Commercial Spaceflight Federation "Major Announcement" on Wednesday, April 13

[2552]

Commercial Spaceflight Federation to Make Major Announcement on Wednesday, April 13

The Commercial Spaceflight Federation, the industry association of leading businesses and organizations working to make commercial human spaceflight a reality, will be making a major announcement on Wednesday, April 13, 2011, the day after the 50th anniversary celebration of the world’s first human spaceflight in 1961. Following the announcement, a press availability will be held at 1:30 pm Mountain Time at the National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Representatives of the media onsite in Colorado Springs are invited join us at Symposium Media Center Press Room #1, on the 2nd floor of the Exhibit Center.

Participants in the press availability will include:

- Mark Sirangelo, Chairman of Sierra Nevada Corporation Space Systems and Chairman Emeritus of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation

- George Whitesides, President and CEO, Virgin Galactic

- Robert Bigelow, Founder and President, Bigelow Aerospace

- Bretton Alexander, President, Commercial Spaceflight Federation

[docmordrid]

Notable is the absense of Lockheed Martin or ULA, whose Atlas V was originally to be the launcher for both Dream Chaser and Bigelow. The recent announcement of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy and its $1,000/lb price point (and the possible up-rating of F9 to 16 mT) might have a bit to do with that - option exploring & all that.

[mr. mark]

I suspect that Bigelow and Sierra Nevada will announce a partner ship to deliver space tourists to the Bigelow space station through Virgin Galactic/Dreamchaser. This would not surprise me. That would mean that 3 carriers would then be licenced to fly to the Bigelow station, Boeing, Bigelow and Spacex. Not sure how Spacex fits into this though. I suspect Spacex's role will mainly be for cargo, supply runs.

[Namechange User]

Notable is the absense of Lockheed Martin or ULA, whose Atlas V was originally to be the launcher for both Dream Chaser and Bigelow. The recent announcement of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy and its $1,000/lb price point (and the possible up-rating of F9 to 16 mT) might have a bit to do with that - option exploring & all that.

For goodness sake, is SpaceX even mentioned?  Why do some think the world must revolve around them? 

The "recent announcement" is just that.  It is a goal and objective for SpaceX but neither performance, cost or schedule have yet validated that target price.  I think people need to cool their jets and stop assuming that everyone, everywhere is dancing the maypole and droping or terminating existing relationships just because The Elon made a speech a few DAYS ago. 

Besides why would ULA need to be involved?  Based on the list, it would seem that Virgin Galactic will buy DreamChaser seats/vehicles for use in operations to and from Bigelow modules, which has essentially been known, or at least theorized, for some time.  The method of transport to LEO is somewhat secondary in this regard. 

[Cog_in_the_machine]

I'm somewhat intrigued. Might be something to do with announcing a Bigelow station (more details about it anyway). We'll wait and see.

[Danderman]

I have out to out-cynic OV-106 on this.

Although I support commercial space as an industry, I have no illusions about specific players in the industry, and expect most of them to fail. If there are no failures in an industry, it means that its not really a commercial industry.

Another rule of thumb is if announcements of new projects are made without specific mention of customers, then the organization(s) are basically trolling for customers (billionaires) and don't have their act together. You will find that most announcements of big new commercial projects are customer focused, not technology focused. This does not apply to consumer products, like the IPAD, that depend on zillions of small customers, but it does apply to airliners and space projects.

[docmordrid]

Maybe I noticed LM/ULA's absence because someone has to get that stuff to orbit & they've been at least mentioned in most other pressers regarding DC & Bigelow. We'll see tomorrow if they couch their comments.

[Namechange User]

Another rule of thumb is if announcements of new projects are made without specific mention of customers, then the organization(s) are basically trolling for customers (billionaires) and don't have their act together. You will find that most announcements of big new commercial projects are customer focused, not technology focused. This does not apply to consumer products, like the IPAD, that depend on zillions of small customers, but it does apply to airliners and space projects.

Believe it or not, I concur.  You want me to stop being a cynic, and get off the government-funded for development/government requirements/government oversight/ government-funded for ops "commercial" bandwagon?  Then there need to be many more announcements like this, about the "business case" beyond NASA (assuming this is what it is really about). 

I also agree that an announcement such as this is just the first step.  That further steps beyond this must be realized, like real customers and exo-NASA applications, that demonstrate that indeed something can be made out of this and it will not be commercial-in-name-only. 

[Namechange User]

Maybe I noticed LM/ULA's absence because someone has to get that stuff to orbit & they've been at least mentioned in most other pressers regarding DC & Bigelow. We'll see tomorrow if they couch their comments.

