Tiles Around the Hatch Focus of Work

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:31:18 -0500

At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-3, shuttle Discovery's side hatch will be closed today so crews can install tiles. Technicians will continue testing the Power Reactant Storage Distribution system, which feeds the fuel cells that generate electricity on the shuttle.

Discovery's main engine re-installation is scheduled to begin Tuesday.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts will practice emergency simulations.

Space Station Crew Vehicle Move for Cargo Ship Arrival

Space Station Crew Vehicle Will Move June 28 for Cargo Ship Arrival

HOUSTON -- NASA Television will broadcast live the repositioning of a Soyuz spacecraft docked to the International Space Station on Monday, June 28. The capsule’s half-hour journey from the Zvezda Service Module to the Rassvet Module will begin at 12:58 p.m. CDT.



Expedition 24 Flight Engineer and Soyuz Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and NASA Flight Engineers Doug Wheelock and Shannon Walker will board the Soyuz TMA-19 vehicle that docked to Zvezda on June 18. They will fly the Soyuz vehicle a short distance to Rassvet. NASA TV coverage of the event will begin at 12:30 p.m.

The change of location will free the Zvezda port for the docking of a new Progress resupply vehicle on Friday, July 2. That port is the preferred location for the Progress, so it can help reboost the station and adjust its altitude. The Progress will carry 2.5 tons of food, fuel and supplies.


The resupply vehicle will launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on June 30. NASA TV will not broadcast the launch, but will show the live coverage of Progress’ docking at 11:55 a.m. on July 2. Live coverage will begin at 11:30 a.m.


For NASA Television streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For more information about the International Space Station Program, visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/station

In Their Own Words - NASA Astronaut James P. Dutton, Jr.

In Their Own Words - NASA Astronaut James P. Dutton, Jr.

Portrait

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NASA Astronaut James P. Dutton Jr.: Well, for me, I was one of those kids that wanted to do it from a pretty young age. I had that goal. I'm not sure exactly where it was, somewhere in grade school. And at that time, it was really one of probably many, you know, career aspirations. Along with playing in the NBA, or something like that, which didn't work out at 5-foot-9. But, about junior high school, I started to get a little more serious about the idea. Had a librarian from my middle school who on the career day helped me to look up NASA's address and write to NASA asking about how to become an astronaut.

And I got a brochure back from them telling me that, you know, you need to study math, science or engineering. And talked about the requirements for a pilot astronaut, which is what appealed to me the most. And, so, that's when I really started to set my sights on one of the service academies and just kind of took it step by step from there.

Well, the little bit that I got to fly the shuttle, which was just about 30 seconds flying around the heading alignment coming prior to rolling out on final, it flew almost exactly like the STA. Just felt like I was back in that airplane. You're partly so focused on the task, that by the time we were wheels down, I sort of went, 'I can't believe we just did all that for real.' But at the same time, I remember as we were coming around, looking down toward the, we had some clouds down below and toward the Vehicle Assembly Building, and trying to pick out the runway and just thinking, 'I can't believe this is like the real one,' because I had seen that picture so many times from the shuttle trainer.

As far as the actual launch, a couple things surprised me. One was the engine start. I thought it seemed a little bit more chaotic in the vehicle in terms of the vibration when the engines started than I remembered from our sim (simulator). So, that initial startup from to 100 percent on the engines is about six seconds prior to launch, and so I remember noticing that. The vehicle just shook in a different way than I had expected. And then when the solid rocket boosters lit, it felt like a bomb had gone off under your seat, you know. And basically, that's what happened, 6 million pounds of thrust, you know, instantly it's an immediate hit.

They're small jets that fire as the SRBs come off, but also, we have forward jets that fire to protect our windows from any debris coming off the solid rocket boosters. So, you see this big flash out the front windows once they come off and then it gets really smooth. It's pretty rumbly inside the vehicle while you're on the solids, and then once you get off them, you're sort of on railroad tracks. It's quite a ride, the 3 g's, you weigh three times what you normally weigh. Then, of course, you've got the suit on with different valves and things, so stuff's poking into you. It's really not bad, but you're aware that you're heavy. And then you go instantly from weighing three times your normal weight to weighing nothing. And floating up in your seat, and straps and all kind of stuff, you know, books floating up and dust comes up. So, it's really neat how quick that happens.

