North Korea has halted preparations for its planned rocket launch.
North Korea has halted preparations for its planned rocket launch.
North Korea has halted preparations for its planned rocket launch.
Tag: engineering
North Korea has halted preparations for its planned rocket launch.
During a launch yesterday the upper stage of Russia’s Proton rocket failed to put the satellite into its proper orbit.
Bad news for Russia: During a launch yesterday the upper stage of a Proton rocket failed to put the satellite into its proper orbit.
With this, the third failure in the past 16 months for the Briz-M upper stage, I expect that the Proton’s customers will continue to flee, as has Echostar.
Bad news for Russia: During a launch yesterday the upper stage of a Proton rocket failed to put the satellite into its proper orbit.
With this, the third failure in the past 16 months for the Briz-M upper stage, I expect that the Proton’s customers will continue to flee, as has Echostar.
A fuel leak has now been pinpointed as the cause of the Delta 4 rocket launch problem in October.
A fuel leak has now been pinpointed as the cause of the Delta 4 rocket launch problem in October.
A fuel leak has now been pinpointed as the cause of the Delta 4 rocket launch problem in October.
It now appears that the next launch of the X-37B is set for Tuesday, December 11.
It now appears that the next launch of the X-37B is set for Tuesday, December 11.
This would mean that the engine problems that occurred on a Delta 4 rocket launch in October have been resolved.
It now appears that the next launch of the X-37B is set for Tuesday, December 11.
This would mean that the engine problems that occurred on a Delta 4 rocket launch in October have been resolved.
A tour of the impact craters that Curiosity created when it landed on Mars.
A tour of the impact craters that Curiosity created when it landed on Mars.
A tour of the impact craters that Curiosity created when it landed on Mars.
If you and a friend happen to have $1.4 billion, the new private company Golden Spike wants to take you to the Moon.
The competition heats up: If you and a friend happen to have $1.4 billion, the new private company Golden Spike wants to take you to the Moon.
Golden Spike’s news release said the venture would make use of existing rockets as well as commercial spacecraft that are currently under development to send expeditions to the lunar surface, with the estimated cost of a two-person lunar surface mission starting at $1.4 billion.
There will be a lot of press stories about this. And it is good, as it illustrates again the increasing shift from government-run space missions to a robust private industry. The idea of a private company doing this is no longer considered absurd but perfectly reasonable.
Whether Golden Spike itself will do it, however, is another thing entirely. Please forgive me if I reserve the right to be a little skeptical at this point.
The competition heats up: If you and a friend happen to have $1.4 billion, the new private company Golden Spike wants to take you to the Moon.
Golden Spike’s news release said the venture would make use of existing rockets as well as commercial spacecraft that are currently under development to send expeditions to the lunar surface, with the estimated cost of a two-person lunar surface mission starting at $1.4 billion.
There will be a lot of press stories about this. And it is good, as it illustrates again the increasing shift from government-run space missions to a robust private industry. The idea of a private company doing this is no longer considered absurd but perfectly reasonable.
Whether Golden Spike itself will do it, however, is another thing entirely. Please forgive me if I reserve the right to be a little skeptical at this point.
Looking at the Earth from space at night.
The planet that never sleeps: Looking at the Earth from space at night.
The planet that never sleeps: Looking at the Earth from space at night.
The Pentagon has decided to buy its launch services from more than just Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
The competition heats up: The Pentagon has decided to buy its launch services from more than just Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
Under the new plan, the Air Force can buy as many as 14 launches over the next five years from possible bidders such as Space Exploration Technologies Corp, or SpaceX, and Orbital Sciences Corp . The service may also buy as many as 36 launches from United Launch Alliance, the Lockheed-Boeing venture, with an option to purchase the other 14 launches if the competitors haven’t been certified to launch military and spy satellites that can cost up to $1 billion each.
Originally the military planned to purchase all of its launches from Boeing and Lockheed. Political pressure from SpaceX has now forced them to widen the competition, or at least, make noises that they are doing so. If you read the above paragraph closely the plan still favors the original two companies and is strongly stacked to hand all the launches over to them anyway.
