External Tank « AmericaSpace

'Obviously A Major Malfunction': 30 Years Since the Loss of Challenger (Part 1)

By Ben Evans, on January 30th, 2016

The infamous image, flashed around the world on 28 January 1986, immediately after Challenger’s tragic destruction. The disaster stalled the shuttle program for almost three years. Photo Credit: NASA

Thirty years ago, on 28 January 1986, one of the worst and most public disasters in U.S. space history unfolded with horrifying suddenness in […]

'Major Malfunction': The Final Launch of Challenger, 28 Years Ago Today

By Ben Evans, on January 28th, 2015

Challenger’s final crew, as they should be remembered: positive and brilliant individuals, happily striving to explore space and further humanity’s reach into the Universe. In the back row (left to right) are Ellison S. Onizuka, Sharon Christa McAuliffe, Greg Jarvis, and Judy Resnik. In the front row (left to right) are Mike Smith, […]

'Shuttleman' Scott G. Phillips Keeps Shuttle Spirit Alive With Tribute Models, New Book

By Emily Carney, on November 22nd, 2014

Scott G. Phillips stands by his space shuttle tribute display. Phillips’ new memoir, Remove Before Flight, tells the story of his own personal shuttle odyssey. Photo Credit: Scott G. Phillips

Since the beginning of the space shuttle era, which kicked off with STS-1’s triumphant launch in 1981, space buffs, historians, and writers chronicling […]

NASA's SLS Human Rocket Road to Mars Starts in New Orleans and Michoud Assembly Facility

By Ken Kremer, on September 16th, 2014

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden officially unveils the world’s largest spacecraft welder to begin construction of first core stage of NASA’s mammoth Space Launch System (SLS) rocket at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, on Sept. 12, 2014. SLS will be the most powerful rocket ever built by humans. Credit: Ken Kremer – kenkremer.com/AmericaSpace

[…]

'Americans Return to Space': The Voyage of STS-26 (Part 1)

By Ben Evans, on October 5th, 2013

Twenty-five years have now passed since STS-26, the mission which laid the ghosts of Challenger to rest and opened the gates for a second Golden Age of shuttle operations. Photo Credit: NASA

Twenty-five years have now passed since the voice of launch commentator Hugh Harris exulted “Americans return to space” on the morning […]

Final J-2X Test-Fire Conducted at A-1 Test Stand, NASA / Aerojet Rocketdyne Ready to Test RS-25

By Scott Johnson, on September 8th, 2013

One final test for J-2X Engine No. 10002. Photo Credit: NASA / Stennis Space Center

BAY ST. LOUIS, Ms — On Thursday, Sept. 5, NASA along with Aerojet Rocketdyne conducted a test firing of a J-2X rocket engine at NASA’s Stennis Space Center. The hot-fire was conducted in order to test the engine […]

NASA Officials Talk SLS / Budget

By Jason Rhian, on September 2nd, 2013

[youtube_video]http://youtu.be/iRcsP0hWvyA[/youtube_video]

Video courtesy of AmericaSpace

NEW ORLEANS, La — During a visit to NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) for the ribbon-cutting for the new Vertical Weld Center, AmericaSpace spoke with NASA’s Dan Dumbacher and William Gerstenmaier regarding the current state of the program that the center will be used to help […]

Historic Structures at Kennedy Space Center Face Uncertain Future

By Jason Rhian, on August 21st, 2013

The Mobile Launcher Platforms, one of which supports the space shuttle in this image, have had a Request for Information opened on them. NASA is attempting to gauge interest in these three historic structures. Photo Credit: Jason Rhian / AmericaSpace

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla — Three historic pieces of space flight hardware are being […]

Reviews and Hardware Signal Progress for NASA's Space Launch System

By Emily Carney, on August 2nd, 2013

NASA has completed a design review and has also constructed a key element of the rocket’s design. In short, this week has seen significant progress in the development of the space agency’s new heavy-lift booster. Photo Credit: NASA

NASA announced Wednesday, July 31 that the space agency had concluded the preliminary design review […]

On @ The 90: Atlantis Exhibit's Opening Highlights NASA's Malaise

By Jason Rhian, on July 5th, 2013

Yesterday’s opening of the Atlantis Exhibit unleashed a swell of emotions from most in attendance. It was a time to reflect on the past as well as the future. Photo Credit: Jason Rhian / AmericaSpace

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla — As a former soldier and law enforcement officer, I am not one who […]

AmericaSpace