Well, I had high expectations and they were all exceeded. They really were. There's very little that I felt really surprised by. I think the veterans on our crew made a real effort to every time we were in the simulator talk about what's going to be like living up there, what it's like operating in zero-g, things that surprised them on their flights. So, we were, I think, really well prepared by those folks.

And then we were fortunate enough on our return, we came back over the U.S. for our landing. So, we hit sunrise on orbit somewhere around the West Coast, but we really couldn't see the ground because it was still dark on the ground. And, about the time we were over Wyoming, we picked up the sunrise on the ground looking right down on the Rockies. It was absolutely gorgeous and we were at 40-miles-high. We'd been at 200 miles for 16 days, so it looked really low and fast at 40-miles-high, which was kind of funny.

I mean, it's very fulfilling to have been blessed to go up and fulfill that dream. You know, to have experience what I had hoped to experience all these years, knowing that each step of the way, you're just very fortunate to make it to the next gate.

You know, there's health issues, there's professional career things that can come up that can divert you. So, I just sort of marveled. I mean, even to the last minute, I knew that anything can happen and it was nothing to take for granted. So I felt very, very thankful.

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NASA Astronaut Rick Mastracchio

In Their Own Words - NASA Astronaut Rick Mastracchio

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NASA Astronaut Rick Mastracchio Portrait

NASA Astronaut Rick Mastracchio: I had always hoped to get selected as an astronaut when I came down. I came down to Houston in 1987, and then I had been applying, ever since then, applying every year for the astronaut selection. And it took me nine years, till 1996, to finally get selected. So, I had always hoped to get selected. But, I had a great job as an engineer. So, if I didn't get selected, I was more than happy where I was.

I was always interested in space and science, and things like that. But I never really thought or even knew that you could become an astronaut. I had no clue until I saw an advertisement in a magazine when I was maybe 27 years old, 26 years old. We saw an advertisement in a magazine and I sent away for an astronaut application. And from that point on, I started to apply.

I had the opportunity to go out to Palmdale, I believe, when NASA was accepting Endeavour from the contractor. And I was actually one of the first people to sit in the Endeavour space shuttle as an engineer, and helped to verify and check out the Endeavour flight control systems before we accepted it for NASA.

Well, Endeavour was my mission, STS-118, about two-and-a-half years ago and that was my first spacewalk. And one of the things I got to do on Endeavour was, and we exit out of the space station airlock and all the spacewalks now. But I got the opportunity to translate into the Endeavour payload bay. So, I'll always remember translating down that payload bay and going into the back of Endeavour to work and remove some of the hardware from there that we were going to install on space station. It was on my first spacewalk and it was an exciting moment for me.

We had a problem. We had an 1,800-pound ammonia tank. We were trying to install this ammonia tank on the International Space Station. We bolted one of the bolts down partially, but it wouldn't drive the rest of the way. And we were having problems getting some of the other bolts to line up because the soft-dock feature would not grab. It was just resisting and it would not go down. So, we spent a good hour, hour-and-a-half, using various tools and techniques, even trying to kind of slam the tank home to get it onto its soft-dock so we could bolt it up and install it on the space station. And we tried for a long time and we just could not get it.

Eventually, I was kind of thinking in the back of my head, 'Well, I think what we're going to have to go is just release all these bolts and then try to kind of wiggle it around and get it installed.' And, of course, that's what Houston came back a little bit while, after that and they said, 'Hey guys, just remove all the bolts and let's try that.' So, as soon as we did that, we got it installed and all was well.

My first time out the airlock on a spacewalk, I opened up the thermal cover and opened up the hatch and we look outside and it was nighttime. So, which was kind of good because you're looking right down on the Earth and so I wasn't distracted by the Earth traveling below me. But it was, what was going on below was a lighting storm down below. And I could see the lightning dancing in the darkness, you know, the darkness of the Earth down below. So that was a pretty neat lightshow. So, I'll never forget going out the hatch that first time and just seeing that lightning all over the place. That was a great experience.

