Posts Tagged ‘nasa’
Coming Soon to a TV Near You
Not-for-profit organization Mars One in the Netherlands is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a one-way trip to Mars.
Human space flight is expensive. It’s a fact that Americans and many others throughout the world have heard over and over. During trying economic times in the U.S., NASA’s budget often comes under scrutiny and, lately, human space exploration has taken an economic hit—yet, commercial innovators have taken the reigns and partnered with NASA and others to make future human space exploration a reality.
Nonetheless, if debates over space-related budgets have taught us anything, it is that space exploration is expensive—and yet, Mars One takes this already costly proposition even a step farther, in support of the goal of the first human settlement on Mars.
A for-profit company Interplanetary Media Group (IMG) is said to be funding a lion’s share of the costs. (The Mars One not-for-profit foundation is reportedly IMG’s controlling stockholder.)
IMG has reserved exclusive rights to revenue generated from the broadcast of selection, training, launch, and eventual colonization efforts on Mars, the Earth’s closest planetary neighbor. That’s right—the Mars One expedition is being financed by IMG in the hope of making the first trip to Mars a reality show.
The future of space flight...commercial sponsor anyone?
This mil/aero geek is excited at the prospect of a Martian colony and grateful that not-for-profit and for-profit companies alike are investing time, energy, and money into continuing human space travel and exploration. Perhaps gone are the days of pristine, white spacecraft in favor of space modules plastered with corporate sponsorship logos akin to racecars on the Martian landscape.
Tags: aerospace, geek, IMG, Interplanetary Media Group, Mars One, mentor, Mentor Graphics, Mentor.com, mil-aero, milaero, nasa, reality TV, technology
To Infinity and Beyond
Aerospace engineers and enthusiasts, as well as science-fiction fans, are the latest Eagleworks experiment.
The White-Juday warp field interferometer was designed and developed to record warped space and help scientists better understand the space-time bubble that would be required to break Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
Albert Einstein theorized that a particle cannot travel faster than the speed of light because it would require infinite energy. Specifically,in his 1905 paper “On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies,” Einstein describes what has been called the special theory of relativity: A particle (that has rest mass) with subluminal velocity needs infinite energy to accelerate to the speed of light, although special relativity does not forbid the existence of particles that travel faster than light at all times.
Theoretical model of the Alcubierre drive
The current Eagleworks experiment uses a helium laser which is split; one beam passes through a ring lined with high-voltage capacitors (23,000 volts when charged), and the other beam passes unimpeded to the data recording device, a black-and-white commercial charge-coupled device (CCD). If the beam going through the ring warps space, NASA Engineer Harold “Sonny” White says, “the resulting interference pattern will be starkly different.”
This experiment is the first step in creating a warp drive, detecting whether we can actually warp space. The second step involves negative energy and White is very tight-lipped about this subject except to say that they have had a breakthrough. The warp drive is based on the Alcubierre drive explored in 1994 by Miguel Alcubierre, a Mexican theoretical physicist.
The second experiment underway at Eagleworks is the Quantum Vacuum Plasma Thruster (QVPT), testing whether we can use quantum fluctuations in empty space to fuel a spacecraft. If successful, a spaceship powered by this technology would require no propellant—a stark contrast to modern space engines.
Plasma engine at work
This mil/aero geek is encouraged by the efforts of NASA and Eagleworks to bring physics propulsion research light years into the future.
Tags: aerospace, Albert Einstein, Alcubierre drive, Eagleworks, engineer, geek, Harold "Sonny" White, mentor, Mentor Graphics, Mentor.com, mil-aero, milaero, nasa, plasma, Quantum Vacuum Plasma Thruster, QVPT
Warp Factor 10, Mr. Sulu
This mil/aero geek is ecstatic that NASA has the resources, since the decommissioning of the shuttles, to start acting as a catalyst for the development of game-changing, space-related technologies. A couple really interesting stories have surfaced recently that have intrigued aerospace geeks, myself included. The most noteworthy is…wait for it…warp speed research!
That’s right. You read that correctly. NASA is dedicating resources to the research and development of faster-than-light propulsion at Eagleworks, the Advanced Propulsion Physics Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas. The NASA research division’s name, Eagleworks, pays homage to Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.
Odd name? Yes, but one recognized by aerospace enthusiasts, especially those involved in military aviation. Actually, Skunk Works is a popular alias for Lockheed Martin Advanced Development Programs (ADP). Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is responsible for the development of several popular aircraft: the U-2, SR-71 Blackbird, F-117 Nighthawk, F-22 Raptor, and most recently, the F-35 Lightning II.
