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News briefs: December 29-30
Posted: Mon, Dec 31, 2001, 8:02 AM ET (1302 GMT)
- The Japanese space agency NASDA is reportedly considering building a manned spacecraft for space tourism ventures, AFP reported Sunday. The NASDA proposal includes building a five-passenger spacecraft that can be launched on an H-2A booster into low Earth orbit. Passenger tickets would cost about 700 million yen (US$5.3 million) each.
- Former astronaut Charles Bolden has confirmed earlier reports that he is being considered to become deputy administrator of NASA. Bolden, a Marine Corps major general, told the Knight Ridder newspapers that he is "waiting for word" from the White House on his potential nomination for the post.
- The planet Jupiter will be at opposition with the Earth on New Year's Eve, appearing overhead at midnight. The planet will among the brightest objects in the sky, with another bright planet, Saturn, visible nearby. This is the first year since 1752 that Jupiter was at opposition on New Year's Eve; it will not happen again until 2084.
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