United Launch Alliance | Bill Housley

The Landing of The Falcon and the Launching of Humanity

• April 13, 2016 • Leave a Comment

Posted in Current Events, General, Human Space Flight, In The News, space, Technology
Tags: Atlas V, Bigelow Aerospace, Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Space Launch Complex 40, Dragon (spacecraft), International Space Station, NASA, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance

The Privatizing of Human Spaceflight

• January 23, 2016 • Leave a Comment

Posted in Commercial Space, General, Human Space Flight, In The News
Tags: Astronaut, Atlas V, Barack Obama, Blue Origin, Commercial Crew Development, Delta IV, Dulles, Earth, Elon Musk, Europa Orbiter, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, International Space Station, John McCain, NASA, Obama administration, Orion (spacecraft), RD-180, Richard Shelby, Space Launch System, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, United States, United States Air Force, United States Congress, Virginia

How Worms Turn Part 2: John McCain vs Alabama

• December 20, 2015 • Leave a Comment

Posted in Current Events, Economics, General, In The News, Politics, space, Technology
Tags: Barack Obama, Defence policy, John McCain, RD-180, Richard Shelby, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, United States Senate Committee on Armed Services, Vladimir Putin

Centaur Cubed

• November 24, 2015 • Leave a Comment

Posted in Commercial Space, General, space, Technology, Uncategorized
Tags: Atlas V, CubeSat, List of CubeSats, United Launch Alliance

How Worms Turn

• November 20, 2015 • Leave a Comment

Posted in Commercial Space, General, Politics, space
Tags: Atlas V, Boeing, Delta IV, Elon Musk, Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle, Falcon 9, Global Positioning System, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, United States Air Force

Bill’s Recent Tweets

@BeachPeanuts Interesting how both scandals involve incompetent management of email security by Democrats. They lik… twitter.com/i/web/status/8… 1 day ago
@elonmusk Well, if it doesn't then please have a camera pointed at it anyway. It'll still have lots of fuel on board right? ;-) 2 days ago
Just in case anyone is wondering, this snowflake is referring to John Wilkes Booth who killed Abraham Lincoln as... fb.me/6jqaHN0vT 2 days ago
Beautiful weather. My flyrod is calling to me. #FridayFeeling 2 days ago
No, Sean. The Republican party had to spend a ton of change to defend the seat from a carpet bagger that... fb.me/5v6fjNA2j 2 days ago
Watch Live Saturday: NASA to Launch Artificial Cloud Spawning Rocket fb.me/8LkdZOcND 4 days ago
What do you think? Should children outside during the eclipse just wear protection all the time, because they... fb.me/8DZr5rXe9 5 days ago
Very important safety note for all those who will get to participate in the eclipse viewing to any degree. Maybe... fb.me/NUaznlxy 5 days ago
@Weston_159 @Lundqvistador @KevinGr4y @tjelmoni2000 @shepkevin @elonmusk Actually, the Aral Sea has dried up becaus… twitter.com/i/web/status/8… 5 days ago
@Weston_159 @Lundqvistador @KevinGr4y @tjelmoni2000 @shepkevin @elonmusk Any example across a "short term observabl… twitter.com/i/web/status/8… 5 days ago
@Weston_159 @Lundqvistador @tjelmoni2000 @shepkevin @elonmusk Our ability to study tornadoes has changed too much s… twitter.com/i/web/status/8… 5 days ago
An upcoming epic performance...a free nature performance for anyone in the U.S. within driving distance...except... fb.me/6OXAKc91M 5 days ago
It'll be a zoo. Oh, and did I mention that K-12 children in Salt Lake City won't get to go see it because it's... fb.me/9gqiSE5xD 5 days ago
Wolf Blitzer doesn't get it. The news media IS sensationalizing Trump, but that's just marketing on the hate. No... fb.me/7bHNsBuvl 1 week ago
@WeatherRetweet_ #EvanstonWY Snow. https://t.co/JV92oHNnHw 1 week ago
RT @SupermanTweets: Taking the day off. Behave. #SupermanDay https://t.co/i8QveHy223 1 week ago
@Ethan_Electric @SpaceX @Space_Station If everyone really knew just what these landings meant for humanity, Ethan,… twitter.com/i/web/status/8… 2 weeks ago
RT @RonBaalke: The automated baby bottle dispenser system needs further refinement. https://t.co/wwvPHqxO9B 2 weeks ago
RT @starstryder: "deep" thoughts: everytime I see a T-rex, it "deeply" bothers me that I don't know how they can stand up if knocked over t… 3 weeks ago
"...JunoCam is a 'public outreach' camera, meant to educate and captivate everyday people." Mission accomplished! twitter.com/universetoday/… 3 weeks ago

