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#1 Re: Not So Free Chat » Mars Rising » 2007-11-09 15:11:53

Don't forget to watch it on the Science Channel

#3 Re: Space Policy » July 20th, 2009 Should Be Our Goal » 2007-11-09 15:03:44

The Planetary Society did try to launch a solar sail, but the rocket it was on exploded.

Both attempts to launch the solar sail failed. Stupidly, they tried to launch on an aging SLBM that sloshed around a boomer for quite some time. They dispose of missiles by removing the warhead and firing them off into the sea (VOLNA). Some of their smaller SLBMs (liquids) have the nozzle of the upper stage submerged inside the upper propellant tank of the first stage. Something like primacord cuts the rocket in two to stage explosively.

But like a lot of the pointy-heads and white coats--the Planetary Society wonks overthought the payload while learning nothing of launch vehicles.

And now the head of the Planetary Society dares to critique Griffin on spending too much on LV development?

But scientists never had much use for engineers anyway.

Planetary Society repeated its mistake, after I tried to contact their office and warn them not to use Volna.

You can't tell them anything. They're spoiled brats used to chain smoking Delta IIs.

#6 Re: Space Policy » Ron Paul the next Space President ? » 2007-11-09 14:53:49

Another anti-NASA nut is Paul.

R-7 proved than Gov't space does work. It has flown to space reliably--more so than the alt.spacers.

#7 Re: Space Policy » Chinese Space Program? - What if they get there first » 2007-11-09 14:52:29

I think Sea Dragon would be perfect for China! Then they could go in short order.
Quest will be doing a Truax issue before long.

#8 Re: Interplanetary transportation » What Has Been the Largest & Heaviest Shuttle Payloads Flown? » 2007-11-09 14:48:12

Buran could take 25-30 tons internally. I don't think STS could match that. Without the orbiter, 90 tons or so.

#10 Re: Interplanetary transportation » Shuttle fuel tank » 2007-11-09 14:44:22

If you burn the mains you can get away with it. I would like to have seen ETs used. Marshall had a plan for an ET station.

#11 Re: Space Policy » Glenn Criticizes Bush Space Plan - says direct-to-Mars is the way to go » 2007-11-09 14:43:14

One of the most respected top managers of the Apollo program, Joseph P. Gavin, who led development of the NASA/Grumman Apollo lunar module, is airing sharp opposition to the Bush Administration/NASA goal of returning humans to the Moon as a stepping stone to Mars.

“The argument that the Moon is a necessary training base for eventual manned expeditions to Mars is flatly unpersuasive,” says Gavin, who directed development of the first manned spacecraft ever to land on another body in space.

I don't agree. Just another Griffin basher.

#12 Re: Human missions » NASA Exploration Roadmaps » 2007-11-09 14:38:35

Note the beautiful, magical word that has been anathema for so long: "reserve." Griffin is the right man for the job.

Agreed.

#13 Re: Human missions » NASA Exploration Roadmaps » 2007-11-09 14:32:56

Marginal cost of Ares V estimated between $200-300 million

Wow, that's great, would mean 2000 - 3000$/kg into LEO if Ares V has about 100 ton lift capacity. I hope they can pull this off.

Great stuff.

#16 Re: Human missions » Whats does NASAs Manned Mars Architecture Look Like Now? » 2007-11-09 14:25:43

That is Griffins position. Cowing and his band of jerks are trying to kill that in favor of the lousy EELV nonsense.

#17 Re: Human missions » Near Earth Object (NEO) missions » 2007-11-09 14:23:45

I wont to see it mined. I would think tethers could also be used to cut the asteroid in the same way cables sliced through the kursk. in that several asteroids rotate, it may be possible to adjust the axis of rotation over time--and convert the body (if solid) into a bola of sorts. Cut the cable to move half the asteroid where you want it.

If the tether is strong enough (and long enough), you might deposit half the space rock down to earths surface at the end of such a bola, and to snatch up increadibly heavy cargos from earths surface--using the remaining asteroid half to do a clean and jerk to orbit.

The heaviest payloads might be jerked to orbit in such a fashion.

#18 Re: Interplanetary transportation » Just Cancel The Shuttle Program - Not in five years, do it right now. » 2007-11-09 14:19:18

I would think they keep the blueprints. The key is for the folks in Dubai to relocate an Energiya production facility there.

They have the oil money.

#20 Re: Human missions » Earths Oceans Explored - but why not colonized » 2007-11-09 14:11:57

Such facilities and resorts might be a good base for a space elevator. Use the profits from one to help build the others...

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