Of course something has to get them to orbit.  Yet, has it not been argued that Atlas, etc exist and could essentially be used as is?  Has it not been argued that the capacity to produce the necessary launch vehicles exists? 

"Commercial spaceflight" means flying in space, not just the ride up-hill.  Commercial spaceflight" is about the applications that can be realized *in space* for customers outside of NASA/government.  Even with die-hard "commercial spaceflight" supporters there tends to be a near-obsession with the rocket. 

[docmordrid]

SpaceX was mentioned purely based on $/kg, the 800 lb gorilla in the room after the FH announcement. Are you proposing Mr. Big would go with Atlas V based just on loyalty?  He's too $$ oriented for that.

[yg1968]

It obviously has something to do with some kind of agreement between Virgin Galactic and Bigelow.

It is not clear if Mark Sierangelo is there as chairman emeritus of the CSF or as chairman of SNC Space systems.

[Namechange User]

SpaceX was mentioned purely based on $/kg, the 800 lb gorilla in the room after the FH announcement. Are you proposing Mr. Big would go with Atlas V based just on loyalty?  He's too $$ oriented for that.

I am saying, again, that $/kg is hardly a fact.  That it is a target based on one speech by The Elon.  That development and test will have to prove the performance, cost and schedule that is SpaceX's GOAL AND OBJECTIVE. 

I am saying that people familar with this business will watch with interest to see if SpaceX accomplishes that goal and objective with respect to performance. cost and schedule.  I am saying that in the "real world", if a market materializes, competition and options can be a great thing for this class launch vehicle but that does NOT mean everyone terminates relationships within DAYS of a SPEECH. 

[mr. mark]

I'll have a slight bit more faith in Virgin Galactic and Sierra Nevada when SS2 finally starts power based testing and Dreamchaser has a drop test. Right now, Spacex is the only one holding any real cards. They have actually demostrated a real vehicle under power and in flight. I know give it time. :p

[Ronsmytheiii]

ULA is probably not mentioned because they are only the LV provider, I suspect this will be some agreement of a form for Dreamcatcher to go to Bigelow station and Virgina Galactic selling seats for tourists there ect.  Really dont need the LV company there as they provide a servide for Sierra Nevada in such a case.

In any case, SpaceX has not been mentioned in the presser, and any more talk about that will be off topic, you have been warned

[Namechange User]

I'll have a slight bit more faith in Virgin Galactic and Sierra Nevada when SS2 finally starts power based testing and Dreamchaser has a drop test. Right now, Spacex is the only one holding any real cards. They have actually demostrated a real vehicle under power and in flight. I know give it time. :p

VG, Scaled, etc is also really the only commercial company.  They have not had any government dollars invested for the SS1 and SS2 effort.  That should mean something for people who really want to call themselves "pro-commercial space".  If it doesn't, then it is hypocrtitical.   

SpaceX has been working on Dragon in some capacity or another since around the 2003/2004 time.  Interesting the Boeing and the CST-100 could come online at about the same time if SpaceX is the only company "holding any real cards". 

Just some observations......

[John Gedmark]

Thanks for your interest in this.  A couple of additional notes:

Also participating in the press availability will be:
- Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX
- A TBD senior executive of the United Launch Alliance
- Patti Grace Smith, former Associate Administrator of FAA/AST

The announcement is one of importance to the space industry as a whole, not just to one particular company or combination of companies.

John Gedmark
Executive Director
Commercial Spaceflight Federation

[Jason1701]

Thanks for your interest in this.  A couple of additional notes:

Also participating in the press availability will be:
- Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX
- A TBD senior executive of the United Launch Alliance
- Patti Grace Smith, former Associate Administrator of FAA/AST

The announcement is one of importance to the space industry as a whole, not just to one particular company or combination of companies.

John Gedmark
Executive Director
Commercial Spaceflight Federation

I appreciate your posting that here. Should be very interesting.

[Hotdog]

Will this be broadcast live online?

[Norm Hartnett]

I am saying, again, that $/kg is hardly a fact.  That it is a target based on one speech by The Elon.  That development and test will have to prove the performance, cost and schedule that is SpaceX's GOAL AND OBJECTIVE. 

"performance, cost and schedule" As someone here has pointed out "pick two". I would have to review Mr. Musk's speech to be sure but I am pretty positive that he said the performance and cost were the goal and objective. Schedule is not a part of that nor should it be. This is developmental science and engineering and should not be driven by schedules, NET is good enough.

[Namechange User]

I am saying, again, that $/kg is hardly a fact.  That it is a target based on one speech by The Elon.  That development and test will have to prove the performance, cost and schedule that is SpaceX's GOAL AND OBJECTIVE. 

