A commitment to invest over £80m in a UK Space Centre of Excellence in Ayrshire, was made by both UK and Scottish Governments, in partnership with South Ayrshire Council, as part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal signing yesterday.

Edinburgh, UK -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/23/2020 -- The funding package will develop and support a wide range of new, cutting-edge aerospace and space activities around Glasgow Prestwick Airport, including a satellite launch site and a range of other advanced technology initiatives beyond space launch.

This significant investment forms part of an even larger £250m package that was announced via the Ayrshire Growth Deal Head of Terms agreement 18 months ago. This saw the Scotland Office pledge to invest £103 million in the region over the next 15 years, alongside £103 million from the Scottish Government over 10 years, augmented with further investment from the three local authority areas of East, North and South Ayrshire. This will help drive economic development across the region, create new employment opportunities and encourage further inward investment.

Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, referred to the announcement as, "a landmark moment for Ayrshire", adding that the Deal would have a "profound positive impact on the region for generations to come".

The signing of a deal of this size reinforces Ayrshire's position as a leading UK aerospace hub. The region already employs over 3,500 people in global companies such as Spirit AeroSystems; BAE Systems; GE Aviation; Collins Aerospace; Woodward and National Air Traffic Services (NATS), accounting for more than half of the aerospace industry's workforce in Scotland. The financial boost aims to add another 4,000 jobs by 2035, helping Ayrshire capitalise on the exciting opportunities offered by the fast-growing commercial space sector.

Ian Annett, Deputy CEO, UK Space Agency said, "The deal will deliver another boost to the UK's growing space sector by funding a range of new, cutting-edge aerospace activities around Glasgow Prestwick Airport, including development of the spaceport site".

"This will not only create highly-skilled jobs across the region, but also further the UK's reputation as Europe's leading new space destination and bring us one step closer to small satellite launches taking place in the UK."

£80m of the Growth Deal investment will be used specifically to help realise Ayrshire's vision of creating a leading cluster, for both space, and wider aerospace supply chain activity. Detailed plans are already in place for a spaceport development that would provide the capability to launch small satellites from within Europe for the first time, utilising modified aircraft that would begin their journeys from Glasgow Prestwick Airport. These aircraft will carry out rocket launches at high altitude and provide access to the orbits required to observe Earth's changing climate from above. The technique, known as 'horizontal' or 'air' launch, would make use of the existing infrastructure and coastal location at Prestwick, and the capability to launch satellites could make the UK a 'one stop shop' for commercial space companies.

Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation Ivan McKee said: "The signing of the Ayrshire Growth Deal marks another major milestone in our journey toward the delivery of a world-leading commercial space sector. This is an exciting time for the emerging space sector globally, and Scotland is at the very forefront of it. In particular, the sector will play a critical role in the global fight against climate change with satellites used to measure essential climate variables".

"In Scotland we already produce more small satellites anywhere outside of California and the provision of horizontal launch capability at Prestwick will further complement the launch offering across the country. This deal represents a major opportunity to inspire the next generation of space scientists and engineers as well as to deliver a major economic boost for Ayrshire."

The innovative space activity, enabled by the ambitious Aerospace and Space Programme element of the Ayrshire Growth Deal, is expected to provide a host of opportunities beyond launch, too. The additional interconnected projects which are being planned include a technical innovation centre to support UK business and academia, a national flight test centre with training facilities for skills development, and an educational outreach and visitor centre. The deal also provides for various commercial building developments and improvements to the region's transport infrastructure — improving quality of life for local residents and providing an opportunity for Ayrshire to profit from the rapid growth of the space sector.

John Innes, Chair of the Scottish Space Leadership Council described the announcement as "An exciting development that will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of new space applications, and keeps pace with the high-speed developments characteristic of the industrial space sector."

While Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Peter Henderson said, "The signing of the Ayrshire Growth Deal marks a huge moment in our plans for enhancing Prestwick's already established aerospace reputation.

"I very much look forward to seeing vibrant, on-site, space activity that goes beyond launch facilities."

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A strategic marketing firm working exclusively across the international space sector has been awarded a development grant from the UK Space Agency to establish a space hub on behalf of the Scottish Space Leadership Council (SSLC).

Edinburgh, UK -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/23/2020 -- International space start-up AstroAgency will use the financial support to advance the SSLC into a formalised entity, with the ultimate aim of connecting and promoting Scotland's fast-growing space ecosystem nationally and internationally.

Established by industry experts, the space intelligence and marketing firm has grown to 12 staff in its first year, securing a long list of high profile and established global space clients and new entrants looking to transition into the sector.

UK Science Minister Amanda Solloway explained, "This funding will arm local leaders up and down the UK with the tools they need to put their local areas at the front of the commercial space race, while refuelling the tank of the UK economy". UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart added, "Today's funding announcement is another example of how the UK Government is securing the UK's position as a global leader in the space sector. The investment in Scottish projects will contribute to regional economic growth and support the development of the space industry across the country."

The SSLC was formed in 2016 as a voluntary, cross-sectoral representative organisation in response to the need for greater connection and collaboration within the Scottish and wider UK space community.

The Council has evolved a reputation for being an ambitious, results-driven organisation and now aims to formally act as a conduit for growth and gateway to a flourishing space sector.

