Many folks would like to see us back on the Moon and developing its resources.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

"KAGUYA" moves to regular control mode

KAGUYA (SELENE)
Completion of the Critical Phase

Reminds me of the initial orbit adjustments for Lunar Prospector except
it was not 3 axis stable, but rather just a spinner.
-----------------------
See LUNAR PROSPECTOR MISSION DESIGN AND TRAJECTORY SUPPORT.
AAS98-323.pdf <http://lunar.arc.nasa.gov/project/pdf/AAS98-323.pdf>
(387kb PDF file)
-----------------------

Here they will be able to have the instruments face the Moon.
All the better for getting the details.
- LRK -

-------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/index_e.html
Thank you for supporting the �KAGUYA�

[October 26, 2007 Updated]
JAXA would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of you who sent
us supporting messages for the KAGUYA and its project team since we
started to request messages on July 17. We have received over 800 messages.
The KAGUYA is now preparing for regular observations in the lunar orbit.
We will update you through the project site.

(Image: KAGUYA orbit 3D simulation)
http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/topics/img/topics_20071026_e.jpg

* Project Site <http://www.selene.jaxa.jp/index_e.htm>

snip
-------------------------------------------------------------

Nothing to do with our Moon, just some comet getting agitated.
You know, something like we did with a big punch in the nose.
Natural, or some alien force a testing?
- LRK -
-------------------------------------------------------------

http://cometography.com/pcomets/017p.html

Article about comet 17P/Holmes exploding

(From Bob MacBird, Conroe, Texas)

-------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.spaceweather.com/comets/gallery_holmes.html
*Summary:* Comet 17P/Holmes shocked astronomers on Oct. 24, 2007, with a
spectacular eruption. In less than 24 hours, the 17th magnitude comet
brightened by a factor of nearly a million becoming a naked-eye object
in the evening sky. Look for a golden 2.5th magnitude fuzzball in the
constellation Perseus after sunset. [sky map
<http://spaceweather.com/images2007/24oct07/skymap_north_holmes.gif>]
[ephemeris
<http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/iau/Ephemerides/Comets/0017P.html>] [3D
orbit <http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi?sstr=17p&orb=1>]
-------------------------------------------------------------

Soooo, many things to look up at.
- LRK -

Larry Kellogg

Web Site: http://lkellogg.vttoth.com/LarryRussellKellogg/
BlogSpot: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/
RSS link: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Newsletter: https://news.altair.com/mailman/listinfo/lunar-update
==============================================================
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/10/20071021_kaguya_e.html
KAGUYA (SELENE)
Completion of the Critical Phase
October 21, 2007 (JST)

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) injected the KAGUYA main
satellite in its scheduled orbit and shifted its operation mode to the
regular control mode. Both the KAGUYA main satellite and its two baby
satellites are in good health. The "KAGUYA" (SELENE) is a lunar explorer
launched by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 13 (H-IIA F13) on September 14, 2007,
(Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center.

We completed the KAGUYA�s critical phase and are now moving to the
initial functional verification phase.

During the verification phase, we will check out onboard equipment in
the current lunar orbit until mid December,then start regular observations.

We would like to express our profound appreciation for the cooperation
and support of all related personnel and organizations that helped contribute
to the successful launch and tracking operation of the KAGUYA.

You can also check this information on the following Special Site:
[ http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/index_e.html ]

Critical phase: a period starting from launch through being ready for
initial functional verification including payload separation from the
launch vehicle, injection into the lunar orbit, and shift to a regular
control mode.

Regular control mode: attitude control method of a satellite with three
axis control to observe the Moon's surface by having the observation
equipment face the moon at all times.

:Mission website:

Lunar Explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE) Moon Images Shot by Its Monitor Cameras
(PDF) <http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/10/20071021_kaguya_e.pdf>
* Partially revised on Oct. 24.

Launch of KAGUYA/H-IIAF13 Special Site
<http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/index_e.html>
SELenological and ENgineering Explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE)
<http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/sat/selene/index_e.html>

Index for 2007/10 <http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/10/index_e.html>

Snip
http://www.selene.jaxa.jp/en/communication/com_information_e.htm
==============================================================
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/return_to_the_moon/message/919
Selene Lowers Orbit To Observation Altitude

Aviation Week & Space Technology, 10/29/2007, page 20
Edited by Frank Morring, Jr.

Controllers will spend the next three weeks checking out the science
instruments on Japan's Selene lunar orbiter, now in final science
observation orbit at an average altitude of 100 km. (62 mi.). The
orbit lowering was completed Oct. 19 and confirmed by JAXA the next
day. With Selene in position, it no longer needs major orbital adjustments,
save for counteracting the Moon's irregular pull, which gradually draws
the circular orbit into an ellipse. The team needs to reset the satellite
once its orbit becomes a 70 X 130-km. oval. It is to be moved in an equal
but opposite oval to gain time between maneuvers. "As a precaution, we
deliberately set our first orbit to 80 km. and 120 km., which includes an
extra safety margin of 10 km.," says Project Manager Yoshisada Takizawa.
JAXA expects to perform the procedure bimonthly. Takizawa says 50-60 kg.
of extra hydrazine propellant have been conserved since launch from
Tanegashima Sept. 14, meaning more time for observation.

Snip
==============================================================

Oct. 30, 2007

Dwayne Brown
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1726
dwayne.c.brown@nasa.gov

Michael Mewhinney
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.
650-604-3937
michael.mewhinney@nasa.gov

RELEASE: 07-233

NASA TO ESTABLISH NATIONWIDE LUNAR SCIENCE INSTITUTE

WASHINGTION - NASA has announced its intent to establish a new lunar
science institute. This effort, with dispersed teams across the
nation, will help lead the agency's research activities for future
lunar science missions related to NASA's exploration goals.

Named the NASA Lunar Science Institute (NLSI), the effort will be
managed from NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffet Field, Calif. Ames
currently manages a similar distributed NASA Astrobiology Institute.

NLSI's operations are expected to begin March 1, 2008. NLSI will
augment other, already established lunar science investigations
funded by NASA by encouraging the formation of interdisciplinary
research teams that are larger than those currently at work in lunar
science.

"I am excited about NLSI," said Alan Stern, associate administrator
for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters,
Washington. "As the National Academy of Sciences has told us, the
science to be done at the moon and from the moon are of high value,
and NLSI will help us coordinate and expand a number of in-depth
research efforts in lunar science and other fields that can benefit
from human and robotic missions that are part of NASA's exploration
plans."

NLSI research teams will address current topics in basic lunar
science, and perhaps astronomical, solar and Earth science
investigations that could be performed from the moon. They also will
offer a quick response capability for lunar science support to NASA's
Exploration initiative.

A national search for a NLSI director is currently underway. Most work
done under NLSI's banner will take place at other NASA centers,
universities and non-profit research groups around the nations. These
groups will be competitively selected after scientific peer review.

Initially, NASA will select four or five teams for grants of $1 to $2
million each for three years, with renewals of up to five years. NASA
will solicit team proposals in a 2008 NASA Research Announcement.

