TIGblogs - Tim Bailey's TIGBlog http://tim846.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us Summer at Work and Conceptual Space http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/452689
You can check out my latest project over on www.sharktaskforce.com. Tim's latest work over at www.skyfirelab.com. More of Tim's work will be seen in just a few months in Orlando at ISDC 2009. Very exciting, ISDC 2009, it will be the 40th anniversary of the first landing on the moon.

40 years. Wow. Time to get started and go back. Space is not just a concept -- it's real. It's also waiting for us.

In the coming months, the SpaceTaskForce will be back with all the exciting developments to date.

One quick note to my friends at SpaceX: You will get there - I know it in my gut. Thank you for blazing the trail.

Okay, don't want to take up too much of your time -- we'll be back very soon.

George C. Schellenger
Columbia, August 2008]]> Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:08:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/452689 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 SpaceX Sets August 2 for Falcon 1 launch http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/446655 First Privately Developed Liquid Fuel Rocket to Orbit

HAWTHORNE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) has scheduled the launch of the Falcon 1 Flight 3 mission for Saturday, August 2nd. The launch window will open at 4:00 p.m. (PDT) / 7:00 p.m. (EDT) and remain open for five hours. If launch is delayed for any reason, SpaceX has range availability to resume countdown through August 5.

Lift-off of the vehicle will occur from SpaceX’s Falcon 1 launch site at the Kwajalein Atoll, about 2500 miles southwest of Hawaii. Falcon 1 launch facilities are situated on Omelek Island, part of the Reagan Test Site (RTS) at United States Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) in the Central Pacific.

Designed from the ground up by SpaceX at headquarters in Hawthorne, Calif., Falcon 1 is a two-stage, liquid oxygen and rocket-grade kerosene powered launch vehicle. The first stage is powered by a single SpaceX Merlin 1C Regenerative engine – flying for the first time on this Flight 3 mission. A “hold before liftoff” system enhances reliability by permitting all systems to be verified as functioning nominally before launch is initiated. The Falcon 1 second stage is powered by a single SpaceX Kestrel engine.

Falcon 1 is the first new orbital rocket in more than a decade. Merlin is the first new American hydrocarbon engine for an orbital booster to be flown in more than 40 years and only the second new American engine of any kind in more than a quarter century. After achieving orbit, Falcon 1 will be the first privately developed, liquid fuel rocket to orbit the Earth.]]> Sat, 02 Aug 2008 01:08:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/446655 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 SpaceShipOne: Thanks for the Memories http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/393155 SpaceShipOne STF26

From ISDC 2008, George and Tim interview Dan Linehan the author of SpaceShipOne: An Illustrated History. It's an incredible look back of the history of the world's first commercial manned space program.

Click here for: SpaceShipOne STF26

To buy Dan's book, check out this link to Amazon.com:



]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:06:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/393155 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 ISDC 2008: Have Spacesuit, Will Jump http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/384257 ISDC08-Orbital Outfitters

It's everyone's favorite topic, jumping out of a perfectly good spaceship. Jeff Feige of Orbital Outfitters says when you jump - it's all about attitude.

What will the spacesuit of the future look like? How will your basic comforts be taken care of? Will you look cool?

Those questions and more (Tim even sings) in this special edition of your Space Task Force, as we take the No Gravity Zone to Washington, D.C. for ISDC 2008.

Click here for: ISDC08- Orbital Outfitters]]> Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:06:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/384257 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 The Wonder of It All - Episode 24 of Your Space Task Force http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/378613
Click here for: Space Task Force Episode 24
]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 12:05:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/378613 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 Interview live from SPACE on the Colbert Report! http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/369045 On Thursday night, astronaut Garrett Reisman was a guest on the popular comedy/news show the Colbert Report on Comedy Central. Reisman was broadcast LIVE into the taping earlier in the week via a video hookup through Mission Control in Houston.

Colber started the interview by showing Reisman wearing his signature "Wrist Strong" bracelet in a NASA photograph! The crowd LOVED Reisman and went wild when he admitted to being part of the "Colbert Nation" fan club--and suggested they expand it to be the Colbert Universe.

