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NASA Sets Launch Coverage for Artemis Mega Moon Rocket, Spacecraft

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NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022, after being rolled out to the launch pad at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA’s Artemis I mission is the first integrated test of the agency’s deep space exploration systems: the Orion spacecraft, SLS rocket, and supporting ground systems. Launch of the uncrewed flight test is targeted for no earlier than Aug. 29. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA will provide coverage of prelaunch, launch, and postlaunch activities for Artemis I, the first integrated test of NASA’s Orion spacecraft, Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, and the ground systems at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This uncrewed flight test around the Moon will pave the way for a crewed flight test and future human lunar exploration as part of Artemis.

The SLS rocket is targeted to launch during a two-hour window that opens at 8:33 a.m. EDT Monday, Aug. 29, from Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy.

The rocket and spacecraft arrived at its launch pad Wednesday after the nearly 10-hour, four-mile trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building. A livestream of the rocket and spacecraft at the launch pad currently is available on the NASA Kennedy YouTube channel.

Live coverage of events will air on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website, with prelaunch events starting Monday, Aug. 22. The launch countdown will begin Saturday, Aug. 27, at 10:23 a.m.

A live broadcast of the launch also will include celebrity appearances by Jack Black, Chris Evans, and Keke Palmer, as well as a special performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Josh Grobin and Herbie Hancock. It also will feature a performance of “America the Beautiful” by The Philadelphia Orchestra and cellist Yo-Yo Ma, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will be an uncrewed flight test that will provide a foundation to extend human presence to the Moon and beyond. The mission will demonstrate the performance of the SLS rocket and test Orion’s capabilities over the course of about six weeks as it travels about 40,000 miles beyond the Moon and back to Earth. 

A limited number of seats inside the auditorium at Kennedy will be available to on-site journalists on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline has passed for media accreditation for in-person coverage of this launch. Additional journalists wishing to participate may dial in. To participate by telephone, media must RSVP no later than two hours before the start of each briefing to: ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov. Media and members of the public may also ask questions on social media using #Artemis. Audio only of the news conferences will be carried on the NASA “V” circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321-867-1220, -1240, -1260 or -7135.

NASA’s media accreditation policy for virtual and onsite activities is available online. More information about media accreditation at Kennedy is available by emailing: ksc-media-accreditat@mail.nasa.gov.

Full launch coverage is as follows. All times are Eastern, all events will air live on NASA TV, and the information is subject to change. Follow NASA’s Artemis blog for updates.

Monday, Aug. 22

7 p.m. – NASA will hold a prelaunch media briefing following the agency flight readiness review with the following participants:

  • Janet Petro, director, Kennedy Space Center
  • Jim Free, associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters
  • Mike Sarafin, Artemis mission manager, NASA Headquarters
  • Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Artemis launch director, Exploration Ground Systems Program, Kennedy
  • Howard Hu, Orion Program manager, NASA’s Johnson Space Center
  • John Honeycutt, Space Launch System Program manager, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center

Friday, Aug. 26

10 a.m. – NASA will hold a prelaunch media briefing on the role of industry in advancing human exploration with the following participants:

  • Jim Free, associate administrator, Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters
  • Jeff Zotti, RS-25 program director, Aerojet Rocketdyne
  • Jennifer Boland-Masterson, director of operations, Michoud Assembly Facility, Boeing
  • Randy Lycans, vice president/general manager of NASA Enterprise Solutions, Jacobs
  • Kelly DeFazio, director of Orion production, Lockheed Martin
  • Doug Hurley, senior director of business development, Northrop Grumman
  • Ralf Zimmermann, head of Moon programs and Orion European Service Module, Airbus

Saturday, Aug. 27

11 a.m. – NASA will hold a prelaunch media briefing following the mission management team meeting with the following participants:

  • Mike Sarafin, Artemis mission manager, NASA Headquarters
  • Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Artemis launch director, Exploration Ground Systems Program, Kennedy
  • Judd Freiling, ascent and entry flight director, Johnson
  • Rick LaBrode, lead flight director, Johnson
  • Melissa Jones, recovery director, Exploration Ground Systems Program, Kennedy 
  • Melody Lovin, weather officer, Space Launch Delta 45 
  • Jacob Bleacher, chief exploration scientist, Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters

2:30 p.m. – NASA will hold a prelaunch media briefing on the agency’s Moon to Mars exploration plans with the following participants:

  • Bill Nelson, NASA administrator 
  • Bhavya Lal, NASA associate administrator for technology, policy, and strategy
  • Jim Free, NASA associate administrator, Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate 
  • Kathy Lueders, NASA associate administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate 
  • Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate 
  • Prasun Desai, NASA deputy associate administrator, Space Technology Mission Directorate 
  • Randy Bresnik, NASA astronaut

Sunday, Aug. 28

9 a.m. – NASA will hold a prelaunch media briefing on the status of the countdown with the following participants:

  • Jeff Spaulding, Artemis I senior NASA test director
  • Melody Lovin, weather officer, Space Launch Delta 45

Monday, Aug. 29

12 a.m.: Coverage begins with commentary of tanking operations to load propellant into the SLS rocket.

6:30 a.m.: Full coverage begins in English. Launch coverage will continue through translunar injection and spacecraft separation, setting Orion on its path to the Moon.

7:30 a.m.: Launch coverage begins in Spanish on NASA’s Spanish-language social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube) and will continue approximately 15 minutes after liftoff. Mission coverage updates will be posted on the NASA en español social media channels.

12 p.m.: Coverage of the postlaunch news conference will follow approximately one hour after the live launch broadcast ends. Coverage start time is subject to change, based exact liftoff time. The postlaunch news conference will include the following participants:

  • Bill Nelson, NASA administrator 
  • Mike Sarafin, Artemis mission manager, NASA Headquarters
  • Mike Bolger, Exploration Ground Systems Program manager, Kennedy
  • Howard Hu, Orion Program manager, Johnson
  • John Honeycutt, Space Launch System Program manager, Marshall

4 p.m.: Coverage of Orion’s first outbound trajectory burn on the way to the Moon. Time of coverage start time is subject to change, based on exact liftoff time.

5:30 p.m.: Coverage of first Earth views from Orion during outbound coast to the Moon.

NASA Television coverage of additional events throughout the mission is available online.

NASA Launch Coverage in English

Briefings and launch coverage will be available on the NASA website. Coverage will include live streaming and blog updates. On-demand streaming video and photos of the launch will be available shortly after liftoff. Follow countdown coverage on NASA’s Artemis blog at:

https://blogs.nasa.gov/artemis

Live NASA TV coverage leading to launch will begin with commentary of tanking operations at 12 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29, followed by launch coverage beginning at 6:30 a.m. Launch coverage will stream on the NASA website, as well as FacebookTwitchNASA YouTube, and in 4k on NASA’s UHD channel. For NASA TV downlink information, schedule, and links to streaming video, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/live

On launch day, a “clean feed” will be carried on the NASA TV media channel featuring views of the rocket and audio from a commentator in the Launch Control Center throughout and a single channel of mission audio beginning 15 minutes before launch.

On launch day, countdown activities with audio of the launch control commentator will be available starting at 12 a.m. by dialing 1-844-467-4685; Passcode: 687630; listeners will hear a single channel of mission audio beginning 15 minutes before launch. Full audio from the launch broadcast will begin at 6:30 a.m. and will be carried on 321-867-1220, -1240, -1260 or –7135.

Launch also will be available on local amateur VHF radio frequency 146.940 MHz and UHF radio frequency 444.925 MHz, FM mode, heard within Brevard County on the Space Coast.

NASA Launch Coverage in Spanish

NASA’s broadcast of the launch in Spanish will include interviews with Hispanic members of the mission and live commentary.

The show, which will begin at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29, will be available on NASA en español’s YouTubeTwitter, and Facebook accounts, and will continue approximately 15 minutes after liftoff. Mission coverage will then follow on the NASA en español social media channels.