"performance, cost and schedule" As someone here has pointed out "pick two". I would have to review Mr. Musk's speech to be sure but I am pretty positive that he said the performance and cost were the goal and objective. Schedule is not a part of that nor should it be. This is developmental science and engineering and should not be driven by schedules, NET is good enough.

Norm,

Schedule has an impact on cost.  Cost has an impact on schedule.  I appreciate what you are saying but all projects must have a schedule, as does SpaceX, by the NET date they are working toward. 

Either way, my point is still very much valid. 

[Norm Hartnett]

I am saying, again, that $/kg is hardly a fact.  That it is a target based on one speech by The Elon.  That development and test will have to prove the performance, cost and schedule that is SpaceX's GOAL AND OBJECTIVE. 

"performance, cost and schedule" As someone here has pointed out "pick two". I would have to review Mr. Musk's speech to be sure but I am pretty positive that he said the performance and cost were the goal and objective. Schedule is not a part of that nor should it be. This is developmental science and engineering and should not be driven by schedules, NET is good enough.

Norm,

Schedule has an impact on cost.  Cost has an impact on schedule.  I appreciate what you are saying but all projects must have a schedule, as does SpaceX, by the NET date they are working toward. 

Either way, my point is still very much valid. 

Oh, I agree that cost and politics drive schedule. That is very different from making it your "GOAL AND OBJECTIVE" though. SpaceX has been beaten up quite a bit for schedule slippages here and elsewhere and has, rightly IMO, ignored such criticisms. While your point that the cost/lb is a goal and not an actuality is valid, I think that the very fact that SpaceX's goal is focused on the cost/lb is a very hopeful sign since this is the driver that will determine whether space exploration is sustainable.

[stockman]

Guys.. this is all very fascinating (no cheek intended) but what does it have to do with the announcement today?? should this be in a different thread?

[Norm Hartnett]

Guys.. this is all very fascinating (no cheek intended) but what does it have to do with the announcement today?? should this be in a different thread?

Yes, sorry. I truly hope that the Steidle announcement was not the "Major Announcement". I've scanned the CSF site and found no hint of any sign that there will be any online broadcast. Do any of the websites have someone at the announcement location?

Edited for spelling.

[Namechange User]

I am saying, again, that $/kg is hardly a fact.  That it is a target based on one speech by The Elon.  That development and test will have to prove the performance, cost and schedule that is SpaceX's GOAL AND OBJECTIVE. 

"performance, cost and schedule" As someone here has pointed out "pick two". I would have to review Mr. Musk's speech to be sure but I am pretty positive that he said the performance and cost were the goal and objective. Schedule is not a part of that nor should it be. This is developmental science and engineering and should not be driven by schedules, NET is good enough.

Norm,

Schedule has an impact on cost.  Cost has an impact on schedule.  I appreciate what you are saying but all projects must have a schedule, as does SpaceX, by the NET date they are working toward. 

Either way, my point is still very much valid. 

Oh, I agree that cost and politics drive schedule. That is very different from making it your "GOAL AND OBJECTIVE" though. SpaceX has been beaten up quite a bit for schedule slippages here and elsewhere and has, rightly IMO, ignored such criticisms. While your point that the cost/lb is a goal and not an actuality is valid, I think that the very fact that SpaceX's goal is focused on the cost/lb is a very hopeful sign since this is the driver that will determine whether space exploration is sustainable.

Where did I ever mention politics?  What I am referring to is basic project management, that there are three legs to the tripod: technical (requirements/performance), cost and schedule.  Those must be balanced in order to meet the GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. 

Musk stated the performance of FH, therefore that logically seems to be a G&O.  Musk stated the cost, that then logicially seems to be a G&O.  Musk stated a NET date, so logically that seems to be a G&O.  Therefore from a project perspective, they will have to balance the legs of the tripod to meet that.  How they do that, and if in the end it meets expectations, is what we will see with time. 

I think it is as simple as that and agree this is getting off-topic to the thread. 

[stockman]

I've scanned the CSF site and found no hint of any sign that there will be any online broadcast. Do any of the websites have someone at the announcement location?

I can't find anything... just noticed however that the announcement is 1:30 MOUNTAIN time which is 3:30 Eastern... just FYI for anyone else that may have been watching for it right now.. (like me    )

[neilh]

I'm a little surprised a Boeing exec isn't there, considering the preexisting ties between Bigelow and Boeing's CST-100.

[cro-magnon gramps]

I've scanned the CSF site and found no hint of any sign that there will be any online broadcast. Do any of the websites have someone at the announcement location?

