Tag Archives: Orion

The Japanese government has inked an agreement with NASA to provide capabilities to sustain the habitation module of the agency's Gateway orbital outpost as part of the Artemis program. Gateway is designed to support scientific research efforts and function as a rendezvous point for astronauts that will fly to the Moon via the Space Launch System and the Orion spacecraft. 

NASA intends to hold the final green run test for the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) on Jan. 16th. The agency seeks to thoroughly evaluate the SLS rocket's core stage prior to the first Artemis mission through the green run tests. NASA wrapped up seven of the eight tests under the green run effort.

The FBI, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Security Agency (NSA) issued a joint statement on Tuesday through the newly created cyber unified coordination group (UCG) to provide updates on an advanced persistent threat actor allegedly linked to Russia. 

President-elect Joe Biden said the U.S. must rethink and innovate national defense against cybersecurity threats following the SolarWinds network monitoring software hack that hit multiple federal agencies. Biden said at a recent press conference the Russian-linked breach poses a national security risk and highlights the need for the U.S. government to update approaches in the cyber domain.

NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility has commenced the production of the rocket core stages for both the second and third Artemis missions. These stages bring propellant tanks, RS-25 engines and avionics wiring to the Space Launch System (SLS)that serves as the launch vehicle for both of the upcoming missions. 

The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed an agreement with NASA to provide updated communications tools, habitation and refueling modules for an orbital outpost designed for the Artemis mission. ESA will also operate elements of the Artemis Gateway and deliver European Service Modules for the Orion spacecraft as part of the agreement. 

NASA has formed plans that would guide activities composing Artemis, an effort to revive manned space exploration. The space agency said Tuesday its updated Artemis plans lay down current progress, key missions and partnerships essential to the program.

Catherine Koerner, formerly director at Johnson Space Center's human health and performance directorate, has been tapped to serve as program manager for NASA's Orion initiative. Koerner has succeeded Mark Kirasich, who has been assigned to lead NASA's advanced exploration systems division. 

NASA has completed the first four green run tests of its Space Launch System rocket's core stage in preparation for four more tests in the series. The effort's assigned team ran the fourth test with gaseous nitrogen and helium as a more efficient alternative to the liquid hydrogen and oxygen propellants intended for the conclusive hot-fire test.

Susan Motil, a 31-year NASA veteran, has been named deputy director at Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. Motil has succeeded Marla Perez-Davis, who assumed the role of director in January 2020. Motil will help Perez-Davis plan, organize and oversee the center's agency-level initiatives and projects under her new role.