Space.com Top Stories

WATCH LIVE NOW: SpaceX Launching 10 New Iridium Satellites June 25, 2017
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to take off from Vandenberg Air Force Base at 4:25 p.m. EDT (1:25 p.m. PDT/2025 GMT). This will be the second time SpaceX has launched a batch of Iridium satellites.
Today in Space! June 25, 1997: Russian Cargo Ship Collides with Mir Space Station June 25, 2017
Find out what happened today in space on June 25, 1997, when a Russian Progress spacecraft collided with the Mir space station.
Colorful Clouds on Jupiter by Juno June 25, 2017
During Juno's seventh of 37 expected orbits, JunoCam captured this fantastical image showing many details of Jupiter's atmosphere.
SpaceX to Launch 10 Communications Satellites Today: Watch Live June 25, 2017
SpaceX is poised to launched 10 communications satellites into low-Earth orbit today (June 25), and you can watch it live here on Space.com.
SpaceX Dragon and Falcon 9 Rocket Photobomb Each Other's Selfies in Space June 25, 2017
It's official: SpaceX's rockets and spaceships have caught the selfie bug in the final frontier.
SpaceX Set for Second Falcon 9 Launch in Three Days June 24, 2017
One day after putting Bulgaria's first communications satellite into orbit, SpaceX is preparing for a Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Sunday (June 25).
Look Up! NASA Launch Will Create Colorful Clouds June 24, 2017
NASA is hoping to execute a nighttime rocket launch that's designed to create artificial glowing clouds. These could be visible to millions of people along the U.S. East Coast tonight (June 18).
Glowing Nebula Decorates Space in Hubble Image June 24, 2017
A splendid nebula decorates the cosmos 2,000 light-years from Earth.
The Most Amazing Space Photos This Week! June 24, 2017
A "Strawberry Minimoon" rises over New York City, the Black Sea turns turquoise and Saturn's moon Iapetus has a two-toned face. Here are our picks for the most amazing space photos of the week.
Lunar Laser Link: Virtual Reality from the Moon June 24, 2017
The world’s first laser communication link…from the Moon!
The Most Amazing Space Stories of the Week! June 24, 2017
4,034 potential planets, the blinding power of a solar eclipse, a military space corps and a horde of space lasers feature in Space.com's top stories this week.
The Best ISO-Certified Gear to See the 2017 Solar Eclipse June 23, 2017
When the "Great American" total solar eclipse sweeps across the U.S. on Aug. 21, you'll need some safety-rated gear to watch it safely. Here are Space.com's picks for the best eclipse-viewing gear, including glasses, binoculars, telescopes and more!
The Missing Link: Where Are Medium-Size Black Holes? June 23, 2017
For decades, while astronomers have detected black holes equal in mass either to a few suns or to millions of suns, the missing-link black holes in between have eluded discovery.
'Hyperloop Hotel' Could Be the Future of Luxury Travel June 23, 2017
The mobile hotel concept combines high-speed rail with luxury accommodations.
Space Calendar 2017: Launches, Sky Events & More June 23, 2017
Here's a guide to the major astronomical events of the next year, as well as space launches and milestones for spacecrafts already in travel.
'We Don't Planet' Episode 9: The Cosmic Distance Ladder June 23, 2017
Astronomers use a variety of methods to determine how far away celestial objects are from Earth. Learn about this "cosmic distance ladder" in the ninth episode of "We Don't Planet."
Image of the Day June 23, 2017
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) entered a testing facility at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Tuesday (June 20), where it will spend the next three months in a freezing-cold vacuum.
Here's Where Space.com Staffers Will View the 2017 Solar Eclipse June 23, 2017
Here's where the staff of Space.com will be viewing the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017, and the reasons why we selected our individual viewing sites.
Newborn Star Gorges on a 'Space Hamburger,' Belching Spinning Jets June 23, 2017
Astronomers have observed the eating habits of a protostar — and like any youngster, it has an affinity for fast food.
Watch SpaceX Rocket Re-Launch, Kicking Off Double Header June 23, 2017
After a slight delay, a used SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to make its second trip to space today (June 23) to orbit the first communications satellite for Bulgaria.