I can't find anything... just noticed however that the announcement is 1:30 MOUNTAIN time which is 3:30 Eastern... just FYI for anyone else that may have been watching for it right now.. (like me    )

Don't they know that GMT has been replaced by EST, not MT

[Ben the Space Brit]

I'm a little surprised a Boeing exec isn't there, considering the preexisting ties between Bigelow and Boeing's CST-100.

It's not that surprising.  The presence of a rep from SNC suggests that the S/C is Dreamchaser, which doesn't have anything to do with Boeing.  I suspect that the announcement will basically be that Virgin is buying or (more likely) leasing some Dreamchasers and will be flying fare-paying passengers to CSS Alpha or some other Bigelow station.

[mr. mark]

A little over an hour away now. Looking forward to the announcement whatever it is. Wonder as well if there is any live video of the event?

[jongoff]

Notable is the absense of Lockheed Martin or ULA, whose Atlas V was originally to be the launcher for both Dream Chaser and Bigelow. The recent announcement of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy and its $1,000/lb price point (and the possible up-rating of F9 to 16 mT) might have a bit to do with that - option exploring & all that.

For goodness sake, is SpaceX even mentioned?  Why do some think the world must revolve around them? 

The "recent announcement" is just that.  It is a goal and objective for SpaceX but neither performance, cost or schedule have yet validated that target price.  I think people need to cool their jets and stop assuming that everyone, everywhere is dancing the maypole and droping or terminating existing relationships just because The Elon made a speech a few DAYS ago. 

Besides why would ULA need to be involved?  Based on the list, it would seem that Virgin Galactic will buy DreamChaser seats/vehicles for use in operations to and from Bigelow modules, which has essentially been known, or at least theorized, for some time.  The method of transport to LEO is somewhat secondary in this regard. 

In an effort to make amends for being a jerk to OV-106 on another thread, let me say here that I agree with him.  Not everything revolves around SpaceX, Elon hasn't raised anyone from the dead or walked on water, and their accomplishments are cool enough without hyping their future goals as though they were already fait accompli.

And that's coming from an unabashed SpaceX amazing people.

~Jon

[jongoff]

A little over an hour away now. Looking forward to the announcement whatever it is. Wonder as well if there is any live video of the event?

Ah, so the Steidle thing wasn't the major announcement?  I'm curious again now.

~Jon

[neilh]

A little over an hour away now. Looking forward to the announcement whatever it is. Wonder as well if there is any live video of the event?

Ah, so the Steidle thing wasn't the major announcement?  I'm curious again now.

~Jon

Actually, it may have been -- we aren't sure yet.

[neilh]

I'm a little surprised a Boeing exec isn't there, considering the preexisting ties between Bigelow and Boeing's CST-100.

It's not that surprising.  The presence of a rep from SNC suggests that the S/C is Dreamchaser, which doesn't have anything to do with Boeing.  I suspect that the announcement will basically be that Virgin is buying or (more likely) leasing some Dreamchasers and will be flying fare-paying passengers to CSS Alpha or some other Bigelow station.

That makes sense, with the SpaceX and ULA execs there since they're the most likely launchers for the Dreamchaser. Of course, things are complicated slightly due to SpaceX having their own crew capsule in development -- perhaps this might even be part of the announcement?

[Namechange User]

Of course, things are complicated slightly due to SpaceX having their own crew capsule in development -- perhaps this might even be part of the announcement?

Why?  It's not like Falcon can't fly without Dragon.  In the end SpaceX gets paid for the rocket.  This is a business afterall and the real "complication" is if verification that Falcon could fly something like DreamChaser.

[mr. mark]

It could be a sign that Falcon Heavy may have it's first customer launching part of the Bigelow Station as well as having a Dreamchaser/Virgin Galactic contract for space tourism on ULA launch vehicles. A win-win all around.

[ugordan]

It's not like Falcon can't fly without Dragon.  In the end SpaceX gets paid for the rocket.  This is a business afterall

I never did understand why people have a problem grasping this. A customer is a customer. If any given Dream Chaser doesn't fly on F9, it will fly on Atlas - SpaceX's loss. They'd be crazy to refuse selling a flight.

[Danderman]

It could be a sign that Falcon Heavy may have it's first customer launching part of the Bigelow Station as well as having a Dreamchaser/Virgin Galactic contract for space tourism on ULA launch vehicles. A win-win all around.

I think that a real sign that FH may have its first customer is a customer announcement.

[neilh]

Of course, things are complicated slightly due to SpaceX having their own crew capsule in development -- perhaps this might even be part of the announcement?

