Lee Robinson Petzer - New Space Age

Russia to build powerful laser facility

2012-02-11T02:24:54Z

Moscow (UPI) Feb 9, 2012
Russia intends to build the world's most powerful laser research station at an estimated cost of $1.5 billion, a Russian nuclear official said. The station would likely be constructed near the Sarov Federal Nuclear Center in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region, Ildar Ilkayev, head of the center, said Thursday. He did not say when construction of the laser facility would begin.

Japan scientist makes 'Avatar' robot

2012-02-11T02:24:54Z

Yokohama, Japan (AFP) Feb 10, 2012
A Japanese-developed robot that mimics the movements of its human controller is bringing the Hollywood blockbuster "Avatar" one step closer to reality. Users of the TELESAR V don special equipment that allows them not only to direct the actions of a remote machine, but also to see, hear and feel the same things as their doppelganger android. "When I put on the devices and move my body, I

MISSION DATA PROCESSING ENGINEER FOR EUMETSAT MF

2012-02-10T14:56:47Z

Telespazio, a Finmeccanica 67 Thales 33 joint venture is looking for an Mission Data Processing Engineer for Eumetsat MF Tasks and responsibilities The Engineer will be assigned to the MTG Ground Segment data processing facility team in EUMETSAT to Monitor and support contractors for MTG L0, L1 and L2 product processing functionalities Develop and maintain requirements and specifications for L0, L1 and L2 processing functions and resulting products Develop and maintain test data sets and rapid prototyping algorithms For further information about the mission please see httpwww.eumetsat.intHomeMainSatellitesMeteosatThirdGenerationindex.htm?len Qualifications and experience Applicants should have At least 3 years experience in specification, development and testing of product processors for multiinstrument earth observation satellites At least 3 years experience in software engineering at system level in a highly available nearreal time operational earth observation data system At least 1 year experience in development and maintenance of test data sets Fluency in English, the ability to work in international teams together with a high degree of autonomy and a proactive and confident personality is needed. About Telespazio With over 2000 employees, Telespazio is the leader in Europe for satellite based services and applications. Telespazio is a Finmeccanica and Thales company. Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space, the leader in Europe for satellite systems, have established a Space Alliance to provide end to end satellite solutions and become the cornerstone of the European space industry. WorkplaceLocation EUMETSAT in Darmstadt Germany Start date 01.05.01.06.2012 Submission deadline of application 15.03.2012 How to apply Please send your detailed English CV and cover letter including your financial status and possible starting date by email to jobstelespazio.de . Telespazio Deutschland GmbH is committed to equal employment opportunity we respect, value and welcome diversity in our workforce. Contact details Andreas Hehn Human Resources Tel 49 06151 8257 174 Email andreas.hehntelespazio.de Interested in other jobs at Telespazio Deutschland? Please visit our webpage at www.telespazio.de or follow Telespazio Deutschland GmbH in LinkedIn httpwww.linkedin.comcompanytelespaziodeutschlandgmbh.

NASA budget will axe Mars deal with Europe: scientists

2012-02-11T02:24:55Z

Washington (AFP) Feb 9, 2012
US President Barack Obama's budget proposal to be submitted next week for 2013 will cut NASA's budget by 20 percent and eliminate a major partnership with Europe on Mars exploration, scientists said Thursday. The White House is proposing a $1.2 billion budget for the US space agency, down from $1.5 billion this year, according to Louis Friedman, a former NASA official and co-founder of the P

Japan scientist makes 'Avatar' robot

2012-02-11T02:24:55Z

SMOS water mission turns hurricane hunter

2012-02-10T13:41:00Z

ESA - SMOS Mission logo.

10 February 2012

ESA’s Earth Explorers have again shown how they are surpassing expectations. Designed to map soil moisture and ocean salinity, the versatile SMOS satellite has demonstrated that it can also offer unique information to improve hurricane forecasts.

The Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) satellite carries a novel microwave radiometer to capture images of ‘brightness temperature’. These images correspond to radiation emitted from the surface of Earth and can be used to work out how much water is held in soil and how much salt is in the surface waters of the oceans.

