New hardware that will support dozens of NASA investigations
and other science experiments from around the world is among the more
than 7,000 pounds of cargo on the way to the International Space Station
aboard Orbital ATK's Cygnus spacecraft. It launched at 4:44:57 p.m. EST
Sunday (Dec. 6, 2015) on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch
Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
Dec 4, 2015
Nov 29, 2015
Soviet Options (1989) for a Manned Mars Landing Mission
This article is a direct reprint of the now unclassified historic article from the CIA WWW library /1/ -- originally printed in 1989. It has lot of interesting details about the Soviet Manned Mars program until 1989. Most likely today the Russian manned Mars mission idea and all over the world is largely similar.
CIA Library (not public) |
- - -
Labels:
Manned Space Flight,
Mars,
Spacecraft Construction
Nov 9, 2015
European Service Module (ESM) for Orion Capsule in Production
Airbus Defense and Space (DS) is building the new service module (ESM) for NASA (2015). The structural test version is to be delivered in this month. It looks very much the same as the 1960's version SM which was described in more detail in this article. We all remember the Apollo 13 mishap so lets hope they get everything right with all the numerous pressurized tanks.
The European Service Module made by Airbus DS |
Nov 4, 2015
Galileo's Initial Services Will Start 2016 (According to ESA)
The launch of the 11th and 12th satellite in the series on 17 December will mean that the total number of Galileo satellites in space will have doubled within a year, setting the Galileo program on track for the start of initial services during 2016. (See the time table.)
Europe’s 11th and 12th Galileo satellites being unloaded from their Boeing 747 transporter after landing at French Guiana’s Cayenne-Félix Eboué Airport on 30 October 2015. |
Solar System Simulator
A handy solar system simulator is available from Solar System Scope. This simulator gives you a better view to our solar system and how the planets rotate around the sun. You can switch to realistic orbits or planet sizes as you wish, the simulation setup is on the left side.
Press the following link to start the simulation and wait until the flash player loads fully and then click inside the window.
Link to: Solar System Simulator
Solar System Simulator snap shot |
Press the following link to start the simulation and wait until the flash player loads fully and then click inside the window.
Link to: Solar System Simulator
* * *
Oct 25, 2015
SM Service Module (Part 10, Apollo Control Systems)
Apollo Service Module (SM) was an important part of the Apollo Command/Service Module (CSM). Nowadays also the new SM which is connected to the Orion capsule is called a service module. Actually Europeans are just now building one (2015).
HISTORY /1/
Apollo Command / Service Module was built by North American Aviation.
James Howard "Dutch" Kindelberger was an American aviation pioneer, a leader of North American Aviation in 1934-60.
HISTORY /1/
North American Aviation logo |
Apollo Command / Service Module was built by North American Aviation.
James Howard "Dutch" Kindelberger |
James Howard "Dutch" Kindelberger was an American aviation pioneer, a leader of North American Aviation in 1934-60.
Oct 20, 2015
LEAMOR Mars Mission - Entry and Return Vehicles (Part 4)
PART 4: Entry and Return Vehicles
Why to have separated Entry and Return Vehicles (EV and RV) for the mission. Basically separating them makes it possible to divide the required consumables and propellants to two smaller amounts. And the one without the astronauts could then be sent using lower speed and less propellant expensive routes. Additionally two return capable vehicles in the LMO add to the safety of the astronauts. If one of the vehicles is broken the other one hopefully still is usable.
Why to have separated Entry and Return Vehicles (EV and RV) for the mission. Basically separating them makes it possible to divide the required consumables and propellants to two smaller amounts. And the one without the astronauts could then be sent using lower speed and less propellant expensive routes. Additionally two return capable vehicles in the LMO add to the safety of the astronauts. If one of the vehicles is broken the other one hopefully still is usable.
Return or Entry Vehicle without the Habitat Module (HM). Service Module (SM) to the left and the Orion re-entry capsule to the right. |
Oct 18, 2015
LEAMOR Manned Space Craft - Modular Transport Engine (Part 3)
PART 3: Modular Transport Engine (TE)
LEAMOR stabnds for Light Extended Apollo Mars Orbit Rendezvous.
As we already have figured out that the large spacecraft must be modular (since the lift vehicle can only lift a certain amount to the LEO at one time). See the previous part of this article series and we call these about 150 ton (lbs) building blocks as L-modules.
LEAMOR stabnds for Light Extended Apollo Mars Orbit Rendezvous.
As we already have figured out that the large spacecraft must be modular (since the lift vehicle can only lift a certain amount to the LEO at one time). See the previous part of this article series and we call these about 150 ton (lbs) building blocks as L-modules.
L-Modules about 150 000 lbs each, size about D5 x L11.75 |
Oct 16, 2015
LEAMOR Manned Mars Mission - Why Modular? (Part 2)
PART 2: Why the Manned Mars Mission Must be Modular?
Simply because the launch vehicle can only lift a certain amount at any time - and that size or mass will be the maximum module size - and the only way to get larger masses and structures is to bolt them together in the low Earth's orbit (LEO).
