Garching, which is the source for the most sensitive X-ray detectors in the world – used, for example, in the European XMM-Newton and Rosetta space probes as well as the two US Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity.

X-ray astronomy – science par excellence

How is the eROSITA x-ray telescope going to be used to investigate dark energy, which is invisible and is only perceptible at vast distances? eROSITA will survey about 100 000 galaxy clusters, which are visible to the X-ray telescope through the radiation from the hot gas which has collected at their centres. Their distribution in space and its variation over time – we are, after all, looking at these objects in the past because of the finite speed of light – are the key to the analysis. Characteristics of dark energy can be derived, for example, from the way that its share in the energy density of the universe, which it dominates today at more than 70 percent, has changed in the course of cosmic evolution. Ultimately, these investigations lead to basic questions about our universe: How was it created? How old is it? What is its future?

Many different institutions and companies are contributing to finding the answers to such questions: the Max Planck Institutes for Extraterrestrial Physics and for Astrophysics, the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the University of Tübingen, the Potsdam Astrophysics Institute, the Hamburg University Observatory, the Dr Remeis Observatory in Bamberg, the German Aerospace Center, Roskosmos and the Space Research Institute in Moscow, Kayser-Threde GmbH, Carl Zeiss AG and Media Lario Technologies (Italy).

Germany-Russia Space Cooperation

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

From a Roscosmos press release (unofficial Google Translation):

18-08-2009 At the MAKS-2009 and DLR Roskosmos signed a detailed agreement on the joint project «Spektr-RG»

Today, at the time of going to Moscow Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2009 Head of the Federal Space Agency Perminov and Chairman of the German Aerospace Center DLR prof. Werner signed a detailed agreement on the joint project «Spektr-RG».

The concept of the project «Spektr-RG»

Scientific Objectives
Overview of the entire sky in the energy range 2-12 keV; opening up to a million active galactic nuclei (superheavy black holes) and more than 100 thousand rich clusters of galaxies by scanning the entire sky in the X-ray energy range. The set of the local Universe will allow the observatory «Spektr-RG» crucial to define the parameters of our universe and to obtain information about the properties of dark matter and the law of evolution of the properties of dark energy with redshift.

Platform
Spacecraft (SC) is created on the platform «Navigator» NGOs develop them. The platform is capable of carrying up to 1500 kg payload; stabilization – triaxial; guaranteed term of active existence – 5 years.

Scientific equipment

eROSITA (Germany) – the main device, an X-ray mirror telescope, developed by the Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics Society to them. Max Planck (German Academy of Sciences) and the German industry (Kaiser trade, Karl Tseys, Siemens and others). The cost of 43 million Euro., of which 23 million euro allocated Sociedad. Max Planck, and 20 million euros – DLR (German aerospace center). Weight 720 kg, height 2.6 m, diameter of 1.3 m.
ART (Russia) – X-ray telescope, developed in IKI using domestic advanced semiconductor materials.

Running
The launch is scheduled for launch in 2012 with «Baikonur» with the help of the PR «Soyuz» and RB «Fregat». You can launch from Kourou in the equatorial orbit with the help of the PR «Soyuz-ST». Spacecraft will be launched in the region point Libration L2 Sun-Earth system (1.5 million km from Earth in the direction of the Sun)

The contribution of Germany

1. Participation in the formation of the scientific program.
2. Creating a telescope «eRosita».
3. Involving ground control stations, supply of onboard radio complex (for discussion).
4. Delivery of a commercial payload associated to the RB (during discussion).

23 March 2007, during the visit of the head of the German Space Agency in the Inter-Roskosmos signed a memorandum of cooperation on this project. August 11, 2009 Inter-initialed the agreement.

Press Service Roscosmos

The original Russian:

18-08-2009 На МАКС-2009 Роскосмос и DLR подписали детальное соглашение по совместной реализации проекта «Спектр-РГ»

Сегодня во время проходящего в Москве авиационно- космического салона МАКС-2009 Руководитель Федерального космического агентства А.Н. Перминов и Председатель правления немецкого аэрокосмического центра DLR проф. Й.-Д. Вернер подписали детальное соглашение по совместной реализации проекта «Спектр-РГ».

СПРАВКА

о концепции проекта «Спектр-РГ»

Научные Задачи

Обзор всего неба в диапазоне энергий 2-12 кэВ; открытие до миллиона ядер активных галактик (сверхмассивных черных дыр) и свыше 100 тысяч богатых скоплений галактик при сканировании всего неба в рентгеновском диапазоне энергий. Такой набор объектов локальной Вселенной позволит обсерватории «Спектр-РГ» определить важнейшие параметры нашей Вселенной и получить информацию о свойствах Темного Вещества и о законе эволюции свойств Темной Энергии с красным смещением.

Платформа

Космический аппарат (КА) создается на платформе «Навигатор» разработки НПО им. С.А.Лавочкина. Платформа способна нести до 1500 кг полезной нагрузки; стабилизация – трехосная; гарантированный срок активного существования – 5 лет.

