NEW PAPYRUS

Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains How Newt Gingrich's Anti-Government Rhetoric Undermines His Space Policies

2012-01-28T19:22:00.000-08:00

Newt Gingrich's Goals for America's Future in Space

2012-01-25T19:06:00.000-08:00

Links:

Gingrich’s Gradiose Plans for American Space Exploration

Newt Gingrich speaks to crowd in Cocoa

Russian Space Agency Calls for Creation of Manned Moon Base

2012-01-21T09:21:00.000-08:00

References

http://rt.com/news/moon-exploration-roscosmos-nasa-359/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/20/moon-base_n_1218535.html

Harrison Schmitt Says its Time to Settle the Moon

2012-01-09T02:37:00.000-08:00

America’s Deep Space Vision: Settlement of the Moon and Mars versus Asteroid Visits

by Harrison Schmitt

America’s eroding geopolitical stature, highlighted by the July 21, 2011, end to flights of the United States Space Shuttle, has reached crisis proportions. Obama Administration officials now spin the nebulous thought of Astronauts flying many months to an undetermined asteroid in 2025 as an actual “National Space Policy”. On the other hand, Republican candidates for President have not yet recognized the importance of international civil space competition in the federal government’s constitutional function to provide for the nation’s “common defence”. Candidates appear to be uninterested in having the United States lead deep space exploration, including the establishment of American settlements on the Moon; or may actually consider Obama’s unfocused proposals as being credible rather than realizing that those proposals would transfer geopolitical dominance to China and control of American space transport to Russia.

Although the Bush Administration and Congress did not follow through with adequate funding, at least the 2004 Vision for Space Exploration put forth by President Bush and approved by Congress was a legitimate formulation of a National Space Policy. It implicitly recognized that America’s best security interests would not be served by being dependent on Russia for access to space or by ceding to China both deep space exploration and access to space resources. Unfortunately, with the acquiescence of Congress in 2010, President Obama cancelled what had become known as NASA’s Constellation Program – a program designed to maintain and expand America’s hard-won position as the world’s leading space-faring nation. Meanwhile, China is building a major new deep space launch facility in Hainan and developing new rockets and spacecraft to take over the exploration of the Moon from the United States and the free world.

A properly funded Constellation Program, would have returned Americans and their partners to the Moon, begun creation of the infrastructure and operational capabilities to settle there and go to Mars and beyond, and provided a timely replacement for the aging Space Shuttle. Assuming that the Obama Administration actually requests authorization and budget authority to implement a human mission to a near-Earth asteroid (NEO), including the required heavy lift rockets, specialized spacecraft, operational infrastructure, and hiring authority, how would such a mission stack up relative to returning to the Moon?

Mars Mission Preparation

Heavy Lift Launch Vehicles & Operational Experience. Both repeated trips to the Moon and an occasional asteroid mission require an Apollo Saturn V-class, heavy lift rocket to escape the Earth’s gravity-well. Lunar exploration and an eventual commercially supported lunar settlement, however, would give a much greater, long-term return on investment of the same taxpayer dollars. Operational experience and multi-generational training gained at a Moon base or settlement is far more relevant to exploration and bases on the gravitationally similar Martian surface (3/8 gravity versus 1/6 gravity) than a mere “rendezvous and docking” with a near zero gravity asteroid.

Physiological Countermeasures. Understanding of the physiological countermeasures to space radiation exposure necessary for travel to Mars can be gained on the Moon sooner and at much lower risk with the added benefit of the future production of lunar water for radiation shielding. Of particular importance is determining whether the Moon’s one-sixth Earth’s gravity triggers physiological re-adaptation after astronauts experience the adverse effects of prolonged exposure to zero gravity during travel to Mars. This cannot be determined on a near zero-gravity asteroid. (The complexity and cost of physiological countermeasures on a Mars mission is critically dependent on knowing if this re-adaptation occurs in one-sixth gravity or not.)

Operational Approaches. Operational approaches for Mars landing and exploration, such as communications delays and lander concepts, can be evaluated and simulated realistically during lunar operations but not during an asteroid mission. Similarly, layered engineering defenses related to planetary biological protection and dust mitigation on Mars can be fully tested at a lunar base or settlement but not during a short visit to an asteroid. In addition, Mars atmospheric entry and descent vehicles and procedures can be tested in the low-density upper atmosphere of Earth more logically as an adjunct to a lunar exploration and settlement program than as part of a single purpose mission to an asteroid. Entry, descent and landing by large spacecraft through the thin but operationally significant Martian atmosphere are challenges for which there currently are no known engineering solutions.

Commercialization of He-3 and other Lunar Volatiles. Commercial access to the fusion energy resource of the Moon, Helium-3, also opens the potential of interplanetary fusion rockets that would allow continuous acceleration and deceleration between Earth and Mars, thus lowering travel risk to humans exploring deep space. Further, the Helium-3 production by-products of hydrogen, oxygen, and water can significantly lower the cost and risk of deep space travel and space station re-supply. A one-time visit to an asteroid provides no technically or commercially viable alternatives in this arena.

Reduction of Risk for Mars Missions. Programmatically, the transition from a lunar exploration and commercially supported settlement initiative to one focused on Mars landing and exploration would be more straightforward than a one-shot asteroid visit. Lunar exploration overall imposes much lower risk to explorers and mission success than a brief visit to an asteroid and is far more applicable to the reduction of the risks of Mars transit and exploration.

Science

Solar System History. Far more new science related to the early history of the Earth and other planets can be gained through renewed lunar exploration, sampling and analysis than similar activities related to an asteroid. Most asteroid science has been and can be gained from meteorites and multi-spectral imaging by the Hubble and future Webb telescopes. Robotic missions to asteroids, like the Dawn spacecraft now at Vesta, can answer most remaining questions about asteroids, particularly if sample returns are implemented in the future. Finally, the history and evolution of the Sun can be investigated extensively by studies of the long-term variations in solar wind composition and effects recorded in over-lapping layers in the lunar regolith (impact-generated rock debris). Such studies would not be productive on an accessible asteroid.

Astrophysical, Earth and Solar Observatories. A far-side lunar observatory shielded from both solar and terrestrial radio noise would be a boon to observational astronomy; however, no synoptic observational science of other parts of the universe, particularly in radio frequencies, can be conducted in a practical way from an asteroid. Also, a multi-spectral polar Earth observatory at a lunar pole, with simultaneous solar observation, would establish long-term, continuous, full sphere monitoring of weather and climate as well as providing a coherent means of synthesizing more detailed but much less synoptic data gathered from near-Earth satellites. Asteroids, of course, provide no such climate, weather and atmospheric physics-related opportunities.