Colbert and Reisman had a long talk and touched on a wide variety of topics--including the new Constellation program! Reisman even did some neat tricks for the show like flipping around inside the international space station. Soon you will be able to check out clips from the show online.

Kudos to NASA for allowing the interview to happen! With the immense popularity of the Colbert Report and the GREAT performance by Reisman , this may do more to get people interested in space than any other single interview in the last few years. Thanks, Garrett!!

]]> Fri, 09 May 2008 03:05:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/369045 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 STF Episode 23: Your Ticket to Space (and ISDC) http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/362343 Space Task Force Episode 23

The countdown is fully underway for ISDC 2008. We're joined this week by Brett Silcox from the National Space Society. He tells us why it's a critical year for space and why Washington, DC will be the place to be at the end of May. Tim Bailey talks about Yuri's Night 2008 (a good time was had by all). Special shout outs to Neil Armstrong (as always), Space X, Constellation and a slightly toasted spacecraft. All ahead on STF Episode 23 - now available for your downloading pleasure.

Click here for: Space Task Force Episode 23
]]> Sat, 26 Apr 2008 06:04:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/362343 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 Firey Descent of the Soyuz http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/360955
]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:04:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/360955 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 STF22 - Neil Armstrong, where are you? http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/354017

Click here for: Space Task Force Episode 22

Hello Universe, it's Episode 22 of your Space Task Force. Tim gives us the mission plan for Yuri's Night 2008; we see what's up with the Moon and Mars in Washington, D.C.; and George's special invitation to Neil Armstrong. It's all ahead on the Space Task Force. (If you hear pops in the podcast, it's just our nozzle test for the Lunar Lander Challenge).

Click here for: Space Task Force Episode 22

]]> Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:04:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/354017 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 Space Shuttle Launch STS-122 http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/349941

Click here for iPod or iPhone video: Click here for: Space Task Force Video Space Shuttle Atlantis Launch Launch]]> Thu, 27 Mar 2008 06:03:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/349941 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 A Quick Trip to Inner Space http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/346707
Download here: SpaceSharkBonus]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:03:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/346707 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 STF 21: The Spirit of Exploration http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/344727
Download here: Space Task Force Episode 21
Tim and George discuss the launch of STS-123, Yuri's Night (which is coming up April 12), getting the "NextGen" excited about space, COTS, Constellation, a one-way ticket to Mars, robot versus human exploration, three movies to get excited about. We also invite Neil Armstrong on the show. Mr. Armstrong if you're listening contact the NSS - tell them you'd like to be on STF. Thanks!

A Special shout out to Sharks: Knights of the Sea - George's exploration of inner-space to help protect sharks. The release date is March 18, 2008.

Download here: Space Task Force Episode 21]]> Sat, 15 Mar 2008 12:03:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/344727 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 STF Episode 20: New York Party http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/329199 Space Task Force Episode 20

We're back! This time on the SpaceTaskForce, Tim takes us to New York for the arrival of SpaceShipTwo, we go on the campaign trail to look at politics and space part 2 - and we take a look at the calendar ahead.

Click here for: Space Task Force Episode 20]]> Thu, 31 Jan 2008 07:01:00 EST http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/329199 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 Countdown begins.... http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/320077 www.statusadventures.com for details.
We'll see you in just a few days. Thanks for all of your feedback. We'll address your questions in the next edition of the Space Task Force!
George]]> Wed, 09 Jan 2008 03:01:00 EST http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/320077 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 Politics meets the High Frontier http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/307493 Space Task Force Episode 16

This time on the SpaceTaskForce, it's a big World Space Expo recap -- and Decision 2008 - which candidate would you like to launch with?

Click here for: Space Task Force Episode 16]]> Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:12:00 EST http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/307493 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 Americans overestimate NASA budget http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/307495 A new study from Dittmar Associates reveals that most Americans believe that NASA received almost 25% of the federal budget (about $650 billion). Compare this to the actual NASA budget of only about $16 billion!