Scottish Trade, Investment & Innovation Minister, Ivan McKee, said: "The SSLC, with strong support from the Scottish Government and its agencies, already plays an important role in the development of our growing space sector, most recently bringing together the developing spaceports across the UK to form the Spaceports Alliance. This funding will further enhance its work and support our ambitions for Scotland to become Europe's leading space nation.

"I welcome the UK Space Agency's recognition of the importance of a unified industry voice from Scotland and for my part, I will champion the views of our sector at all levels of government. The Scottish Government's aim is for Scotland to secure a £4 billion slice of the global space market by 2030, an ambitious but realistic target, and I look forward to continuing our close collaboration in order to further develop the sector and promote opportunities for our businesses."

AstroAgency founder and space entrepreneur, Daniel Smith, stated: "We look forward to outlining a strategy that ensures the SSLC remains at the forefront of industry developments.

"AstroAgency's strategic space marketing focus means that we don't simply raise awareness in space activity, but identify partnership and investment opportunities, provide regular market intelligence and connect partners directly into the NewSpace ecosystem.

"Our experienced international space team understands the opportunities that this innovative industry can deliver across every sector imaginable, not to mention the important role it has to play in boosting local economies and protecting our environment."

Chair of the Scottish Space Leadership Council John Innes commented, "The SSLC, working together with the AstroAgency team, look forward to establishing a formalised Scottish hub suited to connecting and promoting the country's vibrant space sector", while Linda Hannah, Interim CEO of Scottish Enterprise added, "The companies, organisations and support structures within the sector are on the same mission to create a thriving, world-leading and innovative hub that will drive an ambitious growth plan to create the jobs and tech solutions of the future too" adding that the award was "great news for the space sector".

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/20/2020 -- Two specialist space-sector firms from opposite sides of the globe have signed a Teaming Agreement and are officially kicking off a collaborative relationship focusing on business development for the space industry.

Tokyo-based Space BD and Florida's TerraMetric share a common vision of "making space an accessible market to any industry or company" and are committed to achieving results from launch to low Earth orbit, with a further focus on lunar and deep space exploration.

Technical skills, legislative knowledge, funding and time management are all critical factors in successfully accomplishing any space mission. However, guidance on how to effectively bring these factors together and thrive in the competitive global 'NewSpace' market is equally important — especially for those who are new to the space sector. Space BD and TerraMetric not only offer this guidance, but also work alongside key partners to achieve their goals, sharing every step on the path to success.

This Teaming Agreement reinforces the capabilities of both organizations, allowing them to push forward together. Space BD's experience and market connections in Asia-Pacific and their partnership with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), strengthens TerraMetric's reach into the Eastern hemisphere, while TerraMetric's expertise and network throughout North America as well as other regions, will provide Space BD with increased global coverage.

The mutual extension of capabilities for both companies will offer clients more choice from a wider range of options. Today, TerraMetric and Space BD already collaborate to provide in-orbit demonstration service using stable condition on the external platform of International Space Station through their respective existing partnerships. As on orbiting testimony to the achievements of international cooperation, the International Space Station is a fitting first step for this new international partnership.

TerraMetric is a global space business development firm with proven expertise up and down the integrated space exploration value chain, helping small- to medium-sized NewSpace businesses worldwide break into new markets and achieve their vision. TerraMetric works in concert with clients to provide market intelligence, secure large contracts, and connect with partners and customers.

"We at TerraMetric are delighted to announce our teaming agreement with Space BD," commented TerraMetric CEO and Founder Clint Graumann. "Space BD and TerraMetric have a common business culture driven by a shared passion for space. With Space BD's upstream focus and TerraMetric's detailed knowledge of downstream applications, together we can offer customers greater choice from a wide-reaching, comprehensive range of space business connections and expertise."

Space BD is the leading satellite launch and ISS utilization service provider based in Japan, and is expanding its services to support component import and export, test facilities installation, capacity building program, and strategic research project from business development perspective.

"We are pleased to start our partnership with TerraMetric," said Space BD Co-Founder and CEO Masa Nagasaki. "Since our initial discussion, we have been sharing common values and vision to expand space industry through providing optimum solution to everyone who wants to utilise space. We look forward to accelerating commercialization of Low Earth Orbit as well as development of deep space exploration including lunar missions with TerraMetric as US-Japan strategic private partnership."

By combining their expertise and using space as enabler for various industries, TerraMetric and Space BD will work together to accelerate space business development and make space a sustainably growing industry.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

These Rugged Solid-State Converters are specifically designed for military and harsh environment applications.

Bergenfield, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/14/2019 -- Nova Electric's new Jupiter-Series Solid-State Frequency Converters are high-reliability power sources specifically designed for demanding military, heavy industrial, and commercial applications, meeting MIL-STD-810, MIL-S-901, MIL-STD-461, and other standards optionally. These units are deployed in countless high profile military programs aboard Naval ships, on satellite trailers, and mobile shelters, with a field-proven MTBF exceeding 100,000 hours. They are the choice for the world's leading defense contractors including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, General Dynamics, DRS, BAE, all branches of the US Armed Forces, and US allied forces worldwide.