Resources and Commercial Opportunities

Commercialization of He-3 and other Lunar Volatiles. Terrestrially valuable energy resources, that is, Helium-3 fusion fuel and solar energy, exist on the Moon a short distance from the Earth, but are not a practical option for shipment or transmission from an occasional passing asteroid. In this regard, much is known about the commercial parameters of potential lunar resources; however, little is known about the concentrations, physical and chemical form, or ease of access of potential resources on NEO asteroids. Also, gravity can assist in resource extraction and processing on the Moon but not on a near zero gravity NEO asteroid. Due to communication delays, possible resource mining and processing on an asteroid must be autonomous for relatively short intervals with only periodic human command input. This is unlike resource mining and processing on the Moon where it can be continuous either by human crews or by tele-robotic operation from Earth.

Economics of Lunar vs. Asteroidal Resources. Unlike the available analyses for the energy resources of the Moon, the required financial envelope for potential commercialization of asteroid resources is completely undefined with major questions as to technical practicality. Once Americans permanently established themselves on the Moon, available lunar resources include readily accessible and relatively low cost consumables necessary for operations in space, including water, hydrogen, oxygen, helium, carbon and nitrogen compounds, and food products. Various solid elements and oxides also could support manufacturing of products for use at a lunar settlement or elsewhere in space.

Tourism. Lunar tourism will eventually become a viable commercial opportunity once launch and support costs are compatible with the heavy lift launch costs required by commercial energy production (about $3000 per 220 pounds); whereas, asteroid tourism, as well as asteroid mining, will remain the stuff of science fiction for the foreseeable future.

Launch Opportunities and Mission Operations

Frequency of Access. For hypothetically possible missions to near-Earth asteroids (NEOs) that cross the orbit of the Earth, very few asteroid rendezvous opportunities exist over time versus essentially continuous opportunities for the Moon. Time for human asteroid exploration will be short because of increasing energy requirement to return as the asteroid moves away from Earth. On the other hand, stay-times on the Moon have no such constraint.

“Rendezvous and Docking” at an NEO. Because of the near zero gravity of an asteroid, an asteroid mission is a “rendezvous and docking” mission requiring very difficult operational procedures in order for astronauts to explore and sample the materials found there. Asteroids in orbit between Mars and Jupiter, such as Vesta currently being imaged by Dawn, require prohibitively long flight times for human visits until new, much more rapid propulsion technology exists.

Education

Stimulation of Learning and Ambition. An asteroid mission would provide flight opportunities to only a few astronauts and thus limit the interest of children and young people in preparing for careers related to space and technology. In contrast, an indefinite commitment to lunar exploration and commercially supported settlement offers a permanent set of career opportunities as a stimulus to STEM education and economic innovation throughout the country. Importantly, the Moon is a destination children and young people can see with their own eyes in the nighttime sky. That sight would become even more inspiring with the knowledge that men, women and families are living and working on the Moon as those youngsters look up to the sky…and to their futures… while other children look up to see Earth.

Leadership and National Security

Lunar exploration and settlement as a precursor to missions to Mars and beyond would be far more productive and practical than a onetime mission to an asteroid. A return to the Moon also constitutes much less risky national policy in the still risky business of deep space exploration.

All public indications are that our Cold War II adversary, China, includes space in its vision of geopolitical dominance as well as in its plans for technological, educational and energy resource advancement. China’s announced long-term space policy is focused on the Moon. The United States stands as the only viable bulwark of freedom on the planet. If the Federal Government ignores this challenge, as well as the commercial energy resources of the Moon and its role as an essential steppingstone to Mars, its constitutional duty to provide for the security of America will be fatally compromised. An asteroid mission constitutes an unacceptable diversion in our broader responsibility to future generations.

Originally posted at:

http://americasuncommonsense.com/blog/2012/01/

http://blog.heartland.org/2012/01/americas-deep-space-vision-settlement-of-the-moon-and-mars-versus-asteroid-visits/

NASA Orion/SLS Assembly and Launch

2012-01-02T14:46:00.000-08:00

Private Moon Base Agenda

2011-12-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

MSL Takes Off for Mars!

2011-11-26T08:43:00.000-08:00

Armstrong, Aldrin, Collins, & Glenn

2011-11-16T19:21:00.000-08:00

China's Long Term Space Station Goals

2011-11-15T10:31:00.000-08:00

Lightsail to Jupiter

2011-11-04T19:53:00.000-07:00

PBS: Should the US Invest More in Nuclear Power?

2011-10-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

Watch The nuclear option on PBS. See more from Need To Know.

The Sleepy Hollows of Mercury

2011-10-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

The Economic Future of Small Nuclear Reactors

2011-10-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

Netflix Terminates Quikster

2011-10-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

video platform video management video solutions video player

Steve Jobs: 1955 - 2011

2011-10-05T19:31:00.001-07:00

"I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work. Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives. The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely. "

Bill Gates

"Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you."

Mark Zuckerberg

"My condolences to Steve Jobs family and friends. We've lost a unique tech pioneer and auteur who knew how to make amazingly great products."

Paul Allen

"Steve Jobs was a visionary who changed the way we live, an innovator whose products brought joy to millions, a risktaker who wasn't afraid to challenge the status quo, and an entrepreneur who led one of the most creative companies of our time.

"His sage advice was respected by policymakers on both sides of the aisle. His courageous fight against cancer brought strength to many.

"I hope it is a comfort to those who loved him, especially his family, that so many grieve his loss and are praying for them at this sad time."

Nancy Pelosi

"Steve Jobs was a great California innovator who demonstrated what a totally independent and creative mind can accomplish. Few people have made such a powerful and elegant imprint on our lives. Anne and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Steve's wife, Laurene, and their entire family."

Statement from California Gov. Edmund Brown

"Tonight, America lost a genius who will be remembered with Edison and Einstein, and whose ideas will shape the world for generations to come. Again and again over the last four decades, Steve Jobs saw the future and brought it to life long before most people could even see the horizon. And Steve's passionate belief in the power of technology to transform the way we live brought us more than smart phones and iPads: it brought knowledge and power that is reshaping the face of civilization. In New York City's government, everyone from street construction inspectors to NYPD detectives have harnessed Apple's products to do their jobs more efficiently and intuitively. Tonight our City - a city that has always had such respect and admiration for creative genius - joins with people around the planet in remembering a great man and keeping Laurene and the rest of the Jobs family in our thoughts and prayers."

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg

"Steve lived the California Dream every day of his life and he changed the world and inspired all of us. Thank You Steve"

Arnold Schwarzenegger

" I'm going to turn off my Apple computer, iPhone and iPad tonight at 8pm and honor Steve with a moment of digital silence. Will you join me?"

