Short Takes – 8-7-24 – Space Geek Edition

Commerce Department to Roll Out Traffic Coordination System for Space Phase 1.0 in September. ExecuriveGov.com article. Pull quote: “The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Space Commerce is developing TraCSS as a cloud-based information technology system that will provide space situational awareness and space traffic coordination support services for private and civil space operators.”

SpaceX warns of ‘sonic booms’ ahead of fifth Starship test flight at Boca Chica. ValleyCentral.com article. Pull quote: “The space company stated the booster will slow down from supersonic speeds, resulting in audible sonic booms in the area around the return location. The booms are expected to be heard between seven and nine minutes after the launch.”

Benchmark adds Starlight thruster to partner network. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: “Under the agreement announced at the Small Satellite Conference here, Benchmark will offer hybrid propulsion systems that pair Starlight Crucible Hall-effect thrusters with Benchmark non-toxic chemical thrusters. The hybrid propulsion system is designed for high-endurance or high-specific-impulse missions and spacecraft with a mass of 1,000 kilograms or less.”

NASA chief will make the final decision on how Starliner crew flies home. ArsTechnica.com article. Pull quote: “Well-placed sources said the current flight software on board Starliner, as configured, cannot perform an automated undocking from the space station and entry into Earth’s atmosphere. It will take about four weeks to update and validate the software for an autonomous return, should NASA decide it would be safer to bring Wilmore and Williams back to Earth inside a Crew Dragon spacecraft.”

World's First True Spaceliner Inching Closer to Launch, ISS Is Its First Target. AutoEvolution.com article. Pull quote: “The thing is 30-foot (nine-meter) long and 15-foot (4.5-meter) wide and it will be capable of carrying up to 11,500 pounds (5,200 kg) of cargo. Cargo won't be carried in a single space, but divided between the spaceplane's own payload bays and an attached cargo module the company is calling the Shooting Star.”