Author Topic: NASA FY 2012 Budget Request for NASA Updates (Read 53633 times)

TexasRED · « **Reply #20 on:** 04/11/2011 08:40 pm »

Quote from: Space Pete on 04/11/2011 08:32 pm

Sen. Hutchison noted that NASA could be without cargo or crew transportation to ISS if commercial don't succeed.

She then said that NASA shouldn't spend too much money on commercial systems.

Yes, that makes sense. $:-\$

(More money for commercial = less risk of being without ISS transportation.)

I think she said only at the expense of Orion\SLS...ie...They don't want the two competing for funding...I think they are hunting for cuts elsewhere to fund commercial or Orion\SLS right now. That was my take at least.

neilh · « **Reply #21 on:** 04/11/2011 08:42 pm »

missed current Senator's name (I think represents Stennis), but he's the first one to discuss SLS extensively, mentions 2016 deadline for 130mt

question about using existing NASA infrastructure to test commercial rockets, Bolden mentions use of infrastructure for testing AJ-26 many years ago

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #22 on:** 04/11/2011 08:42 pm »

Here we go with questions about HLV by 2016, notes the importance. Also asking about the 21st Century launch complex. Enough funding for the schedule for testing?

General Bolden:

A-3 Test Stand to be completed at Stennis.

Demoed AJ-24 at Stennis. Has potential for upgrade for a heavier vehicle past Taurus II, talks with Aerojet.

Oh well, no questions specific to HLV.

Jeff Bingham · « **Reply #23 on:** 04/11/2011 08:42 pm »

Quote from: Halidon on 04/11/2011 08:19 pm

Fascinating, the Senator is lobbying hard for Orion but has not mentioned SLS much if at all.

Her focus today was on Orion/MPCV because NASA has said they see no problem moving forward with existing Orion contract for MPCV work; she wants them to ACT on formalizing that arrangement. The contract issue on SLS is less clear, so she's not pressing on the contract/procurement issue on the SLS. But the development of the SLS is certainly an equal priority overall, as should be clear when further appropriations action is taken.

northanger · « **Reply #24 on:** 04/11/2011 08:42 pm »

Senator Mikulski: I'm willing to be frugal but not foolish.

Acknowledged Mr. Bolden as being sentry to things not becoming a boondoggle. Sounds like she really wants to drill down and move things forward. During her opening remarks she said they didn't want to cancel this hearing prior to the next recess: "let's get crackin' on our 2012 appropriations".

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #25 on:** 04/11/2011 08:44 pm »

Senator Brown only seems concerned with Glenn, as expected I suppose. 10 healthy centers.

psloss · « **Reply #26 on:** 04/11/2011 08:47 pm »

Heh, asking about the decision on where the orbiters will go. General Bolden said he's going to make the decision this afternoon after the briefing.

northanger · « **Reply #27 on:** 04/11/2011 08:48 pm »

Funny interchange about Orbiter retirement assignments. "For once I have no dog or orbiter in this fight."

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #28 on:** 04/11/2011 08:48 pm »

Decision on where the orbiters go is totally up to General Bolden. Will probably decide this afternoon (not decided yet).

29 applicants for an orbiter. Best homes win, not location.

robertross · « **Reply #29 on:** 04/11/2011 08:49 pm »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 04/11/2011 08:44 pm

Senator Brown only seems concerned with Glenn, as expected I suppose. 10 healthy centers.

In the end, they are mostly concerned about their own districts. The rest of government comes second it seems.

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #30 on:** 04/11/2011 08:49 pm »

Bolden Defending Enterprise (that makes me happy)

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #31 on:** 04/11/2011 08:50 pm »

Almost sounds defensive over Enterprise as a vehicle that HAS flown.

All four vehicles will find out their new homes tomorrow.

Sounds like he's lobbying for Dayton, Ohio.

psloss · « **Reply #32 on:** 04/11/2011 08:50 pm »

Quote from: northanger on 04/11/2011 08:48 pm

Funny interchange about Orbiter retirement assignments. "For once I have no dog or orbiter in this fight."

Yes, but also interesting, too. Some clarifications in General Bolden's testimony to some previous questions in other threads here.

northanger · « **Reply #33 on:** 04/11/2011 08:50 pm »

Mr. Bolden will announce Orbiter assignments (including Enterprise) at 1pm tomorrow.

psloss · « **Reply #34 on:** 04/11/2011 08:51 pm »

Quote from: northanger on 04/11/2011 08:50 pm

Mr. Bolden will announce Orbiter assignments (including Enterprise) at 1pm tomorrow.

Press release / media advisory went out this hour:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=4078.msg722098#msg722098

The details have already been publicized -- will be in front of OPF Bay 1.

wronkiew · « **Reply #35 on:** 04/11/2011 08:51 pm »

Quote from: robertross on 04/11/2011 08:49 pm

In the end, they are mostly concerned about their own districts. The rest of government comes second it seems.

And space exploration comes third, I guess.

Danny Dot · « **Reply #36 on:** 04/11/2011 08:51 pm »

Quote from: northanger on 04/11/2011 08:20 pm

Senator Hutchison {comparing 2011/2012 budgets} this budget deliberately hamstrings Orion.

The Senator seemed really concerned about moving Orion forward and her opening statement also stated developing a balanced (gov/comm) approach. Nothing she's read so far justifies such a large investment in commercial.

Not surprizing because the Orion Program Office is based in Texas. The operations will also be in Texas. I vote for Orion on Atlas or Delta.

robertross · « **Reply #37 on:** 04/11/2011 08:52 pm »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 04/11/2011 08:50 pm

Sounds like he's lobbying for Dayton, Ohio.

Until their last breath: always out for their own interests, never the 'good' of the country as a whole. Makes me cringe.

But I digress...

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #38 on:** 04/11/2011 08:55 pm »

Senator Hutchison asking about contract modifications, fears things are being dragged out.

General Bolden: Orion may not need a contract modification. It's a BEO vehicle. But got to get costs down, descope the vehicle in some manner.

Orion is the DRV. Our hope is to work an evolvable HLV.

SLS will eventually end up, no question, with a 130mt vehicle. First vehicle may be a 70mt vehicle.

WOW, he's practically confirming SD HLV as it stands now?
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/03/sls-studies-focusing-sd-hlv-versus-rp-1-f-1-engines/

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #39 on:** 04/11/2011 08:56 pm »

Bolden specifically mentions an "Evolve able" HLV, with the ultimate incarnation of 130 mTons

Think i am behind, but Bolden stating SLS will be Shuttle derived and not Ares.