By late 2008, about 50 researchers around the U.S. could be working
under NLSI's banner. By 2010, that number could double. Funds for
this effort are part of the president's proposed 2008 NASA budget for
the lunar science project within the planetary research program, now
under consideration in Congress.

"We're delighted NASA Ames was chosen to lead this exciting new lunar
science research office," said S. Pete Worden, Ames center director.
"This will complement the agency's ongoing lunar research and further
the implementation of the nation's exploration efforts."

The lunar science institute is modeled after the highly successful
NASA Astrobiology Institute, based at Ames. Established in 1997, the
NASA Astrobiology Institute promotes, conducts and leads integrated
multidisciplinary astrobiology research in addition to training a new
generation of astrobiology researchers.

For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov


-end-

To subscribe to the list, send a message to:
hqnews-subscribe@mediaservices.nasa.gov

---------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=23910
---------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/news/releases/2007/07_79AR.html
---------------------------------------------------------------
Snip
==============================================================
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2007/oct/HQ_07234_ESMD_Work_Assignments.html

Oct. 30, 2007

Melissa Mathews/Beth Dickey
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1272/2087
melissa.mathews-1@nasa.gov; beth.dickey-1@nasa.gov

RELEASE: 07-234

NASA ANNOUNCES NEW CENTER ASSIGNMENTS FOR MOON EXPLORATION

WASHINGTON - NASA announced Tuesday which agency centers will take
responsibility for specific work to enable astronauts to explore the
moon. The new assignments cover elements of the lunar lander and
lunar surface operations. The agency also announced work assignments
for Ares V, a heavy-lift rocket for lunar missions.

"NASA's Constellation Program is making real progress toward sending
astronauts to the moon," said Rick Gilbrech, associate administrator
for Exploration Systems, NASA Headquarters, Washington. "Work on our
new fleet of rockets and spacecraft, Ares I and Orion, is already
well under way. With these new assignments, NASA will launch the next
phase of its exploration strategy - landing crews and cargo on the
surface of the moon."

A center-by-center breakdown of assignments is available on the web
at:

http://www.nasa.gov/constellation

The Ares V and lunar lander assignments will ramp up in fiscal year
2011, with surface system assignments in fiscal year 2012. While
these decisions will result in budget and personnel allocations at
the centers, detailed estimates will not be available until after
prime contractors are formally selected for the work.

Each center will have the opportunity for additional work assignments
as Constellation Program elements become further defined.

"These work assignments are helping to shape a true Constellation
identity for each NASA center, which in turn will help the agency to
foster the kinds of expertise needed to achieve our space exploration
goals," Gilbrech said.

NASA's Constellation Program is working to send astronauts to the
moon, where they plan to set up a lunar outpost to prepare for human
exploration further into the solar system. The first crewed flight of
the Orion spacecraft, aboard an Ares I rocket, is scheduled for no
later than 2015. Astronauts will return to the moon by 2020.


-end-

To subscribe to the list, send a message to:
hqnews-subscribe@mediaservices.nasa.gov

Snip
==============================================================

WHAT THE MIND CAN CONCEIVE, AND BELIEVE, IT WILL ACHIEVE - LRK

==============================================================

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Chang'e-1 - new mission to Moon lifts off - ESA to assist in tracking

The Shuttle mission STS-120 launched to the ISS on October 23, 2007 and
on October 24, China launches a mission to the Moon.
http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/index.html

I watched the shuttle launch on NASA TV. Nice!
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/

More links to China's Moon launch below.
http://in.reuters.com/news/pictures/articleslideshow?articleId=INIndia-301309200
71024&start=1


If all goes well we will have both the Japan and China orbiting the Moon.
Now who will get to see the maps of the Lunar Resources?

--------------------------------------------------------
http://www.esa.int/esaSC/SEMPM53Z28F_index_0.html
Snip
During ESA's SMART-1 mission, the Agency provided the Chinese with
details of the spacecraft's position and transmission frequencies, so
that the Chinese could test their tracking stations and ground
operations by following it. This was part of their preparation for
Chang'e-1. Now it is time for Chang'e-1 itself to fly.

Hermann Opgenoorth, Head of ESA�s Solar System Missions Division says,
"Participation in Chang'e-1 gives European scientists and ESA experts a
welcome opportunity to maintain and pass on their expertise and to
continue their scientific work. Based on the experience gained with this
first mission, we intended to cooperate on the next missions in China's
Chang'e line of lunar explorers."
Snip
--------------------------------------------------------

It helps to have tracking around the world to view the Moon as Earth
turns. Not everyone has NASA's Deep Space Network to use. In the early
Apollo missions there were ships positioned in strategic locations to
aide in tracking. Now China launches and some are concerned that they
are using ships to talk to the spacecraft. Makes for headlines, if
headlines are what you want to read.
- LRK -

--------------------------------------------------------
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8SETSN80&show_article=1
China to test space weapon in launching moon satellite: rights group+
Oct 23 07:41 AM US/Eastern

HONG KONG, Oct. 23 (AP) - (Kyodo)A Chinese submarine will send test
signals that could change the course of a satellite when China launches
its first moon orbiter, as part of the country's effort to develop space
war technology, a human rights watchdog said Tuesday.

The Information Center for Human Rights and Democracy said two survey
ships are deployed in the South Pacific Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean
to send signals to maneuver the lunar exploration satellite, expected to
be launched Wednesday. At the same time, a nuclear-powered submarine
will send simulated signals to the satellite as a test, it said in a
statement.

Once the satellite-maneuvering technology matures, the group said, China
would have the know-how to destroy other satellites in space in wartime.
China could launch cheaply-made weapon-carrying objects into space and
change their courses to destroy or damage satellites of other countries
by sending signals from submarines, the center said.

China shocked the world in January by firing a missile at an old weather
satellite without notifying anyone in advance, showing off its
anti-satellite weaponry and its ability to shoot down satellites without
being immediately noticed.
Snip
--------------------------------------------------------

Nice to know that ESA is working with China.
- LRK -

--------------------------------------------------------
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5262
China enters the new moon race with Chang'e-1 launch
By Rui C. Barbosa, 10/24/2007 5:08:55 AM
At the beginning of a 35 minute launch window that opened at 10:05 UTC,
a CZ-3A Chang Zheng-3A (CZ3A-15) was launched from the Xichang Satellite
Launch Centre, located in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, carrying
the first Chinese lunar probe, Chang'e-1 (ChangEr-1).
This was the 104th successful orbital Chinese launch, the 45th
successful orbital launch from Xichang, the ninth orbital Chinese launch
in 2007 and the sixth launch from Xichang in the current year. Free
launch video available (read more).
--------------------------------------------------------

Well now are you all looking up?
Who would like to look up with you?
Just point to the sky, and see who looks up.
Say hi, smile, and enjoy the moment.

Thanks for looking up with me as well.
- LRK -

Larry Kellogg

Web Site: http://lkellogg.vttoth.com/LarryRussellKellogg/
BlogSpot: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/
RSS link: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Newsletter: https://news.altair.com/mailman/listinfo/lunar-update
==============================================================
http://www.esa.int/esaSC/SEMPM53Z28F_index_0.html
Chang'e-1 - new mission to Moon lifts off - ESA to assist in tracking
information

24 October 2007
A bold new mission to the Moon was launched today by the Chinese
National Space Administration (CNSA). Chang'e-1 blasted off from the
Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, Sichuan, atop a Long March 3A rocket.