What causes this huge misjudgment? What can--or should--NASA do to address the public misconception? Read below for additional articles where you can research the issue!

WIRED Science blog (good comments!)
http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2007/11/average-america.html#more

The Space Review (original data and sources)
http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1000/1#6]]> Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:11:00 EST http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/307495 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 2007 X PRIZE Cup begins! http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/272573 2007 X Prize CupThe 2007 X PRIZE Cup kicks off today at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, NM! This year the X PRIZE Foundation has teamed up with the Holloman air show to have a joint "Air amp; Space Expo" instead of two separate events.


One of the signature events at the Air amp; Space Expo will be the Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge, one of the NASA Centennial Challenges. Last year, only one competitor made it onto the field. This year there are rumors of up to nine teams competing for $2 million in prize money. The Space Task Force will give you updates after the competition. May the best teams win!


Until our next live feed, be sure to check out our video update from the launch of STS-120!]]> Fri, 26 Oct 2007 10:10:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/272573 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 Space Shuttle Discovery Launch http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/271923
George and Tim take you to the front lines of a shuttle launch at the Kennedy Space Center in their first ever video podcast.

Click here for iPod or iPhone video: Click here for: Space Task Force Video Episode 1


Launch of STS-120 to the International Space Station, October 3, 2007.]]> Wed, 24 Oct 2007 07:10:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/271923 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 STS-120 prepares for launch! http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/271655 Space Shuttle Mission STS-120 is all fueled and waiting for launch! The Space Task Force has been busy working on the World Space Expo (coming up in only 9 days!) but we are taking a break to watch this amazing launch.

We'll give you a quick update later today to discuss the launch and the latest space headlines. We're still working out the technical requirements for our new video podcasts, so this may be a traditional audio-only recording.

Stay tuned as we prepare to launch here at the Kennedy Space Center!]]> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 09:10:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/271655 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 Expo tickets on sale! http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/271769 World Space Expo ticket button
For a limited time, you can save $10 on tickets to the World Space Expo! These tickets give you access to all of the regular activities at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex plus exclusive access to the additional exhibits, events, and theThunderbirds airshow on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Purchase your tickets now to get this special price!]]> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 02:10:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/271769 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 Thunderbirds are Go! http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/261433
]]> Sat, 29 Sep 2007 10:09:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/261433 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 Shuttle Launch Experience http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/260993
Video coming in just a bit.]]> Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:09:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/260993 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 World Space Expo Preview http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/261023
]]> Thu, 27 Sep 2007 02:09:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/261023 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 Another Roving Report http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/251025 Keith Cowing floats in the Zero G airplane. Click for story.Hello spacers!

I've been off on another week of space-related adventures that took me across the entire North American continent. On the East coast, I took a trip with teachers on the Northrop Grumman Weightless Flights of Discovery. The inspiring experience is documented here by our friend Keith Cowing for SpaceRef.

Next, I was off to "Experience the Future" at Wired NextFest in LA. One of the big exhibits showcased the new Google Lunar X PRIZE, a Google Lunar X PRIZErobotic race to the Moon to win a remarkable $30 million prize purse. I even got a picture taken that will fly to the moon!! Also on display were exhibits from NASA centers, including a cool interactive touch-screen wall from Marshall Space Flight Center.

We'll cover all this and more in our next episode. Stay tuned!]]> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 03:09:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/251025 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778 STF Episode 14: All Fueled Up: But Where Do We Go? http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/245823
Click here for: Space Task Force Episode 14

Hello, here's Episode 14 of your SpaceTaskForce. The key question this week is - which is more important - a "Mission to Planet Earth" to explore where we live now - or a mission somewhere else? It's just one part of our show this week.

Click here for: Space Task Force Episode 14]]> Tue, 28 Aug 2007 12:08:00 EDT http://tim846.tigblog.org/post/245823 28.6119444 -80.807777828.6119444-80.8077778