Tag Archives: Sierra Nevada
California Drought Is Killing Giant Sequoia Trees
Sequoia, the tallest tree on earth, is in danger. The extreme drought conditions of California are destroying giant sequoias of Sequoia National Park Sierra, Nevada, which is considered a national...
Scientists Discover Why Lake Tahoe Is So Blue
For a long time, it has been firmly believed that Lake Tahoe’s iconic blue tint is due to its clarity. But a recent study at University of California suggests this is not the case. The blueness comes...
Yosemite Rock Fall to Change Half Dome Climb
A climbing path at Half Dome in Yosemite National Park has been changed after a large part of it fell last week. The granite structure is not what it used to be. A conical slab fell off the Half Dome...
Lake Tahoe Earthquake Magnitude was 3.5
On the evening of Wednesday, at about 5:08 p.m., an earthquake of a magnitude of 3.5 hit the northwest side of Lake Tahoe, California. According to the U.S. Geological Service, the depth of this...
Yosemite climber falls 30 foot below
The steep slopes are one of the prime locations in the Yosemite National Park and with its majestic beauty, they have always attracted moutain climbers from all over the world. But sometimes the most...
Yosemite Rockfall Leads to Closed Trail
A rockfall occurred at Yosemite National Park on March 31st, 2014. It was a good thing that no one was injured. However, it blocked the path to Rancheria Falls. "A rockfall in the Hetch Hetchy...
Dream Chaser Prototype Spacecraft Suffers Landing Gear “Anomaly” after Free Flight Test
One of the three private space companies that NASA has invested significant money in to develop private spacecraft is Sierra Nevada Corporation. The company has a lifting-body spacecraft called Dream Chaser that reminds me a bit of the retired Space Shuttle. Sierra Nevada conducted the first free flying test of the Dream Chaser this weekend.
While the spacecraft separated from the helicopter that carried it to launch altitude without issue and was able to assume it’s automated glidepath. The spacecraft suffered from what Sierra Nevada calls an “anomaly” during landing. By anomaly, the company means the left landing gear did not deploy correctly, resulting in Dream Chaser skidding off the runway.
The aircraft was damaged in the accident but reports indicate that it should be repairable. While Sierra Nevada is only conducting its first free flight tests, other companies NASA invested money in for private travel to the ISS, such as SpaceX with its Dragon capsule, have already made successful trips into orbit.
[via NBC News]
Boeing, SpaceX win NASA ‘space taxi’ funding race (updated)
NASA has reportedly picked Boeing and SpaceX as the two companies to receive primary funding for the "Commercial Crew Program." The news was reportedly leaked to NBC News' Jay Barbree, but all parties involved have refused to comment until NASA makes the official announcement later today. While Boeing and SpaceX are likely to take home the bulk of $1 billion in funding, Sierra Nevada has been picked as the "standby" candidate -- with a mandate to step in if either primary partner fails. If true, then it means that Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin has been cut out of the race entirely -- although disappointment is easier to take if you're a billionaire... we've heard.
Update: NASA's confirmed its picks, with back-up choice Sierra Nevada picking up $212.5 million, while Space X and Boeing got $440 million and $460 million, respectively. To celebrate, SpaceX's crafted another stargazing video -- it's right after the break.
Continue reading Boeing, SpaceX win NASA 'space taxi' funding race (updated)
Filed under: Transportation, Science
Boeing, SpaceX win NASA 'space taxi' funding race (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 06:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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WSJ, NBC | Email this | Comments Congress, NASA agree to thin out commercial spaceflight partners for ‘space taxi’ program
Congress has twisted NASA's arm on a new deal for the "Commercial Crew Program," designed to get private spaceflight companies to ferry astronauts into space. Senator Representative Frank Wolf wants NASA to scale back its grants to four companies: SpaceX, Boeing, Blue Origin and Sierra Nevada down to two, while a third gets a retainer in case one of those chosen pair fails. The administration will be examining the financial health and business viability of each company before doling out the cash -- with one of those named above effectively being shut out of the market. Although, we imagine SpaceX did itself no harm at all when it became the first commercial enterprise to get a capsule to the ISS.
Congress, NASA agree to thin out commercial spaceflight partners for 'space taxi' program originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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