Chang'e-1 represents the first step in the Chinese ambition to land
robotic explorers on the Moon before 2020.

Chang'e-1 has four mission goals to accomplish. The first is to make
three-dimensional images of many lunar landforms and outline maps of
major lunar geological structures. This mapping will include the first
detailed images taken of some regions near the lunar poles.

Chang'e-1 is also designed to analyze the abundance of up to 14 chemical
elements and their distribution across the lunar surface. Thirdly it
will measure the depth of the lunar soil and lastly it will explore the
space weather between the Earth and the Moon.

The spacecraft is large, weighing in at 2350 kg and it will operate from
a low, circular lunar orbit, just 200 km above the surface of the Moon.
From here, it will perform its science mission for a full year.

ESA is collaborating with the Chinese on this mission by providing
spacecraft and ground operations support services to CNSA. The two
agencies will also share data and encourage a visitors' programme so
that researchers can learn from each other.

During ESA's SMART-1 mission, the Agency provided the Chinese with
details of the spacecraft's position and transmission frequencies, so
that the Chinese could test their tracking stations and ground
operations by following it. This was part of their preparation for
Chang�e-1. Now it is time for Chang'e-1 itself to fly.

Hermann Opgenoorth, Head of ESA's Solar System Missions Division says,
"Participation in Chang'e-1 gives European scientists and ESA experts a
welcome opportunity to maintain and pass on their expertise and to
continue their scientific work. Based on the experience gained with this
first mission, we intended to cooperate on the next missions in China's
Chang'e line of lunar explorers."

Snip
==============================================================
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/071024_change_launch.html
*China Launches First Moon Probe
By Staff reports and wire service
posted: 24 October 2007
08:02 am ET

According to Chinese news agency Xinhua, China successfully launched its
first lunar probe on Wednesday.

The Chang'e I blasted off at about 6:05 pm on a Long March 3A carrier
rocket from the No. 3 launching tower in the Xichang Satellite Launch
Center in Southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The mission is named after a Chinese goddess who, in a popular fairy
tale, lives on the Moon.

Chang'e 1 is based on China's Dongfanghong 3 telecommunication satellite
platform and reportedly carries a 280-pound (127-kilogram) payload of
science instruments for its planned one-year mission.

The spacecraft carries a total of eight primary instruments to
photograph and map the lunar surface, probe its depth, study the
regolith's chemical composition, and analyze the space environment
around the Moon.
**
*Snip
==============================================================
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21449023/
China successfully launches first lunar probe
First step in Beijing�s plan to send a rover to moon and back

Updated: 3:24 a.m. PT Oct 24, 2007
BEIJING - China launched its first lunar probe Wednesday, the first step
in an ambitious 10-year plan to send a rover to the moon and return it
to earth.

State television showed pictures of the Chang'e 1 orbiter taking off
with a trail of smoke from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in
Sichuan province in southwestern China.

The launch comes just weeks after China's regional rival Japan put a
probe into orbit around the moon in a big leap forward for Asia's
undeclared space race. India is likely to join the regional rivalry
soon, with plans to send its own lunar probe into space in April.

The Long March 3A rocket carrying the probe blasted off shortly after 6
p.m. (1000 GMT) after officials from the China National Space
Administration said weather conditions were good for a liftoff.

Several thousand people living within 1.5 miles of the launch center and
under the rocket's trajectory were evacuated two hours before the
launch, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

More than 2,000 tourists were also on hand to watch the rocket soar into
space after paying 800 yuan (around $106).
Snip
==============================================================
http://in.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idINIndia-30130920071024
China launches moon orbiter with patriotic blast
Wed Oct 24, 2007 5:52pm IST

By Royston Chan
XICHANG, China (Reuters) - China launched its first moon orbiter on
Wednesday amid a blaze of live-to-air patriotic propaganda celebrating
the country's space ambitions and technological prowess.

The Chang'e One orbiter lifted off from the southwestern province of
Sichuan at 1005 GMT. Barring technical failure, it will reach its lunar
orbit on November 5 and spend more than a year scanning the lunar
surface in preparation for an unmanned moon vehicle planned for 2012 and
a manned landing in future decades.

Chinese television broadcast the event more or less live, and senior
leaders were present to witness the country's latest feat in space.

A Beijing control centre called the launch a "complete success", the
Xinhua news agency reported.

A torrent of state media reports has celebrated Chang'e One, named after
a mythical Chinese goddess who flew to the moon, as visible proof of the
country's growing strength.

"Without a doubt, the launch of the Chang'e One will again show the
world that Chinese people have the willpower, confidence and ability to
constantly scale the heights of science and technology," said a
commentator on the Sina Web site (news.sina.com.cn).

The patriotic upswell was echoed by thousands of space enthusiasts,
tourists and reporters from across the country who crowded slopes and
viewing platforms near the small city to watch the launch, cheering as
the rocket disappeared into the clouds leaving a ribbon of smoke.

Snip
==============================================================
http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/society/environment/blastoff+for+chinas+mo
on+orbiter/955847

Blast-off for China's moon orbiter
Last Modified: 24 Oct 2007
By: Channel 4 News
China launches its first moon orbiter amid a blaze of live-to-air
patriotic propaganda celebrating the country's technological prowess.

The Chang'e One orbiter lifted off from the southwestern province of
Sichuan at 10.05 GMT. Barring technical failure, it will reach its lunar
orbit on 5 November and spend more than a year scanning the lunar
surface in preparation for an unmanned moon vehicle planned for 2012 and
a manned landing in future decades.

Chinese television broadcast the event more or less live, and senior
leaders were present to witness the country's latest feat in space.

A Beijing control centre called the launch a "complete success", the
Xinhua news agency reported.

Snip
==============================================================

WHAT THE MIND CAN CONCEIVE, AND BELIEVE, IT WILL ACHIEVE - LRK

==============================================================

Thursday, October 18, 2007

NASA ANNOUNCES WEB COVERAGE OF NEXT SPACE SHUTTLE MISSION

In reading about writing science fiction I am told that the Dialogue is
supposed to help present the theme and to contribute to the suspense or
stress that is needed to interest the reader. How to interest you?

Move that story forward, the shuttle to launch to the ISS October 23
with some known cracks. Risk is acceptable. What will really happen?
Tune in next week.
- LRK -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/ft-071012-sts120-shuttledate.html

CAPE CANAVERAL � In an engineering showdown next week, shuttle managers
will recommend launching Discovery on Oct. 23 despite concerns raised by
an independent safety group about tiny cracks in critical wing panels.

NASA shuttle chief Wayne Hale will tell agency leaders that the defects
are too small to allow hot gases to burn through the composite carbon
covers and destroy the spaceship during atmospheric re-entry.

