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

Scholarship application time! Here's one! fb.me/1v65hDiRK 4 days ago
@Nextlaunch @janwoerner @esa Now be nice. ;-) 4 days ago
@Nextlaunch "Second stage engine is still burning happily." Lol! 5 days ago
Is FEMA on this natural disaster? @POTUS foxnews.com/us/2017/10/10/… 1 week ago
Having unprotected sex without telling partner about HIV-positive status no longer would be a felony under new bill fb.me/Pjo9ShnB 1 week ago
@Nextlaunch Launches= 4 Successes= 4 Scrubs= 2 (1 weather) Failures= 0 1 week ago
NASA Provides Coverage for First Meeting of the National Space Council fb.me/3sJc7Z0H8 1 week ago
RT @ThatEricAlper: Gas station worker takes the only step after customer refused to put out his cigarette https://t.co/31JyzJTYn1 1 week ago
@SpaceX Let it fly! https://t.co/qxSNbF4aIK 1 week ago
Question: Puerto Rico Answer: It's about the victims right now. Question: Los Vegas Answer: It's about the... fb.me/8hrc3m9vJ 2 weeks ago
@cacodaemonia youtu.be/fFnOfpIJL0M 2 weeks ago
Happy Astronomy Day, everyone. Tonight, if the clouds allow it, celebrate by taking a little time and enjoying... fb.me/2iSDnvBZ9 2 weeks ago
Figure out Trump? Good luck with that. If they were to ask me, I'd say that bilateral trade agreements (once... fb.me/3voH49xSV 3 weeks ago
@WilliamShatner @startrekcbs Lots of complaints about the new ST only being available on a subscription streaming service. 3 weeks ago
#Tweet others the way you would like to be Tweeted 3 weeks ago
A NASA spin-off that helps save lives. fb.me/6BETHr2DN 3 weeks ago
This is the kind of achievement that our kids in STEM can aspire to. fb.me/y7W4nzmP 3 weeks ago
Some details into China's work on the #emdrive #tmro youtu.be/Mdcer1QQLrA 3 weeks ago
Sorry @richardbranson, but current warming has only lifted hurricanes by an unmeasurable 1 knot of wind speed. cnn.com/2017/09/19/us/… 3 weeks ago
@CassiniSaturn Hey now! Be nice! theonion.com/article/you-th… 3 weeks ago

