NASA is actively promoting ongoing scientific, educational, and technological advancements in low Earth orbit for the benefit of humanity, while simultaneously supporting deep space exploration efforts targeting the Moon and Mars. As the agency shifts towards commercially-operated space facilities in near-Earth orbit, it's vital to prepare for the safe and responsible deorbiting of the International Space Station (ISS) in a controlled manner after its operational life concludes in 2030.

NASA has announced that SpaceX has been chosen to develop and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle. This spacecraft will be responsible for safely deorbiting the space station, ensuring that it poses no risk to populated areas during re-entry.

Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, emphasised the importance of this decision. He stated that selecting a U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for the ISS will help NASA and its international partners ensure a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit as station operations come to an end. This decision also aligns with NASA's plans for future commercial destinations and supports the continued use of near-Earth space.

While SpaceX will develop the deorbit spacecraft, NASA will take ownership of it after development and operate it throughout its mission. The deorbit vehicle, along with the space station, is expected to break up during the re-entry process.

The International Space Station has been a collaborative effort since 1998, involving five space agencies: CSA (Canadian Space Agency), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), NASA, and Roscosmos. Each agency is responsible for managing and controlling the hardware it provides. The station's design is interdependent, relying on contributions from all partners to function.&nbsp;

 
The United States, Japan, Canada, and participating ESA countries have committed to operating the station through 2030, while Russia has committed to continued operations through at least 2028. The safe deorbiting of the ISS is a shared responsibility among all five space agencies.

The contract awarded to SpaceX for the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle has a total potential value of USD 843 million. The launch service for this vehicle will be procured separately in the future.

Currently in its 24 year of continuous crewed operations, the ISS serves as a unique scientific platform. Crew members conduct experiments across various research disciplines, including Earth and space science, biology, human physiology, physical sciences, and technology demonstrations that are not possible on Earth. The station has facilitated over 3,300 experiments in microgravity, with crews acting as the hands of thousands of researchers on the ground.

The ISS has become a cornerstone of space commerce, fostering partnerships in commercial crew and cargo operations, as well as commercial and national lab research. The lessons learned aboard the International Space Station are instrumental in paving the way for future commercial stations, ensuring the continued advancement of human presence and scientific discovery in space. &nbsp;

NASA is actively promoting ongoing scientific, educational, and technological advancements in low Earth orbit for the benefit of humanity, while simultaneously supporting deep space exploration efforts targeting the Moon and Mars.

NASA is actively promoting ongoing scientific, educational, and technological advancements in low Earth orbit for the benefit of humanity, while simultaneously supporting deep space exploration efforts targeting the Moon and Mars. As the agency shifts towards commercially-operated space facilities in near-Earth orbit, it's vital to prepare for the safe and responsible deorbiting of the International Space Station (ISS) in a controlled manner after its operational life concludes in 2030. NASA has announced that SpaceX has been chosen to develop and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle. This spacecraft will be responsible for safely deorbiting the space station, ensuring that it poses no risk to populated areas during re-entry. Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, emphasised the importance of this decision. He stated that selecting a U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for the ISS will help NASA and its international partners ensure a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit as station operations come to an end. This decision also aligns with NASA's plans for future commercial destinations and supports the continued use of near-Earth space. While SpaceX will develop the deorbit spacecraft, NASA will take ownership of it after development and operate it throughout its mission. The deorbit vehicle, along with the space station, is expected to break up during the re-entry process. The International Space Station has been a collaborative effort since 1998, involving five space agencies: CSA (Canadian Space Agency), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), NASA, and Roscosmos. Each agency is responsible for managing and controlling the hardware it provides. The station's design is interdependent, relying on contributions from all partners to function. The United States, Japan, Canada, and participating ESA countries have committed to operating the station through 2030, while Russia has committed to continued operations through at least 2028. The safe deorbiting of the ISS is a shared responsibility among all five space agencies. The contract awarded to SpaceX for the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle has a total potential value of USD 843 million. The launch service for this vehicle will be procured separately in the future. Currently in its 24 year of continuous crewed operations, the ISS serves as a unique scientific platform. Crew members conduct experiments across various research disciplines, including Earth and space science, biology, human physiology, physical sciences, and technology demonstrations that are not possible on Earth. The station has facilitated over 3,300 experiments in microgravity, with crews acting as the hands of thousands of researchers on the ground. The ISS has become a cornerstone of space commerce, fostering partnerships in commercial crew and cargo operations, as well as commercial and national lab research. The lessons learned aboard the International Space Station are instrumental in paving the way for future commercial stations, ensuring the continued advancement of human presence and scientific discovery in space.