And he'll note that new testing techniques developed after the 2003
Columbia accident show the cracks have not grown despite repeated
exposure to re-entry temperatures as high as 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

"As it stands right now, based on the discussions and the detail that
Wayne Hale heard yesterday, he said the risk as laid out is acceptable
to proceed with the launch," Kyle Herring, a spokesman for NASA's
Johnson Space Center, said Thursday.

snip
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---

Just like in the Saturday Matinee
<http://heroesofthesaturdaymatinee.com/> of old, often you were left
with some pending disaster and you wouldn't know if the hero would save
the heroine unless you came back next week. The story of shuttle cracks,
creaks, and groans goes on. Will it make it to the ISS in one piece?
Tune in for the live web cast and see for yourself.
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/

When we start sending astronauts back to the Moon the suspense will be
there too.
A new rocket, new space capsule, new crew, new launch pads, new
controllers, tune in,
well in a year or two if we are still funding this thriller.

We will be funding this thriller, won't we!

Will there be a women in the lunar crew?

Thanks for looking up with me.
- LRK -

Larry Kellogg

Web Site: http://lkellogg.vttoth.com/LarryRussellKellogg/
BlogSpot: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/
RSS link: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Newsletter: https://news.altair.com/mailman/listinfo/lunar-update
==============================================================
NASA Announces Web Coverage of Next Space Shuttle Mission
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2007/oct/HQ_M071039_STS-120_Web_Coverage.html

Oct. 18, 2007

Katherine Trinidad
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-3749
katherine.trinidad@nasa.gov

Jeanne Ryba
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
jeanne.m.ryba@nasa.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY: M07-139

NASA ANNOUNCES WEB COVERAGE OF NEXT SPACE SHUTTLE MISSION

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A prelaunch webcast, live blogs, podcasts,
pictures and videos highlight NASA's Internet coverage of space
shuttle Discovery's STS-120 mission to the International Space
Station. Discovery is scheduled to lift off on Oct. 23 at 11:38 a.m.
EDT. NASA will provide continuous online updates at:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

A live webcast featuring STS-112 astronaut Sandra Magnus will start
the in-depth coverage of the mission at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct.
22.

A blog will update the countdown beginning about six hours before
Discovery's launch. Originating from NASA's Kennedy Space Center,
Fla., the blog is the definitive Internet source for prelaunch
information.

During the 14-day mission, Discovery's seven astronauts will add a
module called Harmony to the International Space Station. The
Italian-built segment will become a connecting point for future
laboratories built by the European and Japanese space agencies.
Discovery's crew includes astronaut Daniel Tani, who will move into
the orbiting laboratory as part of the Expedition 16 crew. He will
replace Clayton Anderson, who launched to the station in June and
will return to Earth aboard Discovery. Tani will live and work on the
station until returning to Earth aboard space shuttle Atlantis on the
STS-122 mission, targeted to launch Dec. 6. Visitors to NASA's
shuttle Web site can read about the crew's progress and watch the
spacewalks live from the space station.

As Discovery's flight concludes, the NASA blog will detail the
spacecraft's return to Earth.

-end-

To subscribe to the list, send a message to:
hqnews-subscribe@mediaservices.nasa.gov

Snip
==============================================================
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html
Space Shuttle Crew Arrives Friday
As preparations for the launch of space shuttle Discovery on mission
STS-120 enter the final days, Discovery at the launch pad. the
astronauts are due to arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida
midday on Friday. The countdown will begin at 2 p.m. EDT on Saturday,
starting at the T-43 hour mark.
Snip
==============================================================
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html
STS-120 is the 23rd shuttle mission to the International Space Station,
and will launch an Italian-built U.S. multi-port module for the station.

Retired Air Force Col. Pamela A. Melroy will command the STS-120 mission
to take the Node 2 connecting module to the station. Melroy, a veteran
shuttle pilot, is the second woman to command a shuttle. Marine Corps
Col. George D. Zamka will serve as pilot. The flight's mission
specialists will be Scott E. Parazynski, Army Col. Douglas H. Wheelock,
Stephanie D. Wilson and Paolo A. Nespoli, a European Space Agency
astronaut from Italy. Zamka, Wheelock and Nespoli will be making their
first spaceflight.

Expedition 15/16 Flight Engineer Clayton Anderson will return to Earth
from the space station aboard shuttle mission STS-120. That flight will
carry his replacement, Daniel Tani, to the station. Tani will return on
shuttle mission STS-122.

Snip
==============================================================
NASA Sets Space Shuttle Discovery Prelaunch Events
Oct. 18, 2007

Katherine Trinidad
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-3749
katherine.trinidad@nasa.gov

George Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
george.h.diller@nasa.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY: M07-140

NASA SETS SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY PRELAUNCH EVENTS

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - News conferences, events and operating hours
for NASA's Kennedy Space Center News Center are set for the upcoming
launch of space shuttle Discovery. The STS-120 mission to the
International Space Station is set to lift off at 11:38 a.m. EDT on
Oct. 23.

On Friday, Oct. 19, the seven Discovery crew members are scheduled to
arrive at the Kennedy Space Center at 12:30 p.m. Badged media
planning to cover the event must be at Kennedy's News Center by 11
a.m. for transportation to the Shuttle Landing Facility. Commander
Pam Melroy will make a brief statement to media. NASA Television will
provide live coverage.

NASA TV also will broadcast live countdown status briefings and news
conferences Oct. 20-22. Complete listings of news briefing times and
participants as well as hours of operation for the Kennedy News
Center and media credentialing office are available at:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/news/index.html

For NASA TV streaming video, scheduling and downlink information,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For the latest information about the STS-120 crew and mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle


-end-

Snip
==============================================================

WHAT THE MIND CAN CONCEIVE, AND BELIEVE, IT WILL ACHIEVE - LRK

==============================================================

Saturday, October 13, 2007

9th ILEWG International Conference on Exploration and Utilisation of the Moon (ICEUM9/ILC2007)

ILEWG9 Intl Lunar Conference, Sorrento, Italy 22-26 Oct 07
*Co-hosted by ASI & ESA, Co-sponsors: COSPAR, IAF, Space agencies
*Co-chairs: S. Di Pippo(ASI), J. Wu (China), M. Wargo(NASA),
B.H.Foing(ILEWG/ESA)

Maybe some of you who are nearer to Italy than I will have a chance to
attend this years ILEWG conference.

Already it is number 9. Just seems like yesterday that I had posters up
in my office at NASA Ames for the first one.

Bernard Foing even dropped in one time to see what we had done with the
Lunar Prospector mission.
Here are some more links.
- LRK -

The International Lunar Conference in Italy in October:
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=40925
9th ILEWG International Conference on Exploration and Utilisation of the
Moon (ICEUM9/ILC2007)

Lunar Explorers group at the event -- http://www.lunarexplorers.net -- with
help from a few SEDS folks, Ryan Kobrick (CUSEDS), Melissa Battler (SEDS
Canada), and Yuki Takahashi (Caltech SEDS).


