Germany's low-cost Launch Vehicle "OTRAG"Hazegrayart23 Aug 2023"Orbital Transport und Raketen AG," which translates to "Orbital Transport and Rockets Inc." in English. OTRAG was a German aerospace company founded by Lutz Kayser in the 1970s. The company aimed to develop low-cost launch vehicles for sending payloads into space.OTRAG gained attention for its innovative approach to rocket design, focusing on modular construction and the use of multiple small rocket engines. This was intended to reduce costs and increase flexibility. The company conducted some test launches in the 1970s and 1980s in various locations, including Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), where they had agreements to test and launch their rockets.However, OTRAG faced political and regulatory challenges, and its activities raised concerns about potential military applications. As a result, the project was met with international scrutiny, and it eventually faced obstacles that led to its decline. The company's work was largely put on hold, and the ambitious plans to revolutionize space transportation were never fully realized."Space Cargo Transporter" (https://skfb.ly/oFOAQ) by kunyong_Chen is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b....
Sep 8, 2023The Martin Marietta Spacemaster was a proposed design for the Space Shuttle. The Spacemaster was a two-stage, reusable space transportation system. It featured a delta-wing orbiter and a twin-fuselage booster craft. The orbiter would sit in a recess in the booster during launch and ascent. The liquid-propellant booster would carry the orbiter to a set altitude, then detach and be piloted back to land. After separation, the orbiter would ignite its own engines to reach orbit. The Spacemaster was proposed in 1967. NASA did not order any Spacemasters, but it did order the Space Shuttle's external fuel tanks from Martin-Marietta. Martin Marietta is now part of Lockheed Martin
Martin Marietta Spacemaster ShuttleQuoteSep 8, 2023The Martin Marietta Spacemaster was a proposed design for the Space Shuttle. The Spacemaster was a two-stage, reusable space transportation system. It featured a delta-wing orbiter and a twin-fuselage booster craft. The orbiter would sit in a recess in the booster during launch and ascent. The liquid-propellant booster would carry the orbiter to a set altitude, then detach and be piloted back to land. After separation, the orbiter would ignite its own engines to reach orbit. The Spacemaster was proposed in 1967. NASA did not order any Spacemasters, but it did order the Space Shuttle's external fuel tanks from Martin-Marietta. Martin Marietta is now part of Lockheed Martin
it is the shuttle from for all mankind:
Dr. Hans Zarkov's rocket ship is a sleek and futuristic spacecraft designed for interstellar travel. Name: The Zarkov IDesign: The Zarkov I would have a sleek and aerodynamic design, optimized for efficient travel through the vacuum of space. Its exterior would be made from state-of-the-art lightweight yet incredibly strong materials, capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of space.Propulsion: The rocket ship would be equipped with a cutting-edge propulsion system powered by advanced fusion technology. This system would provide both the immense thrust needed to break free from Earth's gravity and the sustained thrust necessary for interstellar travel. It would be incredibly fuel-efficient, allowing for extended journeys into deep space.Navigation and Control: Inside the ship, the cockpit would be a high-tech command center, featuring a panoramic viewscreen that displays celestial objects, navigational data, and real-time communications. The ship's controls would be a fusion of traditional mechanical interfaces and advanced touchscreens, allowing for precise maneuvering and navigation.Life Support: The Zarkov I would have a sophisticated life support system, capable of recycling air and water, as well as providing sustenance for the crew on long journeys. Radiation shielding would be integrated to protect against cosmic rays and solar radiation.Science Equipment: Dr. Zarkov's rocket ship would be equipped with an array of scientific instruments and laboratories, enabling extensive research during the mission. These would include telescopes, spectrometers, and sensors for studying celestial bodies and phenomena.Versatility: The ship's modular design would allow it to adapt to various mission profiles. It could be configured for planetary exploration, asteroid mining, or even as a scientific research vessel for studying distant star systems.Safety Features: Safety would be paramount, with redundant systems and emergency protocols in place. The ship would also feature advanced shielding to protect against micrometeoroids and other space debris.Communication: The Zarkov I would be equipped with advanced communication equipment for maintaining contact with Earth and other spacecraft. It would have the capability to transmit vast amounts of data, including high-definition images and video, to scientists and enthusiasts back on Earth.In summary, if Dr. Hans Zarkov's rocket ship from Flash Gordon were real, it would represent the pinnacle of human engineering and space exploration capabilities, designed for venturing into the unknown reaches of the cosmos with safety, precision, and the pursuit of scientific knowledge at its core.Versatility: Dr. Zarkov's rocket ship is designed for versatility, allowing it to undertake various missions and respond to the challenges they encounter on their journey to the planet Mongo.The Angels Weep by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...Artist: http://audionautix.com/Model Information:* title: Monemvasia town scene* source: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/monem...* author: FUD-UJEP (https://sketchfab.com/FUD-UJEP)Model Information:* title: Wall of ice* source: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/wall-...* author: Lassi Kaukonen (https://sketchfab.com/thesidekick)
Quote ...Life Support: The Zarkov I would have a sophisticated life support system, capable of recycling air and water, as well as providing sustenance for the crew on long journeys. Radiation shielding would be integrated to protect against cosmic rays and solar radiation....