NASA selects International Space Station US deorbit vehicle

For the first time, the US space agency NASA will name a woman as its 'science chief.' Nicola Fox, who heads the agency's heliophysics division will be designated as the chief this week, an official familiar with the announcement said.

Fox will be named as NASA's associate administrator for the agency's Science Mission Directorate. She will lead NASA's&nbsp;science directorate, a unit with almost $7 billion as its annual budget, and will be looking at some of the agency's best-known programmes from the robotic hunts for past life on planet Mars to exploring distant galaxies with the James Webb Space Telescope, Reuters reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/five-months-and-countingnasa-images-show-chinas-mars-rover-zhurong-hasnt-moved-565642">Also read |&nbsp;Five months and counting...NASA images show China's Mars rover 'Zhurong' hasn't moved</a>

Before this, Fox earlier worked as the top scientist on the Parker Solar probe mission that studies the sun in depth.&nbsp;

Bill Nelson, NASA's Administrator made the announcement in an email to the agency workers on Monday, lauded Fox's past mission on Sun to better understand the sun and how the solar wind affects satellites and planets.&nbsp;

"She has been instrumental in making this complex area accessible to the public. Her work already spans so many areas of importance to the agency."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/watch-giant-portion-of-sun-breaks-off-nasa-captures-moments-in-incredible-pics-560774">Also read |&nbsp;WATCH | Giant portion of Sun 'breaks off', NASA captures moments in INCREDIBLE pics</a>

She will also oversee a NASA study group, formed in 2022, to help the US military detect and characterise UFOs, or what we call Unidentified Aerial Phenomena- mysterious objects that US White House and Pentagon officials claim to be a threat to the country's airspace.&nbsp;

Fox will succeed Thomas Zurbuchen, a Swiss-Amercian astrophysicist who had the directorate since 2016 until his retirement in December 2022. Since then, Sandra Connelly, formerly Zurbuchen's deputy has been leading the directorate in an acting capacity.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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For the first time, the US space agency NASA will name a woman as its 'science chief.' Nicola Fox, who heads the agency's heliophysics division will be designated as the chief this week, an official familiar with the announcement said.

For the first time, the US space agency NASA will name a woman as its 'science chief.' Nicola Fox, who heads the agency's heliophysics division will be designated as the chief this week, an official familiar with the announcement said. Fox will be named as NASA's associate administrator for the agency's Science Mission Directorate. She will lead NASA's science directorate, a unit with almost $7 billion as its annual budget, and will be looking at some of the agency's best-known programmes from the robotic hunts for past life on planet Mars to exploring distant galaxies with the James Webb Space Telescope, Reuters reported. Also read | Five months and counting...NASA images show China's Mars rover 'Zhurong' hasn't moved Before this, Fox earlier worked as the top scientist on the Parker Solar probe mission that studies the sun in depth. Bill Nelson, NASA's Administrator made the announcement in an email to the agency workers on Monday, lauded Fox's past mission on Sun to better understand the sun and how the solar wind affects satellites and planets. "She has been instrumental in making this complex area accessible to the public. Her work already spans so many areas of importance to the agency." Also read | WATCH | Giant portion of Sun 'breaks off', NASA captures moments in INCREDIBLE pics She will also oversee a NASA study group, formed in 2022, to help the US military detect and characterise UFOs, or what we call Unidentified Aerial Phenomena- mysterious objects that US White House and Pentagon officials claim to be a threat to the country's airspace. Fox will succeed Thomas Zurbuchen, a Swiss-Amercian astrophysicist who had the directorate since 2016 until his retirement in December 2022. Since then, Sandra Connelly, formerly Zurbuchen's deputy has been leading the directorate in an acting capacity. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

In a first, NASA to name a woman as its science chief: Report

There are great benefits here on earth as a result of space exploration activities and continued human presence in Low Earth Orbit, according to Colonel Pam Melroy, NASA’s deputy administrator.