LiveScience.com – Top Stories

Do Giraffes Get Struck by Lightning More Than Other Animals? June 25, 2017
They can reach 19 feet tall, meaning giraffes tower over the savannah they live in. So do they get struck by lightning more than other, shorter animals?
The Lives of Weird 500-Million-Year-Old Creatures Revealed June 25, 2017
With no identifiable body parts, it's hard to know how these fossilized creatures lived. A new approach models how the ocean's water would interact with their unique shapes – hinting at their lifestyle.
The Missing Link: Where Are Medium-Size Black Holes? June 24, 2017
For decades, while astronomers have detected black holes equal in mass either to a few suns or to millions of suns, the missing-link black holes in between have eluded discovery.
Why Do Some Animals Eat Their Own Poop? June 24, 2017
Why do some animals poop, and then turn around and eat their own droppings?
Forensic Dogs Enlisted in Search for Amelia Earhart's Bones June 24, 2017
This summer marks the 80th anniversary of Amelia Earhart's disappearance. In the latest search for clues, archaeologists and dogs will go to a remote Pacific island to look for bones.
The Most Interesting Science News Articles of the Week June 23, 2017
Here are the most interesting, amazing and unusual things that happened in the world of science this week. A recap of Live Science's best.
Amazing Images: The Best Science Photos of the Week June 23, 2017
Here are the stories behind the most amazing images in the world of science this week. A recap of the coolest photos featured on Live Science.
Crystal Healing: Stone-Cold Facts About Gemstone Treatments June 23, 2017
Crystal healing is an alternative medicine technique that employs crystals and other stones as conduits for natural healing energy.
Lactose Intolerance: Symptoms, Treatment & Coping Strategies June 23, 2017
Lactose intolerance is not the same as milk allergy
60% of Moms Have Been Mom-Shamed June 23, 2017
Moms' discipline choices are a lightning rod for criticism
Canada Issues Guidelines for Safer Use of Marijuana June 23, 2017
Officials in Canada are releasing guidelines for how people can lower the health risks associated with using marijuana
What Is a Solar Eclipse? June 23, 2017
Solar eclipses are some of nature's most dramatic celestial performances. They occur when the Earth, moon and sun are aligned in the same plane and the moon passes between the two other bodies.
Why 'Greener' Gas-Powered Vehicles Aren't As Clean As You Think June 23, 2017
So called "cleaner" gas-powered cars still emit pollutants that eventually turn into harmful particulate matter in the atmosphere, new research shows.
Weight Bias May Show Up in School Kids As Young As 9 June 23, 2017
School-age kids may be biased against their peers who are overweight or obese and not even know it, a new study finds.
Customizable 'Smart' Exoskeleton Learns from Your Steps June 23, 2017
Assisted walking just got smarter.
Satellites Keep Eye on Huge Crack in Antarctic Ice Shelf June 23, 2017
The Larsen C ice shelf is about to calve one of the biggest icebergs on record. And space agency satellites are watching.
The Gulf of Mexico's 'Dead Zone' Could Nearly Double in Size This Year June 23, 2017
Agricultural runoff and biological waste from the Mississippi River fuel algae blooms each year in the Gulf of Mexico, depleting marine oxygen and sometimes triggering massive die-offs.
Planet 10? Another Earth-Size World May Lurk in the Outer Solar System June 23, 2017
Another planet-size object may be orbiting beyond Pluto in the far, icy reaches of the solar system.
What Is Raspberry Ketone? June 23, 2017
Raspberry ketone is touted as a weight-loss aid. But how strong is the evidence that taking raspberry ketone supplements may actually help you lose weight? And is it safe? Here's what experts had to say.
The Serengeti: Plain Facts about National Park & Animals June 23, 2017
The Serengeti is a vast ecosystem in east-central Africa.

Masten-space.com Blog updates–X-Prize winner!