Eagleworks is dedicated to discovering solutions that will enable the design, development, and full realization of advanced propulsion systems. Research at Eagleworks is headed by NASA Engineer Harold “Sonny” White, a mechanical and aerospace engineer who is the Advanced Propulsion Theme Lead for the NASA Engineering Directorate and is well known for advanced propulsion projects and his dedication to the pursuit of human space flight.
“Sonny is a pretty unique person,” says John Applewhite, White’s boss and head of the Propulsion Systems Branch within the JSC Engineering Directorate. “He’s definitely a visionary, but he’s also an engineer. He can take his vision and turn it into a useful engineering product.”
Tags: aerospace, Eagleworks, electrical, electronic, engineer, F-117 Nighthawk, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, geek, Harold "Sonney" White, John Applewhite, mentor, Mentor Graphics, Mentor.com, mil-aero, milaero, military, nasa, Skunkworks, SR-71 Blackbird, U-2, Warp Speed
Suborbital Solicitations
NASA, for the second consecutive year, is actively seeking proposals for suborbital technology payloads and spacecraft capability enhancements capable of potentially revolutionizing future space missions.
NASA will help test selected technologies before they are used for their intended purpose and environment—being launched into and functioning in the dark, cold reaches of outer space. After the selected payloads or technologies are developed, they will be made available to NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program and paired with a commercial, suborbital, reusable launch service provider. Potential exists for a direct orbital flight opportunity if small spacecraft propulsion technologies are selected.
NASA’s offer is, perhaps understandably, not entirely selfless; that is, NASA officials seek to test technologies that will help the agency advance technology development in exploration, space operations, and other areas relevant to NASA’s missions, including the agency’s Small Spacecraft Technology Program.
“This call will select innovators to develop novel technology payloads that will provide significant improvements over current state-of-the-art systems,” describes Stephen Gaddis, Game Changing Development Program manager at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va.
- This artist’s rendition shows the Neutron-star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER)/Station Explorer for X-ray Timing and Navigation Technology (SEXTANT) payload that NASA recently selected as its next Explorer Mission of Opportunity. The 56-telescope payload will fly on the International Space Station. Credit: NASA
Proposals are due by 17 June 2013 and will be accepted from U.S. or non-U.S. organizations, including NASA centers, other government agencies, federally funded research and development centers, educational institutions, and industry and nonprofit organizations.
NASA anticipates making as many as 18 awards this summer, with the majority of awards ranging in value from roughly $50,000 to $250,000 each. The total combined funding for this solicitation is expected to be approximately $2 million, based on availability of funds.
For more, visit NASA’s Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System website at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/.
This mil/aero geek, initially concerned about the future of space travel after the retirement of the U.S. space shuttle program, is excited to see NASA enabling the commercial space growth and innovation.
Tags: aerospace, computer, design, design automation, electric, electrical, electronic, engineer, Game Changing Development Program, geek, hardware, mentor, Mentor Graphics, Mentor.com, mil-aero, milaero, military, nasa, NASA's Flight Opportunities Program, NASA's Langley Research Center, NICER/SEXTANT, Small Spacecraft Technology Program, Stephen Gaddis
Wanted: Suborbital Flight Technology Payloads & Capabilities
Aerospace engineers and executives will be happy to hear that, for the second year, NASA plans to assist makers of space-related technologies, such as advanced payloads and spacecraft systems.
This month, NASA announced that it is soliciting proposals from aerospace technology companies from far and wide. NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program is sponsoring the solicitation for proposals, which program officials anticipate receiving from entrepreneurs, scientists, technologists, instrument builders, research managers, and vehicle builders and operators.
Solicitations are invited for NASA’s latest program, called Game Changing Opportunities in Technology Development. It is intended to address several areas of interest: vehicle enhancements, technology payloads, onboard facilities, and small spacecraft propulsion technologies.
“Investing in transformative technology development is critical to enable NASA’s future missions and benefits the greater American aerospace community,” explains James Reuther, deputy associate administrator for programs in NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. “NASA Space Tech’s Game Changing Development and Flight Opportunities Programs are working with our partners from America’s emerging suborbital flight community to foster frequent and predictable commercial access to near-space while allowing for cutting-edge technology development.”
Space-related technologies selected by NASA officials, will travel to the edge of space and back on U.S. commercial suborbital vehicles and platforms. The program provides aerospace firms and engineers with valuable (and otherwise expensive) opportunities to test their innovations before they are potentially brought to market, purchased, deployed, and expected to work flawlessly and reliably in the unforgiving environment of space—likely for decades at a time.
This geek can’t give enough kudos to NASA for the development of such programs amidst sequestration and tightening budgets.