Hurricane Igor surface winds

This information is leading to a better understanding of the water cycle and the processes that link Earth’s surface and atmosphere.

The SMOS sensor works in the ‘L-band’, at frequencies around 1.4 GHz, which also allows surface wind speeds over oceans to be derived, even in cloudy and rainy conditions.

When winds reach gale force over oceans, breaking waves and whitecaps affect the microwave radiation being emitted from the surface. This means that when a storm builds, changes in the emitted radiation can be linked directly to the strength of the wind over the sea.

In addition, the radiation detected by SMOS is far less disturbed by rain and atmospheric effects than higher microwave frequencies.

SMOS

Since clouds and rain are typical of tropical cyclones, measurements from SMOS uniquely complement observations made in extreme conditions, when measurements from other satellites become less accurate.

This means that SMOS has the potential to improve accuracy for forecasting the strength of tropical cyclones.

SMOS’s new-found capability was demonstrated by analysing SMOS data over Hurricane Igor, which reached category 5 in the North Atlantic in 2010.

The large swath and frequent revisits allowed the satellite to pass over the hurricane nine times during 11–19 September.

Surface wind speeds were estimated from SMOS brightness temperature images using a technique developed by scientists from the French Research Institute for Exploration of the Sea, Ifremer, and Collect Localisation Satellites, CLS, through ESA’s Earth Observation Support to Science Element programme.

Hurricane Igor

The animation at the top shows the result of their work. The estimates of surface-wind speed agree with hurricane model forecasts and data taken over the hurricane by NOAA aircraft.

This information can be particularly useful in the early stages of developing hurricanes in the east of the tropical Atlantic basin and over cyclones in the middle of the Pacific. Since these areas are far from land, they are difficult to reach by plane.

The contributions that SMOS can make are of great interest for operational forecasting of hurricane strength.

SMOS has also achieved another success: it has shown that salinity in the surface waters change in the wake of a hurricane. This is the first time that such changes have been detected from space.

Hurricane Igor changes salinity

As the animation to the left shows, Hurricane Igor caused the freshwater plume from the Amazon to mix with deeper saltier waters, increasing the salinity at the surface.

The combination of salinity data from SMOS with sea-surface temperature and sea-surface height information will improve the monitoring of fresh and warm water in relation to hurricane intensity.

Although ESA’s Earth Explorers are developed to address specific scientific issues, they continue to demonstrate their versatility and complementary role, not only in advancing our understanding of Earth , but also their potential for everyday applications.

Related links:

Ifremer–Cersat Salinity Center: http://www.salinityremotesensing.ifremer.fr/home

CLS: http://www.cls.fr/welcome_en.html

CESBIO–SMOS blog: http://www.cesbio.ups-tlse.fr/SMOS_blog/

Access SMOS data: http://earth.esa.int/SMOS/

SMOS: http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/smos/index.html

Images, Animation, Text, Credits: ESA / AOES Medialab / Ifremer / N. Reul / NASA.