Why?  It's not like Falcon can't fly without Dragon.  In the end SpaceX gets paid for the rocket.  This is a business afterall and the real "complication" is if verification that Falcon could fly something like DreamChaser.

Agreed, it's only a slight complication, and I'm sure they'd be able figure out how to announce things in such a way to avoid any awkwardness. Assuming that's the announcement, of course.

[Namechange User]

It could be a sign that Falcon Heavy may have it's first customer launching part of the Bigelow Station as well as having a Dreamchaser/Virgin Galactic contract for space tourism on ULA launch vehicles. A win-win all around.

I think that a real sign that FH may have its first customer is a customer announcement.

Right.  Why would the CSF announce for SpaceX that an FH has a customer?  Besides the original release did not even mention SpaceX.

[Nate_Trost]

Everybody is going to come together as a joint entity to develop and launch a Sea Dragon, duh!

edit: Except for Blue Origin, which will later announce that they've actually been working on a Project Orion derived LV design, the secrecy was due to the development of the small direct-initiation fusion charges.

Bet nobody would be talking about SpaceX after that!

[Silmfeanor]

Everybody is going to come together as a joint entity to develop and launch a Sea Dragon, duh!

If only.....

I would be surprised if the new general was the announcement. Could be, though, but I would dearly like a plan, architecture, or something along those lines.

[neilh]

Everybody is going to come together as a joint entity to develop and launch a Sea Dragon, duh!

Win! Since Bigelow's involved, it'll be a giant inflatable Sea Dragon.

[cro-magnon gramps]

Seeing as we are all speculating WILDLY,

they are going to announce that they are joining the Russian Federation in building a Cis-Lunar Infrastructure and Moon Base Alpha in 2019;   20 years late, better late than never ;-)

[mr. mark]

"Thanks for your interest in this.  A couple of additional notes:

Also participating in the press availability will be:
- Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX
- A TBD senior executive of the United Launch Alliance
- Patti Grace Smith, former Associate Administrator of FAA/AST

The announcement is one of importance to the space industry as a whole, not just to one particular company or combination of companies".

John Gedmark
Executive Director
Commercial Spaceflight Federation

So it's not just Virgin/Bigelow which seems to point to something bigger since ULA and Spacex representatives are both going to be there as well.
"The announcement is one of importance to the space industry as a whole, not just to one particular company or combination of companies".
that statement is keeping me guessing.

[Namechange User]

Everybody is going to come together as a joint entity to develop and launch a Sea Dragon, duh!

If only.....

I would be surprised if the new general was the announcement. Could be, though, but I would dearly like a plan, architecture, or something along those lines.

You will never get that from commercial.  They all have different "plans", or at least that is how it is supposed to work.  There is no "architecture", nor should there be, that they all rally behind.  They are in competition with each other.

This is not NASA, nor is it supposed to be. 

This is supposed to be about "commercial markets" that NASA should not be wholey subsidizing, but can take advantage of, and the business case is independent and in parallel to NASA.

[Namechange User]

"Thanks for your interest in this.  A couple of additional notes:

Also participating in the press availability will be:
- Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX
- A TBD senior executive of the United Launch Alliance
- Patti Grace Smith, former Associate Administrator of FAA/AST

The announcement is one of importance to the space industry as a whole, not just to one particular company or combination of companies".

John Gedmark
Executive Director
Commercial Spaceflight Federation

So it's not just Virgin/Bigelow which seems to point to something bigger since ULA and Spacex representatives are both going to be there as well.
"The announcement is one of importance to the space industry as a whole, not just to one particular company or combination of companies".
that statement is keeping me guessing.

So why do you keep pressing SpaceX and/or FH?

[mr. mark]

Why would Spacex or any other company not affiliated show up if it was only about a Virgin Galactic/SNC - ULA space tourism arrangement this is clearly more or something else than just that if it affects the industry as a whole.

[Diagoras]

Everybody is going to come together as a joint entity to develop and launch a Sea Dragon, duh!

If only.....

I would be surprised if the new general was the announcement. Could be, though, but I would dearly like a plan, architecture, or something along those lines.

You will never get that from commercial.  They all have different "plans", or at least that is how it is supposed to work.  There is no "architecture", nor should there be, that they all rally behind.  They are in competition with each other.

This is not NASA, nor is it supposed to be. 

This is supposed to be about "commercial markets" that NASA should not be wholey subsidizing, but can take advantage of, and the business case is independent and in parallel to NASA.

Actually, private entities collaborate to engage in large-scale activities without a central, coercive force directing them all the time. Even while remaining in competition.

[Silmfeanor]

Everybody is going to come together as a joint entity to develop and launch a Sea Dragon, duh!