Update: My pessimism above was premature. SpaceX has been awarded a contract for two launches under this new policy.
The competition heats up: The Pentagon has decided to buy its launch services from more than just Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
Under the new plan, the Air Force can buy as many as 14 launches over the next five years from possible bidders such as Space Exploration Technologies Corp, or SpaceX, and Orbital Sciences Corp . The service may also buy as many as 36 launches from United Launch Alliance, the Lockheed-Boeing venture, with an option to purchase the other 14 launches if the competitors haven’t been certified to launch military and spy satellites that can cost up to $1 billion each.
Originally the military planned to purchase all of its launches from Boeing and Lockheed. Political pressure from SpaceX has now forced them to widen the competition, or at least, make noises that they are doing so. If you read the above paragraph closely the plan still favors the original two companies and is strongly stacked to hand all the launches over to them anyway.
Update: My pessimism above was premature. SpaceX has been awarded a contract for two launches under this new policy.
North Korea has placed the first stage of its own rocket on the launchpad in preparation for a test flight later this month.
North Korea has placed the first stage of its own rocket on the launchpad in preparation for a test flight later this month.
Japan, South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom (as indicated in the article above) have protested this launch, as well as Russia and China. Interestingly, no one has objected to the South Korea’s effort to build its own orbital rocket, which tells us a great deal about the differences between the two Koreas.
North Korea has placed the first stage of its own rocket on the launchpad in preparation for a test flight later this month.
Japan, South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom (as indicated in the article above) have protested this launch, as well as Russia and China. Interestingly, no one has objected to the South Korea’s effort to build its own orbital rocket, which tells us a great deal about the differences between the two Koreas.
South Korea scrubbed the launch of its own homemade rocket last night.
South Korea scrubbed the launch of its own homemade rocket last night.
This was their second attempt to get the rocket, called Naro-1, off the ground. More details about the rocket and today’s scrub here.
South Korea scrubbed the launch of its own homemade rocket last night.
This was their second attempt to get the rocket, called Naro-1, off the ground. More details about the rocket and today’s scrub here.
Space tourism — in a balloon.
Space tourism — in a balloon.
A newly successful test of a balloon could allow paying human customers to enjoy stunning Earth views and the weightless astronaut experience by 2014. The test balloon carried a humanoid robot up to an altitude of almost 20 miles (32 kilometers) on Nov. 12 — just a few miles shy of where skydiver Felix Baumgartner leaped from during his “space dive” in October. Startup Zero 2 Infinity wants to eventually offer hours of flight time for space tourists to do whatever they want in a near-space environment.
Ticket prices are $143K. And they have a list of customers who have already plunked down deposits.
Space tourism — in a balloon.
A newly successful test of a balloon could allow paying human customers to enjoy stunning Earth views and the weightless astronaut experience by 2014. The test balloon carried a humanoid robot up to an altitude of almost 20 miles (32 kilometers) on Nov. 12 — just a few miles shy of where skydiver Felix Baumgartner leaped from during his “space dive” in October. Startup Zero 2 Infinity wants to eventually offer hours of flight time for space tourists to do whatever they want in a near-space environment.
Ticket prices are $143K. And they have a list of customers who have already plunked down deposits.
SpaceX and Stratolaunch have parted ways.
SpaceX and Stratolaunch have parted ways.
In the original plan, Stratolaunch would build the first stage, the biggest airplane every built, which would lift the second stage, SpaceX’s Falcon 9, into the air. It appears, however, that the modifications required to make the Falcon 9 work in this configuration were not in SpaceX’s interest, so the company backed out and Stratolaunch has instead made a deal with Orbital Sciences to provide the second stage rocket.
SpaceX and Stratolaunch have parted ways.
