August 2008 NewSpaceNews

From Powerpoint to Plane

Virgin Galactic and Scaled Composites rolled out the red carpet last Monday to unveil their multiple-record-setting airplane and mothership, WhiteKnightTwo. Associated Press at CNN

Lucky Number Nine

For the first time in the history of the United States, 9 space-ready engines were fired at once, paving the way for the first Falcon 9 launch. Press Release at SpaceX.com

NewSpace Opportunity or Man-Made Meteorite?

What is to become of the International Space Station? Engineers from around the world weigh in on what to do with the still unfinished space habitation module. Rand Simberg at Popular Mechanics

The Moon’s First Observatory

With no shortage of ambition, Odyssey Moon, one of the contending teams for the Google Lunar X Prize, announced a joint venture with the International Lunar Observatory Association to put an observatory on the lunar surface. Press Release at Odyssey Moon

Fields of Dreams

A disorder known as ’spaceport fever’ is spreading across the face of the earth, and those that have it tend to spread it as far and wide as they possibly can. Ed Regis at Air and Space Magazine

The Rocket Racer Flies

The 2008 Airventure at Oshkosh was home to the maiden flight demonstration of the Rocket Racer plane, complete with ooh’s and aah’s. Rachael Courtland at New Scientist

The Moon Gets Closer

Google Lunar X Prize contender ARCA recently announced their near-future plans for a 100km test launch, leaving the other teams wondering if they’re going to have to play catch-up. Bogdan Sburlea at ARCA

Freight Train to Space

In the wake of the 2008 Space Elevator Conference recently held, skeptics speak out on whether a space elevator will ever be built. Alan Boyle at Cosmic Log

The New Area 51

Mojave Air and Space Port is home to mysterious, unidentified flying objects, but it’s also the proving ground for rebellious, game-changing aerospace engineers. Joe Pappalardo at Popular Mechanics

Rocketplane Digs In

Despite losing a $207 million contract, their chief design engineer, and their test pilot, Rocketplane Global shows that determination conquers all. Ben Fenwick at Oklahoma Gazette

Silver Dart Lives

The U.S.-Canadian venture Planetspace moves ahead with their plans for a suborbital craft and orbital launch system. Alan Boyle at Cosmic Log

DKNY eyes Rockets in the Sky

The flight of the Rocket Racer at Oshkosh donned an unusual sponsor logo, but like NASCAR, it proves to be a successful partnership. Alan Boyle at Cosmic Log

The Governator Turns a Blind Eye

Even a call from Sir Richard Branson himself could not persuade California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to participate in the NewSpace movement. Alan Radecki at Mojave Skies

From Paypal to Outerspace

Entrepreneur and SpaceX founder Elon Musk opens up about space, Mars, electric cars, and what it was like to immigrate from South Africa to the United States. Editors at TCS Daily

SIS 5

Continuing the success of bringing private space companies and investors together, Space Investment Summit 5 is planned for October 15 in Los Angeles. Press Release at Space Investment Summit