These models utilize field-proven technology and the most durable components, offering maximum reliability for severe environment and high reliability applications. Models are available in single or three phase, 50, 60, and 400 Hz, from 10 to 450 KVA. For applications which require it, we also offer a battery backup option, allowing the load to keep running even if utility power goes down. All Jupiter models feature an advanced array of monitoring and communications.

Further, many options exist to tailor the Jupiter Frequency Converters to specific applications, including casters for portability, coil shock mounts for MIL-S-901 compliance, vibration mounting plates, additional ruggedization including conformal coated boards for MIL-STD-810 compliance, EMI filtering for MIL-STD-461 compliance, complete spare parts kits, and initial turn on services where Nova engineers come to the installation site to provide supervision and training.

About Nova Electric
Since 1966, Nova Electric has been America's premier supplier of rugged power conversion equipment for demanding military, commercial, and industrial applications. The company offers a full line of Pure Sinewave DC-AC Inverters from 50 VA to 200+ kW, Premium True On-Line Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) from 500W to 500+ kW, and Solid-State Frequency Converters from 50 VA to 500+ kW. Most Nova power sources are available in 50, 60, or 400 Hz and single or three phase configurations. Custom designs are our specialty. Please visit http://www.novaelectric.com/ for complete specs and pictures!

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Buffalo, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/01/2018 -- Sentient Science has settled with the United States Department of Energy and National Science Foundation (NSF) after four years of litigation. Sentient Science continues to deny allegations that it violated the False Claims Act, but the cost of continued litigation was becoming too great for our small business.

Ward Thomas, CEO and President of Sentient Science said, "After four years of investigation against my company, the NSF Office of Inspector General continued the investigation even though none of the allegations were determined to have violated the False Claims Act. As the investigation remained open, facing another four years of costs to continue the process was becoming too expensive. We accepted the government's offer to settle. I feel it's better to give our great country the $2,675,000 back after the huge investment the U.S. Government has given us rather than give more than that amount in lawyer fees to continue the investigation to fully clear our name of any liability. The process has empowered Sentient Science to learn the back-office repeatable processes we will need to have a successful IPO."

The U.S. Government has been a customer of Sentient Science since 2001 and has awarded more than $30 million to Sentient through the Small Business Innovative Research and Small Technology Transfer Research funding program. The Buffalo-based software as a service company continues to leverage the SBIR/STTR grant programs to enhance capabilities and work with the Departments of Defense and Energy to build materials science-based predictive modeling capabilities for rotorcraft, wind turbines and rail.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Lance Patrick & Ashley Blankenship collaborated with Bishop, CA-based high school team Earth To Sky Calculus to send weather balloon carrying baby info to an altitude of 107,756 ft.

Richmond, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/02/2017 -- Forget popping balloons, confetti guns, or color-coordinated cakes. A California couple recently took gender reveal to a whole other level – quite literally, that is. Recruiting the help of a S.T.E.M. high school team by the name of Earth To Sky Calculus, and it's leader, Dr. Tony Phillips, as well as Mr. Phillips' wife, Katharine. Lance Patrick and Ashley Blankenship set out to send their baby's stuffed monkey, along with a printed baby announcement, to the edge of space.

Well-versed in sending numerous weather balloons to the stratosphere, for research purposes, the Earth To Sky Calculus team sent a 9-foot, custom black parachute, whose interior lining hid the color corresponding to the baby's gender and featured stitched personalized wording.

Prior to being launched, the balloon was outfitted with multiple GoPro cameras, while its payload was also equipped with multiple GPS tracking devices, as well as several other devices that would monitor parameters such as air pressure, temperature, altitude, and radiation.

The location in the mountains of Bishop, California was selected as the balloon's launch site. On September 24th, 2017, with the students helping throughout the process, Mr. Patrick and Ms. Blankenship had the honor to launch the balloon themselves – and send off their happy news to stratospheric heights.

The balloon reached exactly 107,756 feet (20.4 miles) in altitude before popping. What followed was a violent dance, during which the 6' balloon expanded over 50 times its size before exploding. The dance concluded with the parachute opening and revealing the inside color of chute, along with the revealing gender message, and the couple's baby's name. During flight, the coldest part of atmosphere encountered by the monkey and balloon payload was a stunning -58.2 degrees Fahrenheit. The payload ultimately landed in California, about 150 miles away from launch site.

"When you're this excited about something, you want to tell the world! So we did!" said Mr. Patrick. He continued, "We are glad to have set a new bar for gender reveals. We can't wait to see how we inspire other couples with doing something as innovative as our gender reveal, for their own. What's more, it was delightful to collaborate with the Earth To Sky Calculus student team, and make our contribution towards promoting STEM education."

Concluding his statements, Mr. Patrick said that "The launch date is of great significance to us, as it marked the 20-year anniversary of my father's death. It was a great way to celebrate his life, as well as our baby's impending arrival, and create a lasting memory, which our child will be able to look back to with fondness."

Mr. Patrick, an aspiring comedian, has recently taken time off of standup to be there for his girlfriend, Ms. Blankenship, an aspiring actress, and share the beauty of the pregnancy experience. The couple, which bases out of Los Angeles, CA has made a move to Richmond, VA to be close to her family and friends while they await to "give birth to their little earthling."

The baby's official due date is December 7th, 2017, and the happy couple cannot contain its excitement for its offspring's upcoming debut to the world.