Media and educational institutions interested in sharing the stream of the show can contact María José Viñas at: maria-jose.vinasgarcia@nasa.gov.

Attend Launch Virtually

Members of the public can register to attend the launch virtually. NASA’s virtual guest program for the mission includes curated launch resources, notifications about related opportunities or changes, and a stamp for the NASA virtual guest passport following a successful launch.

Virtual NASA Social

NASA invites the public to join the Artemis I social event on Facebook. Stay up to date on the latest mission activities, interact with Artemis experts in real-time, and watch the live launch broadcast with an interactive chat.

Watch, Engage on Social Media

Stay connected with the mission and let people know you are following the launch on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram with #Artemis. Follow and tag these accounts:

Through Artemis missions, NASA will land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon, paving the way for a long-term lunar exploration and serving as a steppingstone to send astronauts to Mars.

For more information about the Artemis I mission, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis-i

Para obtener información sobre cobertura en español en el Centro Espacial Kennedy o si desea solicitar entrevistas en español, comuníquese con Antonia Jaramillo at: antonia.jaramillobotero@nasa.gov or 321-501-8425.

Source: NASA

Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

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National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day: Celebrating Small Business Excellence in 2024

“March 29 is National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day! Let’s celebrate the small businesses that make our communities thrive. #SupportLocal”

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March 29th is a day dedicated to appreciating the hardworking small business owners who contribute to the growth and vitality of our economy, “Mom and Pop Business Owners.” On this special day, we acknowledge the more than 27 million small businesses in the country and shine a spotlight on their remarkable efforts.

National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day was established by Rick and Margie Segel in honor of their parents and the success of their clothing shop that started from humble beginnings. It’s a time to recognize the long hours, dedication, and hard work it takes to run a small business.

Celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day!

So, how can we celebrate this important day?

  1. Shop Local: Support the small businesses in your community by seeking them out and becoming a regular customer. Whether it’s a local bookstore, bakery, or boutique, make it a point to visit them frequently. If you hear about an interesting spot, go on an adventure to discover it and then share your recommendations with friends.
  2. Use Social Media: Most small businesses are grateful for any extra attention they can get. Show your support by following your favorite mom and pop shops on social media platforms, and whenever possible, promote and share their posts. A simple like or comment can go a long way in helping them reach a wider audience.
  3. Write a “Thank You” Note: Take a moment to express your gratitude to the mom and pop shop owners and employees who have made a difference in your life. Let them know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. A heartfelt note can mean the world to someone who puts their heart and soul into their business.

Now let’s delve into why we love mom and pop businesses:

  1. Personalized Shopping Experience: Mom and pop businesses take pride in providing personalized service to their customers. They take the time to get to know you, understand your needs, and make your shopping experience memorable. Unlike large retail chains, they genuinely care about their customers and strive to create a unique and enjoyable experience with superior customer service.
  2. Community Support: Small businesses play a crucial role in supporting the local community. They create job opportunities, hire locally, and recycle the money they earn back into the neighborhood. By choosing to spend your dollars at mom and pop establishments, you contribute to the growth and sustainability of your community.
  3. Unique Discoveries: In a world where big-box stores dominate, mom and pop shops bring a breath of fresh air and unique products to the marketplace. They often showcase goods that are different from what you’ll find in every chain store. Discovering something special and undiscovered is quite the delight, and supporting these businesses encourages innovation and diversity.

National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day is a reminder of the remarkable contributions made by small businesses. They are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs, personalized service, and unique experiences for customers. So, on March 29th, let’s show our appreciation for these hardworking individuals and make a conscious effort to support and celebrate the mom and pop shops in our communities.

https://nationaltoday.com/national-mom-pop-business-owners-day/

https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/

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Breaking Barriers: XB-1 Demonstrator Soars into the Future of Supersonic Travel

XB-1’s first flight paves the way for supersonic travel, marking a milestone in aviation history. #Boom #XB1 #SupersonicFlight

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"XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft taking flight, marking a major milestone in aviation history"

Image Credit: Boom Supersonic


The aviation industry is on the brink of a revolution with the recent successful inaugural flight of Boom’s supersonic demonstrator aircraft, XB-1. This groundbreaking achievement brings us one step closer to the return of supersonic travel. Designed as a technology demonstrator, XB-1 aims to pave the way for the development of Overture, Boom’s commercial supersonic plane. With extensive ground testing and meticulous flight testing, the maiden flight of an aircraft is a crucial milestone that encompasses various elements. Let’s delve into the intriguing world of what happens during an aircraft’s first flight.