In the original plan, Stratolaunch would build the first stage, the biggest airplane every built, which would lift the second stage, SpaceX’s Falcon 9, into the air. It appears, however, that the modifications required to make the Falcon 9 work in this configuration were not in SpaceX’s interest, so the company backed out and Stratolaunch has instead made a deal with Orbital Sciences to provide the second stage rocket.
NASA is soliciting ideas on how to use the two Cold War era telescopes given to the space agency by the military.
NASA is soliciting ideas on how to use the two Cold War era telescopes given to the space agency by the military.
Both telescopes are comparable in size to the Hubble Space Telescope.
NASA is soliciting ideas on how to use the two Cold War era telescopes given to the space agency by the military.
Both telescopes are comparable in size to the Hubble Space Telescope.
Los Alamos engineers have successfully tested a simple fission nuclear reactor for generating electricity in space.
Los Alamos engineers have successfully tested a simple fission nuclear reactor for generating electricity in space.
Los Alamos engineers have successfully tested a simple fission nuclear reactor for generating electricity in space.
Echostar signs a multi-satellite deal using the Ariane 5 rocket.
The competition heats up: Echostar signs a multi-satellite deal using the Ariane 5 rocket.
Several points:
» Read more
The competition heats up: Echostar signs a multi-satellite deal using the Ariane 5 rocket.
Several points:
» Read more
Impressive radar images of near-Earth asteroid 2007 PA8 were taken during its recent fly-by of Earth.
Impressive radar images of near-Earth asteroid 2007 PA8 were taken during its recent fly-by of Earth.
The images … reveal possible craters, boulders, an irregular, asymmetric shape, and very slow rotation. The asteroid measures approximately one mile wide (about 1.6 kilometers).
The asteroid poses no threat to Earth. The resolution of the images, however, is astonishing, especially considering it was done by radar.
Impressive radar images of near-Earth asteroid 2007 PA8 were taken during its recent fly-by of Earth.
The images … reveal possible craters, boulders, an irregular, asymmetric shape, and very slow rotation. The asteroid measures approximately one mile wide (about 1.6 kilometers).
The asteroid poses no threat to Earth. The resolution of the images, however, is astonishing, especially considering it was done by radar.
Russia and the U.S. have named the two astronauts who will spend a year in space beginning in 2015.
Real progress: Russia and the U.S. have named the two astronauts who will spend a year in space beginning in 2015.
This mission will also make room for a Russian tourist flight during that same time period.
Real progress: Russia and the U.S. have named the two astronauts who will spend a year in space beginning in 2015.
This mission will also make room for a Russian tourist flight during that same time period.
A Russian Proton rocket, scheduled for launch in late December, is being replaced because of damage sustained during transport from its factory.
A Russian Proton rocket, scheduled for launch in late December, is being replaced because of damage sustained during transport from its factory.
This is not the first time this has happened. In 2010 a Soyuz capsule had to be replaced for the same reason. Modern television journalism (if one can call it that) would immediately ask “Is this a trend?” I instead wonder what the details are in both cases, which unfortunately are not available.
A Russian Proton rocket, scheduled for launch in late December, is being replaced because of damage sustained during transport from its factory.
This is not the first time this has happened. In 2010 a Soyuz capsule had to be replaced for the same reason. Modern television journalism (if one can call it that) would immediately ask “Is this a trend?” I instead wonder what the details are in both cases, which unfortunately are not available.
Boeing indicated today that it is considering increasing its investment in its CST-100 manned capsule in order to accelerate its development.
Good news: Boeing indicated today that it is considering increasing its investment in its CST-100 manned capsule in order to accelerate its development.
I suspect that, after Boeing in September let leak the idea that they might shelve CST-100 if the space agency didn’t give them more money, NASA management instead told them in no uncertain terms that if they didn’t show a more serious commitment to building CST-100, they might lose the contract altogether.
Good news: Boeing indicated today that it is considering increasing its investment in its CST-100 manned capsule in order to accelerate its development.
I suspect that, after Boeing in September let leak the idea that they might shelve CST-100 if the space agency didn’t give them more money, NASA management instead told them in no uncertain terms that if they didn’t show a more serious commitment to building CST-100, they might lose the contract altogether.