I'm so happy that I knew him and was so blessed by his friendship. He impacted all of our lives and changed the world."

My heart weeps for all who worked with Steve and who loved him, especially my friend Laurene and their children."

Former California first lady Maria Shriver

“Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators – brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.

By building one of the planet’s most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.

The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him.”

President Barack Obama

Steve Jobs was truly a giant of the 20th and 21st centuries whose positive vision of the future dramatically changed the world for the better. Thank you Steve Jobs!

Marcel F. Williams

Passive Auxiliary Cooling System for Commercial Nuclear Power Plants

2011-09-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute of South Korea on Thursday claimed that they have developed the first-- passive-- auxiliary feedwater system for automatically cooling a reactor core in the event of a total power black out from both the grid and from emergency power back up systems. If the system had been installed at a commercial nuclear power facility such as the facility at Fukushima, Japan, they claim that it would have been able to cool the power plant despite the total loss of electricity to the facility.

“We completed the first performance test on PASF. We can export this device that dramatically increases safety at nuclear plants,” said Baek Won-pil, head of the nuclear energy research division at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute.

Links

New device keeps nuclear plants safe amid blackout
http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?bicode=020000&biid=2011093049808

Audio
http://mplay.donga.com/foreign/201109/20110930/m2011093049808e.asf

Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
http://www.kaeri.re.kr:8080/english/

NASA Chooses Future Space Launch System

2011-09-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

Credit NASA

Credit NASA

Growing Trees for Energy is Not a Good Idea

2011-09-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

Russian Space Hotel

2011-09-05T22:57:00.000-07:00

Mike Griffin Slams Obama

2011-08-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

VESTA: Asteroid Rotation Video from NASA

2011-08-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

MPCV Splash Down Test

2011-07-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

Poll Results: How to Use NASA's Future Space Launch System

2011-07-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

Of the individual categories, establishing a polar lunar base was favored more than six to one over the Obama plan to visit an asteroid and nearly two to one over an Apollo style manned mission to Mars. While the-- all of the above-- category received the most votes, only 15% of those polled at the Daily Kos site said that NASA didn't need a new space launch system.

Marcel F. Williams

Developing New Crew Launch Vehicles for NASA (Daily Kos)

Boeing Commercial CST-100 Launch on a Delta IV

2011-07-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

Deriving Economically Sustainable Crew Launch Vehicles from the SLS

2011-07-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

by Marcel F. Williams

With the end of the Space Shuttle era, there has been much focus on the emerging commercial crew industry in America with the hope that these vehicles will be ready to transport humans into orbit by the middle of the decade. However, by law, NASA's new SLS (Space Launch System) must also be capable of launching humans into orbit and beyond while also serving as a backup system for delivering crew and cargo to the ISS if such missions cannot be met by the private commercial crew companies.

It has generally been assumed that the crew launch vehicle derived from a shuttle space launch system (SLS) will simply be composed of an inline LOX/LH2 rocket coupled with two 4-segment or 5-segment solid rocket boosters (SRBs). Such a system would be capable of carrying a 20 tonne Orion-MPCV (Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle) to LEO plus perhaps an additional 40 to 50 tonnes of payload to orbit.

However, without an upper stage (US), such a crew launch vehicle would have very limited beyond LEO capabilities.

But with an upper stage, a crewed SLS should be capable of transporting the 20 tonne Orion plus an additional 10 to 20 tonnes of payload practically anywhere within cis-lunar space (the Lagrange points: L1, L2, L4, and L5 and lunar orbit). And as an unmanned vehicle, the SLS could eventually evolve into a system that could carry as much as 200 tonnes to LEO and 80 tonnes to L1 if it utilized up to four 5-segment SRBs plus and upper stage.

Right: crew launch vehicle with two 4-segment SRBs capable of transporting the Orion-MPCV to LEO ; left: crew launch vehicle with two 4-segment SRBs plus and upper stage (US) capable of transporting the Orion-MPCV anywhere within cis-lunar space

However, as a crew launch system could be much simpler, safer, and cheaper to operate if the SLS was launched without the SRBs. The only fatal crew launch accident ever to occur during the Space Shuttle era was due to a malfunction in the SRBs O-ring that allowed how gases and plumes to critically damage the adjacent cryogenically fueled external tank; the subsequent explosion destroyed the vessel and killed the crew. So in a new launch system, crew safety has to be a priority.

Shuttle derived LOX/LH2 core vehicle capable of launching a 20 tonne Orion-MPCV with a stretched SM with 8 to 9 tonnes of extra hypergolic fuel to LEO

A stretched shuttle derived LOX/LH2 without SRBs could send the Orion capsule to LEO by simply using the hypergolic fueled Service Module (SM) as an upper stage. An additional 8 to 9 tonnes of hypergolic fuel in a stretched SM with could transport 20 tonnes to LEO. Boeing Inc. has already conceived such a SLS derived crew launch vehicle without the SRBs.

Left: Cis-lunar crew launch vehicle, center: HLV cargo vehicle using two 4-segment SRBs, right: HLV cargo vehicle using three LOX/LH2 core vehicles

However, a stretched shuttle derived core vehicle with a large upper stage-- but still without SRBs-- could transport the 20 tonne Orion MPCV anywhere within cis-lunar space. If the upper stage is equipped with multiple RL-10 engines then the crew launch vehicle would have uber-safe engine-out capability in both first and second stages. This would allow NASA conduct simpler and safer manned cis-lunar missions to L1, L2, L4, L5, and lunar orbit almost immediately after the SLS becomes operational in 2016. And NASA is required by law to define near term manned missions for the SLS within cis-lunar space.

Orion-MPCV on cis-lunar mission to lunar orbit

Coupled with SRBs, the SLS would be the only vehicle capable of deploying the largest 65 tonne plus Bigelow space stations (BA-2100) to LEO or sending the smaller 25 tonne water shielded Bigelow space stations (BA 330) to the Lagrange points. While such Lagrange point space stations would still have too little shielding to provide astronauts with adequate protection against galactic radiation and especially potentially brain damaging heavy nuclei beyond a few weeks time, such stations would still contain enough water shielding to protect astronauts from the dangers of a major solar event.

As an orbital crew launch vehicle, the two stage LOX/LH2 vehicle might be capable of transporting the 20 tonne Orion plus 30 to 40 tonnes of payload to LEO. While this might seem like overkill, it should be remembered that transporting humans to an orbital space station requires more than just transporting the human body. Every human requires nearly one tonne of water, oxygen, and food per month in order to survive in space.