If only.....

I would be surprised if the new general was the announcement. Could be, though, but I would dearly like a plan, architecture, or something along those lines.

You will never get that from commercial.  They all have different "plans", or at least that is how it is supposed to work.  There is no "architecture", nor should there be, that they all rally behind.  They are in competition with each other.

This is not NASA, nor is it supposed to be. 

This is supposed to be about "commercial markets" that NASA should not be wholey subsidizing, but can take advantage of, and the business case is independent and in parallel to NASA.

with architecture, I meant something along the lines of interoperability, a drawn up set of codes of conduct if one the vessels has a problem, crosstraining or combined training for crew, some other standards etc.

Might be unrealistic, I give you that, but hey, as I said, I can hope 

[Norm Hartnett]

Checking the National Space Symposium site indicates no streaming video either;
http://www.nationalspacesymposium.org/

and neither this announcement nor the presser are listed on their schedule of events. Something might pop up on their twitter or facebook feeds.

[Namechange User]

Everybody is going to come together as a joint entity to develop and launch a Sea Dragon, duh!

If only.....

I would be surprised if the new general was the announcement. Could be, though, but I would dearly like a plan, architecture, or something along those lines.

You will never get that from commercial.  They all have different "plans", or at least that is how it is supposed to work.  There is no "architecture", nor should there be, that they all rally behind.  They are in competition with each other.

This is not NASA, nor is it supposed to be. 

This is supposed to be about "commercial markets" that NASA should not be wholey subsidizing, but can take advantage of, and the business case is independent and in parallel to NASA.

Actually, private entities collaborate to engage in large-scale activities without a central, coercive force directing them all the time. Even while remaining in competition.

If you are talking about alliances/partnerships advance a common goal/lobbying efforts, which is essentially what the CSF is, you would be correct. 

However, that is not what I personally believed the poster was suggesting above.  In fact, right now these companies are looking to capture, at least a piece, of the market (whatever that really is) in order to make a profit for their respective company, so it seems pre-mature to be discussing consolidation before the industry has even started if that is what you are trying to imply. 

Now there is something to partial-alliances to reduce or share overhead costs but that is another matter entirely. 

[Namechange User]

Checking the National Space Symposium site indicates no streaming video either;
http://www.nationalspacesymposium.org/

and neither this announcement nor the presser are listed on their schedule of events. Something might pop up on their twitter or facebook feeds.

Odd that it would be called "major" then and a time given, etc. 

[majormajor42]

Agreement with NASA to outsource all commercial space crew/tourist training to JSC 

[Diagoras]

Everybody is going to come together as a joint entity to develop and launch a Sea Dragon, duh!

If only.....

I would be surprised if the new general was the announcement. Could be, though, but I would dearly like a plan, architecture, or something along those lines.

You will never get that from commercial.  They all have different "plans", or at least that is how it is supposed to work.  There is no "architecture", nor should there be, that they all rally behind.  They are in competition with each other.

This is not NASA, nor is it supposed to be. 

This is supposed to be about "commercial markets" that NASA should not be wholey subsidizing, but can take advantage of, and the business case is independent and in parallel to NASA.

Actually, private entities collaborate to engage in large-scale activities without a central, coercive force directing them all the time. Even while remaining in competition.

If you are talking about alliances/partnerships advance a common goal/lobbying efforts, which is essentially what the CSF is, you would be correct. 

However, that is not what I personally believed the poster was suggesting above.  In fact, right now these companies are looking to capture, at least a piece, of the market (whatever that really is) in order to make a profit for their respective company, so it seems pre-mature to be discussing consolidation before the industry has even started if that is what you are trying to imply. 

Now there is something to partial-alliances to reduce or share overhead costs but that is another matter entirely. 

It appears he was talking about interoperability, yeah. But "architecture" as used by NASA usually refers to the plan and components used to reach a destination, right?

I could see the CSF announcing something along those lines to privately recreate Apollo 8 or something. Almost certainly with government funding of some kind, though it would make quite a marketing tool.

Still, it would be extremely surprising - but then I didn't really see Falcon Heavy coming either.

[Malderi]

Announcement should be about now - anywhere we can get the news?

[ugordan]

http://www.spacenews.com/venture_space/110413-steidle-tapped-run-commercial-spaceflight-federation.html

Retired U.S. Navy Adm. Craig Steidle is taking the helm of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF), becoming the 5-year-old organization’s first full-time president, effective May 15. An announcement is planned for April 13 at the National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colo.

[rdale]

Agreement with NASA to outsource all commercial space crew/tourist training to JSC 

I'm not sure I understand... What sort of training will JSC be doing exactly? Do you have a link?

