Res Communis

NASA Extends Contract with Russia for ISS Transportation

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

From NASA:

Michael Braukus
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1979
michael.j.braukus@nasa.gov

Kylie Clem
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
kylie.s.clem@nasa.gov

Dec. 02, 2008

CONTRACT RELEASE : C08-068

NASA Extends Contract with Russian Federal Space Agency

WASHINGTON — NASA has signed a $141 million modification to the current International Space Station contract with the Russian Federal Space Agency for crew transportation services planned through the spring of 2012.

The firm-fixed price extension covers comprehensive Soyuz support, including all necessary training and preparation for launch, crew rescue, and landing of a long-duration mission for three station crew members. The crew members will launch on two Soyuz vehicles in the fall of 2011. They will land in the spring of 2012. The flights may be used to meet NASA’s obligations to its international partners for transportation to and from the station.

The contract extension also provides for the two Soyuz flights to carry limited cargo to and from the station and dispose of trash. The cargo allowed per person is approximately 110 pounds (50 kilograms) launched to the station, approximately 37 pounds (17 kilograms) returned to Earth, and trash disposal of approximately 66 pounds (30 kilograms).

UN Passes Resolutions on PAROS and TCBMs

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

The UN General Assembly has passed resolutions on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) and on Transparency and Confidence Building Measures in Outer Space (TCBMs). From a UN Press Release:

As in years past, a recorded vote was needed to adopt the resolution on the prevention of an arms race in outer space, which passed by 177 in favour to 1 against (United States), with 1 abstention (Israel) (Annex IV). A recorded vote was also taken in adopting the resolution on transparency and confidence-building measures in outer space activities by 180 in favour to 1 against ( United States), with 1 abstention ( Israel) (Annex XXIV).

The final Resolutions have not yet been posted on the General Assembly website.

Federal Register: NASA Proposed Rules

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

NASA published two proposed rules in today’s federal register dealing with the NASA Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) supplement.

The first is on Information Technology (IT) Security (73 F.R. 73201-73202):

SUMMARY: NASA proposes to revise the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) to update requirements related to Information Technology Security, consistent with Federal policies for the security of unclassified information and information systems. The rule imposes no new requirements. Its purpose is to more clearly define applicability, update procedural processes, eliminate the requirement for contractor personnel to meet the NASA System Security Certification Program, and provide a Web site link within a contract clause to a library where contractors can find all underlying regulations and referenced documents.

The second is on Government Property (73 FR 73202-73210):

SUMMARY: NASA proposes to revise the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) to update Agency-level, property-related provisions, clauses, prescriptions and procedures to be consistent with changes made to Part 45 and clauses 52.245 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation in Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-17. FAC 2005-17 significantly rewrote FAR Part 45, Government Property, and changed property related definitions, provisions and clauses which are required to be used in all solicitations and contracts issued after the effective date of June 14, 2007.

Russia-Brazil Space Cooperation

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

From a Roscosmos press release (unofficial Google Translation):

28-11-2008 RIO DE JANEIRO. Состоялись российско-бразильские переговоры There were Russian-Brazilian talks

Dmitry Medvedev and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva discussed joint projects in energy, space exploration, in the sphere of high technology and agriculture.

The talks, heads of State issued a joint statement which outlined the prospects for the development of bilateral relations.

In addition, in the presence of the presidents of the two countries signed four documents, in particular an intergovernmental agreement on military-technical cooperation, a memorandum of understanding between the federal service for military technical cooperation and the command of the Brazilian Air Force. Signed as a program of cooperation in the use and development of the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS). There is an intergovernmental agreement on non-visa requirements for short trips (for up to 90 days) of Russia and Brazil.

Site President of the Russian Federation

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

Disasters Charter Activation: Floods in Brazil

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

A new Disasters Charter Activation:

Flood in Brazil

Type of Event: Flood
Location of Event: Santa Catarina, Brazil
Date of Charter Activation: 27/11/2008
Charter Requestor: CONAE
Project Management: INPE

Description of Event
Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding and landslides in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina over the last two months. The number of deaths rose to 84 on Tuesday 25 November. The flooding has left more than 20,000 people homeless.

Czech Senate Approves Missile Defense Treaties

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

From the AP:

Czech Senate approves US missile defense base

By KAREL JANICEK – 23 hours ago

PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AP) — The upper chamber of the Czech Parliament on Thursday approved a deal with Washington to accept a U.S. missile defense installation.

The deal still needs approval by the lower chamber, where the vote is expected to be close because the governing coalition has too few seats to guarantee passage. That vote is not expected before the end of the year.

The proposed U.S. missile defense system calls for a tracking radar in the Czech Republic and 10 interceptor missiles in Poland as part of a shield designed to protect the region from possible attacks from Iran.

The Senate approved both treaties involved in the deal — the main bilateral treaty allowing the United States to build a radar base near Prague and the second, “complementary,” treaty that deals with the legal status of U.S. soldiers to be deployed at the base. . . . [Full Story]