The Importance of Ground Testing and Taxi Tests
Before an aircraft takes to the skies, rigorous ground testing is conducted to ensure safety and operational requirements are met. These tests encompass a series of checks, including engine runs and comprehensive evaluations of each onboard system. Moreover, taxi tests are crucial in assessing the aircraft’s performance, handling, and maneuverability on the ground. By gradually increasing speeds, the team can gather valuable data that aids in a safe takeoff, landing, and efficient ground operations. These tests provide important insights into the overall functionality and readiness of the aircraft for flight testing.

The Maiden Flight: A Leap into the Unknown
The maiden flight of an aircraft is a momentous occasion that often varies in terms of speed, altitude, and duration. Throughout history, we have witnessed significant milestones, from the historic Wright Brothers’ 12-second flight to the remarkable achievements of modern-day aviation. During a maiden flight, safety and risk mitigation are paramount. The flight envelope, which outlines the operational limits of the aircraft, expands gradually over a series of test flights as performance data is analyzed.

In the case of XB-1’s inaugural flight, Chief Test Pilot Bill “Doc” Shoemaker assumed control, while Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg monitored the aircraft from a T-38 chase plane. Climbing to a maximum altitude of 7,120 feet and a speed of 238 knots (273 mph) during the 12-minute flight, XB-1 successfully met all test objectives. The ground team, led by Vice President of XB-1 Jeff Mabry, played a crucial role in monitoring and analyzing the flight’s various aspects.

Evaluating Performance and Assessing Safety
During a maiden flight, meticulous observations are made to analyze the aircraft’s handling qualities, airspeed, and stability. An augmented reality vision system equips the pilot with improved runway visibility and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency, without compromising weight and complexity. This innovative system assists the pilot during critical phases such as landing, providing real-time data on attitude and flight path indications.

Safety measures during the maiden flight often include keeping the landing gear down. This ensures that the primary focus remains on evaluating other aspects of the aircraft’s performance during takeoff and landing. Should an emergency landing be necessary, testing the landing gear in subsequent flights allows for additional verification and validation.

XB-1’s successful first flight demonstrated the effectiveness of the team’s coordinated efforts. The pilots flew while ground engineers observed from the control room, providing insights into the various systems they had designed and tested for the past two years. The collaboration between the pilot, augmented reality vision system, and Landing Signal Officer (LSO) ensured a safe landing by optimizing the aircraft’s final approach and flight path.

The Path to the Future: Overture and the Return of Supersonic Travel
The inaugural flight of XB-1 represents a significant step towards the return of supersonic travel. As a technology demonstrator, XB-1 has laid the foundations for the design and development of Overture, Boom’s commercial supersonic plane. Overture, capable of carrying 64-80 passengers at Mach 1.7, aims to revolutionize air travel by reducing the time taken for long-haul journeys. Moreover, sustainability is a fundamental aspect of Overture’s design, with the aim of utilizing up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)

The maiden flight of an aircraft like XB-1 marks a defining moment in the development of supersonic aviation technology. Meticulous ground testing, followed by a successful first flight, brings us closer to the realization of supersonic travel. XB-1’s flight serves as a testament to the dedication, expertise, and collaborative efforts of the team involved. With Overture on the horizon, the return of supersonic travel is becoming an exciting reality. The aviation industry is poised to break more barriers in the pursuit of safer, faster, and more sustainable air travel.

https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/inaugural-first-flight-xb1-supersonic-demonstrator

https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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Ready for Liftoff: Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft Prepares to Soar