Mr. Patrick has shared the video on YouTube (Youtube.com/LancePatrick). Based on all accounts of those who have already taken a sneak peek at the footage, it is, indeed, expected to reach a meteoric sized number of views on the platform - fit of the caliber of the breathtaking story it is depicting.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Hong Kong, China -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/26/2017 -- SpaceDeck, the world's first rare collectible playing cards that will have traveled to Space and back, is live on global crowdfunding platform Kickstarter and raising funds to bring the project to life.

Space of the Art, an initiative created to promote space transportation, is behind the groundbreaking project which promises to give its crowdfund backers a taste of space tourism while raising awareness about the future of space transportation.

"After WWI, commercial aviation started with mail and cargo, space tourism could follow the same pattern to demonstrate and perfect technology," says Loic Alliez, founder and Space Treasure Executive at Space of the Art. "We needed to start with something simple and light to illustrate our intention and we will increase the complexity and weight step by step. SpaceDeck is our first baby!"

SpaceDeck is a collaboration between private space transportation pioneers Zero 2 Infinity and world-renowned playing card brand Legends Playing Card Company. Space of the Art is sending expertly crafted, exclusive playing cards into the stratosphere—and when they return to Earth, they'll be the first collectibles that have touched Near Space. "What we loved about Zero 2 Infinity Space tourism approach is that it is smooth, and with no environmental impact," adds Alliez.

The flight will be filmed to give backers an exhilarating glimpse into what a trip to the edge of space will look like. A screen will display a video showing one by one the pictures of all the contributors of the campaign, with the curvature of the Earth and the black sky in the background. Once the journey is over, these Space Treasures will be repackaged and shipped to the backers. A QR code embedded in the balloon-shaped Joker will link to the video of the flight, allowing contributors to enjoy and share the experience and the selfie in space over and over again.

100% of the profits from the SpaceDeck will be reinvested in the next campaign to continue promoting space tourism. Each subsequent campaign will grow in complexity and evolve in concept, each time aiming to showcase technological progress in Space tourism and Space Transport.

"I am 100% convinced that a new era of transportation is dawning in Space. And it will begin with Space Tourism and small satellite launchers," adds Alliez. "SpaceDeck and further Space of the Art campaigns are just a way to be in touch with the development of these technologies; I see this happening, it's really within our reach. But we can't get there without everyone: governments, investors, companies, and future customers, all working together towards that dream."

The SpaceDeck campaign is currently live and available to support on Kickstarter: http://kck.st/2yKg9Cu.

About Space of the Art
Space of the Art is an initiative created to promote and contribute to the development of space transportation, with a focus on space tourism, high-speed transport on Earth and to orbit. The initiative's main goal is to raise awareness of the future of Space Transportation by introducing entertainment to the space industry. It will achieve this by creating events and products that people can relate to and fly them to Space and back. These events and products will create a platform to capture public enthusiasm, showcase state of the art technology and create a market validation to attract more investors and entrepreneurs to the industry.

For more information on Space of the Art please visit http://www.spaceoftheart.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Hong Kong, China -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/28/2017 -- Space of the Art (SOA) is offering a limited number of contributors a unique opportunity to watch a trip to the edge of space on video and have a selfie taken with the stratosphere in the background. The campaign is called SpaceDeck because each person will also receive an exclusively crafted, highly collectable pack of playing cards that have been to the edge of space, on the actual space journey that they witness.

During the flight to Near Space, each backer will see their picture appear on the screen, one by one, with the spectacular sight of the curvature of the earth and the black sky in the background. When the flight is over, they will receive a pack of playing cards that have been on the journey. The Joker of the pack will have a QR code embedded within in it. Scanning the QR code will enable the participant to access the video and share their selfie, over and over again.

SpaceDeck is the first campaign from the global initiative, Space of the Art, who seek to raise awareness of the future of space transportation and contribute to its funding to make it a reality. The campaign will be launched on crowdfunding platform Kickstarter to allow the public to contribute to the funding of the possibility of space tourism and therefore become part of a community of pioneers that build a sustainable, commercial space industry.

In an industry that is generally reserved for governments and billionaires, Space of the Art aims to make space travel and exploration more accessible to the public by creating beautiful, affordable products and experiences. SpaceDeck will bring together space aviation pioneers, Zero 2 Infinity, and world-renowned playing card label, Legends Playing Cards.

"This project has a feeling of exploration about it - and there's definitely a fun factor associated with getting something to space and back again for the sheer pleasure of it, rather than as a byproduct of some government program," said Leo McHugh, Space Treasure Officer. "Zero 2 Infinity flight providers are developing the materials and working on flight logistics, but the biggest hurdle in the way of the project is financial. We hope that bringing crowdfunding to the funding mix will contribute and accelerate the project to enable it to be the exhilarating success it deserves to be," adds Loic Alliez, Founder and Space Treasure Executive.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seattle, WA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/01/2017 -- Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, is threatening to leave Donald Trump's advisory council if the White House decides to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. Musk is currently advising on three White House economic advisory councils and as been seen as the voice of reason in a very tumultuous presidential administration.