Once Americans return to the Moon again (which should still be NASA's priority, IMO), it has been suggested that a reusable LOX/LH2 lunar lander be developed that utilizes fuel mined from the lunar poles. Such a lunar transportation system would be able to transport humans and cargo from the lunar surface to L1 and back. This would greatly simplify and reduce the cost of sending humans to and from the lunar surface. And such a simpler and safer SLS combined with a reusable lunar shuttle might be very attractive to private commercial spaceflight companies seeking to expand the emerging space tourism industry all the way to the lunar surface.

References

1. Heavy Lift Launch Vehicles with Existing Propulsion Systems

2. NASA’s Space Launch System - an All-Liquid Alternative

3. The NASA Authorization Act of 2010

4. Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle

5. Orion Spacecraft

6. BA 330

7. Mission and Implementation of an Affordable Lunar Return

8. Conquering Cis-Lunar Space with Shuttle and ULA Derived Technologies

9. Boeing's New HLV Concept could be the DC-3 of Manned Rocket Boosters

The Future of Commercial Space Flight

2011-07-08T19:48:00.000-07:00

The space effort itself while still in its infancy has already created a great number of new companies and tens of thousands of new jobs. Space and related industries are generating new demand, investment and skilled personal. - John F. Kennedy

Miss America on Evolution

2011-06-26T17:15:00.001-07:00

But those who don't believe the human evolutionary theory should be taught in schools clearly indicates how far America has fallen in teaching our kids science

Sierra Nevada Honors NASA's HL-20 Legacy

2011-06-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Iran Launches Second Satellite into Orbit

2011-06-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

Iran's second satellite blast into orbit

Distant Video of Dawn's Approach towards the Asteroid Vesta

2011-06-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

Overview of Dawn's mission to the asteroids Vesta and Ceres

Chinese Cows Produce Human Breast Milk

2011-06-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

Dr. Paul Spudis on Utilizing Cis-Lunar Space

2011-06-07T00:21:00.000-07:00

Jeff Greason on a Settlement Strategy For NASA

2011-05-31T12:53:00.000-07:00

Jeff Greason- A Settlement Strategy for NASA an the Moon and Back.com

Energy Secretary Steven Chu on Nuclear Power, Waste, and Fukushima

2011-05-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

Gary Lyles on NASA's Current HLV Concepts

2011-05-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

JFK Moon Speech before Congress

2011-05-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

John Olson on NASA's Future Direction

2011-05-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

PBS Interview with Mark Kelly and the Space Shuttle Crew

2011-05-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

Loves his Chevy Volt

2011-05-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

This Week at NASA

2011-05-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

Evolution Made Bin Laden too:-)

2011-05-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

In celebration of all things bright and beautiful and the eventual demise of religious fanaticism!

Evolution Made Us All from Ben Hillman on Vimeo.

Ten Years of Space Tourism

2011-04-28T18:00:00.001-07:00

Jeff Greason: Rocket Man

2011-04-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

Pusher Launch Abort System Tests for Boeing's Future Crew Capsule (CST-100)

2011-04-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

A series of hot-fire test was successfully completed by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne in California for the pusher launch abort system designed for Boeing's future crew capsule, the CST-100.

References

Boeing Tests “Pusher” Abort System for CST-100 Vehicle

Hot Fire Of Boeing’s CST-100 Spacecraft Launch Abort Engine

Lockheed Martin's Orion Promo

2011-03-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

The Nuclear Fall Out from Japan

2011-03-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

A radio interview with Dr. Kirk Smith, a professor of global environmental health at UC Berkeley, on the growing concerns over radiation exposure following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

KCBS: In Depth: March 20, 2011

Inside an American Nuclear Power Plant

2011-03-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The Future of Small Nuclear Reactors

2011-03-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

A Message from the NRC about American Nuclear Reactor Safety

2011-03-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

U.S. Nuclear Plants are Designed for Severe Natural Hazards

"We’ve gotten some questions about how U.S. nuclear power plants would fare when faced with severe natural hazards. To answer: NRC’s rigorous safety regulations ensure that U.S. nuclear facilities are designed to withstand tsunamis, earthquakes and other hazards. In addition to those plants in recognized earthquake zones, the NRC has been working with several agencies to assess recent seismic research for the central and eastern part of the country. That work continues to indicate U.S. plants will remain safe.

For more information on U.S. nuclear power plants and earthquakes, read our backgrounder on the subject here: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/fs-seismic-issues.html"

Eliot Brenner

Public Affairs Director

http://public-blog.nrc-gateway.gov/2011/03/13/u-s-nuclear-plants-are-designed-for-severe-natural-hazards/

NASA and Accelerating American Innovation

2011-03-11T11:45:00.000-08:00

Mad Men On High Speed Rail

2011-03-09T19:49:00.000-08:00

Mad Men On Trains from Rich Sommer

The Dangers of Traveling to Mars

2011-03-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

Watch the full episode. See more NOVA scienceNOW.

Evolution Made US All:-)

2011-03-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

Evolution Made Us All from Ben Hillman on Vimeo.

Is the Future of Nuclear Energy in China?

2011-03-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

NASA Adminstrator, Charlie Bolden, Testifies before Congress

2011-03-04T13:45:00.000-08:00

You can watch the entire March 2, 2011 of NASA administrator Charlie Bolden's testimony before Congress at:

http://science.house.gov/hearing/full-committee-hearing-0

The most interesting comment, IMO, by Bolden was the following:

"....it would not take us until 2030 to go to the Moon. If we decided that we wanted to go to the Moon and put humans there, you know that potentially could be done by the end of this present decade..." Charlie Bolden March 2, 2011

Milford Wolpoff on Multiregional Human Evolution

2011-03-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

Westinghouse Small Nuclear Reactors

2011-02-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

Secretary Chu Discusses the Future of Small Nuclear Reactors

2011-02-20T12:38:00.000-08:00

Vertical Farming

2011-02-16T08:56:00.000-08:00

http://www.verticalfarm.com/

The Liberty Manned Space Launch System

2011-02-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

Liberty on the launch pad (credit ATK)

Possible crew launch vehicles for Liberty (Credit ATK)

References

1. Canceled NASA Rocket Could Return as Part of Low-Cost Space Taxi

2. ATK Wants To Sell NASA a Recycled Ares 1

Expediting the Development and Lowering the Cost of NASA's New Space Launch System and Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle

2011-01-27T07:42:00.000-08:00

by Marcel F. Williams

The NASA Authorization Act of 2010, requires that NASA build a Space Launch System (SLS) whose core elements, without an upper stage, are initially capable of lifting 70 to 100 tons (63 to 90 metric tons) to low-Earth orbit no later than December 31, 2016.

