Short Takes – 5-4-24

NASA balks on timeline to incorporate cyber into spacecraft acquisition policies. FedScoop.com article.  Pull quote: ““While we do not dispute this, we note that NASA’s space security guide recognizes that NASA does not currently have a cybersecurity risk management framework for end-to-end integrated space mission systems,” the auditing agency said in response. “Without a plan with identified timeframes, it is unknown when the agency will actually perform an update to incorporate, if necessary, any additional cybersecurity controls.”” GAO report here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-106624

Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA) Reporting Requirements; Extension of Comment Period. Federal Register CISA comment period extension. Summary: “On April 4, 2024, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register, the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA), which proposes regulations implementing the statute's covered cyber incident and ransom payment reporting requirements for covered entities. CISA is extending the public comment period for the proposed rulemaking for an additional 30 days through July 3, 2024, in response to comments received from the public requesting additional time.”

Pipeline Safety: Information Collection Activities: Mitigation of Ruptures on Onshore Gas Transmission and Gathering, Hazardous Liquid, and Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Segments Using Rupture-Mitigation Valves or Alternative Equivalent Technologies and Blending of Hydrogen Gas and Natural Gas within Gas Pipelines. Federal Register PHMSA comment period extension. Summary: “On March 25, 2024, PHMSA published a notice in the Federal Register inviting public comments on its intent to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval of changes to PHMSA forms to collect data on the use of rupture mitigation valves, or alternative equivalent technologies, and the blending of hydrogen gas with other natural gases within gas pipelines. In response to a petition, PHMSA is extending the deadline to submit comments.” New ICR comment deadline: June 24^th, 2024. This is an unusual extension of a 60-day ICR deadline.

NASA inspector general finds Orion heat shield issues 'pose significant risks' to Artemis 2 crew safety. Space.com article. Pull quote: “The report says NASA found over 100 areas on Orion's heat shield — where thermal material protects the spacecraft from the heat of reentry — had worn away "differently than expected" during the spacecraft's reentry to Earth's atmosphere.” OIG Report .pdf - https://oig.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ig-24-011.pdf