When Trump first took office, he vowed to rollback almost all of the Obama's energy regulations, which he believed were holding back American energy companies from thriving and being profitable. Since taking the office, he has been good on his word and has been seriously considering withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change. Currently, every nation except for Syria and Nicaragua are part of the accord. The accord is an active agreement that calls for the cooperation of the world's nations to help end the fossil fuel era and to focus on limiting global warming.

Today, Musk utilized Twitter to speak out about his feelings about Trump bailing on the Paris accord. Another Twitter user asked Musk what he would do if Trump pulled the United States out of the deal, Musk said he would "have no choice but to depart [the] councils in that case."

There is no word from the White House about Trump's decision. He took to Twitter to say that he would make a decision in the next few days. However, reports have started to surface that he was leaning in the direction of pulling the United States out of the Paris accord.

Musk currently is serving on Trump's manufacturing jobs council, his strategic and policy forum, and his infrastructure council. Musk has been facing backlash over his decision to serve on Trump's councils. He has continually defended his role on the councils stating that he is able to provide differing views from the president's other advisors.

Musk was not the only major CEO to urge Trump to uphold the agreement. Other CEO's are speaking out through the media urging Trump to think of the future of the planet. Musk used Twitter again to tweet earlier today that he has "done all [he] can to advise directly to [Trump]."

About Elon Musk
Elon Musk is the founder, CEO and lead designer at Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), where he oversees the development and manufacturing of advanced rockets and spacecraft for missions to and beyond Earth orbit. Elon is also the co-founder, CEO and product architect of Tesla, which makes electric cars, giant batteries and solar products. He is the co-founder and chairman of OpenAI, a nonprofit research company working to build safe artificial intelligence and ensure that AI's benefits are as widely and evenly distributed as possible.

Previously, Elon co-founded and sold PayPal, the world's leading Internet payment system, and Zip2, one of the first internet maps and directions services, which helped bring major publishers, including the New York Times and Hearst, online.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Santa Barbara, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/21/2016 -- For the first time ever, everyone on Earth will have the opportunity to directly participate in space exploration by sending their personal messages and data into space via microchip and via laser. The project entitled "Voices of Humanity" is the creation of the Santa Barbara-based team lead by UC Santa Barbara Physics Professor Philip Lubin, Ph.D. and Travis Brashears, an engineering physics major at UC Berkeley.

They are inviting everyone to join them in a journey that will take their personal data to space.

The purpose of the campaign is to collect the dreams, visions, pictures, movies, digital DNA, and literal voices of all of humanity, place them on a Humanity Chip, download them onto their wafer scale spacecraft, and then launch them in a series of increasingly sophisticated missions into space. In addition the campaign offers a "Beam Me Up" mode to allow the data to be sent via laser to the target the individual chooses.

When the campaign reaches the first goal of $30,000 this will enable placing the collected data on the small spacecraft the team is building. This spacecraft will be launched in 2017. Subsequent launches will send data to increasingly distant targets, ultimately to the nearest stars as outlined in their scientific program related to directed energy propulsion. The $100,000 stretch-goal will be used to build a telescope and to design and a laser encoder, which beams up the data for the "Beam Me Up" mode.

Their Kickstarter campaign starts this journey by gathering their backer's data and launching it into orbit around Earth for the first milestone of their vision. "In this way your voice will literally live forever," stated Lubin. Costs for launching a participants data range from $1 for a "Tweet", $10 for a photo, $79 for DNA, and up to $1,000 for your own personal mission.

The team developed the idea as a way of "taking humanity" on their long term development program for a NASA supported directed energy mission study to eventually enable interstellar flight. Over two million views of their NASA and Time video occurred earlier this year with the announcement of study results from their DEEP-IN project, a laser propelled, interstellar mission, a University of California Santa Barbara and NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) funded project that recently received Phase II funding.

"Our long-term goal is to enable the first interstellar missions and to eventually place the Voices of Humanity chips on those missions as emissaries of the Earth. It is a modern-day "ark" or 'time capsule'," stated Brasiers. "Space access has changed dramatically with the entrance of the private sector. With companies such as SpaceX paving the way to lower cost space access and with plans for going to Mars, we are quickly entering a new era. It is time to begin thinking of going far beyond our solar system but doing so requires a radically new approach. We have done just that with our directed energy propulsion work at UC Santa Barbara with the goal of enabling the first interstellar missions using small wafer scale spacecraft to be sent to the stars. "

To learn more or to send your data into space visit their Kickstarter campaign at: http://kck.st/29SHuUb, or visit http://www.directed.energy and http://www.humanitychip.org

About Directed Energy
Directed Energy LLC focuses on transformational applications of directed energy for applications ranging from photonic power transmission to relativistic propulsion. We come from a major university environment with more than 4 decades of experience in technology and its applications from terrestrial to space missions. Our vision is to use new technological advances to better humanity through the synthesis of ideas and our core values. Our goal is to make possible that which is currently only a dream for many but whose reality can be realized.

For more information on Directed Energy please visit http://directed.energy/

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Initial observations on the design, function, and operation of AMI's new flagship product for orbital tube welding.

Boise, ID -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/16/2015 -- Arc Machines (AMI) in Pacoima, Ca. has long been a market leader in the field of orbital welding. Beginning with the Model 107 fusion tube welder in 1979, and the Model 207 in 1989, AMI set the industry standard for reliable commercial orbital fusion welding systems for over 30 years. Because of their simple robust designs, ease of use, and ability to consistently deliver quality welds, AMI has owned the lion's share of the orbital welding market.