In January, NASA surprised Congress by responding:

"The NASA Authorization Act of 2010 directs NASA to begin development of the SLS achieving operational capability for the core elements not later than December 31, 2016. While NASA will work as expeditiously as possible to meet the 2016 goal, NASA does not believe this goal is achievable based on a combination of the current funding profile estimate, traditional approaches to acquisition, and currently considered vehicle architectures. However, we are exploring more innovative procurement and development strategies to determine whether we can come closer to the December 31, 2016 goal."

NASA's SLS reference vehicle with 5 RS-25E LOX/LH2 engines, two 5-segment SRBs, and a LOX/LH2 upper stage.(Credit NASA)

NASA presented a reference heavy lift vehicle that consisted of a LOX/LH2 core stage with 5 RS-25 engines plus two 5-segment SRBs and a J-2X upper stage which they believe comes closest to complying with the Congressional mandates. While the 5-segment SRB and the J-2X upper stage is currently under development by NASA and its vendors, this reference vehicle actually greatly exceeds the minimum requirements mandated by Congress.

First of all, there is no need to immediately develop a 5-segment SRB. The 4-segment SRBs currently used by the Space Shuttle should allow the HLV to meet the minimum Congressional requirements. But we're still not talking about a substantial loss of lifting capacity for an HLV if the 5-segment SRBs are not immediately developed. For example, if the current 4-segment SRBs were replaced by 5-segment SRBs for the current Space Shuttle, they would only be able to add an additional 9 tonnes of payload capacity to LEO.

Secondly, a LOX/LH2 upper stage is also not necessary in order to reach the minimum lifting capability of 63 metric tons required by Congress. A stretched core LOX/LH2 vehicle with 5 RS-25E rocket engines and two 4-segment solid rocket engines should be able to lift more than 70 metric tons into low-Earth orbit.

Crew launch vehicle with 5 shuttle derived RS-25E engines along side of an unmanned heavy lift vehicle with 5 RS-25E engines plus two 4-segment SRBs.

So several billion dollars in SLS development cost could be saved by deferring funding for the upper stage and the 5-segment SRBs until the basic core vehicle mandated by Congress is operational.

Additionally, with 5 shuttle derived RS-25E engines, the core vehicle could also be utilized as a crew launch vehicle potentially capable of launching 20 to 35 tonnes into low-Earth orbit without in SRBs. Statistically, this should be a substantially safer vehicle than utilizing an HLV with SRBs for crew launches.

NASA further stated in January 2010:

"As noted earlier, the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 directs NASA to begin development of the MPCV (Multi-purpose Crew Vehicle) with the goal of achieving full operational capability not later than December 31, 2016. While NASA will work expeditiously to meet the 2016 goal, NASA notes that, as with the SLS, a 2016 crewed first flight does not appear to be possible within projected FY 2011 and out year funding levels."

This time Lockheed Martin's Orion concept from the now defunct Constellation program was used as the reference vehicle: LAS (Launch Abort System), CM (Command Module) that can carry 2 to 4 passengers and land in the ocean, and a hypergolic fueled SM (Service Module).

However, Boeing is also privately developing a CM that they believe can be ready to take passengers into orbit by 2015. Boeing's CST-100 is being designed to carry up to 7 individuals to orbit with a capability of landing of both water and land. The CST-100 is also being designed to fly on top of a variety of launch vehicles: Atlas, Delta, and Falcon 9. Like the Orion, the CST-100 could also be reused up to 10 times. So the CST-100 could be a faster and cheaper option for NASA to help fund and develop since Boeing is already committing its own finances to the venture. And since the CST-100 could be used by a variety of private companies, manufacturing cost for the CST-100 might fall significantly.

Beoing's CST-100 Command Module (Credit Boeing)

The ULA (the United Launch Alliance) is currently contemplating developing a new upper stage for its Atlas and Delta vehicles that could serve as a SM (Service Module) for NASA's Multipurpose Crew Vehicle. The ULA's ACES 41 LOX/LH2 concept could be an alternative to hypergolic fueled SM with substantial advantages for LEO and beyond LEO missions.

First, an equivalently fueled ACES 41 SM would be significantly lighter than a hypergolic fueled SM. And a fully fueled ACES 41 SM would have increased payload capability over a hypergolic SM.

Secondly, the ULA intends to design the ACES 41 to be compatible with space depots. Since a fully fueled ACES 41 would have a delta V capability of at least 5600 meters per sec, it would be capable of traveling from LEO to lunar orbit and the Earth-Moon and Earth-Sun Lagrange points and return to Earth through aerobraking.

Beyond LEO missions for the MPCV can be conducted without an EDS (Earth Departure Stage) by utilizing the heavy lift vehicle to place an ACES derived fuel depot. A crew launcher could then place the MPCV with its ACES-41 SM into orbit where it would dock with the fuel depot to add additional LOX and LH2. And then it could proceed with its mission to the Lagrange points or to lunar orbit and back to Earth. A single HLV launch of a 70 tonne fuel depot several MPCV voyages within cis-lunar space since the SM is likely to carry at least 10 to 20 tonnes of residual LOX and LH2 fuel.

Boeing's CST-100 Command Module combined with the ULA's ACES-41 Service Module. Replacing the hypergolic fueled SM with an ACES-41 SM could allow the age of space depots to begin this decade. The CST-100 uses a hypergolic pusher abort system, no tractor LAS is required. (Credit Boeing and ULA)

Again, since the ULA intends to fund the ACES 41 for its own use, NASA could help to fund its development for the MPCV which would be mutually beneficial for NASA and the ULA and the US military which uses the ULA to deploy satellites for the US military.

So in order for NASA to expedite the development of its SLS and MPCV in order to have in fully operational before the end of 2016 it needs to:

1. Stop funding the immediate development of the 5-segment SRBs for the SLS and instead use existing 4-segment booster technology

2. Stop funding the development of a LOX/LH2 upper stage

3. Help Boeing develop the CST-100 CM with substantially more money that its receiving from NASA's commercial crew initiative.

4. Help the ULA develop the ACES-41 CM

Once the core SLS vehicle or vehicles are fully operational, then NASA can start fully funding the EDS upper stage, the 5-segment SRBs, and maybe even a reusable single stage lunar lander. This will allow us to conquer cis-lunar space for both public and commercial benefit while also greatly enhancing our ability to go on to Mars.

Developing the two basic crew launch and heavy lift vehicles on the left by 2016 could eventually lead to heavy lift vehicles with substantially more lifting capacity (on the right) when the upper stage and 5-segment SRBs are finally developed.

