Monthly Archives: February 2013

Space Policy

Space policy roundup

Jeff Foust discusses two op-eds on space policy by a Senator and a Congressman:

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John Kelly writes about GAO recommendations on how to reduced delays and overruns on big space projects by NASA and the military: GAO audit offers solutions for NASA – Florida Today

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Upcoming space policy related events: Space Policy Events for the Week of February 4-8, 2013 – SpacePolicyOnline.com

Activism, The Moon

Moon Miners Manifesto – February 2013

The February  issue of the Moon Society‘s monthly newsletter – Moon Miners’ Manifesto – has been released. Join the society to access the publication on-line or to receive a hard-copy in the mail. Here’s a description of the contents in this latest 20 page issue:

Feature Articles:
2 In Focus: NASA continues to seek Commercial Partners
4 The Forgotten Stepping Stone: An Orbiting Depot/Station/Shipyard – Peter Kokh and Dave Dietzler
6 Space Industries – Dave Dietzler
7 Lunar Materials Production Technologies to Investigate – Dave Dietzler
14 MMM SCIENCE FICTION by George von Mond: Marshall Mike Moondust and the Sinister Selenian Subterfuge

Other regular sections include:
–  The Moon Society Journal Section
— From Moon Society President Ken Murphy – The Year Ahead
– Chapters and Outputs
– Great Browsing Links
– Great Space Videos
– NSS Chapters that share Moon Miners’ Manifesto

Moon Miners Manifesto
Rockets, Space Systems

Ad Astra Rocket – Progress in research of VASIMR magnetic nozzle

A reader points me to an Ad Astra Rocket announcement of the results of a PhD research study into the behavior of the magnetic nozzle for the VASIMR electric propulsion system. The results are important for maximizing thrust from the engine: Ad Astra’s Christopher Olsen Presents Groundbreaking VASIMR® Result in PhD Thesis Milestone – Ad Astra Rocket – Feb.2.2013.pdf (pdf).