LEAMOR stabnds for Light Extended Apollo Mars Orbit Rendezvous.
Simply because the launch vehicle can only lift a certain amount at any time - and that size or mass will be the maximum module size - and the only way to get larger masses and structures is to bolt them together in the low Earth's orbit (LEO).
LEAMOR stabnds for Light Extended Apollo Mars Orbit Rendezvous.
SLS can lift about 150 .. 300 tons (lbs) to LEO |
Oct 15, 2015
LEAMOR Mission - Light Extended Apollo Mars Orbit Rendezvous (Part 1)
PART 1: LEAMOR MISSION BASICS
How to land a man on the Mars and return him safely to the Earth
It looks like the main problem is NOT that we couldn't do it but that we maybe need more time and/or money for it?
I represent here a simple LEAMOR mission plan to Mars and back which just extends the Apollo missions and tries not to do anything more in the first phase than just to get a man on the Mars and return him safely to the Earth. LEAMOR stands for Light Extended Apollo Mars Orbit Rendezvous. (See also LOR).
The following picture shows the basic Mars mission phases.
How to land a man on the Mars and return him safely to the Earth
It looks like the main problem is NOT that we couldn't do it but that we maybe need more time and/or money for it?
I represent here a simple LEAMOR mission plan to Mars and back which just extends the Apollo missions and tries not to do anything more in the first phase than just to get a man on the Mars and return him safely to the Earth. LEAMOR stands for Light Extended Apollo Mars Orbit Rendezvous. (See also LOR).
The following picture shows the basic Mars mission phases.
Typical Mars mission and its main events. |
Oct 11, 2015
Oct 7, 2015
520 Day Mars Mission Simulation by ESA Yields OK
Aug 30, 2015
NASA's Orion Capsule Development & Testing Video
Orion capsule after its first real re-entry (EF-1 Dec. 5, 2014) heatshield removed |
There is a 1 ½ hour video in Youtube which I have to link here since it contains collected material of Orion capsule's development and testing. I would call Orion just a (re-entry) capsule since a spacecraft is a much larger set and requires the propulsion to get it anywhere at all. Sure if just the gravity assisted space travel was applied .. one might go very far only with the capsule alone but to be more comfort with it there should be some kind of a propulsion reserve to make at least the final burn back to the Earth.
Youtube video: "NASA's Orion Spacecraft Development & Testing (1080p)"
Here is the Orion's first used heatshield going to inspections. |
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Aug 29, 2015
The Fastest Comfort Travel in Space (by Dr. Michael Minovitch)
Dr. Michael Minovitch introduces in the following video the idea of a very fast and comfort ride everywhere in space. The spacecraft either accelerates or decelerates during the whole journey using 1 G which is natural and most comfort for human. The trajectories are straight lines between any points .. no orbits used. The idea needs of course very powerful fuel and proper fusion engine. But since the fusion is possible .. it most likely will also be available in some scale for humans in the future.
Here is the video:
Additional videos:
Youtube: "Magnetoplasma Rocket Engine (Ad Astra) (VASIMR)"
Youtube: "ISS Update: VASIMR Plasma Rocket"
Youtube: "Nuclear Propulsion in Space (1968)"
Youtube: "Ion Propulsion - Deep Space One (Documentary)(Part 1 of 4)"
Here is the video:
Youtube video: "11.0 Ground-To-Orbit Fusion Propulsion System for Achieving Commercial Interplanetary Space Travel"
Additional videos:
Youtube: "Magnetoplasma Rocket Engine (Ad Astra) (VASIMR)"
Youtube: "ISS Update: VASIMR Plasma Rocket"
Youtube: "Nuclear Propulsion in Space (1968)"
Youtube: "Ion Propulsion - Deep Space One (Documentary)(Part 1 of 4)"
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Labels:
Ideas,
Manned Space Flight,
Spacecraft Construction
Aug 3, 2015
Orion Cockpit Update
Some more pictures and videos about the Orion spacecraft cockpit. The basic layout seems to still be the 3 monitor flipped 4:3 size configuration seen in the following picture.
The idea is to move all the millions switches and panels from old spacecrafts into the screens so that weight and space is saved. Also virtual buttons and switches are more reliable then old mechanical switches (remember the Apollo 11 Lunar Module incidence when a single switch almost disabled the ascent from the Moon). Here are some details what is known.
Here is the Apollo 11 engine arm switch incidence from source /4/:
"Astronaut Neil Armstrong maneuvered toward the open hatch, aided by astronaut Buzz Aldrin. As Armstrong twisted his bulky suit to head out, unheard in the vacuum of the cabin, something small snapped. Armstrong's backpack had broken off the ascent engine arming switch. But upon their preparation to leave the moon some 21 hours later, Armstrong calmly flipped the broken stub with a ballpoint pen. Another crisis averted, this time courtesy of the Fisher Space Pen."
