Jeff has been involved in aerospace journalism since the mid 1990s. Prior to joining Aviation Week, Jeff served as managing editor of Launchspace magazine and the International Space Industry Report. He has been the editor and chief of Aviation Week's Aerospace Daily & Defense Report since 2007 and has been a regular contributor to Aviation Week magazine. He received his B.A. from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
HEAVY LIFTING: NASA is seeking proposals and industry input on heavy-lift rocket concepts and propulsion technology. Total funding for the study effort will be $8 million, with individual awards up to $625,000. The proposal deadline is July 29. The information gathered “may help lay the groundwork for humans to safely reach multiple potential destinations, including asteroids, Lagrange points, the Moon and Mars,” NASA says. The agency suggests that “in-space architectural elements” like propellant depots and space transfer stages can be included.
To reduce the risk of gaps in polar weather satellite coverage, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) would seek an exception for its Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) in the event the agency is funded under a continuing resolution for Fiscal 2011.
NASA DAY: NASA will reveal more details of its new Space Technology investment program and solicit feedback from industry at a forum in Adelphi, Md., on July 13-14. During the event, NASA officials also will announce three new Centennial Challenges prize programs. The first day of the forum and a media briefing will be carried live on NASA Television and streamed on the Internet.