Cheers, Orbiter.ch

NASA budget will axe Mars deal with Europe: scientists

2012-02-11T02:24:48Z

Flight Dynamics Engineer for Science Missions fm

2012-02-10T14:22:07Z

About us SCISYS Deutschland GmbH provides professional engineering and consultancy services supporting space programmes and missions. We have a strong presence at ESOC and EUMETSAT, as well as serving all ESA sites, ESO, Columbus Control Centre, the German Galileo Control Centre and spacecraft primes. Our team is composed of university graduates and experienced professionals, comprising some of the most knowledgeable, dedicated and talented engineers across Europe. Our services cover the whole life cycle of space programmes from early concepts to operations. Our Space Division provides a dynamic, supportive and friendly atmosphere in which you are encouraged to lead with initiative. We support new ideas from our colleagues and are focused on innovation. Moreover, we actively manage your professional development, training and career progression. For our location in Darmstadt Germany we are looking for a Flight Dynamics Engineer fm to strengthen our existing team and support our client at ESOC . Working in Flight Dynamics at ESOC is one of the most technically challenging and exciting activities, as well as immensely rewarding and intellectually stimulating. SCISYS Deutschland GmbH is one of the largest providers of Flight Dynamics support to ESOC and you will be joining a vibrant team that is well looked after. Please note that VCS AG, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of SCISYS plc, recently changed its named to SCISYS Deutschland GmbH. Tasks The following work missions shall be supported in a timesharing manner. The level of service to these missions will differ and vary over time and others may be added in future. Solo Development Exomars Development Rosetta postLEOP Development Venus Express Operations Mars Express Operations SW Maintenance The engineer will support the flight dynamics operations for the above missions in the following activities Prelaunch development Studies for the operational FD software Mission Planning Support Orbit Determination Trajectory Optimisation ACS Command Generation ACS Calibration Auxiliary Data and Experimenters Support Operational support Studies and Mission Analysis Critical Mission Planning Support LEOP and Interplanetary Phases Interplanetary Orbit Determination Interplanetary Trajectory Optimisation Routine Mission Planning Support AOCS Command Generation Actuators and Control Systems Calibration Attitude Determination and OB Systems Monitoring and Verification Optical Sensors Calibration Auxiliary Data Generation Test, Simulations and Training Evaluation and Reporting Development and testing of software Furthermore, service to other projects of the Agency shall be provided as required, focusing on the Flight Dynamics development, preparation and operations for science missions. Essential Requirements The successful candidates will have A university degree in engineering, mathematics, physics or equivalent A sound knowledge of flight dynamics, orbit and attitude dynamics Experience with Flight Dynamics software tools and procedures Experience with SUNSolaris, FORTRAN, C Capability to study independently complex and novel topics and to rapidly prototype SW for study purposes The following knowledge and experience would be a distinct asset Experience with astrodynamics or space engineering Additional Information Fluency in English is mandatory The candidate must have a valid German work and residence permit or be an EU Citizen Start date is as soon as possible in 2012. To guarantee that your application is processed, please apply via our website httpwww.vcs.despacejobs Please click here and open our Online Application Form

New Evidence for Ancient Martian Ocean

2012-02-10T13:48:00Z

Portrait of a Doomed Asteroid

2012-02-10T05:00:00Z

A new study provides a possible explanation of mysterious X-ray flares detected by the Chandra K-ray Observatory for several years in the region of Sagittarius A*, or Sgr A*. The study suggests a cloud around Sgr A*, a supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way Galaxy, which contains hundreds of trillions of asteroids and comets that have been stripped from their parent stars. The flares occur when asteroids of six miles or larger in radius are consumed by the black hole. An asteroid that undergoes a close encounter with another object, such as a star or planet, can be thrown into an orbit headed towards Sgr A*. If the asteroid passes within about 100 million miles of the black hole, roughly the distance between the Earth and the sun, it is torn into pieces by the tidal forces from the black hole. These fragments would then be vaporized by friction as they pass through the hot, thin gas flowing onto Sgr A*, similar to a meteor heating up and glowing as it falls through Earth's atmosphere. A flare is produced and eventually the remains of the asteroid are swallowed by the black hole. Image Credit: Illustrations: NASA/CXC/M.Weiss

NASA budget will axe Mars deal with Europe: scientists

2012-02-11T02:24:43Z

Russia to build powerful laser facility

2012-02-11T02:24:44Z

A hoopy frood

2012-02-10T14:00:58Z

I caught this video on Geekologie, and it made me laugh. This is a brilliant idea: a woman put a camera on a hula hoop, and then, well, hula’ed:

[WARNING: some folks might feel ill watching this. I will not be blamed if you have to wipe vomit off your keyboard.]

[Note: at the end of the video there are links to other videos like it.]

I found this fascinating. For one thing, the motion is slower than I would’ve expected. I suspect that may be due to an illusion when you watch from the outside as a hula hoop being used; humans are notoriously poor at judging rotating reference frames. After all people, still try to argue with me that centrifugal force isn’t real, when it it quite clearly is.

Even more amazing to me was that I didn’t get ill watching that video. I tend to get a seasick on a kid’s swing or when reading in a car, so the fact I was fine watching this is weird. But I have pretty good 3D spatial reasoning, and have a lot of practice swapping reference frames — trying to figure out when the Moon ...

Is Venus’ Rotation Slowing Down?