“Climate change is an existential crisis, the best place to monitor earth, is from space… There are a lot of problems to solve… We go to space to benefit life on earth and those who spend their effort on it, see a direct line of sight.”

The top American official was in discussion with heads of space agencies from the Quad countries (Japan, Australia, India, US), hosted as part of the Sydney Dialogue, by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.&nbsp;

“Traditionally government agencies carried out space activities, but there has been increased activity in low earth orbit (LEO) in the last decade. In the midst of this, ordinary people and astronauts are going to space. Increasing access to space can create new services on earth and improve life here” agrees Dr. Hiroshi Yamakawa, President, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA).

On the need for greater collaboration between Quad countries, he added that the Future Lunar exploration has to be a joint effort, as there exists the possibility of having a manned space station in the vicinity of the moon, which can enable sustained exploration in the region and also on the Lunar surface. The Japanese Space agency head emphasised&nbsp;the need for multi-national missions to Mars that would be led by Quad countries, owing to the high costs of manned missions.&nbsp;

Despite being a recent entrant, the Australian Space Agency hopes to build upon its long legacy of having performed and facilitated deep space communications, remote operations and space medicine, life sciences, to further their spacefaring ambitions.

It is noteworthy that, unlike the other three Quad countries, Australia doesn’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions.

However, the Australian Space Agency wants to grow big and grow quick. “We are looking to nurture and foster industry, by investing on R&amp;D , by offering grants, special programmes, working with other space agencies and instilling confidence abut there being a market” says Enrico Palermo, Head, Australian Space Agency.&nbsp;

Asked about Australia having its own human spaceflight programme, Palermo expressed optimism and said that they would have a shot eventually, considering the increasing easy accessibility to space and rapid miniaturisation of technological and aerospace components.

Elaborating on Australia’s geographic advantages, open ranges, experience in space medicine and life sciences, deep space communication networks, he said that Australia would end up in a position to have an Astronaut programme.

He also made a mention of Australia’s communication and tracking support being offered to India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme and NASA’s Artemis, Manned Lunar exploration programme.&nbsp;

“NASA is an engine to drive commercial development and space exploration is the fuel for this engine… Pushing ourselves to do something super challenging is the fuel,” said&nbsp;Melroy, a former NASA astronaut.

According to her, NASA would be a facilitator that would provide funding, strike partnerships, open doors and nurture private players to go forward in the exploration of deep space.&nbsp;

“Sustained presence in Low Earth Orbit had helped us understand and develop more efficient combustion engines, key processes in the human body, insights for medicine development etc.” she said, regarding some of the breakthroughs facilitated by astronauts’ presence in the International Space station labs.

On NASA’s future plans, Melroy said, "we intend to handoff LEO (500-200km orbit) to commercial partners, so that we can put more investment into expanding out into the solar system.

“If we continue to do everything on our own, it would be very tough to find the resources for it” she said on the importance of having private companies undertaking important spacefaring and support missions.&nbsp;

It is significant to note that the Indian government had announced reforms in the country’s space sector, in 2020, to enable private players to perform end-to-end spacefaring activities including designing, owning, building of rockets, satellites, launching of rockets and spacecrafts, providing support and ground services.

The Indian space sector has been dominated by the state-run ISRO since the very inception of India’s space programme, while private companies were only vendors and suppliers of components and services.

However, the latest reforms in India are aimed at opening up this lucrative industry, that is estimated to be worth $440 billion&nbsp;worldwide.&nbsp;

There are great benefits here on earth as a result of space exploration activities and continued human presence in Low Earth Orbit, according to Colonel Pam Melroy, NASA’s deputy administrator.

