ISS: Developments in the US and worldwide

US Congress passed a bill, which, among others, provides for the extension of US operations in the International Space Station (ISS) until 2024 and introduces the notion of “governmental astronaut”. At the same time, NASA administrator complained to Congress that NASA underfunding made the new deal with Roscosmos on carrying US astronauts with Russian vehicles necessary. New EASA Chief envisages new ISS partners and Bigelow Aerospace attaches its experimental module.

European Ministers adopt Resolutions critical for ESA's future space agenda

Yesterday, ESA concluded a successful Council meeting at Ministerial Level in Luxembourg. Ministers in charge of space activities, from ESA’s 20 member states and Canada, took decisions expected to shape ESA’s future. The main topics under discussion were reflected in three Resolutions: on Europe’s access to space, on Europe’s space exploration strategy and on ESA evolution.

On traveling to Mars

NASA has released an infographic concerning its path to Mars. However, there has been increasing criticism to NASA’s strategy. At the same, studies suggest that a travel to Mars is an extremely dangerous endeavor, to the extent of being viewed as unethical under current astronaut health standards.