Here is some history about the ILEWG. The pdf is only 17 pages. Page 17
has an Exploration Roadmap.
- LRK -
-------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.iafastro.com/fileadmin/template/main/Documents/Events/2007IAC/PL6_int
roduction.pdf


ILEWG Involves 14 agencies and 23 countries:-Founding agencies (1994) :
ASA, ASI, BNSC, CNES, DARA, ESA, ISAS, NASA, NASDA, RSA-Joining
agencies: ISRO (2000), CNSA (2002), CSA, DLR (2005)

-----------
Past/FutureILEWG/COSPAR/IAF/IAA Community events
*ILEWG ConferencesonExploration& UtilisationoftheMoonICEUM:
Beatenberg94, Kyoto 96 , Moscow 98, ESTEC 2000, HawaiiNov2003,
UdaipurNov04, Toronto05, Beijing06, Sorrento22-26 Oct07, US 08
*COSPAR/ILEWG: Washington92, Hamburg 94, Nagoya 98, Warsaw 00, Houston
02, Paris 04, Beijing06, Montreal 08, Bremen 10
*IAF/IAA/ILEWG: Houston 02, Bremen 03, Vancouver04, Fukuoka05,
Valencia06, Hyderabad07, Glasgow08, Korea09
*EGS/EGU/ILEWG lunar sessions: Hamburg95, Vienna 97, Nice 98, The Hague
99, Nice 00 �04, Vienna05-06-07-08�ILEWG Website: http://sci.esa.int/ilewg
*Publications: 7 ICEUM volumes + 6 COSPAR books Adv Space Res.
*Public outreach: 18000 Google quotes
-------------------------------------------------------------

There is more information at the ESA web site listed below.
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=34125
- LRK -

If you get a chance to go to Italy this month and participate in the
conference, pass back some reflections.
- LRK-

Thanks for looking up with me.

- LRK -

Larry Kellogg

Web Site: http://lkellogg.vttoth.com/LarryRussellKellogg/
BlogSpot: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/
RSS link: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Newsletter: https://news.altair.com/mailman/listinfo/lunar-update
==============================================================
The International Lunar Conference in Italy in October:
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=40925
9th ILEWG International Conference on Exploration and Utilisation of the Moon (ICEUM9/ILC2007)
*
22-26 October, 2007, Sorrento, Italy*

Please note that on Wednesday 24 October, sessions 6., 7. and 8. will be
held in parallel.
On Thursday 25 October, sessions 6. and 7. will run in parallel.

Monday 22 October 2007
13. Young Lunar Explorers session
Chair: T. Krovel

4. Media Briefing (TBC) 17:00 - 18:00

Tuesday 23 October 2007
1. Plenary Opening
Chair: B.H. Foing 09:00
2. Results from SMART-1 and latest reports from Chang'E 1 and Selene
Chair: J. Green 09:30
3. Agencies activities and plans
Chairs: B. Foing et al. 11:00-13:00
4. Media Briefing (TBC)
5. Status of Future Missions: Chandrayaan-1, LRO/ LCROSS, Future landers
and orbiters
Chairs: S. Espinasse, M. Coradini 14:00

Wednesday 24 October 2007
6. Science and Exploration of the Moon: Results, Open Questions New
Approaches
Chairs: M. Grande, P. Sreekumar, G. Chin, D. Kendall 08:30
6.1 Science instruments
6.2 Upcoming missions 14:00
6.3 General tools
6.4 Science for exploration
6.5 Science and human exploration

7. Technologies, Infrastructures, Resources for Future Robotic and Human
exploration
Chairs: L. Taylor, S. Hovland, K. Matsumoto 08:30
7.1 Landers
7.2 Rovers
7.3 Support technologies (24 Oct 14:00)
7.4 Power and ISRU
Co-Chairs: L. Taylor & S. Hovland
7.5 Instruments Technologies

8. Societal, legal, policy, economics
Chairs: R.Richards, S.Durst, D.Isakeit 08:30

13B. YLE Session
Chairs: T. Krovel, A. Grinberg, R. Walker 14:00

Thursday 25 October 2007
6. Science and Exploration of the Moon: Results, Open Questions New
Approaches
Chairs: M. Grande, P. Sreekumar, D. Kendall 08:30
6.6 Science from the Moon
6.7 Science on the Moon

7. Technologies, Infrastructures, Resources for Future Robotic and Human
exploration
Chairs: L. Taylor, S. Hovland, K. Matsumoto 08:30
7.6 Transport and Orbital Support
7.7 Architectures
7.8 Human Support
7.9 Human Operations

Friday 26 October 2007
9. Next steps for Robotic Landers, Rovers and Outposts
Chair: K.Matsumoto, S.Hovland
10. International Prospects for utilization and human exploration
Chair: M. Wargo 11:00
11. Reports & recommendations from working groups
Chair: B. Foing 12:00
12. ICEUM9 declaration
Chair: B. Foing 15:00 - 15:30

[See web site for more detail. - LRK -]
Snip
==============================================================
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=34125
International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG)
What is ILEWG?

The International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG) is a public forum
sponsored by the world's space agencies to support "international cooperation
towards a world strategy for the exploration and utilization of the Moon
- our natural satellite" (International Lunar Workshop, Beatenberg (CH), June
1994).

The Forum is intended to serve three relevant groups:
1. actual members of the ILEWG, ie delegates and representatives of the
participating Space Agencies and organizations - allowing them to discuss
and possibly harmonize their draft concepts and plans in the spirit of the
Beatenberg Declaration

2. team members of the relevant space projects - allowing them to coordinate
their internal work according to the guidelines provided by the Charter of the
ILEWG

3. members of the general public and of the Lunar Explorer's Society who are
interested and wish to be informed on the progress of the Moon projects and
possibly contribute their own ideas

The ILEWG Forum also hosts the Lunar Explorer's Society.
http://www.lunarexplorers.net/

Snip
==============================================================
http://www.lunarexplorers.net/
Welcome to the online home of the Lunar Explorers Society!

Working for a permanent presence of humanity on the Moon
The Lunar Explorers Society is an international space advocacy
organization that aims to promote the exploration of the Moon
for the benefit of humanity. We believe that the Moon is the
next and most important step in the human exploration of the
solar system. We are dedicated to help achieve this goal
through furthering international cooperation, outreach
activities and general enlightening of the public. In pursuing
this aim we hope to bring the best of humanity to the Moon,
and to bring the benefits of the Moon to all people on Earth
through a sustainable exploration process.

Snip

==============================================================
The NSS web site has put a link to the "LUNA GAIA" pdf file.
- LRK -
--------------------------------------------------------------

LUNA GAIA: A Closed-Loop Habitat for the Moon. Design for a >90%
self-sufficient 11-person base by a team of 30 space scientists.
International Space University, 2007, 168 pages.

http://www.nss.org/settlement/moon/library/index.htm

snip

- LRK -
The symposium's 168-page report
<http://ssp06.isunet.edu/document/team_project/LunaGaia.pdf> sets down a
plan for an 11-person base to be located in Peary Crater at the lunar north pole.