Recently, AMI introduced its replacement for the Model 207 -- the M217 WDR. They're calling it "The New Workhorse of the Orbital Welding Industry" and provided it with many new features. The big questions are: 1. Will the M217 really measure up to the reliability and quality of the M207? 2. Do all the new 'bells and whistles' make the power supply more effective and easier to use?

As both a customer and a partner with AMI, Critical Systems, Inc. (CSI) has a fleet of AMI equipment for our leasing division, and is AMI's only outside authorized repair center in the USA. We have worked with AMI from the design phase through the beta testing of the M217 over the past 18 months, and have purchased and performed in-house testing on a significant number of M217's. The purpose of this article is to provide some straightforward information and share our perspective on this new power supply.*

*NOTE: Arc Machines did not ask Critical Systems to write this article, however they have provided some information as requested.

ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
The first thing a new user will notice about the M217 is how similar it appears to the M207. The familiar 'red box' has the same foot-print to match up with existing coolers, and the lid and case close together with the splash resistant seal. The M217 is 13 pounds lighter, with a textured finish that resists stains and fingerprints. Connections remain the same to match up with existing weld heads and accessories, although they have been moved around to better facilitate spacing.

Opening the lid reveals the first major difference of the M217. In place of the failure prone membrane switches and often cryptic dual-line display windows, is a 12.0" high-resolution color touch screen (Figure 1). To its right are two USB ports, with a new thermal printer to the left. Another smart design feature: AMI eliminated the openings on the top surface of the M207 that allowed small items (tungsten electrodes, for example) to fall into the printer or CPU section.

Opening up the case is a simple task, with a shouldered socket-cap screw at each corner. Once removed, the upper section folds back, revealing the computer section in the top, and the majority of the electronics in the lower case (Figure 2).

With a lease fleet of over 160 AMI power supplies, and having repaired 100's of customer's systems as an AMI certified repair shop, we know what has a tendency to break, and how difficult and costly these repairs can be. With that mindset, CSI examined the guts of the M217 to determine if it truly will replace the M207. Here is what we found:

- The component layout appears to be very serviceable. All components are easily accessible, without the need to remove non-affected parts. Diagnosis and replacement, should a failure occur, is going to be a much simpler task than with the M207.

- As Figure 3 shows, all the sub-systems are arranged horizontally and firmly mounted to metal plates and brackets. This allows for complete airflow and prevents heat from building up. In addition, the primary heat load, the main power unit, is shielded from the rest of the system, and cooled by a pair of high volume fans in a push-pull arrangement. While noticeably louder than the cooling in the M207, this design should keep heat (the root cause of most electronics failures) to a minimum.

- The M217 contains far fewer individual connections than the M207, resulting in less potential failure points. All major sub-systems are wired with robust industry standard connectors. Fewer pass-thru style interconnects, board to board headers, or wire screw clamps, can only improve reliability.

- The power unit is designed exclusively for the M217 by AMI, and manufactured to their specifications in the USA. Its design criteria matches the M207 in most categories, and exceed it in one. While both are capable of 5-150A of welding power, only the M217 is capable of auto-switching between line voltages of 110V and 220V. Both units are 100% duty cycle rated. Why is this important? A power system that is 100% rated means that it was designed and specified for full power usage, and is not being pushed beyond its limits when operated there.

- Another area where the M217 improves upon the M207 is the DC voltage supplies. Based on CSI's experience, the most common system failure in the M207 is the Low Voltage P/S. For the M217, AMI has chosen a quality third party supplier who has engineered and manufactured power supplies completely in the USA for almost 30 years. The units included in the M217 have an MTBF rating of 100,000 hours. Fully certified, including UL and CE, they are also qualified for use in the medical industry.

- Also notable, and we believe a first of its kind for welding systems, is the M217's controller/interface. The combined touch-panel/PC is NEMA IP65 rated against moisture and dust, and designed for use in rugged and demanding environments. The elimination of the mechanical key pads used in the M207 can only improve reliability. Containing an Intel® processor and running embedded Windows 7®, the M217 controller should be a stable platform for the long run.

THE M217 IN USE
Hooking up the M217 is simple. Facility requirements are the same as the M207, except the fittings for the purge gas lines are compression style, instead of flared. The unit is switched on with its main breaker, in the same location as the M207. Power-up takes about 50 seconds, and displays the M217 home screen when complete (Figure 4).

The look is all business, with buttons for the four main functions in the center. Navigating through the various screens and operations is very intuitive, and after some initial assistance from the owner's manual, anyone experienced with the M207 will have no trouble operating the M217.

One function worth mentioning here is the M217's auto-generated recipe capability. The user enters four parameters (tube diam., wall thickness, tube material, and the model of weld head) and the M217 pulls all the remaining schedule specifics from an on-board library containing AMI's best practices. Select the type of weld you want to perform from the four choices (Auto-pulsed, Auto-step, Auto-tack, and S³) and the M217 creates and loads the new recipe -- a far cry from the labor intensive and error prone process of the M207. Should a user wish to customize specifics or fine tune a weld, simply touching the schedule field relating to a particular parameter brings up a menu, and allows on-the-fly editing.

