Microcosm Designing Low-Cost Imagery Satellite for Army, Working on Launch Vehicle
March 12, 2010 at 6:03 pm | Posted in Remote Sensing Law Current Events | Leave a commentby Joanne Irene Gabrynowicz with the blog faculty
Source: Space News. com
By Turner Brinton
LOS ANGELES — Spacecraft engineering firm Microcosm Inc. for the past year has been designing an imaging satellite for the U.S. Army that it says could eventually be bulk bought for about $1 million a copy.
An executive with the Hawthorne, Calif.-based company said Microcosm engineers recently came up with an idea for a new small-satellite launch vehicle they hope the Air Force will help develop.
The Army Space and Missile Defense Command in April 2009 awarded Microcosm a $70,000 contract to do initial design work on a satellite called NanoEye, Richard Van Allen, vice president of the company’s space systems division, said March 9 at the Responsive Space Conference here. Last month, the company was awarded a $50,000 follow-on contract that will culminate with a preliminary design review. Microcosm estimates it would need an additional $1 million and 18 months to build and test the demonstration satellite, Van Allen said.
NanoEye was conceived to provide rapid access to imagery over a specific location and launch within hours of call-up. It would use a telescope with a 0.25-meter aperture built by ITT Corp. of Rochester, N.Y., and be flown in a very low orbit for a duration of six months to a year, Van Allen said. The optimal altitude for NanoEye is 200 kilometers to 300 kilometers, where it could produce imagery with ground resolution of 0.5 meters to 0.7 meters. Microcosm is designing the satellite to be capable of flying as low as 160 kilometers, an altitude near the threshold for maintaining orbit.
The company has conceived several variants of the satellite, ranging from a basic electro-optical version that could be bought in blocks of 10 satellites for about $900,000 a piece, to an advanced electro-optical and infrared version that would cost about $1.4 million each in blocks of 10.
The low prices envisioned for the satellites are enabled by standardized Cubesat technologies, a low-cost payload, and the willingness of the Army to allow “a new way of doing business,” Van Allen said.
Though there are several launch options for NanoEye today, none provides a great combination of low price and short call-up to launch, Van Allen said. For that reason, Microcosm has conceived of a new 100-kilogram-class, liquid fueled rocket that could launch within 24 hours of call-up.
The company for the last 16 years has been working in fits and starts on its Scorpius family of small- and medium-class launch vehicles, Thomas Bauer, the company’s director of systems engineering, said March 10. The Air Force had been funding the project, and two suborbital flight tests were conducted several years ago, but funding has since dried up, he said.
The company unveiled at the conference its smallest rocket concept yet, the Scorpius Mini-Sprite, a three-stage, liquid oxygen-kerosene fueled rocket.
Microcosm believes the rockets could cost as little as $3 million each if the Air Force would pay for the development costs. The company estimates it needs about $15 million and 20 months to develop and validate the Scorpius Mini-Sprite.
Small satellites are accounting for a greater proportion of the total number of satellites launched each year, but there is no affordable option for launching the smallest of these satellites, Bauer said. The Space Experiments Review Board, which is the military’s mechanism for selecting small demonstration satellites for launch, has 59 approved missions. The Scorpius Mini-Sprite would be capable of launching 36 of these satellites, Bauer said.
“There is an underserved small satellite market, and it’s very difficult to get a single small satellite to orbit,” Bauer said. “We believe most of the market could be served by Scorpius.”
Public Lecture on Weaponization of Space and International Law by Dr. Ram Jakhu
March 11, 2010 at 3:55 pm | Posted in Space Law Current Events | Leave a commentby Joanne Irene Gabrynowicz with the blog faculty
Prof. R. P. Anand President & Members of the Executive Council of the
INDIAN SOCIETY OF INTERNATIONAL LAW
cordially invite you to
A PUBLIC LECTURE
ON
Weaponization of Space and International Law
By
Dr. Ram Jakhu
Associate Professor
Institute of Air and Space Law
Faculty of Law, McGill University, Canada
Friday, 12th March 2010 at 5.30 p.m.
