Irene Klotz is Senior Space Editor for Aviation Week, based in Cape Canaveral. Before joining Aviation Week in 2017, Irene spent 25 years as a wire service reporter covering human and robotic spaceflight, commercial space, astronomy, science and technology for Reuters and United Press International. She also worked with Discovery Communications, Discovery News and was a founding member of Space.com.
Irene cut her teeth on the space beat at Florida Today newspaper, a business writer enchanted by the colorful entrepreneurs who wanted access to Air Force launch facilities and assets after commercial payloads were taken off the space shuttles following the 1986 Challenger accident. Commercial space remains the focus of her work, along with a keen interest in the search for life beyond Earth.
A graduate of Northwestern University, Irene is the 2014 recipient of the Harry Kolcum Memorial News and Communications Award, named in honor of the late Aviation Week managing editor and Cape Canaveral senior editor who was among Irene’s earliest mentors.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — The International Space Station’s original Node 1 module, which became a structural test article after manufacturing errors, may end up in orbit after all. Boeing is conducting a study for NASA on using the module as a docking hub for visiting vehicles and experimental spacecraft, such as a Bigelow Aerospace inflatable habitat.
COCOA BEACH, Fla. — Hoping to parlay the U.K.’s 6% share of global aerospace business into a 10% stake, a British trade delegation is courting potential partners in Florida, which for its part is looking to diversify its NASA-dominated space program as the space shuttle nears retirement.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) released a promotional video on March 31 that previews the unveiling of a new member of the Falcon rocket family, a heavy lifter that will compete with United Launch Alliance’s Atlas 5 and Delta 4 rockets. Details about the Falcon Heavy will be released on April 5. SpaceX’s website (www.spacex.com) describes the Falcon Heavy as being capable of lifting more than 32,000 kg (70,500 lb.) to low Earth orbit and more than 19,500 kg to geostationary transfer orbit.