You know, every spacewalk is a little different. Some spacewalks, you go out there and you really feel like, 'Wow, I really did a great job on that one. I felt good about it.' Sometimes, you come in and say, 'Wow, that one really took a lot of energy. Took a lot more out of me.' But every spacewalk is a little different. There's nothing more satisfying, though, is when you go out there and you install a piece of a space station or you swap out a busted piece of hardware with a new one and Houston calls and says, 'Hey. We tried that new piece of hardware, it's up and running.' You know, that's always a great feeling.

I think people are going to look back on the space shuttle and think it was one of the most incredible vehicles ever built by mankind. Right now, I've been saying it and I'll continue to say it, that it's the most versatile, the most capable vehicle, spaceship, ever built by mankind. And it's going to remain that for many, many, many years.

There's nothing even on the drawing books to go off and build something like the space shuttle. And I think once it's gone it's going to be one of those things where people say, 'Well, now that it's gone, we sure wish we had it back.' But, everything must come to an end, and the Space Shuttle Program had done a great job. It's been very successful, and it's time for it to end and move on to other options.

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Engine Removal to Finish Today

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 07:40:00 -0500

At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-3, technicians have removed one of space shuttle Discovery's three main engines. The remaining two engines will be removed today and all engines will be taken to the engine shop in order to replace a turbopump in engine 1. The turbopump developed an issue earlier this week during a torque check.

Workers are also testing the Power Reactant Distribution System, which serves the electricity-generating fuel cells on Discovery. The payload bay doors were closed yesterday for plug installation today.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, Mission Specialists Tim Kopra and Alvin Drew are rehearsing spacewalk procedures today in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab.‪‪

Discovery is to launch on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. The official targeted launch date remains Sept. 16, but a change request has been submitted to move the flight to Oct. 29, with STS-134 moving to February 2011. The request is under consideration and an announcement is expected at the first of July.

NASA Exhibits

NASA Day on the Hill

Exhibits highlight NASA's Earth and space science portfolio, cutting-edge aeronautics research and technology development and continued leadership in human space flight and exploration for NASA Day on the Hill in the Rayburn Foyer, Rayburn House Office Building, on June 23, 2010. Pictured is Scarab, a new generation lunar rover designed to assist astronauts take rock and mineral samples and explore the lunar surface. This lunar rover is being evaluated to demonstrate a combined drilling and science rover platform for lunar exploration.

Image Credit: NASA/Carla Cioffi


For NASA Souvenirs visit the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store

Engine Removal to Begin Thursday

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:09:01 -0500

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians are scheduled to complete Discovery's payload premate test today. The drag chute door installation and checkout was completed last night. Removal of the three main engines is planned for tomorrow following an issue with a turbopump in engine 1. The turbopump will be replaced and the engines will be reinstalled. The astronauts continue their training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston for the STS-133 mission. The crew members are working on robotics tasks today they will use during the flight to the International Space Station.

 

Summer Learning Champion - Charlie Bolden

NASA Administrator Bolden Named Champion Of Summer Learning WASHINGTON -- The National Summer Learning Association has recognized NASA Administrator Charles Bolden as a Champion of Summer Learning. The award honors Bolden's dedication to keeping America's middle school students engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through a new initiative called the Summer of Innovation.

Five leaders from across the nation who have invested in summer learning programs and helped increase public support for them will receive the award.

"Bolden's leadership on the NASA Summer of Innovation program has resulted in a major step forward on two critical policy challenges facing our nation: summer learning loss and STEM education," said Ron Fairchild, CEO of the association.

Bolden officially kicked off the Summer of Innovation June 10 at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. Using content from NASA's missions and research, the program will engage thousands of middle school students in STEM learning during the summer months when many students experience "summer slide," or a loss of skills acquired during the school year. Summer of Innovation is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign President Obama announced last November.

