Space policy roundup – July 29.13

Space policy related items

Will probably add more items here later in the day.

Update:

Watching the sky for satellites with a looking-down viewer

A reader was interested in Satellite Observing and wondered if I knew of any looking-down style telescope devices like that used in Project Moonwatch during the 1950s:

Moonwatch+scope2_f[1]

Such a system is much more comfortable for long observations, especially for those with back problems that make upward viewing difficult and painful.

I noted there were compact  telescopes with bent eyepieces such as this Orion TableTop Refractor Telescope. However, he pointed out that these had narrow fields of view.

Fortunately, he later found the Sky Window apparatus that combines binoculars with an adjustable mirror:

Allows observer to be seated while “looking down” at the sky in total comfort.

Keeps binoculars fixed at a “microscope” angle while observing from horizon to zenith. Observer’s head never moves ! Only Sky Window® can do this !!

It works with “most modern  binoculars with Standard 1/4-20 spindle tripod port ( adapter for Celestron giants and custom fit available)”. Check it out if this would suit your satellite observing style.

AMSAT and ISS amateur radio news

Go to AMSAT News for the latest headlines about developments in amateur and student satellites and for updates about amateur radio on the ISS.

ANS 209 Weekly AMSAT Bulletin – July 27, 2013:
* AMSAT Submits Comments to the US Government on ITAR Transition
* ARISS Leadership from AMSAT and ARRL to be on-hand for EAA
Airventure ARISS contact
* July/August AMSAT Journal is Ready
* 2013 AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Ballot Has Been Mailed
* STRaND-1 Heard After 113 Days of Silence
* Slime Mold Satellite gets into the media
* QB50: Ham Radio transponder payloads to launch 2014
* AMSAT-UK Colloquium videos now available
* AMSAT members wave at Cassini
* ARISS News
* Satellite Shorts From All Over

LEGO Shuttle Enterprise and SpaceFest at Intrepid Museum

Robert Pearlman reports on a highly detailed 1/35 scale LEGO replica of Space Shuttle Enterprise that has gone on display at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City, which is now displaying the full scale Enterprise vehicle: LEGO brick space shuttle Enterprise lands at New York City museum – collectSPACE.

See also Intrepid Museum Unveils Space Shuttle Enterprise LEGO Model – Intrepid Museum.

LEGOShuttleEnterpriseIntrepidMuseum_jpg

The debut of the model is part of the museum’s SpaceFest 2013 event happening this weekend (July 25-28). The SpaceFest

is a 4-day celebration of space, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and innovation. Join us for interactive displays from NASA and our partners, astronaut appearances, an astronomy night, and more. And of course check out our newly reopened Space Shuttle Pavilion, featuring Enterprise.