Topic: National Space Society

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Humongous asteroid could strike Earth in 2040

The 460-foot wide asteroid 2011 AG5 could be on a collision course with our planet. But the odds are very small, say scientists.
NASA moon waypoint could be first deep-space human outpost

According to a Feb. 3 memo from William Gerstenmaier, NASA's associate administrator for human exploration and operations, a team is being formed to develop a cohesive plan for exploring a spot in space known as the Earth-moon libration point 2.
Russian space probe turned space junk crash will have worldwide audience

According to ESA, studies by the Russian space agency and NASA indicate that Phobos-Grunt's fuel tanks should burst high above the Earth, releasing a load of propellant that will subsequently dissipate.
Malfunctioning Russian probe spotted hurtling through space backward (+video)

Veteran satellite watcher Thierry Legault filmed the wayward Russian Phobos-Grunt probe, which was intended to collect soil samples from a Martian moon but is instead heading toward a destructive plunge back to earth.
Russian Mars probe's fiery reunion with Earth could help re-entry predictions

The uncontrolled tumble of Phobos-Grunt into Earth's atmosphere is being eyed as a possible way to sharpen computer tools to more accurately calculate re-entry predictions.
International community makes last-ditch attempt to save Russian space probe

Officials from NASA and the European Space Agency have pitched in to help save the Russian Phobos-Grunt probe, which was supposed to fly to a Martian moon to collect soil samples but is instead stuck in orbit around Earth.
Do we need a code of conduct for space?

Some experts are calling for an international code of conduct for spacefaring nations. But defining misconduct isn't easy.
Secret US X-37B space plane could be coming to end of mission

The US Air Force's secret X-37B space plane remains in Earth orbit, but its initial mission might be coming to an end.
Spaceport America being developed for commercial spaceflight in New Mexico

Spaceport America will play host to a number of aerospace companies, including Virgin Galatic and Lockheed Martin.
Deflecting Earth-bound asteroids becoming a global effort

Europe is ramping up efforts to detect incoming asteroids. Scientists and astronauts met for the first time in Germany to discuss options for defending the Earth from asteroids.
Satellite to beam solar power to Earth, a la Bond movie

Like a solar satellite in the 2002 Bond movie, Die Another Day, a former president of India plans to launch satellites that catch the suns rays and create a focused microwave beam back to collectors on Earth.
Secret Air Force X-37B space plane changes its orbit

The US Air Force's secret X-37B space plane has boosted itself into a new orbit, say skywatchers.
NASA should protect Earth from space rocks, panel finds

A NASA task force says the space agency should make protecting the planet a strategic goal.
Asteroid threat: Don't worry, Congress is looking into it

Astronomers have long warned of a nasty encounter with a large space rock, but don't worry: There's a proposal in Congress to establish a commission to look into it.
Draconid meteor shower: NASA prepares for potentially damaging 2011 meteor shower

Draconid meteor shower: NASA is assessing the risk to spacecraft posed by the upcoming 2011 Draconid meteor shower, a seven-hour storm of tiny space rocks.
Falcon 9 inaugural flight has a lot riding on it

There will be many eyes checking out the inaugural flight of the private Falcon 9 rocket Friday, launching from Florida.
Scientists await return of Japanese asteroid probe

Japan's Hayabusa spacecraft is scheduled to touch down in Australia on June 13. The probe might be carrying a little piece of asteroid.
Shhhh! Air Force launches top secret X-37B robot space plane

The secretive X-37B robot space plane was launched late Thursday. Destination unknown.
Will US-Russia tensions extend to space?

Without Russia, NASA couldn’t send astronauts to the space station between 2010 and 2015.
Space shuttle Atlantis to launch with Columbus lab

The European Space Agency's long-term plans for manned space flight rest on the successful launch of the module scheduled Thursday.