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geomagnetic storm in progress! k=6, down from 7 earlier today.
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/rt_plots/kp_3d.html
nice article on building your own. probably better to click the link and read it there as there are multiple articles.
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/03/mission-planning-read-the-f-manual/
Mission Planning – Read the F***** Manual
By Kristian von Bengtson Email Author March 7, 2012 | 9:03 am | Categories: Rocket Shop, Science Blogs
In 86 days our launch window will open and we can fire at will for a couple of months.
Building your own private space rocket is a (fun) challenge, and most of the time all your focus and effort goes into the hardware. But there is a dark and ugly beast waiting to snap your neck if you do not tame it in good time or if you do not include it in the project as your friend.
No, I do not mean my mother in law, but:
Mission planning!
Final mission document for launch campaign 2011
We have learned it the hard way a couple of times. Hours of delays or dangerous scenarios when we made the rookie mistake of believing you can find a way to operate your gear on-the-spot. We have always had mission planning, but sometimes it was not taken very seriously and we lost. That is all in the past.
For me the success of a campaign is measured on the operation rather than the scientific outcome. A perfect flight done during a messy operation is a failure. A less perfect flight with a smoothly run operation is a success! We had such a success last year when our rocket flew. The rocket reached only a fraction of the desired apogee but 3 months of intensive mission planning on the side made the operation a thrill to be a part of. I am still proud when I think of all the participants and all members of Copenhagen Suborbitals last year.
Operationally, it was military precision. And there is no other way!
I have undertaken the job as Flight Director many years back. That means that I am in charge of the operation and it is my duty to make sure that there are nothing missing or misunderstood during an operation as well as creating the mission planning in good time.
As flight I have these rules:
Respect the chain of command. Never disobey your Flight Director or the second in command (Pad Leader, Vessel Captain etc).
Never leave the mission plan unless ordered to or forced to with approval.
Never be in doubt (ask).
Never believe you can reuse old mission plans.A previous campaign is history.
Never underestimate the effort it takes to plan and rehearse a campaign.
Your hardware is useless and dangerous without a sound and rehearsed mission plan.
Good mission planning does not do it alone. It is just as important to have the right crew. People you can trust with your lives and who you know will follow the plan as it is laid out or have the ability to improvise requested solutions during stressful and tough times. Copenhagen Suborbitals are such people. And when we perform static engine tests it is not only to validate engines but to tighten the crew and we are getting really good at it.
Each crew member is given a dog tag to wear around the neck providing information on that persons radio call sign, where to be during special event, and what to do. Any changes from this plan must be cleared with Flight.
Creating the plan is the major part of the work and is based on factors such as:
General mission requirements (apogee, abort systems etc)
Detailed mission operations (turning knobs and fiddle valves etc)
Range safety issues (traffic air control and sea control)
Marine vessels active and available and replacements
Personnel available and replacements for certain leading roles
Contingencies
Safety!
Weather constraints
Rules of engagement and chain of command
Access to test range
A final mission plans for our sea campaigns holds the following:
Crew list and crew roles including backup personnel
PAX plan. Details about who is where and when on what boat. This plan also insures that we do not go beyond the legal requirements of personnel on a particular vessel at sea at any time. PAX: travel industry slang for passenger(s)
Flight Plan. The actual master plan from mission start to end described in either key-events or minute by minute steps or even in seconds.
Mission Rules. A reference list that gives you the best pre-made choices during special events or contingencies for all steps in the flight plan. The mission rules are made to avoid wrong and potentially dangerous decision making if we have to leave the flight plan.
This summer we have five campaigns. The LES test with space capsule Tycho Deep Space, two Sapphire active guided rockets and two Smaragd 2-stage rockets. Even though some rockets are the same each of the campaign will required unique mission planning because you come back with more experience than before and there must always be room for improvement and changes. There is no easy way around this.
Very soon, the general planning will begin and during the coming months the details will be added and later rehearsed like it was done last year in the harbor of Copenhagen as seen in the image below.
Campaign HEAT1X rehearsal 2011. Image: Jesper Jev Olsen
Mission planning is the last parameter for success. We take it no less seriously than anyone else. We must allow rockets and capsule to fail because this is all about a learning process. But the campaign must be performed in an orderly fashion. Not only are rockets dangerous but it is a shame to waste so much work because you did not read the manual for once.
The 2011 Mission Document can be found here
Ad Astra
Kristian von Bengtson
Kristian von Bengtson is a space-architect, former contractor for NASA and co-founder of Copenhagen Suborbitals. He is only satisfied if a challenge is close to impossible.
Follow @KvonBengtson on Twitter.