Научная аппаратура

eROSITA (Германия) – основной прибор, зеркальный рентгеновский телескоп, разрабатывается Институтом внеземной физики общества им. Макса Планка (Германская академия наук) и немецкой промышленностью (Кайзер Треде, Карл Цейс, Сименс и др). Стоимость 43 млн. евро., из которых 23 млн. евро выделяет общество им. Макса Планка и 20 млн. евро – DLR (Германский авиационно-космический центр). Масса 720 кг, высота 2.6 м, диаметр 1.3 м.
АRT (Россия) – рентгеновский телескоп, разрабатываемый в ИКИ РАН с использованием отечественных передовых полупроводниковых материалов.

Запуск

Запуск запланирован на 2012 год с космодрома «Байконур» при помощи РН «Союз» и РБ «Фрегат».
Возможен запуск с космодрома Куру на экваториальную орбиту при помощи РН «Союз-СТ».
КА будет запущен в область точки либрации L2 системы Солнце-Земля (1,5 млн. км от Земли в сторону от Солнца)

Вклад Германии

1. Участие в формировании научной программы.
2. Создание телескопа «eRosita».
3. Привлечение наземных станций управления, поставка бортового комплекса радиосвязи (на этапе обсуждения).
4. Поставка коммерческой попутной полезной нагрузки на РБ «Фрегат» (на этапе обсуждения).

23 марта 2007 года в В ходе визита руководителя Германского космического агентства в Роскосмос был подписан межагентский меморандум о сотрудничестве по данному проекту.
11 августа 2009 года парафировано межагентское соглашение.

Пресс-служба Роскосмоса

This is an unofficial translation and is provided to the readership of Res Communis as a convenience.

IAU Resolution on Defense of the Night Sky

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

From Skymania News:

Monday, August 17, 2009
Save our dark skies, say scientists
Access to a dark night sky is a basic human right that needs to be protected, a meeting of the world’s professional astronomers has decreed.

The International Space Station trails across a light-polluted night sky where the stars struggle to be seen.The International Astronomical Union passed a resolution calling on governments to give priority to safeguarding areas that allow observation of the stars. . . .

. . . A resolution on “Defence of the night sky and the right to starlight” was put forward by American astronomers Richard Wainscoat and Malcolm Smith, who have worked on IAU comissions examining the light pollution.

Their resolution declared that:

1. An unpolluted night sky that allows the enjoyment and contemplation of the firmament should be considered an inalienable right equivalent to all other socio-cultural and environmental rights. Hence the progressive degradation of the night sky must be regarded as a fundamental loss.

2. Knowledge – armed with education – is a powerful vector that can heal the growing rift between today’s society and science and contribute to the advancement of mankind as a whole. The dissemination of astronomy and associated scientific and cultural values should be considered as basic content to be included in educational activities.

3. Protection of the quality of astronomical areas suitable for scientific observation of the Universe must be given priority in national and international scientific and environmental policies.

4. Control of obtrusive light must be a basic element of nature conservation policies since it impacts on several species, habitats, ecosystems, and landscapes.

5. The intelligent use of artificial lighting that minimises sky glow and avoids obtrusive visual impact on both humans and wildlife should be promoted. This strategy would involve more efficient use of energy so as to meet the wider commitments made on climate change, and for the protection of the environment.

6. Tourism, among other players, can become a major instrument for a new alliance in defence of the quality of the nocturnal skyscape. Responsible tourism, in its many forms, can and should take on board the night sky as a resource to protect and value in all destinations.

7. Necessary measures should be implemented to involve all parties related to skyscape protection in raising public awareness – be it at local, regional, national, or international level – about the contents and objectives of the International Conference in Defence of the Quality of the Night Sky and the Right to Observe Stars.

FCC: In the Matter of Iridium Holdings LLC and Iridium Carrier Holdings LLC, Transferors and GHL Acquisition Corp., Transferee

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

The FCC has posted a Memorandum Opinion and Order and Declaratory Ruling in In the Matter of Iridium Holdings LLC and Iridium Carrier Holdings LLC, Transferors and GHL Acquisition Corp., Transferee (IB Docket No. 08-232) which grants the “Application for consent to transfer control of licenses and authorizations from Iridium Holdings, LLC and Irridium Carrier Holdings, LLC to GHL Acquisition Corp., with conditions.”

White House to Review Export Policies

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

From the White House:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
___________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release August 13, 2009

STATEMENT OF THE PRESS SECRETARY

“Today, the President extended the authority for Department of Commerce-administered export controls. In addition, the President has directed that the NEC/NSC launch a broad-based interagency process for reviewing the overall U.S. export control system, including both the dual-use and defense trade processes. The aim of the review is to consider reforms to the system to enhance the national security, foreign policy, and economic security interests of the United States. The US has one of the most robust export control systems in the world. But, it is rooted in the Cold War era of over 50 years ago and must be updated to address the threats we face today and the changing economic and technological landscape.”