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft overcomes safety hurdles for May launch to the ISS, marking their first crewed trip. Exciting times ahead! 🚀✨ #SpaceExploration #StarlinerLaunch

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"Boeing's Starliner spacecraft ready for liftoff to the International Space Station"
Boeing Starliner – Image Credit: NASA

After encountering numerous delays and setbacks, Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft is finally on the brink of liftoff, targeting a launch date in May. The journey to this point has been filled with challenges for Boeing’s crew vehicle, with the most recent obstacles relating to two major safety concerns. However, during a press briefing, representatives from the company expressed confidence in the resolved issues, particularly regarding the parachutes and protective tape. Let’s delve into the remarkable journey of the Starliner as it prepares to carry NASA astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).

Throughout its development, Boeing’s Starliner faced a series of unfortunate delays. Notably, the most recent delay was due to the discovery of two significant safety hazards on the spacecraft. The first concern involved the load capacity of the parachutes, which are crucial for the safe landing of the crew vehicle. Extensive investigation revealed that the failure load limit of the fabric sections on the parachutes was lower than expected, necessitating rectification to ensure redundancy and safety. The second concern centered around flammable protective tape used to cover wiring harnesses within the Starliner. To mitigate this risk, Boeing carefully removed the tape and implemented necessary barriers or found areas where the tape posed no threat.

Boeing’s priority has always been the safety and reliability of their crew vehicle. In response to the safety concerns, Boeing developed a new parachute system that meets NASA’s meticulous safety standards. The achievement of closing the necessary paperwork for these modifications reaffirms their dedication to providing a secure mode of transportation for astronauts. Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program, expressed readiness and confidence during the press briefing, highlighting the extensive efforts made to eliminate risks.

The upcoming launch of the Starliner spacecraft to the ISS will mark Boeing’s first crewed mission. This historic flight follows the anomaly encountered during an uncrewed test flight in May 2022 when a thruster used for orbital maneuvering unexpectedly failed. The Starliner’s inaugural uncrewed test in 2019 also faced challenges, resulting in further tests and troubleshooting to ensure the spacecraft’s reliability and performance.

"Boeing's Starliner spacecraft ready for liftoff to the International Space Station"
The crew access arm is seen as it swings into position for Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 ahead of the Orbital Flight Test-2 mission, Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Boeing’s Orbital Flight Test-2 will be Starliner’s second uncrewed flight test and will dock to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The mission, currently targeted for launch on 6:54 p.m. ET on May 19, will serve as an end-to-end test of the system’s capabilities. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Boeing’s successful Starliner mission to the ISS will establish them as NASA’s concurrent commercial partner, joining SpaceX in providing transportation to and from the International Space Station. NASA has been primarily relying on SpaceX for crewed trips, reducing dependence on Russia’s Soyuz crew ship. This diversification of transportation options increases redundancy, safety, and autonomy for NASA. While Russia’s recent launch abort highlighted the ongoing importance of multiple commercial partners, Boeing’s readiness and ability to fulfill its role in this context positions NASA to rely on both companies for future orbital trips.

As the Starliner’s launch date approaches, the anticipation around this long-awaited mission grows. Boeing’s dedication to safety and addressing the challenges they encountered paves the way for future advancements in crewed space missions. With the commercial space industry evolving rapidly, NASA’s collaboration with multiple partners ensures reliability, innovation, and continuous progress towards exploring the mysteries of space. The imminent liftoff of the Starliner spacecraft signifies a significant milestone for Boeing, NASA, and the future of human space exploration.

What is the Starliner spacecraft?

The first of two operational Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, known as Boeing Starliner Spacecraft 2, was developed and constructed as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Initially planned for its inaugural flight during Boe-CFT, the first crewed test flight of the Starliner spacecraft, it was later rescheduled to perform the Boe-OFT-2 mission due to the partial failure of another CST-100 in Boe-OFT. Additionally, the spacecraft was reassigned to fly Starliner-1 after being originally assigned to the CFT mission.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_Starliner_Spacecraft_2

https://gizmodo.com/boeing-starliner-astronaut-flight-flammable-tape-nasa-1851359764

https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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