2012-02-10T14:05:30Z

New measurements from ESA’s Venus Express spacecraft shows that Venus’ rotation rate is about 6.5 minutes slower than previous measurements taken 16 years ago by the Magellan spacecraft. Using infrared instruments to peer through the planet’s dense atmosphere, Venus Express found surface features weren’t where the scientists expected them to be.

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

A Universe from Nothing: Einstein, the Belgian Priest and the Puzzle of the Big Bang

2012-02-10T13:00:00Z

[ Editors' note: The following is an excerpt from theoretical physicist Lawrence M. Krauss's new book, A Universe from Nothing : Why There Is Something Rather Than Nothing (Free Press, 2012). ]

[More]

Could Venus be shifting gear?

2012-02-10T13:19:00Z

ESA - Venus Express Mission patch.

10 February 2012

ESA’s Venus Express spacecraft has discovered that our cloud-covered neighbour spins a little slower than previously measured. Peering through the dense atmosphere in the infrared, the orbiter found surface features were not quite where they should be.

Using the VIRTIS instrument at infrared wavelengths to penetrate the thick cloud cover, scientists studied surface features and discovered that some were displaced by up to 20 km from where they should be given the accepted rotation rate as measured by NASA’s Magellan orbiter in the early 1990s.

Animation of Venus

These detailed measurements from orbit are helping scientists determine whether Venus has a solid or liquid core, which will help our understanding of the planet’s creation and how it evolved.

If Venus has a solid core, its mass must be more concentrated towards the centre. In this case, the planet’s rotation would react less to external forces.

The most important of those forces is due to the dense atmosphere – more than 90 times the pressure of Earth’s and high-speed weather systems, which are believed to change the planet’s rotation rate through friction with the surface.

Venus Express

Earth experiences a similar effect, where it is largely caused by wind and tides. The length of an Earth day can change by roughly a millisecond and depends seasonally with wind patterns and temperatures over the course of a year.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the Venera and Magellan orbiters made radar maps of the surface of Venus, long shrouded in mystery as well as a dense, crushing and poisonous atmosphere. These maps gave us our first detailed global view of this unique and hostile world.

Over its four-year mission, Magellan was able to watch features rotate under the spacecraft, allowing scientists to determine the length of the day on Venus as being equal to 243.0185 Earth days. .

However, surface features seen by Venus Express some 16 years later could only be lined up with those observed by Magellan if the length of the Venus day is on average 6.5 minutes longer than Magellan measured.

This also agrees with the most recent long-duration radar measurements from Earth.

Shift in Venus features

“When the two maps did not align, I first thought there was a mistake in my calculations as Magellan measured the value very accurately, but we have checked every possible error we could think of,” said Nils Müller, a planetary scientist at the DLR German Aerospace Centre, lead author of a research paper investigating the rotation.

Scientists, including Özgur Karatekin of the Royal Observatory of Belgium, looked at the possibility of short-term random variations in the length of a Venus day, but concluded these should average themselves out over longer timescales.

On the other hand, other recent atmospheric models have shown that the planet could have weather cycles stretching over decades, which could lead to equally long-term changes in the rotation period. Other effects could also be at work, including exchanges of angular momentum between Venus and the Earth when the two planets are relatively close to each other.

“An accurate value for Venus’ rotation rate will help in planning future missions, because precise information will be needed to select potential landing sites,” noted Håkan Svedhem, ESA’s Venus Express project scientist.

While further study is needed, it’s clear that Venus Express is penetrating far deeper into the mysteries of this enigmatic planet then anyone dreamed.

Notes for Editors

“Atmospheric angular momentum variations of Earth, Mars and Venus at seasonal time scales,” O. Karatekin, et al., Planetary and Space Science 59 (2011) 923–933.

“Rotation period of Venus estimated from Venus Express VIRTIS images and Magellan altimetry,” N.T. Mueller, et al., Icarus 217(2), 474–483.

Last update: 10 February 2012.

