Jeff has been involved in aerospace journalism since the mid 1990s. Prior to joining Aviation Week, Jeff served as managing editor of Launchspace magazine and the International Space Industry Report. He has been the editor and chief of Aviation Week's Aerospace Daily & Defense Report since 2007 and has been a regular contributor to Aviation Week magazine. He received his B.A. from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
NASA's Galaxy Explorer (GALEX) telescope has discovered several dozen "newborn" galaxies that provide an unprecedented close-up look at galaxy formation, NASA announced Dec. 21.
Northrop Grumman is leading a team in the development of a spider-like autonomous robot that could reduce the maintenance burden for future astronauts by crawling over the exterior of spacecraft such as the proposed Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) inspecting and repairing damage. The six-legged robot also could assist astronauts during spacewalks, possibly even rescuing them if they become incapacitated, according to Northrop Grumman.
Outgoing NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe offered succinct advice for his successor during a Dec. 17 press conference formally announcing his departure: "Take the president's vision for space exploration, support it, and implement it." President Bush's plan to return astronauts to the moon by 2020 and prepare for a human landing on Mars represents "a great legacy" that the next administrator will inherit, he said. The next administrator "has the opportunity now to build on that baseline ... I wish my successor well in that task," he said.
