The War Zone
• Howard Altman, Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway
The SR-71’s airframe may be capable of speeds beyond its established performance, prompting speculation that NASA could explore higher-speed flight with new engines. The article frames Mach 4 as a possibility, but provides no specific engine plan or confirmed effort to modify the aircraft.
NASA
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On Oct. 7, 2002, NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on STS-112. The mission contributed to building the backbone of the International Space Station, advancing the orbital outpost’s assembly through the shuttle program.
The SR-71’s airframe may be capable of speeds beyond its established performance, prompting speculation that NASA could explore higher-speed flight with new engines. The article frames Mach 4 as a possibility, but provides no specific engine plan or confirmed effort to modify the aircraft.
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NASA is keen to pursue at least one joint science mission with Europe, according to the report. A source described LISA as “a very good deal for the US,” framing the prospective partnership as attractive to NASA as well as its European counterpart.
Axiom Space expects NASA to soon determine the configuration for a simplified spacesuit the company is developing for the initial Artemis missions. The decision will shape the suit’s design as Axiom works to adapt its approach for early lunar missions.
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Isaacman will join former Space Shuttle commander and NBAA board member Charlie Precourt for a fireside chat at the association’s Newsmakers Luncheon on Monday, Oct. 19. The appearance brings NASA’s administrator and a veteran human-spaceflight commander together at a major business aviation gathering.
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ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot and her Crew-12 crewmates are scheduled to undock from the International Space Station on Oct. 7, beginning their return to Earth after an eight-month stay. NASA will also provide coverage of Northrop Grumman’s CRS-24 Cygnus XL departure from the station on Oct. 9.
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NASA’s administrator has directed a shift involving 7,500 contractors, who would return to work as civil servants. The directive is described as a necessary vision for the agency’s future, though the available report provides no further detail on its implementation or rationale.
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NASA has stacked the center segments of both Space Launch System solid rocket boosters for Artemis III on Mobile Launcher 1. The work advances booster assembly ahead of mating the boosters with the rocket’s core stage, a key step in preparing the vehicle for the mission.
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