Related links:

Submitting your pictures of Venus is now easier: http://www.esa.int/esaSC/SEM350NHE8F_index_0.html

Venus Express operations: http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Operations/SEM7QMQJNVE_0.html

Starsem - the Soyuz: http://www.starsem.com/

Where is Venus Express now?: http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Venus_Express/SEMLN5NFGLE_0.html

Postcards from Venus: http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMHXRMVGJE_Life_0.html

Images, Video, Text, Credits: ESA / C. Carreau / NASA / JPL / Magellan / P. Ford / ESA / Venus Express / P. Drossart / G. Piccioni.

Greetings, Orbiter.ch

2012 Canadian Space Commerce Association National Conference

2012-02-10T14:28:00Z

Mar. 28, 2012

The 140 companies and organizations listed in the Canadian Space Directory generated $3.44 billion CDN in revenue and employed over 8000 Canadians in 2010, according to the 2010 State of the Canadian Space Sector Report. These firms support the technologies required for weather forecasting, remote sensing, GPS systems, satellite and cable television, remote phone communication systems and even our Canadian astronaut corps.

But this infrastructure is in a state of crisis. The December 26th, 2011 Canadian Press article “Canadian Astronauts could be grounded for years after next mission” reports that “Canadian astronauts could be stuck on the ground for years following Chris Hadfield’s space mission scheduled for 2012.” The December 15th, 2011 Ottawa Business Journal article “Lost in Space” raises concerns over whether Canadian developed planetary rover technology will remain viable after government funding expires in spring 2012 and even the Canadian Astronomical Society is distributing an online petition opposing the expected and dramatic decrease in funding for space based astronomy programs.

What must we do to support and grow this disparate group of private and public organizations, capabilities and supporting infrastructure? Make your voice heard. Attend and contribute to the 2012 Canadian Space Commerce Association national conference focused on our critical Canadian space infrastructure.

Integration Test Engineer, Galileo Programme J 2433

2012-02-10T13:19:05Z

Summary Integration and Testing Engineer with experience of both planning and executing system validation and operator training Objective To provide onsite support to Galileo Mission Segment integration activities, in preparation for major element milestones Responsibilities Duties The engineer will work on site with the customer to produce engineering documents in support of the qualification process for the Validation and Test Platform VTP element. The engineer will be required to plan testing and training activities in order to meet element requirements. Qualifications Experience Prior experience working with GMS AIVP a major advantage Knowledge of Galileo GMS a strong advantage Planning test and training activities Familiarity with Linux and scripting languages Essential Skills Team working and communication Self motivated Able to work with customer, on site Good customer relationship skills Desirable Skills Commercial awareness Understanding of Software engineering and quality processes Further Details All roles within VEGA Space are advertised for a minimum of one month to ensure maximum visibility to potential candidates. However, if a successful candidate is found before the advert expires the role will be closed. We would therefore advise any candidate to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Benefits Competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including holiday, life assurance and a contributory pension scheme are offered to the successful candidate Security In line with Asylum Immigration Legislation, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the EU. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process. Furthermore, in view of the nature of the work the company is in, all potential employees will undergo stringent reference and identity checks.