Snip
==============================================================

WHAT THE MIND CAN CONCEIVE, AND BELIEVE, IT WILL ACHIEVE - LRK

==============================================================

Friday, October 12, 2007

Moon Colony Blueprint

Planning on living on the Moon?
What will it take?
- LRK -
-----------------------------------------------------------------
http://blog.wired.com/geekdad/2007/10/moon-colony-blu.html
Moon Colony Blueprint
By John Baichtal
October 12, 2007 | 9:32:48 AM

An international symposium of 30 space scientists have designed a
"closed loop" lunar habitat called Luna Gaia that is 90-95 percent self
sufficient. The symposium's 168-page report
<http://ssp06.isunet.edu/document/team_project/LunaGaia.pdf> sets down a
plan for an 11-person base to be located in Peary Crater
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peary_crater> at the lunar north pole.

The symposium is the product of the International Space University
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Space_University>. Around
since 1987, the ISU offers two Master's programs in Strasbourg as well
as a non-degreed summer program offered in a different city every year.
Over 2,500 students have attended classes there in the past 20 years.
The core curriculum includes space mission design & management, system
engineering, space science, and engineering fundamentals. Every year it
conducts a NASA-sponsored symposium with a different space-themed topic.
2006's was Luna Gaia.

So how does this relate to GeekDads? The answer is, pure inspiration.
While the description of the proposed habitat is extremely dry, it
addresses a number of issues like water reclamation, extracting oxygen
from moon rocks, and budgeting power gleaned from photovoltaic panels.
Stuff that, couched a different way, might actually be fascinating to
your average GeekKid. Why not sit down with some Legos or graph paper
and build your own lunar colony? One dome for growing plants, maybe. One
for storing your rover. You'll need a landing pad for crew rotations and
the (supposedly minimal) supply runs. Equipping your base with all the
essentials is a great way to teach kids about the necessities and
hazards of space exploration. If you're using Legos, the Lego Mars
Mission
<http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=lego%20mars%20mission&tag=jbge
ekdad-20&index=toys-and-games&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325
>
line is great (though a bit militarized) because it has cool elements
like astronauts, domes, tubes, big knobby rover tires, and so on.
Snip
----------------------------------------------------------------

Do you think it might be a bit risky to set up shop on the Moon?
Have you considered all the details and prioritized your List?
- LRK -

----------------------------------------------------------------
http://bioastroroadmap.nasa.gov/index.jsp
Bioastronautics Roadmap

Introduction
http://bioastroroadmap.nasa.gov/introduction.jsp
16 teams of discipline-area experts identified and assessed 45 risks
that are associated with health, safety, and performance of crews during
space flight.
Risks were derived from deliberations by discipline experts and from
advisory committee reports.
Risks have been assessed by criteria including Risk Rating,
Countermeasures available etc.
Snip
----------------------------------------------------------------

Reading Peter Eckart's "SPACEFLIGHT LIFE SUPPORT AND BIOSPHERICS."

Thinking I need a way to recycle some of the deposits of the two
Bichon-Frise dogs I am having to take care of. Then there are the baby
diapers from the daughters baby that seems to be spending a lot of time
with us.

Anyone for a Dry Toilet?
http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/Dry_20Toilet

Maybe a portable Plasama Waste Disposal system.
Not sure I have room for a commercial grade system.
http://www.plasmawastedisposal.com/

How about watching "Dirty Jobs" on cable for inspiration?
http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/dirtyjobs/application2.html

Thanks for looking up with me.
- LRK -

Larry Kellogg

Web Site: http://lkellogg.vttoth.com/LarryRussellKellogg/
BlogSpot: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/
RSS link: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Newsletter: https://news.altair.com/mailman/listinfo/lunar-update
==============================================================
Larry Klaes passed info from Sky & Telescope on the beginning of
tracking satellites. - LRK -
----------------------------------------------------------------
50 Years of Satellite Tracking

October 11, 2007by Phil Rossoni

IBM staff member John P. (Gianpiero) Rossoni (left), the author's
father, stands with Project Moonwatch organizer Fred Whipple at the IBM
704's printer in the MIT Computation Center in October 1957.

Phil Rossoni Last week, on October 4th, the whole world took note of the
50th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial
satellite. Today, the 11th, marks the anniversary of another Sputnik
event that also deserves notice � especially for the long-time Sky &
Telescope readers who helped to make it happen.

Full article here:

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/10454107.html

Snip
==============================================================
If you read the above article you will find this link to remembering
"Project Moonwatch. " - LRK -
--------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/skytel/beyondthepage/9313906.html

Where were you on October 4, 1957? That�s the day, 50 years ago, when
the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite.
Even though they knew of the Soviets� plans, American officials found
themselves scrambling to track Earth�s new �moon.� A worldwide network
of tracking cameras wasn�t ready yet, but dedicated teams of amateur
astronomers � organized by the late Fred Whipple under Project Moonwatch
� were.

To compute the satellite�s orbit, scientists needed to know where and
when it crossed the sky from multiple locations. So each Moonwatch team
created an �optical fence� along the celestial meridian, with up to a
dozen observers using low-power, wide-field telescopes like the one
shown here. At one point, the project had enlisted about 5,000
volunteers and 230 teams worldwide.

Snip
==============================================================
http://blog.wired.com/geekdad/
Moon Colony Blueprint
<http://blog.wired.com/geekdad/2007/10/moon-colony-blu.html>
By John Baichtal

An international symposium of 30 space scientists have designed a
"closed loop" lunar habitat called Luna Gaia that is 90-95 percent self
sufficient. The symposium's 168-page report
<http://ssp06.isunet.edu/document/team_project/LunaGaia.pdf> sets down a
plan for an 11-person base to be located in Peary Crater
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peary_crater> at the lunar north pole.

The symposium is the product of the International Space University
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Space_University>. Around
since 1987, the ISU offers two Master's programs in Strasbourg as well
as a non-degreed summer program offered in a different city every year.
Over 2,500 students have attended classes there in the past 20 years.
The core curriculum includes space mission design & management, system
engineering, space science, and engineering fundamentals. Every year it
conducts a NASA-sponsored symposium with a different space-themed topic.
2006's was Luna Gaia.

Snip
==============================================================
http://ssp06.isunet.edu/document/team_project/LunaGaia.pdf
(7 Mb, 168 p)
Luna Gaia - A closed-loop habitat for the Moon.
FINAL REPORT

International Space University
Summer Session Program 2006

Snip
==============================================================
http://www.amazon.com/Spaceflight-Support-Biospherics-Technology-Library/dp/1881
883043

*Spaceflight Life Support and Biospherics (Space Technology Library, V.
5) (Paperback)*
by Peter Eckart
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/002-3036433-8622460?%5Fenco
ding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=books&field-author=Peter%20Eckart
>
(Author)

Snip
==============================================================

WHAT THE MIND CAN CONCEIVE, AND BELIEVE, IT WILL ACHIEVE - LRK

==============================================================

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Richard Branson TEDTalk - Talks Richard Branson: Life at 30,000 feet

Filmed March 2007, Posted October 2007.

Natasha Dantzig sent me a heads up about a new post on the TED Talks and
thought I/You might be interested in it.
It is 30 minutes long and a kick. I think you would enjoy watching the
video as well.