There are great benefits here on earth as a result of space exploration activities and continued human presence in Low Earth Orbit, according to Colonel Pam Melroy, NASA’s deputy administrator. “Climate change is an existential crisis, the best place to monitor earth, is from space… There are a lot of problems to solve… We go to space to benefit life on earth and those who spend their effort on it, see a direct line of sight.” The top American official was in discussion with heads of space agencies from the Quad countries (Japan, Australia, India, US), hosted as part of the Sydney Dialogue, by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. “Traditionally government agencies carried out space activities, but there has been increased activity in low earth orbit (LEO) in the last decade. In the midst of this, ordinary people and astronauts are going to space. Increasing access to space can create new services on earth and improve life here” agrees Dr. Hiroshi Yamakawa, President, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA). On the need for greater collaboration between Quad countries, he added that the Future Lunar exploration has to be a joint effort, as there exists the possibility of having a manned space station in the vicinity of the moon, which can enable sustained exploration in the region and also on the Lunar surface. The Japanese Space agency head emphasised the need for multi-national missions to Mars that would be led by Quad countries, owing to the high costs of manned missions. Despite being a recent entrant, the Australian Space Agency hopes to build upon its long legacy of having performed and facilitated deep space communications, remote operations and space medicine, life sciences, to further their spacefaring ambitions. It is noteworthy that, unlike the other three Quad countries, Australia doesn’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions. However, the Australian Space Agency wants to grow big and grow quick. “We are looking to nurture and foster industry, by investing on R&D , by offering grants, special programmes, working with other space agencies and instilling confidence abut there being a market” says Enrico Palermo, Head, Australian Space Agency. Asked about Australia having its own human spaceflight programme, Palermo expressed optimism and said that they would have a shot eventually, considering the increasing easy accessibility to space and rapid miniaturisation of technological and aerospace components. Elaborating on Australia’s geographic advantages, open ranges, experience in space medicine and life sciences, deep space communication networks, he said that Australia would end up in a position to have an Astronaut programme. He also made a mention of Australia’s communication and tracking support being offered to India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme and NASA’s Artemis, Manned Lunar exploration programme. “NASA is an engine to drive commercial development and space exploration is the fuel for this engine… Pushing ourselves to do something super challenging is the fuel,” said Melroy, a former NASA astronaut. According to her, NASA would be a facilitator that would provide funding, strike partnerships, open doors and nurture private players to go forward in the exploration of deep space. “Sustained presence in Low Earth Orbit had helped us understand and develop more efficient combustion engines, key processes in the human body, insights for medicine development etc.” she said, regarding some of the breakthroughs facilitated by astronauts’ presence in the International Space station labs. On NASA’s future plans, Melroy said, "we intend to handoff LEO (500-200km orbit) to commercial partners, so that we can put more investment into expanding out into the solar system. “If we continue to do everything on our own, it would be very tough to find the resources for it” she said on the importance of having private companies undertaking important spacefaring and support missions. It is significant to note that the Indian government had announced reforms in the country’s space sector, in 2020, to enable private players to perform end-to-end spacefaring activities including designing, owning, building of rockets, satellites, launching of rockets and spacecrafts, providing support and ground services. The Indian space sector has been dominated by the state-run ISRO since the very inception of India’s space programme, while private companies were only vendors and suppliers of components and services. However, the latest reforms in India are aimed at opening up this lucrative industry, that is estimated to be worth $440 billion worldwide.

“We go to space to benefit life on earth”, says NASA deputy administrator at Quad space officials' meet

Respecting the contributions of NASA's first African-American female engineer, Mary Jackson, the space organisation has decided to rename its Washington DC's headquarters.

On Friday, in a ceremony held at the Washington building, the headquarters' name was formally changed in Jackson's honour.

Jackson started her career with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in April 1951.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/space-station-launch-honours-black-nasa-mathematician-in-hidden-figures-film-365210">&nbsp;Space station launch honours Black NASA mathematician in 'Hidden Figures' film</a>

She worked with NASA for 34 years where she started as a mathematician conducting research but went on to become the first African-American female engineer.

Jackson, later, moved into administration and worked as NASA's equal opportunity officer, with the aim to promote equality and provide similar opportunities to people from different backgrounds.

"She helped us propel the dawn of the Space Age through her work as a ‘human computer’. Now, our headquarters building will be named in her honor," NASA said in a tweet.