Another clearly observable improvement over the M207 is in how smoothly the M217 runs the various weld head motors. During all CSI's testing, rotor operation was quieter, smoother, and homing more accurate. The M217 also performs a two-step speed calibration that checks both the low and high speeds of the weld head. We suspected this would contribute to a more precise speed control. As a test, using auto-generated recipe times and the M217's speed calibration, we ran a number of different cycles against a stop watch. All times were correct, as closely as could be visually confirmed.

Operations are performed from the Weld screen (Figure 5).
Individual displays provide constant feedback as the weld is occurring. Monitoring of the actual tungsten position as the rotor turns, the output current versus programmed current, weld step countdowns, purge pressure for both lines, and more, are all viewable in easy-to-read, real-time from this screen.

There were a couple areas that did not work as expected. One of the new features of the M217 is the capability to operate other manufacturer's weld heads. To test this, CSI connected up an older model Swagelok 5H fusion head. While the M217 could jog the rotor in both directions, it failed to successfully run speed calibrations and homing operations. In addition, on its current model line-up Swagelok has changed the motor cable connector, and the connector on the M217 does not match. An adapter will need to be sourced for this mixed tool application.

The second issue occurred while testing the Weld Data Recording functionality. Several errors prevented correct operation and data retention and retrieval was 'hit or miss'.

NOTE: Regarding these issues, AMI has informed us that the newest software release (ver. 1.51) has addressed the speed calibration/homing issues on Swagelok heads, and the WDR functionality issue. Our follow-on review indicates these indeed are very likely resolved. CSI will pursue in-depth testing related to them in the near future.

Regardless, neither of these issues prevented the M217 from performing all normal operations. In fact, the quick resolution of these issues was further confirmation of AMI's commitment to addressing concerns as they surfaced.

WELDING
So how does the M217 weld? Using a variety of AMI heads, from the 9-500 to the 9-7500, as well as the 8-2000 and 8-4000, CSI made welds on SS tube diameters from 0.25" to 6.0", and wall thickness's from 0.035" to 0.120". Using the M217's auto-generated four level weld schedules, results were mostly excellent, with a few examples benefiting from small primary amp adjustments to the AMI library values. Bead uniformity, fish-scale, penetration, and color were as good as the best we had ever seen from a M207, and often better.

Another advanced feature examined during weld testing was the capability to perform Single Slope Single Pass (S³) welds. S³ welding is a more precise type of weld than the current industry standard four-level fusion welds. The four-level weld schedule lowers the weld current every 90o of rotation in an attempt to keep the heat in the work piece constant. But the heat buildup actually occurs in a linear fashion, not in steps, and can result in what is called the 'Christmas tree effect' as the weld bead narrows and widens. By reducing the weld current in a linear fashion designed to match the heat build-up, S³ welds should be extremely consistent from start to finish. Test coupons using this type of schedule on the M217 looked even better than the four level ones, and might easily become the industry standard as more organizations become familiar with this technique.

FINE TUNING THE M217
In addition to CSI's in-house testing, CSI provided M217's to some external customers, requesting any and all feedback. The majority of feedback was positive, however, there were some minor requests related to features and usability comparisons to the M207. Small adjustments to the user interface, added content and form of weld print-outs, durability of painted surfaces, and other enhancements were noted. This feedback, along with CSI's, was passed along to AMI. Their response to these 'market' requests was positive and effective, which will serve them well as they continue to refine the M217.

SUMMARY
For 25 years the AMI M207 has been the system of choice for many of the world's leading mechanicals. Its robust design, ease of use, and long legacy all contribute to its place when looking for a professional grade orbital fusion power supply.

But technology has not stood still, nor have the requirements for equipment that can provide high quality results while meeting today's challenging project timelines. Based on the results CSI has experienced, as well as feedback from some of the world's most demanding mechanical contracting and engineering companies, the AMI M217WDR will likely be that worthy successor.

About John Throngard
John Throngard is the Senior Technology Specialist for Critical Systems, Inc., which specializes in providing Gas Cabinet, Valve Manifold Boxes & Gas Abatement Systems (Gas Cabinets and Gas Scrubbers, etc.), and Orbital Welding Rental, Lease, Repair and Training Services related to process tool facilitation for Semiconductor, Biotech, Pharmaceutical and related industries. He is the author of this article. He can be reached at jthrongard@criticalsystemsinc.com or 866-229-2291.

This article was first published on the Critical Systems website found in the Orbital Welding Products & Services section.

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Douglas, MA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/20/2015 -- Rocketstar, LLC, rocket engine company based in New York City, is currently developing a new generation of rocket engines, beginning with an aerospike engine intended to democratize space and unlock its promise of the future by creating a cost-effective, reusable, reliable, environmentally friendly and highly cost effective rocket engine. RocketStar's aerospike technology is far superior to the traditional multi-stage, single-use and relatively expensive rockets adopted by the space industry. RocketStar's aerospike engine will serve to hasten milestones in space exploration, space tourism and, ultimately, space colonization.