[neilh]

http://www.spacenews.com/venture_space/110413-steidle-tapped-run-commercial-spaceflight-federation.html

Retired U.S. Navy Adm. Craig Steidle is taking the helm of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF), becoming the 5-year-old organization’s first full-time president, effective May 15. An announcement is planned for April 13 at the National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Yup, it seems likely that the Q&A with the various companies will have to do more with welcoming Steidle, maybe some words on future direction of CSF, etc. Or maybe not?

[Norm Hartnett]

Agreement with NASA to outsource all commercial space crew/tourist training to JSC 

I'm not sure I understand... What sort of training will JSC be doing exactly? Do you have a link?

Do you have a hard time finding pants with one leg being so much longer than the other?

[stockman]

http://www.spacenews.com/venture_space/110413-steidle-tapped-run-commercial-spaceflight-federation.html

Retired U.S. Navy Adm. Craig Steidle is taking the helm of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF), becoming the 5-year-old organization’s first full-time president, effective May 15. An announcement is planned for April 13 at the National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Yup, it seems likely that the Q&A with the various companies will have to do more with welcoming Steidle, maybe some words on future direction of CSF, etc. Or maybe not?

if thats the case, then this was anti-climactic 

[majormajor42]

Agreement with NASA to outsource all commercial space crew/tourist training to JSC 

I'm not sure I understand... What sort of training will JSC be doing exactly? Do you have a link?

no

Seeing as we are all speculating WILDLY

sorry if you took me seriously.

still waiting hoping there is more too it than their new president announcement.

[neilh]

http://www.spacenews.com/venture_space/110413-steidle-tapped-run-commercial-spaceflight-federation.html

Retired U.S. Navy Adm. Craig Steidle is taking the helm of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF), becoming the 5-year-old organization’s first full-time president, effective May 15. An announcement is planned for April 13 at the National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Yup, it seems likely that the Q&A with the various companies will have to do more with welcoming Steidle, maybe some words on future direction of CSF, etc. Or maybe not?

if thats the case, then this was anti-climactic 

Maybe a little, but I'm pretty excited about the Steidle announcement as-is. I'm a big Steidle fan.

[Norm Hartnett]

<sigh> Much ado about nothing, the hints were there;

The announcement is one of importance to the space industry as a whole, not just to one particular company or combination of companies.
 

This is a side effect of the well known consequences of having three PR personnel in a sealed room. Either the room explodes from over-pressure or, if the room is not sufficiently anchored, the room reaches the upper Stratosphere due to the hot air generated. (There was a recent proposal to use this effect as a first stage for launching commercial rockets. Some objected that you couldn’t consider three PR personnel expendable, others disagreed.)

[Namechange User]

http://www.spacenews.com/venture_space/110413-steidle-tapped-run-commercial-spaceflight-federation.html

Retired U.S. Navy Adm. Craig Steidle is taking the helm of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF), becoming the 5-year-old organization’s first full-time president, effective May 15. An announcement is planned for April 13 at the National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Yup, it seems likely that the Q&A with the various companies will have to do more with welcoming Steidle, maybe some words on future direction of CSF, etc. Or maybe not?

if thats the case, then this was anti-climactic 

Not only that, but lame.  The CSF, in my opinion, tends to over-inflate everything.  That could have consequences eventually.  They bill something as a "major announcement", issue press releases, etc and it all turns out to be that someone got a new job.  Hell, they even trumped themselves by then letting the cat out of the bag early.

I hope Adm. Steidle changes this because otherwise it will become increasingly difficult to take the seriously. 

[mr. mark]

Agreed. There are things we agree on.

[Namechange User]

I'm a big Steidle fan.

Yeah, he's a cool guy but don't get your hopes up too high.  He has no "control" over anything and certainly not the member companies.  The CSF doesn't make/operate/analyze anything. 

[stockman]

http://www.spacenews.com/venture_space/110413-steidle-tapped-run-commercial-spaceflight-federation.html

Retired U.S. Navy Adm. Craig Steidle is taking the helm of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF), becoming the 5-year-old organization’s first full-time president, effective May 15. An announcement is planned for April 13 at the National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Yup, it seems likely that the Q&A with the various companies will have to do more with welcoming Steidle, maybe some words on future direction of CSF, etc. Or maybe not?

if thats the case, then this was anti-climactic 

Not only that, but lame.  The CSF, in my opinion, tends to over-inflate everything.  That could have consequences eventually.  They bill something as a "major announcement", issue press releases, etc and it all turns out to be that someone got a new job.  Hell, they even trumped themselves by then letting the cat out of the bag early.