References

1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration! Exploration Program Status

2. Preliminary Report Regarding NASA's Space Launch System and Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle

3. How Apollo Was Saved & Lessons For Today's NASA

4. A Response to NASA from Senator Nelson and Hutchison

5. Conquering Cis-Lunar Space with Shuttle and ULA Derived Technologies

6. DIRECT

7. Heavy Lift Launch Vehicles with Existing Propulsion Systems (Boeing Phantom Works)

8. Boeing's New HLV Concept could be the DC-3 of Manned Rocket Boosters

Phobos

2011-01-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

Big Bigelow Space Station Concepts

2011-01-18T00:55:00.000-08:00

BA 2100

Bigelow Aerospace Shows Off Bigger, Badder Space Real Estate

Robot Snow Plow

2011-01-17T10:58:00.001-08:00

The Dirty Business of Clean Coal

2011-01-09T00:07:00.000-08:00

The James Webb Space Telescope

2011-01-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

70 Successful Space Launches in 2010

2011-01-03T10:55:00.000-08:00

There were 70 successful space launches from Earth last year with 4 failures. Russia lead the way with 30 successful launches and just one failure. That failed launched caused Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev to fire two space officials: Russian space agency (Roscosmos) deputy head Viktor Remishevsky and Vyacheslav Filin, Vice President of the state controlled RKK Energia. The botched December 5 launch of a Proton-M booster rocket failed to reach its initial orbit causing three high-tech GLONASS-M navigation satellites to be dumped near the Hawaiian Islands.

China and the US were second in successful launches in 2010 with 15 successful launches each. But there was a decline in space launches from US soil last year over 2009 when the US launched 24 rockets successfully with just one failure. China, however, has increased its rate of rocket launches dramatically over 2009 when they only launched 6 rockets that successfully place objects into orbit.

Successful Space Launches in 2010

Russia - 30

United States - 15

Europe/Arianespace - 6

China - 15

Japan - 2

India - 1

Israel - 1

Successful Space Launches in 2009

Russia - 32

United States - 24

Europe/Arianespace - 7

China - 6

Japan - 3

India - 2

Iran - 1

Links and References

Roscosmos Officials Fired Over Failed GLONASS Launch

Who Conducted the Most Launches in 2010?

Miss Deaf International 2010

2010-12-28T10:01:00.000-08:00

Miss Deaf International Pagent

The Chevy Volt on Ice

2010-12-27T17:14:00.000-08:00

Chevy Volt Handling in the Snow and Ice

NASA's Bobby Braun talks about Mars

2010-12-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

Donald Trump: China is Laughing at US!

2010-12-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

Only 6% of Scientist Identify Themselves as Republicans?

2010-12-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

Einstein and Oppenheimer: two notoriously liberal scientist

This has to be the most astonishing statistic I've ever encountered! A Pew Research Poll last year found that only 6% of Scientist on average identify themselves as Republicans while 55% of scientist identified themselves and Democrats and 32% of scientist identified themselves as Independents.

Public Praises Science; Scientists Fault Public, Media

Does Science Need More Republicans?

Only Six Percent Of Scientists Are Republicans: Pew Poll

Paleoprimatology & Human Evolution

2010-12-04T13:54:00.000-08:00

Since 1999, Paleoprimatology and Human Evolution has been a forum for the scientific discussion of paleoanthropology, paleoprimatology, physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, stone age archaeology, human origins, primate biology, and primate evolution.

If you're interested in discussing practically all aspects of human and primate biology and evolution then you can join this interesting group at:

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/paleoanthropology/

Marcel F. Williams

Dr. Paul Spudis Discusses Latest Lunar Discoveries

2010-12-01T08:08:00.000-08:00

The End of the Shuttle Program

2010-11-27T08:13:00.000-08:00

Dolphins Looking at Their Own Reflections

2010-11-26T18:22:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Message from ISS Crew

2010-11-25T17:30:00.000-08:00

So Much for International Cooperation in Space

2010-11-23T09:42:00.000-08:00

Earth and space science missions developed and implemented by federal agencies in collaboration typically result in additional complexity and cost and increased risks from divided responsibilities and accountability, says a new report from the National Research Council. Federal agencies should not partner in conducting space and earth science missions unless there is a compelling reason to do so and clear criteria are met in advance.

"A common misperception among policymakers and individual agencies is that collaboration on these missions will save money or somehow boost capabilities," said D. James Baker, director of the global carbon measurement program at the William J. Clinton Foundation and co-chair of the committee that wrote the report. "However, multiagency partnerships generally have just the opposite effect and drive up overall mission costs because of schedule delays, added levels of management, and redundant administrative processes."

Earth and Space Science Missions Have Fewer Risks if Conducted by a Single Government Agency

A Republican Warns about Climate Change

2010-11-21T21:53:00.000-08:00

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/19/a-warning-about-climate-change-from-a-departing-republican/

Two Retired GM Engineers Test Drive the Chevy Volt

2010-11-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

Chevy Volt Named Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year

2010-11-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

“We expected a science experiment, but this is a moon shot. The Volt delivers on the promise of the vehicle concept as originally outlined by GM, combining the smooth, silent, efficient, low-emissions capability of an electric motor with the range and flexibility of an internal combustion engine. It is a fully functional, no-compromise compact automobile that offers consumers real benefits in terms of lower running costs.” Motor Trend: January 2011

http://gm-volt.com/2010/11/16/chevrolet-volt-named-motor-trend-2011-car-of-the-year/

Energy, Environment, and the US Military

2010-11-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

The following are excerpts from a speech by Admiral Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in Washington D.C. last October 13, 2010:

"Recently, I traveled to Tucson and the very first question I fielded during a town hall meeting was not related to our policies in Iraq or Afghanistan or other topics you might expect but related to their interconnection – to the interconnection between energy, security and our global future.

And at the University of Arizona, the very next place I visited later that day, an engineer named Vincent Polowski (sp) shared with me that he believed the number-one national security challenge in the 21st century would be climate change. Vincent is not alone in his concerns. And we are in fact seeing evidence of climate change’s potential impacts on our security.

Near the polar cap, waterways are opening that we couldn’t have imagined it a few years ago – opening trade routes, presenting both opportunity and vulnerability and rewriting the geopolitical map of the world. And it’s not just the people of Arizona who are thinking about these things. Americans around the country are starting to connect the dots between energy, security and our future.

My friend and columnist Tom Friedman has spoken eloquently about – of the growing need and awareness to rethink our views on energy and minimize our dependence on overseas energy sources that fuel regimes that do not always share our interests and values while not further damaging a world that is already becoming overheated, over polluted and overstretched.

We in the Defense Department have a role to play here. Not solely because we should – should be good stewards of our environment and our scarce resources but also because there is a strategic imperative for us to reduce risk, improve efficiencies and preserve our freedom of action wherever we can....

"Quite simply, like most of America, my shipmates and I operated under a “burn it if you’ve got it” mentality. We were providing supporting fire off the coast of Vietnam and when we needed fuel we got it. A few years later, in fact, the very first ship I commanded, the USS Noxubee, was a gasoline tanker dedicated to keeping fuel flowing throughout our fleet.