...Life Support: The Zarkov I would have a sophisticated life support system, capable of recycling air and water, as well as providing sustenance for the crew on long journeys. Radiation shielding would be integrated to protect against cosmic rays and solar radiation....
Quote from: catdlr on 09/08/2023 09:11 pmMartin Marietta Spacemaster ShuttleQuoteSep 8, 2023The Martin Marietta Spacemaster was a proposed design for the Space Shuttle. The Spacemaster was a two-stage, reusable space transportation system. It featured a delta-wing orbiter and a twin-fuselage booster craft. The orbiter would sit in a recess in the booster during launch and ascent. The liquid-propellant booster would carry the orbiter to a set altitude, then detach and be piloted back to land. After separation, the orbiter would ignite its own engines to reach orbit. The Spacemaster was proposed in 1967. NASA did not order any Spacemasters, but it did order the Space Shuttle's external fuel tanks from Martin-Marietta. Martin Marietta is now part of Lockheed MartinIt looks like it is assembled with two huge bands of silver duct tape!
Langley Research Center Unpressurized Crew Transport with Surface Habitat: 0605-LLPS-LaRC-2This was a two-stage lander that incorporated unique, dockable rear-entry space suits for a crew of four on an unpressurized ascent stage. The ascent stage mission was designed for a nominal surface stay time of 7 days, and a return payload capacity of 100 kg (220 lbm).Descent StagePower The descent stage carried oxygen-hydrogen fuel cells for primary power; total peak power required by descent stage (when active) = 4.0 kW; total peak power required by descent stage (when inactive) = 500 W.PropulsionThe propulsion system had three LOX/LH2 descent engines that operated at an Isp of 459.7 sec. The engine thrust was 31.1 kN (7,000 lb). Oxygen boil-off was estimated to be at 1.2% per month and hydrogen boil-off was estimated to be at 4.3% per month. Descent delta-v: 1,900 m/s (6,233 ft/s)StructuresThe baseline primary structural material was aluminum 2024 or similar. There were two oxidizer tanks/four fuel tanks; The landing structures made up 3.3% of the total mass to be landed.Environmental Control and Life Support SystemStandard ECLSS in pressurized habitat; 13.2 m3 (466 ft3) total habitable volume; 3.3 m3 (116.5 ft3) habitable volume per crew member; 14.2 m3 (500 ft3) total pressurized volume.Down Payload 500 kg (1,100 lbm)Surface Stay Time 7 daysNominal Descent and Low Lunar Orbit Loiter Duration 7 daysLow Earth Orbit Loiter Duration 95 daysGuidance Navigation & Control RCS Cluster (x4)Ascent StageAscent stage carried Li-ion batteries for primary power during ascent; total peak power required by ascent stage = 1.0 kWPropulsionThere were four NTO/MMH ascent engines rated for operation at an Isp of 332.5 sec. The propulsion system provided a thrust of 11.1 kN (2,500 lb). Thrusters were initially gimballed out to avoid damaging the habitat (which could be reused on a future mission or as part of an outpost). Ascent delta-v: 1,889 m/s (6,197 ft/s)StructuresAluminum 2024 or similar. There were two oxidizer tanks/two fuel tanks.Environmental Control and Life Support SystemNominal life support was to be provided by the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suits.Up Payload 100 kg (220 lb)Surface Stay Time 7 daysNominal Ascent Duration 3 hoursSource:After LMNASA LUNAR LANDER CONCEPTS BEYOND APOLLOJohn F. Connolly, Editor
Unconventional Liftoffs: The Hydrofoil Albatros Rocket1974 Russian Space Shuttle Design ConceptAlexeyev Sukhoi Albatros 3 Stage Rocket SystemAt its core, the vehicle was conceptualized as a multi-stage system, with the initial stage featuring a hydrofoil weighing approximately 1800 tons and stretching 70 meters in length. This hydrofoil, designed by Alexeyev, served as a precursor to a full-fledged ekranoplan. Its purpose was akin to the Space Shuttle’s external fuel tank, carrying a substantial payload of 200 tons of Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid Hydrogen (LH2). These propellants were intended to fuel the motors of the second stage.Mounted atop the hydrofoil, the second stage, estimated at 210 tons, utilized the LOX and LH2 from the first stage to accelerate the entire assembly to a remarkable speed of 180 km/h over a span of 110 seconds. This acceleration occurred along the surface of the Caspian Sea, or alternatively, the Aral or Lake Baikal, effectively utilizing the vast water bodies as makeshift runways. After reaching the desired speed, the second stage detached from the hydrofoil and initiated its own propulsion system, lifting itself off the now-empty barge.This second stage was an innovative creation from Sukhoi, designed as a high-speed