Watch it a couple of times.
Listen between the lines.
We often think we could not do the things others seem to accomplish so
easily and yet here is a person that is dyslexic and has accomplished
much in spite of it.
What might you accomplish as well?
- LRK -

Thanks for looking up with me.
- LRK -

Larry Kellogg

Web Site: http://lkellogg.vttoth.com/LarryRussellKellogg/
BlogSpot: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/
RSS link: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Newsletter: https://news.altair.com/mailman/listinfo/lunar-update
==============================================================
Hello Larry,

We've just released another TEDTalk I think you may be into.

Below you'll find a link to Richard Branson's TEDTalk, as well as a talk
summary and a speaker bio.

Many thanks for your consideration, and please don't hesitate to get
in touch with me directly if you need more information.

Best,
Natasha

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/181

BIO: World-renowned entrepreneur Richard Branson bootstrapped his way
from humble record shop owner to head of the Virgin empire. And now he's
focusing his boundless energy, and wallet, on the daunting task of
saving our environment.

He's ballooned across the Atlantic, floated down the River Thames with
the Sex Pistols, and been knighted by the Queen. His megabrand, Virgin,
is home to over 250 companies, from gyms, gambling houses and bridal
boutiques to fleets of planes, trains and limousines. The man even owns
his own island.

And now Richard Branson is moving onward and upward into the space
tourism realm: Virgin Galactic's Philippe Starck-designed, Burt
Rutan-engineered spacecraft are slated to start carrying passengers into
the thermosphere in 2009, at $200,000 a ticket.

But Branson also has a philanthropic streak. He's pledged the next 10
years of profits from his transportation empire (an amount expected to
reach $3 billion) to the development of renewable alternatives to carbon
fuels. And then there's his Virgin Earth Challenge, which offers a $25
million prize to the first person to come up with an economically viable
solution to the greenhouse gas problem.

TALK: When Richard Branson was at school, his headmaster predicted he
would wind up either a millionaire or in jail. In the years since then,
Branson has done both. Branson talks to TED's Chris Anderson about the
many ups and the downs of his career, from his multibillionaire success
to his multiple near-death experiences, from Virgin's new line of
spacecraft to the failure of the Virgin condom. He also reveals some of
the motivations behind the man.

--
Natasha Dantzig
t: (212) 260-3707
c: (415) 425-6378

Snip
==============================================================
http://www.ted.com/index.php/speakers/view/id/161
Speakers Richard Branson: Entrepreneur


Why you should listen to him:

He's ballooned across the Atlantic, *floated down the Thames with the
Sex Pistols*, and been knighted by the Queen. His megabrand, Virgin
<http://www.virgin.com/home.aspx>, is home to more than 250 companies,
from gyms, gambling houses and bridal boutiques to fleets of planes,
trains and limousines. The man even owns his own island.

And now Richard Branson is moving onward and upward into space
(tourism): Virgin Galactic's Philippe Starck-designed, Burt
Rutan-engineered *spacecraft are slated to start carrying passengers
into the thermosphere in 2009*, at $200,000 a ticket.

Branson also has a philanthropic streak. He's pledged the next 10 years
of profits from his transportation empire (an amount expected to reach
$3 billion) to *the development of renewable alternatives to carbon
fuels*. And then there's his Virgin Earth <http://www.virginearth.com/>
Challenge, which offers a $25 million prize to the first person to come
up with an economically viable solution to the greenhouse gas problem.

"There is luck, and then there is Richard Branson luck."

/The New Yorker/, May 14, 2007

Snip
==============================================================
http://www.virgin.com/home.aspx
This isn't a website, it is the front door, open it.

Snip
==============================================================
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks
TED ideas worth spreading.
Talks List

Snip
==============================================================
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Branson
Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson (born 18 July 1950 (1950-07-18)
(age 57) in Shamley Green, Surrey, England), is an English entrepreneur,
best known for his Virgin brand of over 360 companies.

Branson's first successful business venture was at age 16, when he
published a magazine called Student. He then set up a record mail-order
business in 1970. In 1971, he opened a chain of record stores, now known
as Virgin Megastores.

With his flamboyant and competitive style, Branson's Virgin brand grew
rapidly during the 1980s - as he set up Virgin Atlantic Airways and
expanded the Virgin Records music label.

Today, his net worth is estimated at over £4 billion (US$7.8 billion)
according to The Sunday Times Rich List 2006, or [1] US$3.8 billion
according to Forbes magazine.[2]

Snip
1 ^ Sunday Times Rich List. The Sunday Times. Retrieved on 2006-09-19.
2 ^ #230 Richard Branson. The World's Billionaires 2007. Forbes
(2007-03-08). Retrieved on 2007-08-26.

Snip
==============================================================
http://www.beingdyslexic.co.uk/information/famous/richard-branson.php
Richard Branson - Famous Dyslexic

When Richard Branson's granny was 99, she wrote him to say that the last
10 years had been her best. He should read the book, "A Brief History of
Time" by Stephen Hawking. She had loved it. But most of all, her advice
to Richard was "You've got one go in life, so make the most of it."
Those are words that mean so much to Richard Branson, as they go right
to the heart of his belief in making it on your own. Now, head of 150 or
so enterprises that carry the Virgin name, with a personal wealth
estimated at nearly $3 billion, he has followed that personal dream and
made the most of it. He still holds the record as fastest to cross the
Atlantic ocean by boat. He still hopes to be first to circle the globe
in a balloon. It is a success that was never expected for a dyslexic,
nearsighted boy.

Richard didn't breeze through school. It wasn't just a challenge for
him, it was a nightmare. His dyslexia embarrassed him as he had to
memorize and recite word for word in public. He was sure he did terribly
on the standard IQ tests...these are tests that measure abilities where
he is weak. In the end, it was the tests that failed. They totally
missed his ability and passion for sports. They had no means to identify
ambition, the fire inside that drives people to find a path to success
that zigzags around the maze of standard doors that won't open. They
never identified the most important talent of all. It's the ability to
connect with people, mind to mind, soul to soul. It's that rare power to
energize the ambitions of others so that they, too, rise to the level of
their dreams.

Ironically, Richard Branson's talents began to show themselves during
his adolescent school years. Frustrated with the rigidity of school
rules and regulations, and seeing the energy of student activism in the
late 60's, he decided to start his own student newspaper. This might not
have been remarkable, except that this paper was intended to tie many
schools together. It would be focused on the students and not the
schools. It would sell advertising to major corporations. It would have
articles by Ministers of Parliament, rock music stars, intellectuals and
movie celebrities. It would be a commercial success. That was the
business plan that 17 year old Richard Branson put together with his
pal, Jonny Gems

Snip
==============================================================

WHAT THE MIND CAN CONCEIVE, AND BELIEVE, IT WILL ACHIEVE - LRK

==============================================================

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Dr. Robert W. Bussard Has Passed

M. Simon on his blog site states that Tom Ligon who worked for Dr.
Bussard has informed him that Dr. Bussard has died.

You can read more about Dr. Bussard on M. Simon's blog. Thanks to Larry
Klaes for the alert.
http://powerandcontrol.blogspot.com/2007/10/dr-robert-w-bussard-has-passed.html

So far this is the main reference to Dr. Bussard's passing.
Maybe some of you have more information but wanted to pass this along now.
I am sure the news will have it soon.
- LRK -

Thanks for looking up with me.
- LRK -

Larry Kellogg

Web Site: http://lkellogg.vttoth.com/LarryRussellKellogg/
BlogSpot: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/
RSS link: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Newsletter: https://news.altair.com/mailman/listinfo/lunar-update
==============================================================
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_W._Bussard
Robert W. Bussard (1928-2007) was an American physicist working
primarily in nuclear fusion energy research. He is the recipient of the
Schreiber-Spence Achievement Award for STAIF-2004.[1] He is also a
fellow of the International Academy of Astronautics.

