International Space Updates, June 2007

A flight simulator at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; union strike; and results from the DEPTHX robotic vehicle

The Deep Phreatic Thermal Explorer (DEPTHX) has reached the bottom of the world's deepest sinkhole. According to researchers involved with the project, the robotic vehicle was able to explore 318 meters below the surface, a depth never met before. The El Zacaton sinkhole, the world's deepest, does not have any tunnels or underwater connections with other sinkholes in the area.

NASA wants the Stone Aerospace robot to search Europa, one of Jupiter's icy moons. The depth and reliability tests in Earth's deepest sinkhole were a crucial step towards a possible trip to Europa.

Understanding only a very small number of carefully chosen, highly qualified people get to take a trip on the space shuttle, NASA recently opened a launch simulator for the general public. The $60-million simulator opened up last week at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The Shuttle Launch Experience takes participants through space -- 27 current and former astronauts helped compile the trip that tourists get to experience. Before entering the simulation, participants listen to a videotaped demonstration regarding space and NASA space shuttle technology.

The International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers, a union that represents 570 workers at the Kennedy Space Center, voted to strike Saturday, just six days before the scheduled launch of shuttle Atlantis. The union rejected an offer by the United Space Alliance over the possible renewal of the collective bargaining agreement. According to union spokespeople, workers could strike as early as June 10, a mere two days after the scheduled Atlantis launch. Even with such a close proximity to the NASA launch, the strike would likely not affect the next shuttle launch.

United Space Alliance hopes an agreement can be reached before June 10.

Reference:Michael Hoffman,dailytech