NOAA-14 launched from Vandenberg 30 Dec, to replace NOAA-13 (the one that died soon after launch). A gas leak caused some difficulties in attitude control shortly after launch, but this has been resolved. Checkout is underway; full operations will begin in March, replacing the ailing NOAA-11. The launch slipped over three weeks, mostly because of weather problems.
NASA organizing an effort to examine problems with pyrotechnic valves, as suspicion grows that they may have been a factor in some recent spacecraft losses. A pyrovalve failure during ESA ground testing on the Cluster project has aggravated suspicions. Performance margins are poorly understood, the flight articles can't be tested (they're one-shot devices), and fully realistic testing is rare because it involves working with highly toxic propellants. There is also some thought that the recent trend toward making them out of titanium may be a mistake, because of interactions with the propellants; JPL has switched the pyrovalves for Cassini and Mars Global Surveyor back to the traditional stainless steel.
Konstantin Cherevkov, deputy direction of the Russian Institute of Space Device Engineering, proposes an international space-based missile warning system, suitable for cueing defense systems. There is already some sharing of data between the US and Russia, and growing interest in Europe. The Russian proposal is for a network of up to 18 satellites 8000km 51deg orbits; Cherevkov says this is more efficient than either LEO or Clarke-orbit constellations. He says existing technology would suffice, deployment could start within 5 years, and cost would be reasonable. No attempt would be made to discriminate decoys from real warheads. Treaty changes would be necessary. Reaction from one US company: "... couldn't have come at a better moment... The US seems incapable of setting a clear policy for a follow-on to DSP, even though we face more and more missile threats..." The US political side is less clear: the Republicans favor doing more about missile defence, even if it means major treaty changes, but are skeptical about joint efforts with the Russians.
Hubble picture of recent Earth-sized storm on Saturn.
[A light week.]
There is a difference between | Henry Spencer cynicism and skepticism. | henry@zoo.toronto.edu