Tags: aerospace, computer, design, design automation, electric, electrical, electronic, engineer, Flight Opportunities Program, Game Changing Opportunities in Technology Development, geek, hardware, James Reuther, mentor, Mentor Graphics, Mentor.com, mil-aero, milaero, military, nasa, suborbital
Impact is Imminent
On 17 December 2012 at 5:28 p.m. and 5:29 p.m. Eastern Time, NASA JPL scientists in California will set the twin probes Ebb and Flow on a shallow angle collision course with the rim of an impact crater on the moon.
At the time of the impact, the chosen crash site will be shrouded in darkness; yet, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter will be on location to photograph the impact site before and after the planned crash.
Soon after impact, NASA scientists will compare the photos acquired and delivered by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. They will study how the surface rock is broken up around the impact site in hope of better understanding the composition of the lunar surface.
In the best case scenario, scientists will be looking for moon dust and gas to be ejected from the surface, explains Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Scientist Maria Zuber.
Today’s Ebb and Flow event isn’t the first time NASA has deliberately crashed a probe into the moon. In 1999, the Lunar Prospector spacecraft was intentionally hurled at the moon in hope of liberating some dust and gas; regrettably, scientists saw no such result.
Ebb and Flow are planned to crash approximately 20 seconds and between 12 and 24 miles apart. Both will be traveling at a speed of roughly 3,800 miles per hour.
This geek loves this type of space science: “They are at the end of their useful life and have worked as expected all year. We can’t refuel them. So… let’s give them a closer look at the moon they have been studying. Why not crash them into the moon and see what happens?”
As you look at the moon tonight, join space geeks everywhere in wishing Ebb and Flow a fond farewell. Watch more at NASA T.V.
Tags: aerospace, Ebb, electrical, electronic, engineer, Flow, geek, hardware, JPL, Lunar, Lunar Prospector, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, Maria Zuber, mentor, Mentor Graphics, Mentor.com, mil-aero, milaero, Moon, nasa
Lunar Lessons
Engineers and Scientists at NASA JPL in California are again making headlines in the military/aerospace (mil/aero) community.
Aerospace engineers and enthusiasts the world over are talking about NASA’s plan to crash Ebb and Flow, two spacecraft on a moon-mapping mission throughout 2012, into the moon’s surface. Not since the Curiosity rover landed on Mars has the mil/aero industry been so focused on and excited about news from NASA.
Ebb and Flow are part of NASA’s roughly $500 million Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) program to study and map the moon’s structure. Data acquired and provided by the Ebb and Flow space probes are expected to provide a greater understanding of the moon, including the structure of the lunar crust, lithosphere, impact basin sub-surfaces, the deep interior, and even the inner core.
Ebb and Flow have worked in tandem in orbit—two participants performing a well-choreographed lunar dance—throughout all of 2012. A NASA spokesperson describes their unique functionality: “As they fly over areas of greater and lesser gravity, caused both by visible features such as mountains and craters and by masses hidden beneath the lunar surface, they will move slightly toward and away from each other. An instrument aboard each spacecraft [measures] the changes in their relative velocity very precisely, and scientists translate this information into a high-resolution map of the Moon’s gravitational field.”
The projected flight path to the probes crash sites into the side of a lunar crater.
Launched in September 2011 and gathering information in orbit since 1 January 2012, Ebb and Flow revealed to NASAs’ GRAIL team that the moon’s crust is both thinner and more fractured than previously believed. As 2012 comes to a close, this geek thinks it is perhaps fitting that Ebb and Flow’s year-long journey comes to an end; and, if they’ve got to go out, then why not with a bang?
Tags: aerospace, Crash, Ebb, Flow, geek, GRAIL, gravity, hardware, JPL, Lunar, mentor, Mentor Graphics, Mentor.com, mil-aero, milaero, Moon, nasa, software
Crash Course
What does a longtime space agency do with lunar research satellites when they have run out of fuel? If you’re the space geeks at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) in Pasadena, California, you do something unforgettable: You crash them into moon!
Ebb and Flow are appliance-sized probes (or spacecraft) in NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) program. The GRAIL lunar science mission, part of NASA’s Discovery Program, employs high-tech tools with which to produce a high-quality gravitational field map of the Moon, to help better determine its interior structure.
The GRAIL mission placed two spacecraft–Grail A and B, which are more commonly known as Ebb and Flow–into the same orbit around the Moon.
Ebb and Flow launched on 10 September 2011 onboard a Delta II rocket—specifically, the 7920H-10 from United Launch Alliance (ULA) in Centennial, Colo. ULA is a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and The Boeing Company.