Venue: V. K. Krishna Menon Bhawan
9, Bhagwan Dass Road, New Delhi-110001
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Secretary General Director
Prof. Rahmatullah Khan Prof. S. K. Verma
RSVP: 23384458/59
HEADS OF AGENCY INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION JOINT STATEMENT
March 11, 2010 at 3:39 pm | Posted in Space Law Current Events | Leave a commentby Joanne Irene Gabrynowicz and the blog faculty
March 11, 2010
Michael Braukus
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1979
michael.j.braukus@nasa.govRELEASE: 10-063
HEADS OF AGENCY INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION JOINT STATEMENT
TOKYO — The heads of the International Space Station (ISS) agencies
from Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia, and the United States met in
Tokyo, Japan, on March 11, 2010, to review ISS cooperation.With the assembly of the ISS nearing completion and the capability to
support a full-time crew of six established, they noted the
outstanding opportunities now offered by the ISS for on-orbit
research and for discovery including the operation and management of
the world’s largest international space complex. In particular, they
noted the unprecedented opportunities that enhanced use of this
unique facility provides to drive advanced science and technology.
This research will deliver benefits to humanity on Earth while
preparing the way for future exploration activities beyond low-Earth
orbit. The ISS will also allow the partnership to experiment with
more integrated international operations and research, paving the way
for enhanced collaboration on future international missions.The heads of agency reaffirmed the importance of full exploitation of
the station’s scientific, engineering, utilization, and education
potential. They noted that there are no identified technical
constraints to continuing ISS operations beyond the current planning
horizon of 2015 to at least 2020, and that the partnership is
currently working to certify on-orbit elements through 2028. The
heads of agency expressed their strong mutual interest in continuing
operations and utilization for as long as the benefits of ISS
exploitation are demonstrated. They acknowledged that a U.S. fiscal
year 2011 budget consistent with the U.S. administration’s budget
request would allow the United States to support the continuation of
ISS operations and utilization activities to at least 2020. They
emphasized their common intent to undertake the necessary procedures
within their respective governments to reach consensus later this
year on the continuation of the ISS to the next decade.In looking ahead, the heads of agency discussed the importance of
increasing ISS utilization and operational efficiency by all possible
means, including finding and coordinating efficiencies across the ISS
Program and assuring the most effective use of essential
capabilities, such as space transportation for crew and cargo, for
the life of the program.For the latest about the International Space Station, visit the
Internet at:
H.R. 4804: To reauthorize the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Human Space Flight Activities, and for other purposes
March 11, 2010 at 10:50 am | Posted in Space Law | Leave a commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
H.R. 4804: To reauthorize the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Human Space Flight Activities, and for other purposes was introduced on March 10, 2010 by Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (D-FL24). The text is not yet available.
H.R. 4815: To amend title 49, United States Code, to allow through-the-fence access to general aviation airports, and for other purposes
March 11, 2010 at 10:48 am | Posted in Aviation Law | 1 Commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
H.R. 4815: To amend title 49, United States Code, to allow through-the-fence access to general aviation airports, and for other purposes was introduced on March 10, 2010 by Rep. Samuel Graves (R-MO6). The text is not yet available.
Heads of Agency International Space Station Joint Statement
March 11, 2010 at 10:42 am | Posted in Space Law | Leave a commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
From NASA:
RELEASE : 10-063
Heads of Agency International Space Station Joint Statement
TOKYO — The heads of the International Space Station (ISS) agencies from Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia, and the United States met in Tokyo, Japan, on March 11, 2010, to review ISS cooperation.
With the assembly of the ISS nearing completion and the capability to support a full-time crew of six established, they noted the outstanding opportunities now offered by the ISS for on-orbit research and for discovery including the operation and management of the world’s largest international space complex. In particular, they noted the unprecedented opportunities that enhanced use of this unique facility provides to drive advanced science and technology. This research will deliver benefits to humanity on Earth while preparing the way for future exploration activities beyond low-Earth orbit. The ISS will also allow the partnership to experiment with more integrated international operations and research, paving the way for enhanced collaboration on future international missions.
The heads of agency reaffirmed the importance of full exploitation of the station’s scientific, engineering, utilization, and education potential. They noted that there are no identified technical constraints to continuing ISS operations beyond the current planning horizon of 2015 to at least 2020, and that the partnership is currently working to certify on-orbit elements through 2028. The heads of agency expressed their strong mutual interest in continuing operations and utilization for as long as the benefits of ISS exploitation are demonstrated. They acknowledged that a U.S. fiscal year 2011 budget consistent with the U.S. administration’s budget request would allow the United States to support the continuation of ISS operations and utilization activities to at least 2020. They emphasized their common intent to undertake the necessary procedures within their respective governments to reach consensus later this year on the continuation of the ISS to the next decade.
