NASA ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2013

 FROM:  NASA

NASA Transforms Access to Low-Earth Orbit, Touches Interstellar Space, Makes Unprecedented Discoveries and Develops Cutting-Edge Technologies in 2013
In 2013, NASA helped U.S. commercial companies transform access to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station even as one of the agency's venerable spacecraft was confirmed to have reached interstellar space, and engineers moved ahead on technologies that will help carry out the first astronaut mission to an asteroid and eventually Mars.

"Even in a time of great change and transition, NASA employees stayed focused on what it takes to get the job done -- returning space station resupply launches and the jobs they support back to the United States, developing cutting-edge technologies that will help us send American astronauts to an asteroid and Mars, uncovering new knowledge about our home planet and the universe and helping develop cleaner and quieter airplanes," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "It's all the hard work and dedication from the NASA folks on the frontlines that keep the United States the world’s leader in space exploration."

The following are some of NASA's top stories this year:
Commercial Space Progress

A little more than two years after the end of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA has returned the International Space Station resupply missions to the United States in a powerful partnership with U.S. companies SpaceX and Orbital Sciences, who are investing here and creating good-paying jobs for American workers.

NASA remains committed to launching American astronauts from U.S. soil within the next four years. Recent progress includes key milestones in commercial crew development met by three American companies: Boeing, SpaceX and Sierra Nevada Corporation; a Nov. 19 request for proposals on the Commercial Crew Transportation Capability contract (CCtCap), designed to ensure commercial companies meet NASA’s safety requirements for transporting NASA and international partner crews to the International Space Station; unfunded Space Act Agreements with other potential commercial providers; and creation of a Space Technology Program focused on breakthrough innovations that will change future transportation options. These accomplishments have been bolstered by the extension of International Space Station operations to 2020, enabling expanded commercial and research opportunities.

FAA & NASA AGREE ON REGULATION OF COMMERCIAL SPACECRAFT

Photo:  Launch Of Commercial Spacecraft SpaceX Dragon To The ISS.    

Credit:  NASA.

FROM:  NASA
WASHINGTON -- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NASA have 
signed a historic agreement to coordinate standards for commercial 
space travel of government and non-government astronauts to and from 
low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station (ISS). The two 
agencies will collaborate to expand efforts that provide a stable 
framework for the U.S. space industry, avoid conflicting requirements 
and multiple sets of standards, and advance both public and crew 
safety. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the two agencies 
establishes policy for operational missions to the space station. 
Commercial providers will be required to obtain a license from the 
FAA for public safety. Crew safety and mission assurance will be 
NASA's responsibility. This approach allows both agencies to 
incorporate experience and lessons learned as progress is made. 

"This important agreement between the FAA and NASA will advance our 
shared goals in commercial space travel," said U.S. Transportation 
Secretary Ray LaHood. "Working together, we will assure clear, 
consistent standards for the industry." 

"This agreement is the next step in bringing the business of launching 
Americans back to American soil," Charles Bolden, NASA administrator 
said. "We are fostering private sector innovation while maintaining 
high standards of safety and reliability to re-establish U.S.-crewed 
access to low-Earth orbit, in-sourcing work to American companies and 
encouraging the development of dynamic and cost-effective spaceflight 
capabilities built to last." 

"The Obama administration recognizes the scientific, technological and 
economic benefits of maintaining the United States' leadership in 
space travel and exploration," said FAA Acting Administrator Michael 
Huerta. "This agreement between the FAA and NASA continues and 
advances those vital national interests." 

NASA's Commercial Crew Program aims to facilitate development of a 
U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability with the goal of 
achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from 
low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station. The policy 
established in the MOU clarifies for potential commercial providers 
the regulatory environment for operational missions to the orbiting 
laboratory. It also ensures that the two agencies will have 
compatible processes for ensuring public safety. 

The FAA is responsible for regulating and licensing all U.S. private 
companies and individuals involved in commercial space 
transportation. To date, the FAA Office of Commercial Space 
Transportation has licensed 207 successful launches, including two 
non-orbital commercial human space flights in 2004 and the recent 
first launch to the ISS and re-entry of a non-manned commercial 
spacecraft.