MAJOR SOLAR FLARE: Earth-orbiting satellites have just detected an X5-class solar flare from big sunspot AR1429. The blast peaked on March 7th at 00:28 UT. Radiation storms and radio blackouts are possible.
http://spaceweather.com/
That is very cool, and I've been sharing that link with others.
Thanks.
http://news.discovery.com/space/stolen-nasa-laptop-had-space-station-control-code-120301.html
NASA had 5,408 computer security lapses in 2010 and 2011, including the March 2011 loss of a laptop computer that contained algorithms used to command and control the International Space Station (ISS), the agency's inspector general told Congress Wednesday.
An attack by Chinese hackers on NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), in Pasadena, Calif., was also mentioned, although details were scant of the ongoing investigation.
"These incidents spanned a wide continuum, from individuals testing their skill to break into NASA systems, to well-organized criminal enterprises hacking for profit, to intrusions that may have been sponsored by foreign intelligence services seeking to further their countries' objectives," Inspector General Paul Martin said in written testimony before the House Science, Space and Technology Committee investigations panel.
PHOTOS: Inside Atlantis' Final Space Station Mission
"Some of these intrusions have affected thousands of NASA computers, caused significant disruption to mission operations, and resulted in the theft of export-controlled and otherwise sensitive data, with an estimated cost to NASA of more than $7 million," Martin said.
It's not known how the number and scope of computer security breaches at NASA compare to other federal agencies because NASA's Office of the Inspector General is the only OIG that regularly conducts international network intrusion cases, Martin added.
"NASA needs to improve agency-wide oversight of the full range of its IT assets," Martin wrote.
The JPL incident that occurred in November 2011 gave the attackers "full functional control over these networks," he added. JPL is the base of operation for a host of operational robotic space missions and the security breach could have allowed the deletion of sensitive files, access to user accounts of critical systems and the uploading of malicious software, FOXNews.com reports.
ANALYSIS: Virus Attacks Japanese Space Agency Computer
The security lapses include the loss or theft of 48 mobile computing devices between April 2009 and April 2011, "some of which resulted in the unauthorized release of sensitive data including export-controlled, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and third-party intellectual property."
"For example, the March 2011 theft of an unencrypted NASA notebook computer resulted in the loss of the algorithms used to command and control the International Space Station," Martin wrote.
"Other lost or stolen notebooks contained Social Security numbers and sensitive data on NASA's Constellation and Orion programs. Moreover, NASA cannot consistently measure the amount of sensitive data exposed when employee notebooks are lost or stolen because the agency relies on employees to self-report regarding the lost data rather than determining what was stored on the devices by reviewing backup files.
ANALYSIS: Computer Shutdown Alarm Wakes Shuttle Crew
"Until NASA fully implements an agency-wide data encryption solution, sensitive data on its mobile computing and portable data storage devices will remain at high risk for loss or theft," Martin wrote.
NASA said it is aware of the problem and taking steps to step up its computer security programs.
"The NASA IT Security program is transforming and maturing," the agency's chief information officer Linda Cureton said in her written testimony to the same panel.
"NASA is increasing visibility and responsiveness through enhanced information security monitoring of NASA's systems across the agency," she said.
Image: International Space Station -- at risk from hackers? Credit: NASA
Yup. And everyone knows, the "mass-concentrations" on the farside is actually an old WW II german underground base! LOL!
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120221004421.htm
Construction firm aims at space elevator in 2050
The Yomiuri Shimbun
It may be possible to travel to space in an elevator as early as 2050, a major construction company has announced.
Obayashi Corp., headquartered in Tokyo, on Monday unveiled a project to build a gigantic elevator that would transport passengers to a station 36,000 kilometers above the Earth.
For the envisaged project, the company would utilize carbon nanotubes, which are 20 times stronger than steel, to produce cables for the space elevator.
The idea of space elevators has been described in several science-fiction novels. Obayashi, however, believes it is possible to construct one in the real world thanks to carbon nanotubes, which were invented in the 1990s, the company said.
Some other organizations have also been studying the development of space elevators, such as the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
In Obayashi's project, a cable would be stretched up to 96,000 kilometers, or about one-fourth of the distance between the Earth and the moon. One end of the cable would be anchored at a spaceport on the ground, while the other would be fitted with a counterweight.
The terminal station would house laboratories and living space. The car could carry up to 30 people to the station at 200 kilometers per hour, which would mean a 7-1/2 day trip to reach the station. Magnetic linear motors are one possible means of propulsion for the car, according to Obayashi.
Solar power generation facilities would also be set up around the terminal station to transmit power to the ground, the company added.