Space.com Top Stories

Coat of Arms for Canada's New Governor General Nods to Her Astronaut Past October 17, 2017
As a Canadian astronaut, Julie Payette used mission patches to represent her spaceflight experiences and personal journey. Now, as Canada's new Governor General, she has a new symbol of her achievements — her coat of arms.
How Gravitational Waves Led Astronomers to Neutron Star Gold October 17, 2017
The origin of the universe's heaviest elements has mystified scientists, but after Monday's (Oct. 16) historic announcement of the detection of gravitational waves produced by two colliding neutron stars, astronomers have struck gold — literally.
Neutron-Star Collision Reveals Origin of Gold, Astronomers Say October 17, 2017
An international team of astronomers detected the first gravitational waves from merging neutron stars, and found proof they are the source of the universe's heavy elements, including gold and platinum.
3D Printers: A Revolutionary Frontier for Medicine October 17, 2017
Mission control on earth receives an urgent communication from Mars that an astronaut has fractured his shinbone. Using a handheld scanning device, the crew takes images of his damaged tibia and transmits them to earth.
NASA to Leverage Current Planning for 45-Day Exploration Report October 17, 2017
A shift in focus in NASA's exploration plans to the moon won't have an immediate effect on planning for the first flight of the agency's Space Launch System rocket, now expected no sooner than late 2019.
Space Calendar 2017: Launches, Sky Events & More October 17, 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.
The Future of Space Is Coming…'Soonish' October 17, 2017
In their new book "Soonish" (Penguin Press, 2017), out today (Oct. 17), Kelly and Zach Weinersmith dig into 10 realms of future technology to see which will survive, which will likely flounder and which could change (or ruin) everything.
Image of the Day October 17, 2017
Saturn's moon Dione shines like a half moon in this photo from NASA's Cassini spacecraft.
Why Gravitational Waves Are So Exhilarating October 17, 2017
The gravitational-wave research community seems to be having a remarkable string of good luck. Here's what the smashing finding means.
In Videos: Gravitational Wave Detection from Neutron-Star Crash October 17, 2017
For the first time, gravitational waves generated by the merger of two neutron stars have been detected. And that merger was also confirmed optically!
Space Spinner! Astronaut Shows What Fidget Spinners Do in Orbit October 17, 2017
How awesome is a fidget spinner in space, where your body can do all the spinning you want? Astronauts on the International Space Station showed off their tricks in microgravity while playing with the popular toy, one of the trend-making objects of 2017.
How Gravitational Waves and 'Multi-Messenger' Research Will Change Astronomy October 17, 2017
The era of multi-messenger astronomy has officially begun. But what does that phrase mean, and how will it change the study of the cosmos?
First Glimpse of Colliding Neutron Stars Yields Stunning Pics October 17, 2017
Breathtaking images from the explosive merger of two neutron stars were captured by multiple observatories on Earth and in space.
Secret Weapon for Space Travelers: A Steady Diet of TV? October 16, 2017
No one knows for sure what a long-range space journey will be like for the people on board. Nobody in the history of our species has ever had to deal with the "Earth-out-of-view" phenomenon, for instance.
Machine Dreams: 22 Human-Like Androids from Sci-Fi October 16, 2017
Androids are a mainstay of science fiction, compelling audiences to question how we define what makes us human.
Humanity's Sci-Fi Future: Are We Really Ready for Intelligent Robots? October 16, 2017
As technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, specialized and perhaps even autonomous, what does that mean for the humans who design and depend on it?
See the Moon, Venus and Mars Together Before Dawn Tuesday! October 16, 2017
A gathering of two bright planets and the slender crescent moon will be the chief celestial attraction in the predawn sky Tuesday (Oct. 17).
2 Neutron Stars Collided, So Are They a Black Hole Now? October 16, 2017
Scientists detected gravitational waves from merging neutron stars. What have they become now?
'Star Trek: Discovery' Mudd-ies Up Tardigrade Science October 16, 2017
"Star Trek: Discovery" is already breaking new ground. This episode includes what might be the series' first f-bomb, a scene between two gay characters and gritty depictions of torture.
What Is Earth Made Of? October 16, 2017
Earth has multiple layers, consisting of the core, mantle and crust.

