US scientists Sign Deal to use China moon lander for research

A cooperative deal has been inked between a U.S. group and China to use that country's moon lander to conduct astronomical imaging from the lunar surface.

The International Lunar Observatory Association (ILOA) of Kamuela, Hawaii has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Beijing-based National Astronomical Observatories (NAOC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. A signing ceremony took place in Kamuela on Sept. 4.

The deal is the first such U.S.-China collaboration centered on using China's Chang'e-3 moon lander now being readied for launch next year. NASA is not involved in this project.

Dedicated to astronomical research and public education, China's NAOC hosts the Lunar and Planetary Research Center and is the institute responsible for the ultraviolet lunar telescope to be carried onboard the Chang'e-3 lander. That instrument will be operated by The China National Space Administration's Chinese Lunar Exploration Program.

We Are The Wings Of Tomorrow 4 Space

                                                         Agenda 4 Peace Keepers 

Evolution of humanity was marked by vision. Such acumen sparked the treks of curiosity explorers. Caves, Forests, ancient kingdoms shed their secrets slowing, scholarship like industry. Assumed heightened dimensions. In this twenty-First Century, that dimension has evolved into space. Humanity has exceeded the reality of curiosity, galaxies and orbits can be the instruments of peace. Research  stands to improve developments in medicine advances were planetary life the abundant with minerals and soil replete with healing properties. If a system committed peace heads the launch to stars, aggressive and belligerent nations are able to extend their dictatorships.

Hudson Bailey (Press Secretary 4 PeaceKeeper Space Organization)

                                                         

Pope Benedict Makes first-ever papal call to space May 2011!

The first-ever call to space by a pope came through "Loud and clear" on Saturday, May 21,2011. Pope Benedict XVI commended astronauts for their courage, blessed them and extended special prayers to shuttle commander Mark Kelly, whose wife, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, is recovering from a gunshot wound to the head.

From space,"I think it must be obvious to you that we all live together on this earth and how absurd it is that we fight and kill," said Benedict, speaking from the Vatican to the International Space Station, where the space shuttle Endeavour docked Wednesday during its final mission. "I know that Mark Kelly's wife was the victim of a serious attack, and I hope that her health continues to improve."

Johnson Space Center in Houston coordinated the call, planned by the Vatican and the European Space Agency. Benedict addressed a dozen American, Italian and Russian astronauts, acknowledging the scientific advancements, international cooperation and global unity fostered by their work.

Among them were several members of the Catholic Church, including Kelly, Col. Ron Garan, Col. Mike Fincke and Col. Roberto Vittori, who floated a coin given to him by the pope before the camera.

DiNardo leads group

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and Catholic leaders from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston watched the Holy Father's message live from Mission Control in Houston along with astronauts' families and some of the agency's Catholic employees.

NASA employees and former astronauts fill pews at the Catholic churches near Johnson Space Center, where pastors lead prayers for shuttle launches and cater to their space-loving parishes.

THE VATICAN SPACE PROGRAM

“They say there’s no atheists in foxholes, but there’s probably no atheists in rockets,” -Catholic Astronaut Col Mike Good, who believes his faith in God was solidified by the awe-inspiring views he saw from space.

NASA employees fill pews in churches surrounding Johnson Space Center, including Webster Presbyterian Church, called the “Church Of The Astronauts” when John Glenn, Buzz Aldrin, Jerry Carr, Charlie Bassett & Roger Chaffee were active members of the congregation.

“The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has a special appreciation for all the people who work in the space program,” said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo

“As the space shuttle program comes to a close, the archdiocese is appreciative of the opportunity to join our Holy Father in commending the tireless work of NASA employees and affirming" as St. Paul says, "CHRIST FILLS ALL THE HEAVENS"

"Although NASA does not provide spiritual resources, religious objects—crosses, Bibles, icons, prayer cards—are among the most common personal items taken into space" said Johnson Space Center spokesman James Hartsfield.

“NASA people are more faith-filled, and this is their vocation, They have a position that pastors don’t have and can talk about the glory of God’s creation as seen from space” -Matt Walden, A worship leader who has worked at St. Paul’s.

Its shakeup with Galileo aside, the Catholic Church has historically affirmed astronomy and space exploration as a means to better know the universe, believed to be wholly good, majestic and made by God.

“The church is very open to scientific discoveries, and the Bible gives us a guide to interpret whatever science discovers,” said the Rev. Brendan Cahill, former rector of St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston. “God has created the human person with the knowledge and curiosity to do this, to go to space. It affirms our Catholic faith.”