Dr. Bussard passed away on October 6, 2007.[2] His work will continue as
funding was arranged and received on August 21, 2007 and he was able to
create a staff of physicists to continue.
Snip
1 - STAIF-2004 Archives
<http://www.unm.edu/%7Eisnps/staifarchives/staif2004.html>
2 - M. Simon (2007-10-08)
<http://www.classicalvalues.com/archives/2007/10/dr_robert_w_bus.html>.
Dr. Robert W. Bussard Has Passed. Classical Values. Retrieved on 2007-10-09.

==============================================================
http://www.rexresearch.com/bussard/bussard.htm
Robert W. BUSSARD
Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) Fusion

Snip
==============================================================
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1996321846673788606
Should Google Go Nuclear? Clean, cheap, nuclear power (no, really)
Google engEDU
1 hr 32 min 37 sec - Nov 9, 2006
www.google.com
Snip
==============================================================
http://newenergyandfuel.com/
Details On Dr. Robert W. Bussard Passing Away
October 9, 2007

Through the grief of those closest to Dr Bussard some details are coming
out. Dr. Bussard was a cancer victim of two kinds who was in the last
weeks enduring radiation and chemotherapy for the disease.

Reports are he worked continuously while in treatment and assembled a
good team to continue the research and development of the IEC fusion
method he has been developing from funding provided by the US Department
of Defense.

When funding for the research resumed Dr. Bussard attracted a friend who
is a PhD plasma physicist recently working at Los Alamos and a PhD whose
experience is in experimentation. Some staff from the previous lab in
San Diego are on their way to join the team.

Dr. Bussard's friends assert that he did everything he could to ensure
that the work on IEC fusion will continue.

This morning M. Simon at Power and Control Blogspot posted an excellent
eulogy that contains a brief list of some of Dr, Bussard�s most
noteworthy work and a strong link list. See:

http://powerandcontrol.blogspot.com/2007/10/dr-robert-w-bussard-has-passed.html

Of note, Dr. Bussard was a trained engineer and added physics expertise
as working requirements demanded until he became the preeminent magnetic
confinement physicist/engineer in the field. Dr. Bussard gained famed in
his youth for his design of the Bussard Collector that is often referred
to in futuristic science stories.

Snip
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WHAT THE MIND CAN CONCEIVE, AND BELIEVE, IT WILL ACHIEVE - LRK

==============================================================

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Another Apollo Astronaut Film - "The Wonder Of It All"

There has been talk of late about the movie, "In the Shadow of the
Moon", that has Ron Howard's name tacked on to get your attention.
http://www.intheshadowofthemoon.com 
http://www.learnstuff.com/in-the-shadow-of-the-moon/ 







Another movie coming out and has had some special showings is, "The
Wonder Of It All", a documentary film by Jeffrey Roth.
http://thewonderofitallfilm.com/

Ron Wells sent me this bit of information.
------------------------------------------------------------
...
While it was very interesting to see those guys now in their mid- to
late-seventies and listen to them after all this time, I would like to
bring to your attention another film about the Apollo astronauts which
Jack Schmitt mentioned to me recently. This one features only 7 of those
who walked on the moon, and is called "The Wonder of it All". The
website for it is:

http://thewonderofitallfilm.com/

You should have a look through the various pages. When you see the
"screening" link, you will note that it is at present limited to special
presentations, some of them introduced by the astronauts themselves.
...
------------------------------------------------------------

This is a link to a trailer to the film.
http://thewonderofitallfilm.com/trailer.html

and information about ordering information.
http://thewonderofitallfilm.com/store.html

and some photos.
http://thewonderofitallfilm.com/production.html
Thanks for looking up with me.
- LRK -

Larry Kellogg

Web Site: http://lkellogg.vttoth.com/LarryRussellKellogg/
BlogSpot: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/
RSS link: http://kelloggserialreports.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Newsletter: https://news.altair.com/mailman/listinfo/lunar-update
==============================================================
http://www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum9/HTML/000890.html
...
quote

    Only 12 men in history have walked on the moon and yet there is no
personal account of how these historical missions affected each man
personally. The Wonder of it All recounts the narrative of their
journeys from childhood to the present. The story unfolds as each
astronaut talks candidly about his adventure, with never heard
statements until now.

   This film has been in the making for 2 years. Our goal is to make a
humanistic story that shows these remarkable men talking about there
lives and how walking on the moon affected each one personally. We have
conducted in depth interviews with 7 of the men that made these
journeys. With over 12 hours of footage that we shot, we had the
painstaking task of narrowing that down to 90 minutes.
...

Moonwalkers interviewed for the The Wonder of it All include:
# Buzz Aldrin, Apollo 11
# Alan Bean, Apollo 12
# Edgar Mitchell, Apollo 14
# John Young, Apollo 16
# Charles Duke, Apollo 16
# Eugene Cernan, Apollo 17
# Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17

Snip
==============================================================
http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=677
Show

*The Wonder of It All*
Special Movie Screening
Saturday, October 13
8:00 PM
Lockheed Martin IMAX® Theater <http://www.nasm.si.edu/visit/theaters/mall/>
National Mall Building
Admission: Free, Tickets Required
*Ticket Request Form <http://www.nasm.si.edu/forms/ticketsform_shows.cfm>

Join the National Air and Space Society for a special showing of The
Wonder of It All, introduced by Director/Executive Producer Jeffrey
Roth. This award-winning 90-minute documentary features interviews with
seven moonwalkers who talk about their lives and how walking on the moon
affected them personally.  Many of the photos in the film were donated
by the astronauts from their private collections and have never been
seen before.

After the movie, Roth will answer questions about his passion for
preserving human spaceflight history and his experiences in making this
film.

This is a National Air and Space Society event.
*Snip
==============================================================
http://www.novaspace.com/spacefest/Movie.html
THE WONDER OF IT ALL

The Wonder of it All is a critically acclaimed and award-winning film by
Jeffrey Roth. Not typical of all the other Apollo tributes and memoirs,
this film focuses on most Apollo moonwalkers and details how their lives
were influenced by being one of only a dozen humans to set foot on
another world. All but one of these men will be at Spacefest.
Snip
Note: Spacefest 2007 is now over but the web site has some interesting
information. [August 17-18-19 at the Mesa Convention Center]
http://www.novaspace.com/spacefest/Report.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPeB3xDOMQw
==============================================================

WHAT THE MIND CAN CONCEIVE, AND BELIEVE, IT WILL ACHIEVE - LRK

==============================================================

Moon and Mars - Videos

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