VIDEOS
RESOURCES
/1/ NASA Johnson
/2/ Youtube
/3/ Wikipedia
/4/ http://www.space.com/26593-apollo-11-moon-landing-scariest-moments.html
The Orion glass cockpit with 3 display screens. |
The idea is to move all the millions switches and panels from old spacecrafts into the screens so that weight and space is saved. Also virtual buttons and switches are more reliable then old mechanical switches (remember the Apollo 11 Lunar Module incidence when a single switch almost disabled the ascent from the Moon). Here are some details what is known.
Orion cockpit, only a minimal amount of mechanical devices are added around the display screens |
The several panels in the Apollo era LM and CM are replaced by screens with similar information. |
Compare the large Apollo LM panel # 3 in this picture (among many other LM panels) with several functional sections to the current Orion design |
Here is the Apollo 11 engine arm switch incidence from source /4/:
"Astronaut Neil Armstrong maneuvered toward the open hatch, aided by astronaut Buzz Aldrin. As Armstrong twisted his bulky suit to head out, unheard in the vacuum of the cabin, something small snapped. Armstrong's backpack had broken off the ascent engine arming switch. But upon their preparation to leave the moon some 21 hours later, Armstrong calmly flipped the broken stub with a ballpoint pen. Another crisis averted, this time courtesy of the Fisher Space Pen."
VIDEOS
Youtube video "Orion: Cockpit " by NASA Johnson
RESOURCES
/1/ NASA Johnson
/2/ Youtube
/3/ Wikipedia
/4/ http://www.space.com/26593-apollo-11-moon-landing-scariest-moments.html
* * *
Jul 17, 2015
Piper Cherokee 140 Checklists and Speeds
Jul 15, 2015
Jetman Take-off Trolley Idea
We all have seen how the Jetman flies nowadays with his jet powered wing but have you ever been thinking how to do the takeoff without a helicopter.
Here is an idea of a trolley (or a modified garage creeper) which would assist the takeoff run and then be left behind when enough speed reached.
Since the takeoff speeds of a jetman wing are in the range of 200 km/h the wheels should be modified to give better support in high speeds and also some kind of a front wheel steering should be added. Also it is questionable if the jets in the current configuration can give enough power to win the rolling resistance of the wheels? But what so ever would be the difficulities here is the simple idea presented.
Additionally you may be interested of some Jetman (Dubai) videos:
VIDEOS
The following video demonstrates the current Jetman system: helicopter take-off and parachute landing.
Additionally any kind of rocket assisted take-off could be implemented to reduce the take-off costs. A basis for some ideas might be the following F35 ejection seat tests.
Jetman Dubai helicopter take-off |
Here is an idea of a trolley (or a modified garage creeper) which would assist the takeoff run and then be left behind when enough speed reached.
Jetman Take-off Trolley: A) accelerate to the takeoff speed B) pull up and fly |
Since the takeoff speeds of a jetman wing are in the range of 200 km/h the wheels should be modified to give better support in high speeds and also some kind of a front wheel steering should be added. Also it is questionable if the jets in the current configuration can give enough power to win the rolling resistance of the wheels? But what so ever would be the difficulities here is the simple idea presented.
Additionally you may be interested of some Jetman (Dubai) videos:
VIDEOS
The following video demonstrates the current Jetman system: helicopter take-off and parachute landing.
Youtube video: "Jetman Dubai : Young Feathers 4K"
Additionally any kind of rocket assisted take-off could be implemented to reduce the take-off costs. A basis for some ideas might be the following F35 ejection seat tests.
Youtube video: "F35 Ejector seat trials"
Youtube video: "Martin-Baker Eurofighter Ejection Seat Testing"
* * *
Jun 23, 2015
Galileo More Successful (March 27, 2015)
The previous two satellites Galileo #5 and #6 (FOC #1 and #2) launched in 2014 ended to wrong orbits due to problems in the launch vehicle (see this article). Now the orbit insertion for Galileo #7 and #8 (FOC #3 and #4) happened flawlessly and brought relief to Europe's GNSS program.
Galileo launch profile |
May 6, 2015
How a Dial Phone Works (2/2)
Apr 24, 2015
How a Dial Phone Works (1/2)
Part 1: General
Since using all my early life dial phones but never actually studied how do they work .. now it is the time. In this article I open a LM Ericsson rotary telephone and figure out how it works and how does the automatic central connect the caller to called.
Since using all my early life dial phones but never actually studied how do they work .. now it is the time. In this article I open a LM Ericsson rotary telephone and figure out how it works and how does the automatic central connect the caller to called.
A dial phone opened with its basic parts visible: base plat, PCB (Printed Circuit Board), ringer, dial plate, cover, handset with microphone and receiver capsules in it, plug and cables. |
Feb 2, 2015
Motorola Car Battery Power Adapter (6.4 V 1 A) Buck Converter Power Supply (2005)
Jan 13, 2015
Inflatable Gravity Wheel
Here is a design of a simple gravity wheel which is inflatable. Since humans need pressurized air around them it is natural to use inflatable structures in space. Here is the concept represented.
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