LiveScience.com – Top Stories

Why You Shouldn't Expect to See 'Blade Runner' Replicants Anytime Soon October 17, 2017
Why don't we have intelligent robots that seem human, like the replicants in "Blade Runner"?
Tyrannosaurus Rex: Facts About T. Rex, King of the Dinosaurs October 17, 2017
The large carnivorous dinosaur reigned during the late Cretaceous Period, 65 million years ago.
Bad Blood? Why Transfusions from Women May Be Risky for Men October 17, 2017
Getting blood from a woman who has ever been pregnant could be risky for men, a new study from the Netherlands suggests.
Neutron-Star Collision Reveals Origin of Gold, Astronomers Say October 17, 2017
An international team of astronomers detected the first gravitational waves from merging neutron stars, and found proof they are the source of the universe's heavy elements, including gold and platinum.
Volcanic Eruptions May Have Doomed an Ancient Egyptian Dynasty October 17, 2017
Thousands of years ago, fallout from volcanic activity may have sounded a death knell for an Egyptian dynasty.
Infant Chimp Snatched and Cannibalized Moments After Its Birth October 17, 2017
Moments after a wild chimpanzee was born, an adult chimp snatched the infant away from its mother and cannibalized it, according to a new study that is the first to document this macabre behavior.
Why Do We Get Addicted to Things? October 17, 2017
What makes a particular habit or substance an addiction?
Ancient Sea Creature Looked Like a Wine Glass, Died Alone October 17, 2017
Resembling a dainty tulip bloom or an elegant white-wine glass, the 500-million-year-old bottom-feeder looked uniquely ready for a romantic evening of sucking up microplankton along the seafloor.
In Photos: Mysterious Stone Structures in Saudi Arabia October 17, 2017
Images reveal sprawling stone structures in Saudi Arabia that look like field gates from above and that may date back thousands of years.
400 Mysterious Ancient Stone Structures Discovered in Saudi Arabia October 17, 2017
The sprawling stone structures date back thousands of years and drape across old lava fields.
Why Gravitational Waves Are So Exhilarating October 16, 2017
The gravitational-wave research community seems to be having a remarkable string of good luck. Here's what the smashing finding means.
How Do You Grow a Low-Fat Avocado? October 16, 2017
For avocado lovers who'd prefer a little less fat in their favorite fruit, a Spanish company could have the solution.
So Much Drama! Roman Amphitheater Found Under Western Wall Tunnels October 16, 2017
Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient Roman amphitheater — one that hasn't seen the light of day in 1,700 years — beneath Jerusalem's Western Wall Tunnels. But subtle clues suggest that the ancient stage was never used.
Your Hair Color and Sleep Habits May Come from Neanderthals October 16, 2017
Neanderthal DNA could influence your skin tone, hair color, sleep patterns, mood and even smoking behavior, a new study finds.
Woman Needed Arms, Legs Amputated After Giving Birth: What Is Necrotizing Fasciitis? October 16, 2017
A woman in Canada developed a life-threatening infection shortly after giving birth that resulted in amputations of all four of her limbs.
First Detection of Gravitational Waves from Neutron-Star Crash Marks New Era of Astronomy October 16, 2017
For the first time ever, scientists have spotted both gravitational waves and light coming from the same cosmic event — in this case, the merger of two superdense stellar corpses known as neutron stars.
What Have Gravitational-Wave Detectors Discovered? Find Out Today! October 16, 2017
On Monday (Oct. 16), scientists with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory and Virgo collaborations, as well as researchers from a number of other institutions, will hold a news conference at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
Woman Contracts Rare Bacterial Infection on 12-Hour Flight October 16, 2017
In a rare case, a woman contracted a potentially deadly bacterial infection while on a 12-hour flight from Japan to Germany, according to a new report.
'Magic Mushrooms' Might Ease Depression Symptoms October 16, 2017
Very preliminary results suggest psilocybin could help depression.
Atlas V Rocket Launches New US Spy Satellite on Secret Mission October 15, 2017
The NROL-52 satellite soared into orbit this morning (Oct. 14) atop a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, which lifted off at 3:31 a.m. EDT (0731 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

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

Gravitational waves have let us see huge neutron stars colliding October 16, 2017
We’ve taken the first pictures of neutron stars colliding 130 million light years away. The resulting gravitational waves may solve some big cosmic mysteries
A tech-destroying solar flare could hit Earth within 100 years October 16, 2017
If the sun spews “superflares” as often as other stars, one could take down power systems, damage the ozone layer and destroy satellites in the next century
We can finally map the spiral arm on the far side of the galaxy October 12, 2017
Using a jet of radio waves, astronomers have begun to map the other side of the Milky Way. Within 10 years we could have a complete map of the entire galaxy
Distant dwarf planet near Pluto has a ring that no one expected October 11, 2017
The tiny world Haumea has a ring, the most distant we’ve found in our solar system. This may mean rings encircle other far-off worlds in the solar system
Giant black hole seen flickering on and off after galaxy snack October 11, 2017
Active Galactic Nuclei occur when a black hole devours a cloud of gas and dust and shines really brightly. Now one has been seen doing it twice