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E-Commerce Task Force
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Red Colony
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Crazy Week!
Hi! It's been a crazy week, but we've definitely made some progress. Here's what I've been working on and told about
- First funds are in! Someone donated $1000 specifically for TEMPO while still at the conference last week. I'm keeping their name out of the limelight for now, because I don't have permission to publicize it, but they'll definitely have a place in the history of tethered spacecraft operations. It also serves as a reminder of how far we have to go.
- Interest from varying sources – A couple companies have expressed interest in assisting or partnering with us on this project. No details can come out yet, but talk it up at work, and you might be surprised.
- Team formation – I put out a call in my first update for people who are interested in leading the technical, outreach, and fund raising efforts. I've heard from 5 people for tech, 2 people for outreach, and 1 person for fundraising. I will be making the decision later this week, so if you're interested, get your 1/2 page summary of experience and your phone number to me SOON. Technical applicants will have an assignment to do before their interview; so last-minute applications will put you at a disadvantage. Other team slots will fill out afterward.
- Board of advisors – I've heard from a few people who, though they can't take leadership positions, I think their experience will be very useful as we move forward. I'm planning to form a board of advisors for 'senior' people who are interested in helping. If you're interested in serving, please let me know.
- Refined Goals/Relationship with Mars Society – Travel has precluded my getting together with Mars Society leadership to determine our exact relationship to The Mars Society as far as funding, governance, etc. When this meeting takes place I will spread the appropriate word.
- Outreach to membership – I'm working with the web team to fully utilize our web engine's prowess and increase general membership participation. I'm looking into doing a regular live video update, taking emails and chat comments from the society. More to come when this comes on line.
- PR – I've heard from a few news outlets asking for details about TEMPO^3, and I've answered their questions but haven't seen an article yet. Alex Kirk (Thanks Alex!) lead-wrote an article for The Space Review on Monday. Check it out at http://thespacereview.com.
- Design Reference v1 – Based on my proposed design, feedback I got from the conference, and a paper I received from a recently-flown CubeSat-based tether project, I've put together a design reference. It addresses many of the concerns brought up in the kick-off session. The web guys have it (and potential tech leads will see it as part of their homework), and it will be posted soon.
- Email list – I'm working with the web team to get this list together. Everyone who signed up at the kick-off meeting, as well as everyone who's emailed me will be on the list to start. Expect to be getting a test-email soon, and if you're not on it and want to be, email Alex Kirk (alex@marssociety.org)
Twelfth International Mars Society Convention
Brookhaven National Laboratory Publication Features FMARS
