Short Takes – 3-2-24

Industrial Technology Innovation Advisory Committee. Federal Register DOE Meeting Notice. Purpose of Meeting: “ITIAC will hold a meeting on March 21–22, 2024 to initiate its work to develop a strategic plan on how to achieve the goals of the Industrial Emissions Reductions Technology Development Program and, in consultation with the Secretary and the Director of the Office of Science Technology and Policy (Director), propose missions and goals for the program consistent with the purposes of the program described in section 454(b)(1) of the EISA [42 USC 17113].”

NASA, American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation Sign Lease to Build Space Systems Campus. ExecutiveGov.com article. Pull quote: “The Space Systems Campus is part of the development of Johnson’s 240-acre Exploration Park. The private-public lease is the second such agreement allowing industry and academia to use NASA-leased land to collaborate and keep the country at the top of the market for space and aerospace industries.”

NASA cancels OSAM-1 satellite servicing technology mission. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: “OSAM-1’s cancelation comes as many companies are commercially pursuing satellite servicing technologies, in many cases using more cooperative approaches such as designing satellites with refueling ports that reduce the complexity of refueling. At the annual meeting of CONFERS, a satellite servicing industry group, in October 2023, an audience member noted there had been little discussion about OSAM-1 in conference presentations.”

Two days, two railroads in the spotlight: Missives flying over Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific. Freightwaves.com article. Pull quote: “Charges, countercharges and the missives were flying back and forth over the future of two Class 1 railroads as February came to an end, with leading government officials that regulate the rails leveling heavy criticism at two distinct players.”

NASA, SpaceX scrub Crew-8 astronaut mission to the International Space Station due to poor weather. SpaceFlightNow.com article. Second weather delay for launch. Pull quote: “Liftoff of the Crew-8 mission from historic Launch Complex 39A is now set for Sunday, March 3 at 10:53 p.m. EST (0353 UTC Sunday). The launch was also delayed from March 1 due to poor weather in the downrange area off shore where crew would be rescued in the unlikely event of a mid-ascent mission abort.”