 

"It is such an honor for me personally -- and for NASA -- to be recognized for our commitment to summer learning," Bolden said. "However I do want to single out two individuals without whom the Summer of Innovation would not be in place today -- Nicole Campbell, a White House Fellow who raised the idea of this program when she joined my staff, and Dovie Lacy, the project manager, who breathed life into the program. Education is a passion of mine, and I have asked that NASA's best and brightest get involved and make this Summer of Innovation a special and meaningful experience for these middle school students. They're our future and I want to ensure it is a bright one."

To learn more about the Summer of Innovation, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/soi

For information about NASA's Education Programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education

Turbopump Issue Prompts Engine Removal

Space shuttle Discovery will have its three main engines removed after a low-pressure oxidizer turbopump on engine 1 had an issue during a torque check. All three engines have to be removed to allow access to remove the center engine. The pump will be sent to Canoga Park, Calif., for repair. Engineers will consider several alternatives, including whether to wait for the engine and its new turbopump or to install another engine in Discovery that was slated for use on Endeavour. The engine work is not a hindrance to processing and is not expected to prompt a delay for the launch of the STS-133 mission.

The crew of Discovery is reviewing photo and television procedures today as they continue training for mission. The astronauts are also undergoing refresher training on International Space Station systems.

A Light in the Sky - Hayabusa

A Light in the Sky

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Hayabusa spacecraft streaked across the sky like a saber of light through the clouds as it re-entered Earth’s atmosphere over the Woomera Test Range in Australia. In Kingoonya, the spacecraft’s re-entry was visible to the human eye for only 15 seconds. Image Credit: NASA/Ed Schilling

Visit the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store

STS-132 Souvenir Photo Packs

STS-132 Space Shuttle Mission Photo Packs

Ideal to inspire the kids. Use them for scrapbooking, displays and as rewards.


Consists of 10 (6" x 4") Full Colour prints depicting launnch, landing and mission operations and a copy of the mission insignia. Discounts available for school and community groups. Please contact us on 01922 693704.

These and other space souvenirs and collectables from the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store.

Currently on ebay too!

STS-132 Crew Photos, Patches and Pins

STS-132 Souvenir Items available from the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store

STS-132 Crew Portrait

STS-132 Lapel Pin

Crew Member 8" x 10" Photos...Great for Autographs

Astronaut Ken Ham 8" x 10" Portrait

Astronaut Stephen Bowen 8" x 10" Portrait

Astronaut Piers Sellers 8" x 10" Portrait

Astronaut Garrett Reisman 8" x 10" Colour Portrait

NASA Astronaut Tony Antonelli 8" x 10" Portrait

NASA Astronaut Michael Good 8" x 10" Colour Portrait

Celebrate World Space Week, Oct. 4-10, 2010

Join educators and space enthusiasts around the world to celebrate World Space Week, Oct. 4-10, 2010. This international event commemorates the beginning of the Space Age with the launch of Sputnik 1 on Oct. 4, 1957.

During World Space Week, teachers are encouraged to use space-themed activities.

World Space Week is the largest public space event in the world, with celebrations in more than 50 nations. Last year, President Obama joined the celebration by hosting a Star Party at the White House.

To find NASA educational resources that can be used during World Space Week,visit the Educational Materials Finder: http://search.nasa.gov/search/edFilterSearch.jsp?empty=true.

To learn more about World Space Week, search for events in your area and find educational materials related to the event, visit http://www.worldspaceweek.org/index.html.

Technicians Prep Coolant Loops for STS-133

Workers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are focusing on Freon coolant loops in space shuttle Discovery in preparation for top-off and sampling work that will begin tomorrow. Tomorrow also will see the conclusion of the payload premate test that began last week.

STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and his crew are simulating an undocking and flyaround of the International Space Station as part of their training for the upcoming mission, targeted to launch in September.

STS-133 Mission Patch Design

 

STS-132 Crew Visit the U.K.

Landing somewhere near you!