Benefits of Aerospike technology:

* Single-Stage-to-Orbit (SSTO)
* Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)
* 40% increased thrust over traditional engines
* 50% weight savings
* Environmentally friendly, using liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen with water byproduct
* Thrust Vectoring yields extreme accuracy and maneuverability

On Saturday, March 21, 2015, RocketStar is launching an IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign in an effort to raise $250,000 for completion of a prototype and to conduct a burn test, both of which are required prior to building a full-fledged aerospike engine. The campaign will provide individuals with an unprecedented opportunity to participate directly in space technology that will facilitate the overarching quest to routinely move humans beyond the confines of Earth. There will be several levels of participation, ranging from $1 to $25,000, with compelling custom curated rewards for each level of funding.

Chris Craddock, Founder & CEO of RocketStar, stated, "RocketStar's approach is to create cost effective rocket technology that will serve to transform the promise of space exploration, tourism and colonization into commonplace reality. Through our IndieGoGo campaign, individuals have a unique opportunity to participate in the transformation of the space industry."

Robert Briskman, a Founding Member of NASA, Co-Founder of SiriusXM Radio and a member of RocketStar's Advisory Board, declared with enthusiasm, "I've been in the aerospace industry since 1959 and I think this is a tremendous step forward!"

Deliverables – funding will be used to accomplish the following development milestones by March 2016:

* Complete a Computational Fluid Dynamics Test (CFD)
* Complete design of proprietary nozzle and begin patent process
* Build test prototype
* Run comprehensive prototype burn test with full diagnostics and data capture

For more information, visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/space-travel-new-generation-rocket-engine.

About Rocketstar, LLC
Rocketstar, LLC is a New York City-based rocket engine company with a Vision to create the standard in hypersonic propulsion used to colonize the solar system and help ensure the future of humanity. To this end, RocketStar will develop and build a new generation of rocket engines, beginning with an aerospike engine, which will do for space travel what the jet engine did for air travel.

CARPE ASTRA!
Web: http://www.RocketStar.nyc
Email: rocketstar1@outlook.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RocketStarSpace
Twitter: @RocketStarSpace
Instagram: @RocketStarSpace

Video Linkhttp://youtu.be/CWyBL6PSUfs

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Rare astronaut-owned and mission used artifacts from the Golden Age of space exploration among an amazing assemblage of over 600 museum quality lots

Boston, MA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/30/2014 -- RR Auction is pleased to announce its 7th Space and Aviation Autograph and Artifact Auction, scheduled to take place from May 15 to May 22, 2014. Artifacts from NASA's Apollo lunar missions will be highlights in the upcoming online auction, spanning the length of human aviation and space exploration history. In all, more than 600 items will be up for sale.

Two of the rarest, lunar surface flown and used spacecraft artifacts in the May Auction include the following lots originating from the personal space collection of Apollo 15 Commander David R. Scott:

- Complete Apollo 15 Lunar Module "Falcon" rotational hand controller and housing used by mission Commander Scott to fly and land his spacecraft at the Hadley Rille landing site of the moon.

- Amazing Apollo 15 Lunar Module "Falcon" flown Crewman Optical Alignment Sight (COAS), used by Commander Scott for mission critical activities during the lunar module phases of the mission such as rendezvous, docking, star sightings, and horizon alignment.

"In many cases, items such as these were often abandoned by the crew after use, or lost forever to history as disposable equipment when sent tumbling back to the lunar surface in the spent, empty lunar module to be vaporized upon impact with the surface," said Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President at RR Auction.

"Objects coming directly from Moon walkers and that have been in their private collections since returning to Earth— are unquestionably the most sought after," said Livingston.

"Demand far outstrips supply for truly rare, and unique, lunar surface artifacts from the Apollo lunar landing missions, and these items represent the pinnacle of Apollo-era flown material," said Richard Jurek, co-author of Marketing the Moon: The Selling of the Apollo Lunar Program (MIT Press, 2014). "While risking their lives during the most critical and historic phases of their mission, these are the items that the astronauts personally selected to retain as mementos from arguably the greatest technological and engineering achievement of the 20th Century."

Among other historic museum quality pieces to be featured:
Buzz Aldrin Apollo 11, NASA-issued lunar 'comfort' glove worn at Tranquility Base during the first lunar landing.

Mercury-era hand controller presented by Gordon Cooper to fellow Mercury astronaut Gus Grissom, as a gesture of support to a friend and fellow astronaut at a time when Grissom was the subject of official inquiries and reviews, After the loss of Grissom's Liberty Bell 7.

America's crowning achievement—the Declaration of Independence, flown to the moon onboard Apollo 11, by Michael Collins. Flown printed miniature reproduction of the Declaration of Independence on parchment paper.

A backpack strap from Charles Conrad's PLSS (Personal Life Support System), used on the lunar surface during both of his moonwalks during the Apollo 12 mission.

In addition this special offering features a unique blend of signed material and flight-flown objects—a dazzling array of over 600 items – from maps and patches, to autographed photos, documentation, and even full space suits.

"Our space and aviation auctions have consistently set world record prices in many categories of the genre," added Livingston. "Also included are quintessential pieces for anyone seeking to build a space history collection."

For more information
For more information on this historic auction, including how to order a catalog, how to bid online, and to see the full 600+ lot description preview, please go to the RR Auction website at www.rrauction.com.

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