ARM
The uncertain future of solar electric propulsion
For the last few years, NASA has promoted solar electric propulsion (SEP) as a key aspect of its long-term plans to send humans to Mars. NASA’s Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) was going to demonstrate one such advanced SEP system, with several 12.5-kilowatt thrusters. But ARM is no more.
NASA seeks information on developing Deep Space Gateway module
NASA is taking the next small step in the development of a proposed Deep Space Gateway in cislunar space by requesting information about one of its core modules.
NASA closing out Asteroid Redirect Mission
With administration plans to cancel it announced earlier this year, and a lack of congressional support, NASA is in an “orderly closeout” phase of its Asteroid Redirect Mission while keeping alive some of its key technologies for other applications.
White House budget proposal targets ARM, Earth science missions, education
A fiscal year 2018 budget proposal released by the Trump administration March 16 would cancel NASA’s Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) and several Earth science programs, but spares NASA the deeper cuts proposed for many other agencies.
Asteroid missions face delays and restructuring
NASA is delaying contracts and other awards planned for its Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) early this year by a few months, citing uncertainty about the agency’s budget.
Congress questions report on benefits of Asteroid Redirect Mission
Two leading members of the House Science Committee called on NASA Nov. 29 to provide more details about a recent report from a science group that appeared to endorse the agency’s controversial Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM).
NASA awaits Trump transition team, budget details
Nearly a week after Donald Trump was elected president, his campaign has yet to send a team to NASA to prepare for the upcoming transition in administrations, an agency official said Nov. 14.
Senate committee approves NASA authorization bill
The Senate Commerce Committee approved a short-term NASA authorization bill Sept. 21 that is intended to provide short-term stability to NASA during the upcoming presidential transition but will cast new scrutiny on one major agency program.
NASA bill calls for hard look at Asteroid Redirect Mission
A bipartisan NASA authorization bill introduced by several senators Sept. 15 would require NASA to evaluate alternatives to its Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) and develop a plan to transition activities currently performed on the International Space Station to commercial platforms.
NASA moves ahead with Asteroid Redirect Mission despite cost increase
The robotic element of NASA’s Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) has cleared a major review despite a $150 million cost increase that the agency blames on a delayed mission schedule.
NASA planning asteroid mission reviews despite funding uncertainty
NASA is moving ahead with a key review of its controversial asteroid mission in July, and plans to soon thereafter solicit payloads and investigators for its robotic element, despite uncertainty about the mission’s future in Congress.
House bill increases NASA planetary spending, but cuts off Asteroid Redirect Mission
The full House Appropriations Committee will take up a spending bill May 24 that would provide a windfall for NASA’s planetary science program but prevent the agency from spending any funds on its proposed Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM).
NASA slips schedule of Asteroid Redirect Mission
NASA has decided to push back the launch of the robotic part of its Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) by a year to late 2021 to allow for more time for studies of the mission concept and its key technologies.
Report suggests NASA fly precursor to Asteroid Redirect Mission
A report released by NASA Feb. 18 found no scientific showstoppers for the agency’s planned Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM), but suggested a precursor mission to the selected asteroid could improve the odds of success.
NASA Starts Competition for Asteroid Redirect Spacecraft
NASA has kicked off a two-step competition for the spacecraft bus to be used for a proposed mission to haul a chunk of an asteroid to lunar space for astronauts to visit later, according to a procurement note posted online Oct. 20.
NASA’s Choice for Asteroid Redirect Mission May Not Sway Skeptics
Picking an option for the robotic portion of its Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) allows NASA to proceed with development, but does not appear to have won over those skeptical of the mission’s overall utility.