reusable winged rocket plane/booster. Its primary objective was to elevate the third stage—an actual spaceplane, also crafted by Sukhoi—to a high altitude. The spaceplane, a pivotal component of the system, was equipped to propel itself into orbit while the booster, having fulfilled its purpose, coasted back to Earth. While details about the piloted nature of the booster remain uncertain, given Sukhoi’s background, it is plausible that it might have been manned.The final stage of this remarkable vehicle was a tail-less rocket plane, boasting a mass of about 80 tons and spanning 40 meters in length. This design made it comparable to the American orbiter. Despite its similarity in appearance to certain iterations of the Hermes shuttle or the later Russian/European Kliper, it stood out due to its payload capacity of 30 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and its crew of two. Technically, this stage was a marvel, incorporating advanced engineering concepts to achieve its objectives.Sources:https://falsesteps.wordpress.com/2016/07/14/sidebar-alexeyevsukhoi-albatros/http://www.astronautix.com/a/albatros.html."Ship Lorina" (https://skfb.ly/oJXpU) by mamont nikita is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b....Song: Dryskill & Max Brhon - War Machine [NCS Release] Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/WarMachine
Nov 10, 2023Wernher Von Braun, the visionary space pioneer, boldly prognosticated that a cadre of erudite scientists would grace the lunar surface with their presence, accomplishing this audacious feat by the year 1977. Picture this: two incarnations of the spacecraft, akin to lunar taxis, designated as the "passenger" versions, gallantly transporting a grand total of 50 scientists and adept technicians. Meanwhile, the intrepid "cargo" version embarked on a solitary sojourn to the Moon, laden with provisions deemed essential for the sustenance of the aforementioned 50 gentlemen during their anticipated six-week sojourn on Earth's proximate celestial companion. Notably, the nomenclature of the series hinted at a predominantly male cast.Consider the colossal stature of these celestial vessels, towering at an impressive 160 feet—a height analogous to the entirety of the Space Shuttle stack. Dr. von Braun's foresight manifested in the selection of rocket propellants—nitric acid and hydrazine—a choice that, remarkably, aligns with the contemporary trifecta of popular rocket fuel combinations (the others being LOX/LH2 and LOX/Kerosene). However, his less prescient inclinations manifested in the utilization of a mercury-vapor powered turbine, harnessing the Sun's parabolically concentrated light to evaporate liquid mercury and generate a formidable 35 kilowatts. Despite being the avant-garde darling in 1952, these turbines fell out of favor shortly thereafter, with no known instances of deployment in outer space.The spacecraft's genesis unfolded over an extended eight-month period, meticulously assembling itself in proximity to a space station nestled in a 1730-km-altitude, 2-hour circular orbit. However, this orbit's charm waned upon the discovery that it meandered within the unexpected embrace of the Van Allen radiation belts, rendering it unsuitable for the manned spacecraft's traverse.Upon lunar arrival, the intrepid astronauts,, embarked upon the ambitious endeavor of erecting a lunar base. Von Braun, exuding confidence, foretold that this lunar foothold would inevitably pave the way for humanity's foray into the Martian frontier, an assertion that hinted at a cosmic odyssey poised to unfold in the not-too-distant future.
Junkers RT-8 (Saenger I) Rail Launched Space PlaneJunkers RT-8 (Saenger I)RT-8 Sled Launch:Launch System: Sled-launched two-stage space planeSled Propulsion: Steam rocketLaunch Distance: 3 kilometersStage Separation: At 30km altitudeFirst Stage:Power: Three airbreathing LH2 enginesPower Output: 150 tons at sea levelStage Length: 80 metersWing Span: 40 meters (shoulder-mounted delta wing)Stage Separation and Second Stage:Separation Altitude: 30kmSecond Stage Propulsion: Single Lox/LH2 engineSecond Stage Options:Manned: Capable of carrying two astronauts (HORUS - Hypersonic Orbital Upper Stage)Cargo: Unmanned cargo ship (CARGUS) without wings for a return tripSecond Stage (HORUS/CARGUS):Length: 31 metersWing Span (Orbiter): 12 meters (low-mounted delta wing)This craft was an ambitious early space shuttle design with innovative sled-launch technology, multiple stages for different purposes (manned, unmanned, cargo), and hybrid propulsion systems. The two-stage design allowed for versatility in missions, either for reaching orbit or suborbital flights, demonstrating the adaptability of its components for various space missions.