Now, I do not want to imply that we were deliberately wasteful or reckless. We just held a very conventional view that fuel was cheap, easy and available, without ever really connecting it to any broader geopolitical implications. Clearly, that is not the world we’re living in today.

Many of us here this morning are acutely aware of the cost and challenge in terms of both blood and treasure of providing energy to our forces in Afghanistan today. And recent headlines of NATO fuel convoys being attacked only serve to remind us of these vulnerabilities. DOD is using 300,000 barrels of oil every day. The energy use per soldier creeps up every year. And our number-one import into Afghanistan is fossil fuel.

Yet there is no doubt we are making some progress. Secretary Mabus, who will speak towards the end of this session, is leading the Navy on an ambitious path to cut the nontactical petroleum by 50 percent by 2015 and sail great, green fleets by 2016..."

You can read the rest of Admiral Michael Mullen's speech at:

http://www.jcs.mil/speech.aspx?ID=1472

Doomsday Asteroid

2010-11-12T12:19:00.000-08:00

Only nuclear weapons can save us from a large asteroid?

Asteroids

When World's Collide

The TVA Could be the First to Have Mini-Nuclear Power Plants

2010-11-11T10:19:00.000-08:00

TVA could take lead for 'mini nuke' plants

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Thursday, November 11, 2010
By:
Dave Flessner

The Tennessee Valley Authority is first in line to test a new type of modular nuclear plant that designers boast will be smaller, cheaper and safer than existing reactors.

TVA officials said Wednesday they have taken the first step toward gaining regulatory approval to build up to six new mini-nuclear reactors on the site of the abandoned Clinch River Breeder Reactor in Oak Ridge. In a four-page letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, TVA Vice President Jack Bailey said the federal utility "is evaluating the feasibility" of erecting two of the new Babcock & Wilcox-designed "mPower reactors" by 2020.

Each of the new reactors would produce 125 megawatts of electricity -- about 10 percent as much as conventional reactors at TVA's other plants -- and could be built in controlled factory conditions to cut production costs and ensure construction quality.

"The mPower design makes substantial use of modular construction technology which enables major portions of the plant to be fabricated in controlled manufacturing environments and shipped to the site via rail and trucks," Bailey said.

If approved by the TVA board and regulators, TVA would be the first utility to build the new reactor design.

But critics question why TVA is pursuing a new plant design that is yet to be certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

"We are highly skeptical that these modular designs are going to deliver as promised," said Stephen Smith, executive director for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. "There is a whole set of issues that are likely to be raised about these plants so TVA, the NRC and the contractors should expect a real fight."

Smith said he is encouraged that TVA opted to pursue regulatory approval for any mPower units built in Oak Ridge under the NRC's older, two-step licensing process. Rather than the single combined-operating license process being used for other new plants, TVA will seek a construction permit to build the new units and a separate licensing permit once the units are completed.

TVA spokesman Terry Johnson said the utility is using the two-step licensing approach to allow more flexibility for TVA and the manufacturers of the mPower reactor to change the way the plant is designed and built over the next decade. Under the single combined operating license, the NRC must pre-approve the design and construction method for any new plant before any building work begins.

Johnson said the Oak Ridge site was deemed appropriate for a nuclear plant in the 1970s when the U.S. Department of Energy planned to build a breeder reactor on the Clinch River site. The nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which helped develop the first atomic reactors in the post World War II "atoms for peace" program, could help support and use the power from at least one of the new reactors, Johnson said. TVA has set a goal of generating at least half of its power from noncarbon sources and the Oak Ridge lab has set a goal of being carbon-free in its own energy consumption by 2020.

Rick Bonsall, vice president of business development for Babcock & Wilcox, said the proposed TVA plant in Oak Ridge will be the launch site for the new mPower reactor. But he said B&W and its alliance partner, Bechtel Engineering Corp., are talking with several utilities also interested in using the new modular design reactors.

Although the design of the mPower reactor is still under regulatory review, Bonsall said it uses many of the technologies of existing pressured water reactors and the reactors will be small enough to be built underground to add extra containment.

"Any time you can do a lot of work in a factory environment, you have a lot more control on schedule and costs," he said.

TVA and B&W declined to release any early cost estimates for the new reactors, but Johnson said any units "will be competitive in price" with other power options available for the future.

The new reactor could be build as soon as 2020 as a follow-up to TVA's Watts Bar Unit 2 reactor scheduled for completion in 2012 and the Bellefonte Unit 1 reactor scheduled for possible completion as soon as 2018.

TVA could take lead for 'mini nuke' plants

mPower Small Nuclear Reactor Conference

The Moon, Mars, or Asteroids: The Future of Extraterrestrial Resources

2010-11-10T16:26:00.000-08:00

NASA's Next Heavy Lift Vehicle?

2010-11-08T16:29:00.000-08:00

NASA Selects Companies For Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicle Studies

WASHINGTON -- NASA has selected 13 companies for negotiations leading to potential contract awards to conduct systems analysis and trade studies for evaluating heavy-lift launch vehicle system concepts, propulsion technologies, and affordability.

The selected companies are:

Aerojet General Corp., Rancho Cordova, Calif.
Analytical Mechanics Associates, Huntsville, Ala.
Andrews Space, Tukwila, Wash.
Alliant Techsystems, Huntsville, Ala.
The Boeing Co., Huntsville, Ala.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Huntsville, Ala.
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Huntsville, Ala.
Orbital Sciences Corp., Chandler, Ariz.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Canoga Park, Calif.
Science Applications International Corp., Huntsville, Ala.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Hawthorne, Calif.
United Launch Alliance, Centennial, Colo.
United Space Alliance, Huntsville, Ala.

The awards total approximately $7.5 million with a maximum individual contract award of $625,000. Each company will provide a final report to help lay the groundwork for the transportation system that could launch humans to multiple destinations, including asteroids, Lagrange points, the moon and Mars.

"These trade studies will provide a look at innovative launch vehicle concepts, propulsion technologies, and processes that should make human exploration missions more affordable," said Doug Cooke, associate administrator of NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at the agency's Headquarters in Washington. "If we are to travel beyond low-Earth orbit, industry's collaboration is essential to reduce the cost associated with our future exploration goals and approaches and make the heavy-lift vehicle affordable to build and fly."

The studies will include heritage systems from shuttle and Ares, as well as alternative architectures and identify propulsion technology gaps including main propulsion elements, propellant tanks and rocket health management systems. The reports will include assessments of various heavy-lift launch vehicle and in-space vehicle that use different propulsion combinations. The companies will examine how these combinations can be employed to meet multiple mission objectives.