Masten Achieves First Hot-Fire of Broadsword Rocket Engine May 11, 2017
Mojave, CA – On September 30, 2016, Masten Space Systems successfully concluded the 13-month design, build, and test period for the first development unit of the Broadsword 25 rocket engine, funded as a technology demonstration under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)’s Experimental Spaceplane (XS-1) program. This first phase of the engine […]
What’s the Point? April 27, 2017
That is a question that comes up from time to time when people see Xaero-B and Xodiac. Both vehicles seem to be doing what other rocket companies have already *demonstrated* and to greater lengths at that. The underlying premise of the question is this: you are not seeing anything that hasn’t already been done. And
Masten’s Green Bipropellant: MXP-351 March 23, 2017
As part of our partnership with NASA through the Lunar CATALYST (Lunar Cargo Transportation and Landing by Soft Touchdown) program, we have been actively developing a proprietary new bipropellant – MXP-351. This propellant is intended to be flown on our XL-1 lunar lander which is capable of bringing up to 100 kg (221 lb) softly
Summer 2017 Internship December 5, 2016
Masten is now accepting intern applications for the Summer of 2017. If you’ve followed us you know we’ve had a great history of outstanding interns working with us. There are few places like us that can deliver an internship with this level of responsibility and hands on work. We’re not looking for gophers, we’re looking for
Introducing Xodiac and XaeroB June 7, 2016
Introducing the next generation of reusable rockets – Masten’s Xodiac and XaeroB. These two new rockets are designed and built on the success of their predecessors – Xombie, Xoie, and Xaero. For those who have followed us, you will see the obvious connection to our previous vehicles. With this new iteration, we are bringing greater capability
Masten Space Systems selected by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for XS-1 Program July 23, 2014
Mojave, CA (July 23, 2014) — Masten Space Systems, Inc. (Masten) announced today that the company has been awarded a contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as part of Phase 1 of the Experimental Spaceplane (XS-1) program to develop a reusable launch vehicle. Over the last decade, Masten has built three highly
Astrobotic Technology And Masten Space Systems Perform Visually Guided Precision Landing June 30, 2014
Contact John Thornton contact@astrobotic.com Sean Mahoney smahoney@masten.aero FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ASTROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY AND MASTEN SPACE SYSTEMS PERFORM VISUALLY GUIDED PRECISION LANDING Groundbreaking effort integrates two privately developed technology platforms to validate performance of autonomous precision landing capability Mojave, CA: Astrobotic Te […]
Project Prometheus May 19, 2014
A lot has been going on in the past year, and while we have been busy with clients and flying customer payloads, the Masten Team has also been thinking about ways we could engage the broader community and increase accessibility to our VTVL vehicles. One of the largest barriers to entry for any technology developer
NASA Partners with Masten for Lunar CATALYST April 30, 2014
We’re excited to be part of opening the moon to commercial enterprises. Masten has been investing private money for years building core technologies to open the Moon for business. The CATALYST program is a great step towards unlocking the Moon’s potential. (Source: NASA)
Masten featured on PBS documentary December 2, 2013
We get asked on a regular basis what life is like working at Masten. Well, the good folks at KQED (San Francisco Bay Area PBS affiliate) came out in May to capture a slice of Mojave with a healthy dose of Masten rockets. Watch for Masten to appear around time marker 13:47. We really enjoyed hosting

Discovery Space News

Huge Tsunamis May Have Ravaged Ancient Mars May 25, 2016
When Mars was a wet world, did its oceans experience powerful tsunamis spawned by meteorite impacts?
Collapsing Cosmic Clouds Birth Black Hole Monsters May 24, 2016
Supermassive black holes occupy all known galaxies, but astronomers have little idea how they formed. Now space telescopes have found a clue.
Mystery Plumes: Did the Sun Bruise Mars? May 24, 2016
Strange plumes have been spotted high in the Martian atmosphere that have, so far, defied explanation. Now scientists think space weather is to blame.
NASA Probe Tracks Object in Solar System's Badlands May 23, 2016
While coasting through the outer solar system, NASA's New Horizons is busying itself with astronomical observations of a distant Kuiper Belt Object.
Solar Superflares Set Stage for Life on Earth May 23, 2016
Earth could have grown warm enough for liquid water as far back as 4 billion years ago thanks to massive and frequent solar flares.
See the Red Planet with Your Own Eyes This Weekend May 21, 2016
Mars reaches opposition this weekend, making Saturday and Sunday (May 21 and 22) an opportune time to see the Red Planet with your own eyes.
Extreme Exoplanets Reveal Migration Mystery May 20, 2016
A star hosting 4 massive gas giant exoplanets has been spotted -- is this how our solar system looked in its ancient past?
How to Form Io's Mountains? Just Squeeze! May 20, 2016
On Earth, mountains form along tectonic boundaries, but Io, Jupiter's volcanic moon, is awash with molten rock and dotted with solitary mountains -- how did they form?
DNews: Meet a Black Hole 17 Billion Times the Sun's Mass May 20, 2016
DNews sits down with U.C. Berkeley astronomy professor Chung-Pei Ma to learn all about supermassive black holes, including one nearby that's just honking huge.
LHC Opens the Quantum Physics Floodgates May 20, 2016
As it restarts its mission to discover weird and exotic things about our universe, the Large Hadron Collider is about to become a firehose of quantum data.

New Scientist

Uranus’s crooked, messy magnetic field might open and shut daily June 23, 2017
The off-kilter tumbling of the magnetic bubble around Uranus may regularly let a barrage of charged particles from the solar wind flow in
ESA approves gravitational-wave hunting spacecraft for 2034 June 23, 2017
The triplet LISA spacecraft, which will use powerful lasers to measure ripples in space-time from supermassive black holes, have been green-lit
Weird orbits hint ‘Planet Ten’ might lurk at solar system edge June 23, 2017
Astronomers studying icy objects in a distant region called the Kuiper belt say an unconfirmed planet with similar mass to Mars could be responsible for tugging them out of alignment
Buckyballs mysteriously show up in cold space and warp starlight June 21, 2017
These molecular carbon cages could be used as tracers to understand how prebiotic molecules form in space
Kepler finds 219 new exoplanets and 10 are rocky and Earth-like June 20, 2017
NASA’s Kepler team has released its latest batch of planet candidates and they fall into two kinds: ones like Earth and those like mini-Neptunes