Ebb and Flow being encased in the Delta II clamshell-shaped fairing that falls away once it leaves Earth's atmosphere
Ebb separated from the Delta II rocket roughly nine minutes after launch, and Flow followed suit approximately 16 minutes after launch. Ebb entered orbit on 31 December 2011; Flow entered orbit a day later on New Year’s Day, 1 January 2012. Since that time, they have been performing as expected and on-board electronics have been recording and delivering data to awaiting NASA engineers and scientists.
Ebb and Flow have enjoyed a year-long stint in orbit, but that is about to end with a bang. This geek cannot think of anything more positive or exciting to focus on this week, and is excited for the explosive event.
Tags: aerospace, Delta II, design, design automation, Discovery Program, Ebb, electrical, embedded systems, engineer, Flow, geek, GRAIL, JPL, Lockheed Martin, mentor, Mentor Graphics, Mentor.com, mil-aero, milaero, military, nasa, The Boeing Company
Finally Home
Following a flight on the back of a modified Boeing 747 aircraft to LAX and traversing Los Angeles roads, the historic NASA Space Shuttle Endeavour is on temporary display in the Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion California Science Center, also called the California ScienCenter, in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, California.
The California Science Museum is in the process of building a new wing, to be called the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which will serve as Endeavor’s permanent home. There, this majestic space structure embarks on its new mission: to commemorate past achievements in space, to educate and inspire future generations of aerospace engineers and explorers, and to mark the end of an era.
Mark Kelly, commander of Endeavour’s last space mission, has called the space shuttle “a testament to American engineering and ingenuity” and “the most amazing spacecraft ever built, by far.”
It is cliché, but this bittersweet event truly does mark the end of an era. The 30-year NASA space shuttle program came to a close this past summer, and all the space shuttles have since been retired. Yet, there is a silver lining: Commercial innovators and investors are helping to ensure human space flight’s bright future. This geek enjoys aerospace history and is glad to bear witness to the paradigm shift from public to private space programs; it’s exciting, indeed.
The space shuttle Endeavour is moved into it's new temporary home at the California ScienCenter.
This space geek also humbly offers his appreciation to all the women and men that enabled the Endeavour to travel more than 122 million miles, accommodate 154 crew members, and safely complete its journey to the California ScienCenter.
Tags: aerospace, aviation, electrical, electronic, embedded systems, Endeavour, engineer, geek, hardware, mentor, Mentor Graphics, Mentor.com, mil-aero, milaero, military, nasa, software, Warfighters
NASA Space Shuttles’ Final Endeavor
Three out of four decommissioned NASA space shuttle orbiters have found new homes at museums in the United States. Endeavour, built as a replacement for Space Shuttle Challenger, recently arrived at its new home in Los Angeles, and the world was watching.
This geek was impressed and moved by the thousands of people who shared in Endeavour’s journey, logging its path in real time (and even sharing photos) on social media outlets as a Boeing 747 airliner with the space shuttle strapped to its back passed overhead.
Endeavor’s final journey included stops and flyovers at famous California landmarks en route to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), including: Yosemite, the state capitol in Sacramento, the Golden Gate Bridge, Downtown L.A., the CSC, the Coliseum, the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory, the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Santa Monica Pier, Dodger and Angel Stadiums, Disneyland, the Queen Mary, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, and Boeing Huntington Beach.
“It was a very emotional morning as the people of the high desert community, many who worked on the shuttle program since the beginning, came out to give Endeavour a final sendoff,” says Al Hoffman, site manager at Boeing Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) Operations and former Palmdale space shuttle assembly/test manager. “The space shuttle program truly left its mark on the world, and I share the pride of many in our community and our company who had the honor and privilege to be a part of it.”
All told, Endeavor completed 25 missions, spent 299 days in orbit, orbited Earth 4,671 times, and traveled 122,883,151 miles during its career, from roughly 1988 through 2011.
Tags: aerospace, aviation, CrewMax, electrical, electronic, embedded systems, Endeavour, engineer, geek, hardware, mentor, Mentor Graphics, Mentor.com, mil-aero, milaero, military, nasa, software, Toyota, Warfighters
About J. VanDomelen Mil/Aero Blog
J. VanDomelen holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and myriad certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTia in varying facets of computer software, hardware, and network design and implementation. He has worked in the electronics industry for more than 12 years in varied fields, including advanced systems design of highly technical military and aerospace computer systems, semiconductor manufacturing, open source software development, hardware design, and rapid prototyping.
Latest Posts
- Lofty Goals Part One
- Coming Soon to a TV Near You
- One in a Million
- One-way Ticket to Mars
- To Infinity and Beyond