Network Operations Centre Controller

2012-02-10T13:19:05Z

Job Title Network Operations Centre Controller Job Type Regular Reports to Manager Network Operations Centre Division Satellite and Network Operations Department Network Operations Location London Primary purpose of the position Ensure the continued and reliable operation of the Inmarsat networks, on a 24 hours per day basis, by supervising network operations, coordinating network activities and taking corrective actions as necessary to meet the network availability and service quality objectives. Key responsibilities of the position 1 Network Integrity Perform regularroutine checks on all systems and services to ensure their reliability. Respond to any alarm and acting proactively on any anomaly indication using our service network tools. Perform configuration changes on EE systems Maintain various network parameters for SAS, NCSs, LESs and MESs, in particular transmitted power levels and frequencies, to detect anomaly conditions, instruct and assist network operators to adjust carrier parameters Coordinate all network activities with network operators and see to it that agreed standard procedures are followed by them in order to avoid risk to network availability and to limit outage times Authorise the start of routine and special network operations, tests, network configuration changes and monitor successful implementation Monitor the progress of any distress traffic in the network and take immediate action if necessary to ensure successful dispositions of calls Assist with the introduction of new services, new network coordination stations, land earth stations and mobile earth stations Provide technical assistance to sites for the commissioning testing of new LESs sites on acceptance test for new installation. For the Data Communication Network DCN, perform routine checks on routers for link failures and produce reports. Escalate link issues with Service Provider and get it resolved ASAP including any followup activity until cases are closed. Acknowledging and acting on alarms on NMS. Provide first line support to the DCN Team by opening up ports and checking port status. 2 Service Quality Operate all nodes installed in the NOC and supervise Inmarsat network, investigate anomalies, evaluate impact of emergency situations, make real time decisions and take corrective action Escalate any network issue to Engineering Support Groups and Management as per established procedures. 3 Tools Operate the NOC monitoring facilities, report any anomalous operations of the facilities and provide first line maintenance to ensure their continued availability Assist with the specifications, development, installations and acceptance testing of new NOC monitoring systems and upgrading existing systems esp. relating to improving efficiency in the NOC Assist with the planning and implementation of various NOC projects e.g. NOC rationalisation, NOC backup. 4 General Maintain log book for all NOC activities. Generate outage shift daily reports. Provide guided tours of the NOC facilities to a variety of visitors, often representing top management of companiesland earth station operators, or high government officials of new member countries. Assist with training of new shift controllers. Assist users with inquiriesdifficulties. Assist with the development and implementation of network and NOC operational procedures. Act in the role of Customer Support Specialist in case of request from the Customer Services Team 5 Global Xpress Operations Global Xpress Operations will be carried out centrally from the NOC. In preparations for and as part of the expected role the successful candidate will be required to Undergo a training and qualifications plan as required by the role and the Global Xpress technology Participate to a subset of installation and testing activities at selected Global Xpress Satellite Access Stations Review of Ground Segment documentation Participate to technical meetings, as appropriate Contribute to the development of operational documentation procedures, plans, manuals, etc Essential knowledge and skills Technical education in electronics andor telecommunications from a technical college. Good knowledge of Digital Communications Networks protocols IP, TCP, UDP, routing, etc and architecture routers, switches, firewall, etc Knowledge of measurement techniques in analogue and digital networks i.e. IF and RF. Good PC skills with knowledge of MS Windows, MS Office, Database programs and Web based systems. Proven experience in satellite networks or earth station operations environment Desirable knowledge and skills Fluency in one or more foreign languages is advantageous but not essential. Experience with Inmarsat systemsservices is advantageous. Working experience on Cisco routers, switches and firewalls and monitoring tools HP NNM, Netcool, Solarwinds Past experience on shift working pattern Experience with mobile network and user terminals Sphere of influence of the position The position requires coordination with several groups, within and external to Inmarsat, which may be quite diverse in nature. Examples are liaison with other groups to ensure that system users requirements are met, work with International Land Earth Station Operators and Network Control System suppliers in testing system performance and identifying system problems. The NOC Controller post is a shift worker position and the individual is likely to work 12 hour shifts on a 2 day2 night4off roster. NOC Controllers must be in good general health to work in a shift environment. Which of the Inmarsat IQs are fundamentally important to the job? Customer ExcellenceProactively seeks to understand customers and their needs Supports and works to customer related plans in line with Inmarsat strategy. Ensures high availability for end customers of the systems at site. Enterprise SpiritDisplays tenacity and perseverance. Overcomes setbacks and disappointments. Has drive and is selfmotivated. Inspired CommunicationListens proactively to others and expresses interest. Makes effective use of technology to manage information. Delivers clear, specific and focused messages. Is open and honest at all times. Shares information with people. Encourages and participates in teamwork to achieve the optimum results. Solution FocusDevelops and objectively evaluates new ideas. Focuses on the end game and keeps the big picture in mind. Demonstrates the desire for continuous improvement. Uses new and alternative methods of finding solutions. Applications Philippa Shaw HR Business Partner Human Resources 99 City Road London EC1Y 1AX Tel 020 7728 1000 Fax 020 7728 1652 Email RecruitmentInmarsat.com Closing date This role does not have a definite closing date and will remain advertised until the position has been filled.