In looking ahead, the heads of agency discussed the importance of increasing ISS utilization and operational efficiency by all possible means, including finding and coordinating efficiencies across the ISS Program and assuring the most effective use of essential capabilities, such as space transportation for crew and cargo, for the life of the program.
H.R. 4788: To amend title 49, United States Code, to establish limitations on the approval of cooperative arrangements between 2 or more air carriers or between an air carrier and a foreign air carrier, and for other purposes
March 10, 2010 at 10:25 am | Posted in Aviation Law | Leave a commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
H.R. 4788: To amend title 49, United States Code, to establish limitations on the approval of cooperative arrangements between 2 or more air carriers or between an air carrier and a foreign air carrier, and for other purposes was introduced on March 9, 2010 by Rep. Timothy Bishop (D-NY1). The text is not yet available.
H. Res. 1150: Designating the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a National Security Interest and Asset
March 10, 2010 at 9:41 am | Posted in Space Law | Leave a commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
H. Res. 1150: Designating the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a National Security Interest and Asset was introduced on March 9, 2010 by Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX18). The text is not yet available.
Fourth IAASS Conference: Making Safety Matter
March 9, 2010 at 10:28 am | Posted in Space Law Current Events | 1 Commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
The programme for the Fourth IAASS Conference: Making Safety Matter is now available. There are three law and regulations sessions:
Session 2 – Regulations and standards for safety – Part I
Chairs: R. Jakhu (McGill University, Canada); T. Masson-Zwaan ( Leiden University, The Netherlands)
14:00 – 15:30Harmful Interference: Its Meaning and Prospects of Enhancing Space Security and Safety
Blount, P.J.
University of Mississippi School of Law, UNITED STATESThe French Space Operation Act: Technical Regulations
LAZARE, B; TRINCHERO, J.P.
CNES, FRANCEExpansion of Astronaut Rescue Agreement to Enhance Safety of Astronauts/Space Travellers
Nair, KK
Indian Air Force, INDIADiscussion
Session 20 – Regulations and standards for safety – Part II
Chairs: T. Masson-Zwaan (Leiden University, The Netherlands); J. Pelton (ISSF, United States)
08:30 – 10:30Safety and Liability Aspects of Solar Power Satellites
Jakhu, Ram S.1; Howard, Diane2
1McGill University, CANADA;
2Institute of Air and Space Law, CANADAOuter Space Safety: For Whom?
Leister, V.
Openworld Inc., UNITED STATESRegulating Space Assets Safety: China’s Experience and Lex Ferenda of International Cooperation
LI, Juqian
China University of Political Science and Law, CHINADiscussion
and
Session 36 – Regulations and standards for safety – Part III
Chairs: R. Jakhu (McGill University, Canada); T. Masson-Zwaan (Leiden University, The Netherlands
11:00 – 12:30Technical regulation associated to the French Space Operations Act in the launcher field.
Cahuzac, Francois
CNES, FRANCEPeace as the main driver to adopt workable safety regulations for conducting space activities
Doldirina, Catherine1; Voda, Maria-Laura2; Thapa, Rijendra3
1Institute of Air and Space Law, McGill University, CANADA;
2Romanian Academy, Institute for Legal Research, ROMANIA;
3Nepal Astronomical Society, NEPALAn International Civil Aviation and Space Organization
Jakhu, R1; Sgobba, T2; Trujillo, M2
1McGill University, CANADA;
2European Space Agency, NETHERLANDSGlobal Space Safety Regulations and Standards: The Merchants, the Guardians and the Civil Space Advocates
Pelton, J.N.
International Space University, UNITED STATES
Disasters Charter: Earthquake in Turkey
March 9, 2010 at 9:53 am | Posted in Space Law | Leave a commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
The Disasters Charter has been activated for an Earthquake in Turkey:
Earthquake in Turkey
Type of Event: Earthquake
Location of Event: Turkey
Date of Charter Activation: 08/03/2010
Charter Requestor: Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency
Project Management: ESADescription of the Event
An earthquake of 6.0 on the Richter scale rocked the region of the south-eastern province of Elazığ (south-eastern Anatolia) with its epicentre in the Karakoçan County in the early morning hours of 8 March. Latest reports mention 57 casualties and over 60 injured.
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