Whether carbon nanotubes can be mass-produced economically enough and whether various organizations from around the world can work together are two key issues facing the development of the space elevator, according to the company.
"At this moment, we cannot estimate the cost for the project," an Obayashi official said. "However, we'll try to make steady progress so that it won't end just up as simply a dream."
(Feb. 22, 2012)
click the link to see the concept drawing
How can that be? Everyone knows the Apollo missions were filmed in a hanger somewhere. LOL
China publishes HD maps of the entire moon. These are the highest-definition maps currently available showing the entire surface. Resoulutions of 7 meters, and traces of the appolo missions can be found in the photos.
http://www.space-travel.com/reports/China_publishes_high_resolution_full_moon_map_999.html
Terrain shifts on moon surface, perhaps tidal forces at work...
http://www.space-travel.com/reports/NASA_Spacecraft_Reveals_Recent_Geological_Activity_on_the_Moon_999.html
Back to the moon, all it takes is money....rubles, dollars, yen..
Water is there in the polar-regions, 5+% and possibly much more.
Water for fuels, oxygen...sunlight for power.
Time for a modern redux
http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Back_to_the_Moon_A_Modern_Redux_999.html
A of D = H of M @ A/S M of the=C or constant The masonic theory of ?
Algebra and I were not close friends. I do better on spatial-relational concepts.
Teaching the grandson something about that right now. We're playing Portal 2.
But its a good thing for PPL to look into stuff that didn't work out, or had no immediate application at the time...because one facet of a theory seemed flawed, not to disreguard what might have merit.
The Logistic map is a prominent example of the mappings that Feigenbaum studied in his noted 1978 article: Quantitative Universality for a Class of Nonlinear Transformations Nonlinear is the Key word in His equations IMHO
remember high school algebra? the solution to a quadratic equation is [-b +- sq(b^2 - 4ac)]/ 2a.
ever hear of feigenbaum? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitchell_Feigenbaum
one christmas (1975) someone gave him a calculator and he sat for hours solving
those equations for sq(b^2 - 4ac) when it is a negative number. they always told us in algebra that
that was a meaningless solution. ignore it. turns out that as particles in an accelerator approach
the speed of light they split into streams based on the solutions to those equations and YES, those
solutions do have meanings and applications. since then, many applications have been found for fractal
mathematics or chaos theory.
the point is, maybe someone did develop a theory that works outside mainstream science. the only reason
feigenbaum's work was accepted was because it worked. immediately. for hundreds of years, students of algebra
were told to ignore this. 37 years ago that changed.
now it appears there are chinks in what science facts are accepted today and maybe, maybe that is holding
us back from developing a better set of facts/theories/understanding.
yeah it was a long article. glad u read it though.
Interesting (and long) article. Not sure what to make of it.
nice review of velikovsky's worlds in collision on another ihub board:
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=72427568
I found this article to be interesting. There's bound to be Titanium rich veins on the surface. Just a matter of finding them. Titanium is a primary metal used in Engines, tools and dies. Many of the present modules being made right now are using hollowed out Al to decrease the weight, but Al doesnt offer the protection from stellar rays or strength like Titanium does. Titanium is also nonmagnetic. This could open up a new resource for Lunar mining. Many uses for it up there.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120219143323.htm
'Zactly!...In it to win it, or forgo it to Blow it!
He3 mining on the moon //why wait when China goes ahead full throttle ?/
Yup. I feel commecial-intrests will eventually push to the moon, but not before a country or international group does it again.
China is very serious about moon-mining goals, paticularly element He3.
A Mars trip directly from Earth is not out of the question, but who's going to take the leadership-position? It's just my opinion, but moonbase first, then to Mars.
I agree 1000 plus percent why are peops so negative about spaceflight ?
Rather depressed. This a.m. on MSN there is a poll. 50 years after Glen's first flight, where should we go next. Choices are back to the moon, Mars or stay home. 49% say stay home. So sad.
Nice find Thanx I will review when I have time very very interesting
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203141501.htm
this is a press release that announces the mapping of magnetic fields in space. interesting. some facts in it that i had never heard before.
the 57 second video: promo overlay about education lol
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/index.cfm?id=1061
New X-ray, hotter than previously attained. Creating super-hot plasmas's may be the road to fusion-reactors.
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Fusion_X-ray_laser_zaps_solid_to_2_million_degrees_999.html
My fav is the one from 2001, the double-wheel.
Thanks for the link.
ideas for space station from wired.com
Yet the history of space station design is littered with concepts -- some elegant, some strange, and some remarkably cute -- that were passed over for one reason or another. Here, we look at some space station ideas that didn’t quite make it off the drawing board.