CSExtra – Friday, February 10, 2012

2012-02-10T12:33:30Z

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Friday’s CSExtra offers the latest reporting and commentary on space related activities from across the globe. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency proposes an independent human launch capability. This week, Russian scientists completed an ambitious drill into the Antarctic, where they reached deeply submerged Lake Vostok. Does the isolated lake host forms of life? Germany and France form a working committee to reach an accord over the future of the Ariane 5 rocket and European contributions to the International Space Station. More on reported budget cuts in NASA’s planetary science program. A science upgrade for the International Space Station. A solar mission anniversary. NASA-TV goes high def. A popular sports sneaker embraces a space theme with a boost from the NBA’s elite.

1. From Spaceflightnow.com: The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will seek an independent human spaceflight capability by 2025. The launcher and carrier will be based on Japan’s H-2 Transfer Vehicle, the re-supply craft Japan has twice dispatched to the International Space Station. Modifications will include a re-entry vehicle. Lawmakers, facing tight budgets, must approve the plan. http://bit.ly/znUtq5

2. From the New York Times: In the Antarctic, Russian drillers reach deeply submerged Lake Vostok earlier this week. Approximately the size of Lake Ontario, Vostok is a watery recess nearly two miles underground. The drilling project required two years. The lake has not been exposed for 15 to 35 million years. Samples, eventually retrieved, may reveal ancient microbial life forms, which could bolster hopes of finding life on Jupiter’s ice covered moons. http://nyti.ms/zLYT2B

A. From the Associated Press via the Huffington Post: Microbes found in Lake Vostok could add to growing evidence of life thriving in niches once considered too hostile for biological activity. http://huff.to/wZ8VcF

3. From Space News: Germany and France, the two largest contributors to the European Space Agency’s budget, form working groups to resolve issues over the future of Ariane 5 rocket upgrades and ESA’s obligations to the International Space Station. Should the powerful rocket be upgraded? Could the European Space Agency meets its ISS contributions with a spacecraft that removes orbital debris or one capable of transporting samples of Martian soil and rock from Mars back to Earth? http://bit.ly/zat6cD

4. From MSNBC: The website joins news other U.S. and European news agencies in reporting that NASA’s 2013 budget, set to be unveiled on Monday, will include reductions in the Mars program, initially affecting plans to join with Europe for missions in 2016 and 2018. The cuts were prompted by rising costs and delays in the development over the James Webb Space Telescopes. NASA had to make a choice on which to emphasize, MSNBC reports. http://on.msnbc.com/AsE9yr

A. From Science Insider: Reports in the U. S. and Europe this week suggest NASA’s planetary science program is facing a steep reduction when the agency’s 2013 budget is unveiled on Monday. Ed Weiler, the agency’s associate administrator for science, left the agency in September over the cuts facing future Mars missions, according to the news arm of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. http://bit.ly/AaJt2m

5. From the Coalition for Space Exploration: A commercial alliance will provide the International Space Station with a centrifuge that will permit scientists to vary the gravitational forces during biology experiments. http://bit.ly/ztdvps

6. From Space.com: NASA’s RHESSI spacecraft marks its 10th anniversary in space as a solar observatory. Over the period, the spacecraft has logged 40,000 powerful X-ray flares. http://bit.ly/z4hvTN

7. From The Huntsville Times: NASA TV goes hi-def on Feb. 17. http://bit.ly/znNFMH

8. From Collectspace.com: NBA stars Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Durant inspire a new collection of space themed sneakers. Fans can buy the brightly colored shoes. http://bit.ly/z2YaxC

Brought to you by the Coalition for Space Exploration, CSExtra is a daily compilation of space industry news selected from hundreds of online media resources. The Coalition is not the author or reporter of any of the stories appearing in CSExtra and does not control and is not responsible for the content of any of these stories. The content available through CSExtra contains links to other websites and domains which are wholly independent of the Coalition, and the Coalition makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or authenticity of the information contained in any such site or domain and does not pre-screen or approve any content. The Coalition does not endorse or receive any type of compensation from the included media outlets and is not responsible or liable in any way for any content of CSExtra or for any loss, damage or injury incurred as a result of any content appearing in CSExtra. For information on the Coalition, visit www.spacecoalition.com or contact us via e-mail at Info@spacecoalition.com.