A new world speed record for a sailing vessel was set today at more than 75 miles per hour.
A new world speed record for a sailing vessel was set today at more than 65 knots, or 75 miles per hour. With video.
To give some perspective, the best the clipper ships ever did was 10-14 knots.
A new world speed record for a sailing vessel was set today at more than 65 knots, or 75 miles per hour. With video.
To give some perspective, the best the clipper ships ever did was 10-14 knots.
2000 pingpong balls and 30 teachers in zero gravity
A service module to nowhere
As a replacement for its discontinued ATV cargo freighter — which paid its share of ISS — Europe has decided to build a service module for the Orion capsule.
This decision occurred at the same time ESA decided to upgrade Ariane 5 rather than replace it. Both decisions, to my mind, were serious mistakes.
» Read more
Cracks have been found in the first Orion capsule intended to fly in space.
Government space marches on! Cracks have been found in the first Orion capsule intended to fly in space.
The cracks were discovered during a proof pressure test the week of Nov. 5. Proof testing, in which a pressure vessel is subject to stresses greater than those it is expected to encounter during routine use, is one of the many preflight tests NASA is performing on Orion to certify the craft is safe for astronauts, agency spokeswoman Rachel Kraft said. “The cracks are in three adjacent, radial ribs of this integrally machined, aluminum bulkhead,” Kraft wrote in an email. “This hardware will be repaired and will not need to be remanufactured.”
Government space marches on! Cracks have been found in the first Orion capsule intended to fly in space.
The cracks were discovered during a proof pressure test the week of Nov. 5. Proof testing, in which a pressure vessel is subject to stresses greater than those it is expected to encounter during routine use, is one of the many preflight tests NASA is performing on Orion to certify the craft is safe for astronauts, agency spokeswoman Rachel Kraft said. “The cracks are in three adjacent, radial ribs of this integrally machined, aluminum bulkhead,” Kraft wrote in an email. “This hardware will be repaired and will not need to be remanufactured.”
In meetings today the European Space Agency has decided to upgrade Ariane 5 rather than immediately build a new Ariane 6 rocket.
In meetings today the European Space Agency (ESA) has decided to upgrade Ariane 5 rather than immediately build a new Ariane 6 rocket.
Normally I would label this story as an example of “the competition heating up.” In this case, however, I don’t see how an upgrade of Ariane 5 can possibly be competitive. The rocket has been so expensive to operate that — even though it has dominated the launch market for years and is very reliable — ESA has had to subsidize its cost. It has never made a profit. I don’t see how they can reconfigure it enough to bring its cost down to compete with Falcon 9. In other words, they are trying to put lipstick on a pig.
Nor is this surprising. Arianespace is a government-run business, operated like a committee with the member nations of ESA all having a say. Under this arrangement, it is difficult if not impossible to get a quick and efficient decision. Moreover, political concerns will often outweigh issues of efficiency and profits.
In the open competitive market of privately-run companies that the launch market is becoming, I am very skeptical this kind of business can survive.
In meetings today the European Space Agency (ESA) has decided to upgrade Ariane 5 rather than immediately build a new Ariane 6 rocket.
Normally I would label this story as an example of “the competition heating up.” In this case, however, I don’t see how an upgrade of Ariane 5 can possibly be competitive. The rocket has been so expensive to operate that — even though it has dominated the launch market for years and is very reliable — ESA has had to subsidize its cost. It has never made a profit. I don’t see how they can reconfigure it enough to bring its cost down to compete with Falcon 9. In other words, they are trying to put lipstick on a pig.
Nor is this surprising. Arianespace is a government-run business, operated like a committee with the member nations of ESA all having a say. Under this arrangement, it is difficult if not impossible to get a quick and efficient decision. Moreover, political concerns will often outweigh issues of efficiency and profits.
In the open competitive market of privately-run companies that the launch market is becoming, I am very skeptical this kind of business can survive.