Image above: Pictured clockwise from bottom are Commander Ken Ham, Mission Specialists Garrett Reisman and Michael Good, Pilot Tony Antonelli, and Mission Specialists Piers Sellers and Steve Bowen. Image credit: NASA

Space shuttle Atlantis launched on its final planned mission to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and a Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station. STS-132 was the 32nd mission for Atlantis.

Three spacewalks were conducted while Atlantis was docked to the orbiting laboratory. During the first spacewalk Mission Specialists Garrett Reisman and Steve Bowen installed a spare antenna and a stowage platform. On the second spacewalk, Bowen and Mission Specialist Michael Good replaced batteries on the P6 Truss that store solar energy. Outside for the final spacewalk were Good and Reisman who replaced the last of the P6 Truss batteries and retrieved a power data grapple fixture for installation at a later date.

Rassvet, the Russian-built Mini Research Module, was removed from the shuttle's payload bay and installed on the Zarya module. Reisman and Mission Specialist Piers Sellers operated the station's robotic arm, Canadarm2, during this process. Reisman and Sellers also maneuvered the Integrated Cargo Carrier from Atlantis into position on the station with Canadarm2. The cargo carrier provided a worksite for spacewalkers to store tools and gear.

After seven days of docked operations, Atlantis undocked with Commander Ken Ham and Pilot Tony Antonelli at the shuttle's controls. With the final inspection of Atlantis' heatshield complete, STS-132 was cleared for landing in Florida on May 26, 2010 at 8:48 a.m. EDT. This was the 34th space shuttle mission to the International Space Station. See Collectspace Sightings for latest details on this and other astronaut visits around the world.

June 27, 2010

Portsmouth, England (United Kingdom)

4:00pm - Tony Antonelli (STS-119, STS-132)

Stephen Bowen (STS-126, STS-132)

Michael Good (STS-125, STS-132)

Kenneth Ham (STS-124, STS-132)

Garrett Reisman (STS-123, ISS-16/17, STS-132)

Piers Sellers (STS-112, STS-121, STS-132)


Portsmouth Festivities


Southsea Common Bandstand


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June 27, 2010

Portsmouth, England (United Kingdom)

6:30pm - Tony Antonelli (STS-119, STS-132)

Stephen Bowen (STS-126, STS-132)

Michael Good (STS-125, STS-132)

Kenneth Ham (STS-124, STS-132)

Garrett Reisman (STS-123, ISS-16/17, STS-132)

Piers Sellers (STS-112, STS-121, STS-132)


Public presentation (tickets required)


Action Stations, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

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June 27, 2010

Portsmouth, England (United Kingdom)

8:00pm - Tony Antonelli (STS-119, STS-132)

Stephen Bowen (STS-126, STS-132)

Michael Good (STS-125, STS-132)

Kenneth Ham (STS-124, STS-132)

Garrett Reisman (STS-123, ISS-16/17, STS-132)

Piers Sellers (STS-112, STS-121, STS-132)


Gala dinner (tickets required)


HMS Warrior, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

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June 28, 2010

Gosport/Portsmouth, United Kingdom

9:00am - Tony Antonelli (STS-119, STS-132)

Stephen Bowen (STS-126, STS-132)

Michael Good (STS-125, STS-132)

Kenneth Ham (STS-124, STS-132)

Garrett Reisman (STS-123, ISS-16/17, STS-132)

Piers Sellers (STS-112, STS-121, STS-132)



Public talks (Crew to divide among venues)


Portsmouth Grammar School / The Explosion Museum / Gosport Discovery Centre / Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation

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June 28, 2010

Portsmouth, England (United Kingdom)

12:00pm - Tony Antonelli (STS-119, STS-132)

Stephen Bowen (STS-126, STS-132)

Michael Good (STS-125, STS-132)

Kenneth Ham (STS-124, STS-132)

Garrett Reisman (STS-123, ISS-16/17, STS-132)

Piers Sellers (STS-112, STS-121, STS-132)


Presentation to students


Fratton Park


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June 30, 2010

Newcastle, England (United Kingdom)

6:00pm - Tony Antonelli (STS-119, STS-132)

Stephen Bowen (STS-126, STS-132)

Michael Good (STS-125, STS-132)