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/01/space-station-concepts/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Index+3+%28Top+Stories+2%29%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
i think the brick one is cute....
Lunar Polar-craters may have accumulation of electrical energy due to solar-winds. The lunar craters in the polar regions are believed to be the most likely places water ice and other volitals could be deposited, so are expected to be the targets of future unmanned probes and possible manned expeditions.
Researchers must determine how large a threat the discharge of this energy could be to sensative electronics, and how to safely armor critical components.
http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Craters_Around_Lunar_Poles_Could_Be_Electrified_999.html
And maybe the electricity could be captured (My musings) and reused?
Condensors, capacitors and Leyden-jars...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leyden_jar
I will! Actually,since finding your board, the topic has struck a curiosity cord within! Good Morning!
Thanks L/A! If you ever come across any kind of Lunar-news, please feel welcome to post it here.
board mark to ya!!
Interesting, indeed!
New information points to the Maria (plains) having soils/ores with far more titanium-content than previously suspected.
While ores on earth usually contain around 1% of stronger-and-lighter-than-steel titanium, those revealed by the lunar-reconnaisence orbiter may be ten times greater concentrations.
10% titanium and iron also present could eventually start a mining-economy on the moon, as these already scarce materials become even more difficult to mine on earth.
http://www.moondaily.com/reports/Titanium_treasure_found_on_Moon_999.html
Finally got it to run. Seems just a 'teaser'....need more info of 'mining infrastructure'. (I wonder how much cash they have to go forward?)
possible volcano on saturn?? use the link so you can see the photos. fascinating.
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1111/18saturn/
http://moonandback.com/ Great source of info
http://moonandback.com/ Great source of info
I also agree 1000 plus percent that the moon is an excellent jumping point for future Mars missions as well as other future missions . I also believe that the resources for an permanent Moon Base exsist upon the Lunar Surface as well as underground . We need to look beyond our current abilities in order to exploit the full potential of our closest jumping off point so to speak
I whole-heartedly agree, they should have a base on the moon, many reasons to do so. In Kennedy's words, "We do not do these things, because they are Easy...."
With a moon base nuke-propulsion could be a reality, a staging point from which nuke-ships could be launched by other means of propulsion, gotten into a flightpath where the ignition of nuclear materials (And expulsion of radioactives) couldn't come back to the earth or the moon. Nuclear rockets may be the only way to transport meaningful amounts of support materials to a permanate mars-base.
Watching a good show on a Mars trip this a.m. No mention of how quite a few of the problems mentioned could be lessened by using the moon as a staging area. One developemental problem, testing of a nuclear powered rocket. On earth, this would involve venting radioactive gases or finding a way of collecting them. If there was a moon base, less problems with collection (although I would not agree with just blasting it out willy nilly) and if there were an accident, less public concern. IMO. A shame the moon wasn't mentioned as a possible solution for anything at all any where.
...Now we wait 3 months 'till the low-DeltaV trip brings it to moon orbit.
delayed but, in the air now
Welcome all. A place to discuss and share resources about utilizing construction materials found "in situ" on the moon. Any and all dicussions related to utilizing resources that abound in the solar-system are welcome, the main premise here should be, that we boost to space what few tools we need to develop those "In Situ" resources and "Bootsrap"the rest .
ZOOMABLE Images of the Whole nearside of the moon-mosaic.
http://wms.lroc.asu.edu/lroc_browse/view/wac_nearside
And the rest of the galleries for LROC,
http://wms.lroc.asu.edu/lroc
Links to late-breaking news, about lunarmining, moon-exploration and space research..at MoonDaily, moontoday and others to come, as I find them.
Some of the sources available might be those that have been launched already (Spacejunk sattilites and such) and are simply a hazard to other orbital endeavors. One way to make use of the "Spacejunk", could involve sending batches of tiny drones in a single launch that could find and attach to the larger items in orbit. These drones would utilise a low impulse ion drive to overtake the junk, attach by grapple or other means. Once attached, could fire a high-impulse rocket, (Solid-fuel, or liquid-fuel with a solid oxidizer.)
Don't be afraid to throw new stuff up here!...ANYthing that gets us out there and mining is accepted here. New drives and propellants. Self-replicating machines. New reactors for energy to drive mining/manufactoring equipment. Fusion advances. Autonomous manufactoring/mining equiptment.....Use your imagination!
http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/space/moon-mars/4264325
Farside picture from NASA,
...More moon photos, various timelines.
Link to pictures of luna rock/soils thin-sectioned under microscope,
http://minerva.union.edu/hollochk/c_petrology/moon_rocks/index.htm
Information of space news and research can be found at Colony Worlds website, ...Courtesy of Admiral Lagrange.
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