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She helped us propel the dawn of the Space Age through her work as a ‘human computer’. Now, our headquarters building will be named in her honor. Get to know Mary W. Jackson, our first African American female engineer: <a href="https://t.co/QvrTKd3L2Z">https://t.co/QvrTKd3L2Z</a> <a href="https://t.co/pJd6h8AttM">pic.twitter.com/pJd6h8AttM</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1365331902777982981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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She was also honoured with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor of the country, in 2019.&nbsp;

The mathematician especially rose to fame after she was featured as one of the subjects of the book "Hidden Figures", which was later turned into a movie.

"NASA facilities across the country are named after people who dedicated their lives to push the frontiers of the aerospace industry. The nation is beginning to awaken to the greater need to honor the full diversity of people who helped pioneer our great nation," former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the first woman, African-American and Asian origin VP of the country, also tweeted in the praise of Jackson.

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Mary W. Jackson, one of the ‘Hidden Figures,’ was critical to getting American astronauts into space. She broke barriers at home, persevered, and inspired the next generation of engineers, scientists, and explorers. I’m pleased to see <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a>’s DC headquarters named in her honor. <a href="https://t.co/R0eD72COHB">https://t.co/R0eD72COHB</a>
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1365382749671088129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Mary W. Jackson, one of the ‘Hidden Figures,’ was critical to getting American astronauts into space. She broke barriers at home, persevered, and inspired the next generation of engineers, scientists, and explorers. I’m pleased to see @NASA’s DC headquarters named in her honor," she said.

Respecting the contributions of NASA's first African-American female engineer, Mary Jackson, the space organisation has decided to rename its Washington DC's headquarters.

Respecting the contributions of NASA's first African-American female engineer, Mary Jackson, the space organisation has decided to rename its Washington DC's headquarters. On Friday, in a ceremony held at the Washington building, the headquarters' name was formally changed in Jackson's honour. Jackson started her career with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in April 1951. Also read| Space station launch honours Black NASA mathematician in 'Hidden Figures' film She worked with NASA for 34 years where she started as a mathematician conducting research but went on to become the first African-American female engineer. Jackson, later, moved into administration and worked as NASA's equal opportunity officer, with the aim to promote equality and provide similar opportunities to people from different backgrounds. "She helped us propel the dawn of the Space Age through her work as a ‘human computer’. Now, our headquarters building will be named in her honor," NASA said in a tweet. She helped us propel the dawn of the Space Age through her work as a ‘human computer’. Now, our headquarters building will be named in her honor. Get to know Mary W. Jackson, our first African American female engineer: https://t.co/QvrTKd3L2Z pic.twitter.com/pJd6h8AttM — NASA (@NASA) February 26, 2021 × She was also honoured with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor of the country, in 2019. The mathematician especially rose to fame after she was featured as one of the subjects of the book "Hidden Figures", which was later turned into a movie. "NASA facilities across the country are named after people who dedicated their lives to push the frontiers of the aerospace industry. The nation is beginning to awaken to the greater need to honor the full diversity of people who helped pioneer our great nation," former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the first woman, African-American and Asian origin VP of the country, also tweeted in the praise of Jackson. Mary W. Jackson, one of the ‘Hidden Figures,’ was critical to getting American astronauts into space. She broke barriers at home, persevered, and inspired the next generation of engineers, scientists, and explorers. I’m pleased to see @NASA’s DC headquarters named in her honor. https://t.co/R0eD72COHB — Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) February 26, 2021 × "Mary W. Jackson, one of the ‘Hidden Figures,’ was critical to getting American astronauts into space. She broke barriers at home, persevered, and inspired the next generation of engineers, scientists, and explorers. I’m pleased to see @NASA’s DC headquarters named in her honor," she said.

NASA renames headquarters to honour  'hidden figures' scientist Mary Jackson

NASA has announced that it will be taking women to the moon in a new mission called Artemis, goddess of the hunt as well as the moon and Apollo's twin sister. Speaking at the 2019 Paris Air Show, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said NASA would "to retire the risk, prove the technology and we are going to take it out to Mars".