Better Paths to a New Frontier

Photo by Johan J.Ingles-Le Nobel

Whats Next?

Space is limitless in the number of destinations we can pursue. From moons, and planets, to solar systems, and galaxies, we are only at the beginning of what space can offer us. Although we can agree that certain destinations are much more favorable than others, we cannot always agree on the path we will take to get to these destinations, and in what order we wish to pursue them. As we enter this post-shuttle era, many intelligent engineers/scientists/space-enthusiasts have offered plans for how we should pursue our future in space, many of which which are both practical and affordable. Unfortunately, our Congress (in their finite wisdom) has decided to ignore them and pursue their own plan for NASA, which involves a rocket known as the Space Launch System (SLS), and spacecraft known as the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. Sadly, when you take a look at this plan and it's details, it becomes apparent that this plan is not about pushing NASA forward. The current NASA plan has much more to do with party politics, preserving a lavish NASA workforce, and maintaining old contracts with out of touch aerospace firms. At the same time, certain members of Congress have also used this plan as an excuse to try and gut NASA funding for commercial rocket companies which, if given the chance, could provide much greater capabilities in space at a fraction of the SLS and MPCV cost. 

In this post, I will introduce (or re-introduce in some cases) you to some of the better plans we should pursue on our path towards greater space exploration. I will also address the current plan being developed regarding the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and Space Launch System in some detail.

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Why I'm Glad the Shuttle is Retiring

STS-133 - Shuttle Before Launch (NASA)

Good Riddance...

It has been 30 years since the first space shuttle was launched, and this year the shuttle program will be at an end. Although I worry about the future of NASA, I do not mourn the loss of this program. To be honest, I do not pay much attention to Space Shuttle launches, what the Astronauts are doing, or how many more launches we have left. I am a fan of the future of space travel, and that is why it is hard to enjoy the Space Shuttle, and the current manned work at NASA. The courage and spirit NASA had years ago to really push boundaries was stifled, regulated, and destroyed by ignorant politicians who believe space exploration yields nothing of great importance. The Space Shuttle represents a poorly made decision 30 years ago to destroy the chance of a successful post-apollo era. This was done by extremely limiting NASA's budget, and forcing NASA to pour their efforts into a semi-reusable vehicle that never was intended to be NASA's center of attention.

In this post, we will discuss the rocky history of the Space Shuttle, why NASA was forced to build it, and the promises this "Shuttle" could never keep.

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The Ad Astra Rocket Company

Advanced Plasma Rocket Propulsion!

Sounds like something out of a cool sci-fi book, but it's very real. It has been in development since the early 1970's. One company in particular, led by Franklin Chang Diaz, has made significant strides in the development of this new rocket. It may give us the ability to travel to any planet in our solar system faster than we ever thought.

In this post, I will be talking about the Ad Astra Rocket Company, and their VASIMR (Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket) Engine. We will also discuss some of the criticism that has fallen on this technology. Lets first get acquainted with the founder, and work our way to the Advanced Plasma Rocket fun...

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12/8/10 SpaceX: SPLASHDOWN!!!

-Dragon capsule after splashdown in pacific ocean. Photo by Mike Altenhofen-

Flawless Victory!!!

  

I dedicate the name of this post to a tweet @SpaceXer sent on December 8th, which for me signified the end of the historic launch which happened that very day. SpaceX had launched their Falcon 9 rocket for the second time flawlessly. Not only that, the Falcon 9 also had the mission to deliver the Dragon capsule which sat atop the rocket into low earth orbit. From there, the Dragon capsule had to make 2 full orbits around the Earth, and come back down to earth, which involves re-entering our atmosphere safely, and deploying parachutes correctly in order to provide the safe trip all the way back down. All done flawlessly. On top of that, 8 free-flying payloads were also put on the Falcon 9 and were deployed safely including the first army-built satellite to fly in 50 years. For safety reasons, on almost every system and component (parachutes, reaction control thrusters, avionics etc...) there was some level of redundancy to ensure that if some part failed, Dragon could still make it home safely. Amazingly, not a single redundant system was necessary since all systems worked nominally...nominally? I guess that is another way of saying FLAWLESSLY!

Why was this a historic launch? 

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NASA: Replaced

Tweet

-Shot of the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket-

When you think space exploration, do you think NASA? So do I.

Everyone understands that NASA is the leader in space exploration, both human and robotic. NASA has the knowledge, the money, and the will to explore a great unknown, the vastness of space. Neil DeGrasse Tyson recently said, "NASA as best as I can judge, Is a force of nature like none other." I agree with Mr. Tyson on this point. Out of every governmental department, NASA inspires more of the youth than any other. When was the last time you saw a kid excited about potentially working for the department of agriculture? The fact that NASA is a government agency, and people have such positive opinions about it means a lot. It can also wield great power when it is given the power to wield it. Unfortunately, therein lies the major problem I have with NASA as the leader in U.S. space exploration.

When NASA is given the power, it can do amazing things. When it is not given the power, it cannot do amazing things. 

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