Kenneth Ham (STS-124, STS-132)

Garrett Reisman (STS-123, ISS-16/17, STS-132)

Piers Sellers (STS-112, STS-121, STS-132)




Planetarium show and talk: "NASA Astronauts come to Life"


Life Science Centre

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July 1, 2010

Newcastle, England (United Kingdom)

TBA - Stephen Bowen (STS-126, STS-132)

Presentation to students


Walbottle Campus


For STS-132 Souvenirs visit the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store

Workers Begin Engine Installation Today

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will install three main engines into space shuttle Discovery beginning today as the spacecraft continues processing for the STS-133 mission targeted for launch in September. The liquid-fueled main engines provide about 1.5 million pounds of thrust at launch and burn continuously during the 8 1/2-minute ascent into orbit.

The astronauts, working at their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, are undergoing spacewalk systems and photo and TV training today.

TMA-19 Ready for Launch

Preparing for Liftoff

The Soyuz TMA-19 spacecraft is rolled out by train to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Sunday, June 13, 2010. The launch of the Soyuz spacecraft with Expedition 24 astronauts Shannon Walker and Doug Wheelock, and Russian Soyuz Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin is scheduled for 5:35 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, June 15.

Image Credit: NASA/Carla Cioffi

Discovery's Hydraulics Cooling System Undergoes Checks

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:11:08 -0500

The water spray boiler system that cools space shuttle Discovery's hydraulics is being checked today as the shuttle undergoes standard processing for launch at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The work on the boiler system will last into next week. Also, technicians removed hydrogen tank No. 5 from Discovery's power reactant supply and distribution, or PSRD, system. The tanks store hydrogen and oxygen for the power-producing fuel cells on the shuttle. Oxygen tank No. 5 will be taken out Monday.

While the work continues on the shuttle in preparation for the STS-133 mission, the astronauts who will fly Discovery into space are reviewing spacewalk repair procedures for the heat shield. They are working at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston where astronauts perform most of their training regimen for a flight.

Discovery, Astronauts Continue Preparations for STS-133

Shuttle Discovery is inside its processing hangar at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, undergoing standard launch processing for the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. Technicians today will begin removing hydrogen tank No. 5 from Discovery's power reactant storage and distribution, or PRSD, system. The system's oxygen tank No. 5 is planned for removal this weekend. Part of the shuttle's electrical power system, the PRSD stores hydrogen and oxygen at supercool temperatures for the fuel cells.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 astronauts are meeting today with the STS-132 crew for a mission debrief, and practicing entry skills in the motion-based simulator.

Inaugural Flight of Falcon 9 Rocket

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Emily Shanklin

Director, Marketing and Communications

media@SpaceX.com

 

310.363.6733

SpaceX Achieves Orbital Bullseye With Inaugural Flight of Falcon 9 Rocket

A major win for NASA's plan to use commercial rockets for astronaut transport

Cape Canaveral, Florida--June 7, 2010--SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp.) announced that the inaugural flight of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle successfully launched and achieved Earth orbit right on target, marking a key milestone for SpaceX and the commercial space flight industry.

Preliminary data indicates that Falcon 9 achieved all of its primary mission objectives, culminating in a nearly perfect insertion of the second stage and Dragon spacecraft qualification unit into the targeted 250 km (155 mi) circular orbit. SpaceX also gathered important aerodynamic data during ascent and vehicle performance, which will be used in final preparations for the upcoming NASA demonstration and missions to the International Space Station (ISS).

"This is a major milestone not only for SpaceX, but the increasingly bright future of space flight," said Elon Musk, CEO and CTO, SpaceX. "It was an incredible day for the employees of SpaceX, but it is important to note that we did not do this alone. I'd like to thank from the bottom of my heart all of our supporters in NASA—particularly the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) office—the US Air Force, the FAA and our customers. Their support has been critical to this success."

