Watching this original coverage of the Apollo 11 launch today, I was struck by the professionalism. There is no attempt to entertain or sensationalize here. Just calm and composed communication of the most momentous event in human history.
100 tons to Mars
Some details on SpaceX’s Mars plan and the issues they are working on.
Ars Technica Rocket engines 101
Ostensibly about the SpaceX Raptor engine, it’s really so much more. If you’ve ever had a hankerin’ to learn more about rocket engine design, Everyday Astronaut‘s latest video is a great place to start.
YouTube Trans-Mars radiation shielding
A trip to Mars using current propulsion technology takes several months. During that time, astronauts will be exposed to solar and cosmic radiation. In Iowa, a group of undergrads is working the problem.
https://www.space.com/amp/magnetic-space-shield-mars-mission.html
Moon or bust?
Here’s the most thorough evaluation of the the latest push for the Moon that I’ve found. The TL;DR is that the winds are all over the place. This push is likely to fail. But we should root for it anyway because it’s shaking things up.
An impressive stack
Wowza! He’s talking about an Orion atop a ULA second stage atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy. We live in interesting times.
Off the shelf to the Moon
This is a fascinating development. The head of NASA just opened the door for commercial launch of NASA lunar missions.
“If we tell you, and others, that we’re going to launch in June of 2020 around the Moon, I think we should launch around the Moon in June of 2020. And I think it can be done. We should consider, as an agency, all options to accomplish that objective.”
SpaceX Demo-1
In the wee hours of tomorrow morning (3/2/19), SpaceX will be launching its Crew Dragon for the first time. While it will not be carrying people, this is a big deal. Continue reading “SpaceX Demo-1”
Asteroid mining
“… there are no major technological barriers keeping us from harvesting the resources of the Moon and asteroids. All the barriers are financial.”
Starship test hopper
What we know so far about Starship and its prototype taking shape in Texas.