I hope Adm. Steidle changes this because otherwise it will become increasingly difficult to take the seriously. 

I agree with you OV-106.. I have no problem with the Steidle announcement as it stands but not if that is all there is given the hype generated... you do run the risk of crying wolf too often and then no one takes you seriously... Lets hope there is more meat on the bones that we haven't seen yet...

[Cherokee43v6]

Announcing your new leader IS a major announcement.  It is they who set the organization's agenda. 

So it's not some major technical widget symposium.  Who is directing the course is not chickenfeed.

[simonbp]

But what exactly is he directing? As far as I know, CSF is primarily a lobbying organization, promoting to Congress the services of of its members. Steidle's role, therefore, seems more of a big-name lobbyist...

[mr. mark]

Has there been any more updates yet? Or is that really it? Kind of anticlimatic. He seems to a good choice though.

[2552]

Gwynne Shotwell and George Whitesides on panel “Emerging Markets and Applications” at NSS now:

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23NSS27

Edit: Robert Bigelow there too.

Edit:
http://twitter.com/#!/SpaceFoundation/status/58275459208708096

#NSS27 Bigelow: Lunar Depot Station architecture built on EELV capabilities

http://twitter.com/#!/ac_charania/status/58276848781623297

Bigelow Aerospace presents lunar orbital base, outbound vehicle uses 11 centaur upper stages to LLO, follow on from DC FAA AST #nss27

http://twitter.com/#!/ac_charania/status/58277518280638464

Bigelow sees first flight in 2015, SPaceX few hundred million of outside investment already obtained, could raise money without NASA #NSS27

http://twitter.com/#!/ac_charania/status/58277887127719937

Bigelow Aerospace looking at care and welfare of leases from habitats as revenue, more than $200M in investment #NSS27

[Ronsmytheiii]

Bigelow: CCDev developments have spurred interest – expect first flight in early 2015

http://twitter.com/#!/SpaceFoundation

[northanger]

#NSS27 Bigelow: Lunar Depot Station architecture built on EELV capabilities

hmm. That's ULA, right?

[docmordrid]

Or FH.

[Chris Bergin]

http://www.spacenews.com/venture_space/110413-steidle-tapped-run-commercial-spaceflight-federation.html

Retired U.S. Navy Adm. Craig Steidle is taking the helm of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF), becoming the 5-year-old organization’s first full-time president, effective May 15. An announcement is planned for April 13 at the National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colo.

We posted that on this very forum section several hours earlier.

Seen as you missed it...

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=24790.0

[ugordan]

I didn't miss it. I was trying to make others stop speculating widely on what the "major announcement" would be.

[jongoff]

I'm a big Steidle fan.

Yeah, he's a cool guy but don't get your hopes up too high.  He has no "control" over anything and certainly not the member companies.  The CSF doesn't make/operate/analyze anything. 

Yeah, they're an industry trade association, not an engineering firm.  That doesn't mean CSF hasn't been very helpful for the entrepreneurial part of the space industry. Metal benders and "PhDs spanking computers" (to use a Tim Pickens-ism) aren't the only people who contribute.

~Jon

[robertross]

But what exactly is he directing? As far as I know, CSF is primarily a lobbying organization, promoting to Congress the services of of its members. Steidle's role, therefore, seems more of a big-name lobbyist...

UNLESS his role is to change that, and to put 'commercial' spaceflight on its own footing - as a consortium of commercial companies coming together (despite) government bungling, perhaps even getting ready to save it in its 'desperate' hour (ISS).

Always more powerful when you speak as one voice, and that voice has substance & respect behind it.

[Namechange User]

......aren't the only people who contribute.

~Jon

Do me a favor?  Remember that. 

[docmordrid]

UNLESS his role is to change that, and to put 'commercial' spaceflight on its own footing - as a consortium of commercial companies coming together (despite) government bungling, perhaps even getting ready to save it in its 'desperate' hour (ISS).

Always more powerful when you speak as one voice, and that voice has substance & respect behind it.

It's called a keiretsu - in Japan a group of companies with interlocking business relationships & interests acting for the good of all.

[northanger]

Or FH.

I like the or.

[manboy]

Was the announcement the lunar orbital base? And where can I find the video of this presentation (if CSF was smart they'd have one on their website)?

[stockman]

Was the announcement the lunar orbital base? And where can I find the video of this presentation (if CSF was smart they'd have one on their website)?

the announcement was about Steidle's role... nothing more...

[jongoff]

......aren't the only people who contribute.

~Jon

Do me a favor?  Remember that. 

Sure, no problem.  I've never said that you weren't contributing.

~Jon