NASA will use the recommendations to evaluate heavy-lift launch vehicle concepts and propulsion technologies for affordability that will be required to enable robust and sustainable future exploration missions.

References:

http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2010/nov/HQ_10-292_Heavy_Lift.html

http://www.nasa.gov

The President's Common Sense Tax Proposal

2010-11-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

TerraPower's New Website

2010-11-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

TerraPower has a new website promoting the development of its future Traveling Wave Reactor which in theory could utilize spent fuel, depleted uranium, and thorium to produce nuclear energy for commercial use.

Using the Traveling Wave Reactor, TerraPower hopes to develop nuclear reactors that never have to be refueled and are capable of utilizing the world's depleted uranium stockpile which would be able to produce hundreds of trillions of dollars of electricity for utilities and for synfuel production. With a US depleted uranium stockpile of nearly 500,000 tonnes, the US has enough depleted uranium to pay off its national debt (approximately $14 trillion) several times over.

The new TerraPower website is located at:

http://www.terrapower.com/home.aspx

Watch these interesting videos to learn more about the potential of the Traveling Wave Reactor.

Traveling Wave Nuclear Power Videos

Fueling Our Nuclear Future

Marcel F. Williams

A Chinese Lunar Scientist's Views on the Future of the Moon

2010-10-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

"Earth is the cradle of humanity, but one cannot remain in the cradle forever." , Konstantin Tsiolkovsky (1857-1935)

Global Times reporter Yu Jincui interviewed Ouyang Ziyuan (Ouyang), a senior consultant at China's lunar exploration program:

"Strictly speaking, China is a developing country. Some people argue that rather than explore the moon, we should concentrate on dealing with problems on Earth. It is understandable.

However, from a broader development perspective, we should not only be engaged in lunar exploration, but also step up our pace.

The lunar exploration program covers many high-tech fields. It is very scientifically demanding, which stimulates the technological upgrades and innovations.

Lunar exploration is a threshold for exploring deep space and remote space, and it could provide the basic experience for eventually exploring other planets. There are unimaginable abundant natural resources on the moon, such as rare earths, or uranium and titanium ores. The titanium ore reserve on the moon is the same size as the whole of China.

Although we are not able to exploit these resources due to the extremely high cost and technological limitations, as scientists, we have the responsibility to prove the existence of these resources and inform the people.

The moon has a very huge energy reserve. Japanese scientists recently came up with a design idea that if humanity could build a moon belt for solar power generation and transmitting energy back to the earth, human energy needs could be permanently satisfied.

Since the 1990s, a total of nine lunar probes have been launched into space, two from China (including the newly launched Chang'e-2 satellite), three from the US, one from Europe, two from Japan, and one from India.

The world is witnessing the climax of the second round of lunar exploration. All the countries involved are expecting to discover more comprehensive and concrete knowledge about the moon.

If China doesn't explore the moon, we will have no say in international lunar exploration and can't safeguard our proper rights and interests.

The contribution of the Apollo project of the US is amazing. According to one calculation, the input-output ratio is 1:14. It drove the development of high-tech worldwide and made the US a leader in the high-tech field for almost 20 years.

China's lunar exploration program is nowhere near as big as Apollo project in size, but it could also make great contributions in promoting technological improvements, scientific progress and talents cultivation.

China should not stay in the cradle of the Earth forever. The Chinese people should make contributions to the human development in the field of space exploration."

Reference:

China has no desire for new space race

Dr. Korsmeyer Discusses NASA's Flexible Path

2010-10-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Is it Time for a New Political Party in America?

2010-10-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

Third Party Rising

By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN

A friend in the U.S. military sent me an e-mail last week with a quote from the historian Lewis Mumford’s book, “The Condition of Man,” about the development of civilization. Mumford was describing Rome’s decline: “Everyone aimed at security: no one accepted responsibility. What was plainly lacking, long before the barbarian invasions had done their work, long before economic dislocations became serious, was an inner go. Rome’s life was now an imitation of life: a mere holding on. Security was the watchword — as if life knew any other stability than through constant change, or any form of security except through a constant willingness to take risks.”

It was one of those history passages that echo so loudly in the present that it sends a shiver down my spine — way, way too close for comfort.

I’ve just spent a week in Silicon Valley, talking with technologists from Apple, Twitter, LinkedIn, Intel, Cisco and SRI and can definitively report that this region has not lost its “inner go.” But in talks here and elsewhere I continue to be astounded by the level of disgust with Washington, D.C., and our two-party system — so much so that I am ready to hazard a prediction: Barring a transformation of the Democratic and Republican Parties, there is going to be a serious third party candidate in 2012, with a serious political movement behind him or her — one definitely big enough to impact the election’s outcome.......

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/03/opinion/03friedman.html

The 99ers

2010-10-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

Moon Collision Finds More Water

2010-10-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

Scientists Contemplate Water Factory on the Moon

Whose Moon bases..?

“Witches’ Brew”

LRO Supports Historic Lunar Impact Mission

Lunar Impact Uncovered More Than Just Moon Water

The Moon Is Full of Useful Stuff - Let's Go Use It

The Future of Nuclear Energy at the TVA

2010-10-17T12:37:00.001-07:00

TVA's Long-range plans focus on nuclear power

Nuclear rises, coal recedes in TVA long-term plan

TVA's Integrated Resource Plan

The future of coal: Old energy source under new pressures, but it’s not dust yet

This Week @ NASA

2010-10-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

Astronaut Leroy Chiao Discusses His Interesting Experiences with Radiation in the New Frontier

2010-10-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

On Space Exploration, Radiation and Monkeys!

President Obama Signs NASA Authorization Act of 2010 on Columbus Day

2010-10-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

President Barack Obama signs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 in the Oval Office, Oct. 11, 2010. Credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

1. President Obama signs NASA reauthorization bill

2. President Signs NASA 2010 Authorization Act

3. Obama signing NASA law today, but funding still isn't assured

4. Obama signs Nasa up to new future

5. NASA Administrator Thanks President Obama and Congress for Agency’s New Direction Support

6. Obama Signs NASA Funding Bill on Columbus Day

7. President Obama signs space program agenda into law

8. President Obama Signs New Vision for U.S. Space Exploration Into Law

9. Coalition applauds President Obama for signing into enactment, the NASA Authorization Bill

Russian Companies Plan to Build Commercial Space Station

2010-09-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

Two Russian Companies Plan to Build First Commercial Space Station

Orbital Technologies and RSC Energia to Launch World's First Commercial Space Station

Orbital Technologies

Russian Floating Nuclear Reactor BBC NEWS

2010-09-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

European Lunar Lander Mission

2010-09-20T11:25:00.000-07:00