The next flight of the X-37b has been delayed again, with the new launch set for December 11.
The next flight of the X-37B has been delayed again, with the new launch date set for no earlier than December 11.
The next flight of the X-37B has been delayed again, with the new launch date set for no earlier than December 11.
Cracking the 250 year old code of a secret society.
Cracking the 250 year old code of a secret society.
Cracking the 250 year old code of a secret society.
A tour of the escape bunker under the Apollo launchpad.
A tour of the escape bunker under the Apollo launchpad. With some great images.
A tour of the escape bunker under the Apollo launchpad. With some great images.
“Long-term budget pressures on NASA mount.”
Why SLS will surely die: “Long-term budget pressures on NASA mount.”
Whether the cheaper, more efficient, and competitive commercial space program will survive remains unknown. It could be that our brilliant Congress, which wants SLS, will keep that very expensive program alive just long enough to choke the life out of the commercial space program. Then, with the government part of private space dead from lack of support, they will suddenly be faced with the gigantic bill from the NASA-built SLS and will, as they have done repeatedly during the past four decades, blanch at paying the actually construction and launch costs, and will kill that too.
Why SLS will surely die: “Long-term budget pressures on NASA mount.”
Whether the cheaper, more efficient, and competitive commercial space program will survive remains unknown. It could be that our brilliant Congress, which wants SLS, will keep that very expensive program alive just long enough to choke the life out of the commercial space program. Then, with the government part of private space dead from lack of support, they will suddenly be faced with the gigantic bill from the NASA-built SLS and will, as they have done repeatedly during the past four decades, blanch at paying the actually construction and launch costs, and will kill that too.
SpaceX’s launch manifest for 2013 included three commercial launches in addition to its cargo flights to ISS.
SpaceX’s launch manifest for 2013 includes three commercial launches in addition to its cargo flights to ISS.
All told, it appears that 2013 will a crucial year for SpaceX. They first need to solve the question of that engine failure from their October Falcon 9 launch. Then they need to begin putting into orbit the long list of private satellites that they have contracts for but have held off launching pending the success of the NASA deal. Once they do that, set to begin next year, they will have proven – beyond a shadow of a doubt — that they are for real.
And on that subject, Elon Musk had some thoughts yesterday about his European competitors: “Europe’s rocket has no chance.”
SpaceX’s Falcon is a new entrant to the launcher market. It has so far made only four flights, but it has a backlog already of more than 40 contracted launches. Its quoted price under $60m per flight is proving highly attractive to satellite operators who have to pay substantially more to get on an Ariane. “Not only can we sustain the prices, but the next version of Falcon 9 is actually able to go to a lower price,” warned Mr Musk. “So if Ariane can’t compete with the current Falcon 9, it sure as hell can’t compete with the next one.”
SpaceX’s launch manifest for 2013 includes three commercial launches in addition to its cargo flights to ISS.
All told, it appears that 2013 will a crucial year for SpaceX. They first need to solve the question of that engine failure from their October Falcon 9 launch. Then they need to begin putting into orbit the long list of private satellites that they have contracts for but have held off launching pending the success of the NASA deal. Once they do that, set to begin next year, they will have proven – beyond a shadow of a doubt — that they are for real.
And on that subject, Elon Musk had some thoughts yesterday about his European competitors: “Europe’s rocket has no chance.”
SpaceX’s Falcon is a new entrant to the launcher market. It has so far made only four flights, but it has a backlog already of more than 40 contracted launches. Its quoted price under $60m per flight is proving highly attractive to satellite operators who have to pay substantially more to get on an Ariane. “Not only can we sustain the prices, but the next version of Falcon 9 is actually able to go to a lower price,” warned Mr Musk. “So if Ariane can’t compete with the current Falcon 9, it sure as hell can’t compete with the next one.”
Three astronauts safely returned to Earth today after a 125-day stay on ISS.
Three astronauts safely returned to Earth today after a 125-day stay on ISS.
Three astronauts safely returned to Earth today after a 125-day stay on ISS.