SpaceX currently has an extensive and diverse manifest of over 30 contracted missions, including 18 missions to deliver commercial satellites to orbit. In addition, the Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Dragon spacecraft have been contracted by NASA to carry cargo, which includes live plants and animals, to and from the ISS. Both Falcon 9 and Dragon have already been designed to meet NASA's published human rating standards for astronaut transport, allowing for a rapid transition to astronauts within three years of receiving a contract to do so. The critical path item is development and testing of the launch escape system, which would be a significant improvement in safety over the Space Shuttle, which does not possess an escape system.

The NASA COTS program has demonstrated the power of what can be accomplished when you combine private sector responsiveness and ingenuity with the guidance, support and insight of the US government. For less than the cost of the Ares I mobile service tower, SpaceX has developed all the flight hardware for the Falcon 9 orbital rocket, Dragon spacecraft, as well as three launch sites. SpaceX has been profitable for three consecutive years (2007 through 2009) and expects to remain modestly profitable for the foreseeable future. The company has over 1000 employees in California, Texas and Florida, and has been approximately doubling in size every two years. A majority of the future growth is expected to occur in Texas and Florida.

Falcon 9 lifted off at 2:45 p.m. (EDT) / 18:45 (UTC) from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station located on the Atlantic coast of Florida, approximately 5.5 km (3.5 mi) southeast of NASA’s space shuttle launch site. The Falcon 9 launch vehicle is powered by a cluster of nine SpaceX-designed and developed Merlin engines. Using ultra pure jet fuel and liquid oxygen, the engines generated nearly a million pounds of thrust for the vehicle upon liftoff. View a high definition liftoff video clip here.

The Merlin engine is one of only two orbit class rocket engines developed in the United States in the last decade (SpaceX's Kestrel is the other), and is the highest efficiency American hydrocarbon engine ever built. The Falcon 9 first stage, with a fully fueled to dry weight ratio of over 20, has the world's best structural efficiency, despite being designed to higher human rated factors of safety.

About SpaceX

SpaceX is developing a family of launch vehicles and spacecraft intended to increase the reliability and reduce the cost of both manned and unmanned space transportation, ultimately by a factor of ten. With the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 vehicles, SpaceX offers highly reliable/cost-efficient launch capabilities for spacecraft insertion into any orbital altitude and inclination. Starting in 2010, SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft will provide Earth-to-LEO transport of pressurized and unpressurized cargo, including resupply to the International Space Station.

Founded in 2002, SpaceX is a private company owned by management and employees, with minority investments from Founders Fund and Draper Fisher Jurvetson. The SpaceX team now numbers more than 900, with corporate headquarters in Hawthorne, California. For more information, and to watch the archived video of the Falcon 9, Flight 1 launch, visit the SpaceX website at SpaceX.com.

Liftoff of the inaugural SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle carrying a Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. Launch occurred on Friday 4 June, 2010 at 2:45 Eastern / 18:45 UTC from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. Photo Credit: Chris Thompson / SpaceX.

Ignition of the Falcon 9’s second stage Merlin Vacuum engine occurred just moments after the critical stage separation event, as viewed from the second stage’s onboard camera. Photo Credit: SpaceX.

Nearing the end of the Falcon 9’s second stage burn, the engine nozzle glows orange-hot as expected. Second stage shutdown occurred about eight and a half minutes after liftoff, placing the vehicle in a 250 kilometer (155 mile) circular orbit above the Earth. Photo Credit: SpaceX.

For additional photos and video from SpaceX's successful Falcon 9 flight, visit http://www.spacex.com/

NASA Wants to fly your face into space

NASA wants to put a picture of you on one of the two remaining space shuttle missions and launch it into orbit.

After registering at the Face in Space Web site, you’ll be able to upload an image that will be put on a disc and flown aboard a shuttle on a future mission. You’ll receive a confirmation number and information about which flight your “face” will be on. You can also just send a message , this will be flown into space too!

Then, after the launch, participants will be able to print a commemorative certificate signed by the mission commander. You can also check on mission status, view mission photographs, link to various NASA educational resources, and follow the commander and crew on Twitter or Facebook.

To learn more and upload your image for flight, visit http://faceinspace.nasa.gov/.

Inquiries about this opportunity should be directed to the David Kiss at David.J.Kiss@nasa.gov.