In the year 1960, Philip Bono, a highly specialized Space Vehicle Design Specialist affiliated with the Boeing Airplane Company, formulated a conceptualization of a pioneering manned spacecraft intended for Mars. The outward visage of this spacecraft was fashioned in a manner which exhibited similarities to the X-20A Dyna-Soar single-seat orbital glider concurrently under development at his organization on behalf of the United States Air Force. However, Bono's cerebral rendition of the Mars glider embodied noteworthy dimensional dissimilarities when compared to the Dyna-Soar -- namely, it was of an enormity that was capable of accommodating an eight-man "expeditionary force," and nearly 40 tons of supplies and equipment. The prodigious Mars glider boasted a flat-bellied physique that spanned a monumental 125 feet in length, and an impressive 95 feet across its delta wings.The Mars glider, once fully assembled and loaded with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants, stood at a towering height of 248 feet, weighing in at an impressive 4150 tons. This colossal spacecraft was encompassed by six elongated outboard booster rockets, designed to enshroud and conceal the short booster, living module/rocket stage, and the majority of the aft portion of the glider.Bono's original vision of the Mars glider was equipped with scientific instruments that would enable it to scrutinize the Red Planet's surface and atmosphere. This glider would harness the power of its wings to generate lift, and it would have been controlled remotely from the mother ship. The spacecraft would have been launched from a mother ship which was stationed in orbit around Mars.Even though the Mars Glider concept never came to complete fruition nor was it ever launched, it nevertheless played a consequential role in the technological advancements of other Mars exploration technologies. Additionally, this epoch-making conceptualization inspired a plethora of forthcoming space exploration concepts.Epic Unease by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...Artist: http://incompetech.com/
I don't know how this guy is able to do this stuff. He's not selling ads, and clearly these videos are a lot of work. Truly impressive.
Apr 18, 2023The fundamental concept behind the STAR program was to maximize efficiency while minimizing cost. To achieve this goal, the craft was designed to be as small and inexpensive as possible, with only one crew member onboard. The crew compartment itself was unpressurized and only large enough for a seated astronaut, who would be required to remain in their spacesuit throughout the duration of the mission. Notably, the craft lacked key features such as hydraulics, an ejection seat, or even landing gear. Instead, it would utilize a parawing to glide back to Earth and touch down on land.Despite its Spartan design, the STAR was intended to function as an orbital runabout, capable of carrying out a variety of missions. The craft was eight meters in length and only a meter and a half tall at its aft end, tapering down to a fine point at its nose. To optimize its transportability, the nose was designed to fold back at a hinge four meters down from the tip of the STAR, creating a compact package just four meters in length. In terms of deployment, the Shuttle was expected to lift the STAR into orbit, potentially even multiple at a time, and deploy them from its cargo bay. Once in space, the STAR would set off on its designated missions, either returning to the Shuttle or making its own way back to Earth. If the STAR needed to reach higher altitudes beyond its on-board propellant capacity (which was estimated to be around 1650 kilometers), a truncated Centaur stage equipped with a single RD-10 engine - known as the Centaur-SP - could be attached to the STAR for increased thrust. This configuration would fit into the Shuttle's cargo bay, allowing for transport to geosynchronous orbit and beyond.
I gotta admit that this one is just bizarre. And despite the description, it's hard to understand exactly what this thing was supposed to do. Why?<snip>
I gotta admit that this one is just bizarre. And despite the description, it's hard to understand exactly what this thing was supposed to do. Why?I sure hope that astronaut pulled his head in before reentry, though.
Quote from: Blackstar on 04/19/2023 02:00 pmI gotta admit that this one is just bizarre. And despite the description, it's hard to understand exactly what this thing was supposed to do. Why?I sure hope that astronaut pulled his head in before reentry, though.That 60g reentry load on a typical ICBM RV is probably a bit uncomfortable for that guy, too.
Remember reading about something like this in a Sci-fi magazine during the 80s. Basically adapting a slight scaled up ICBM reentry vehicle for nukes to be a crew capable reentry vehicle. The flight characteristics of the reentry vehicle is well understood and tested.IMO, the vehicle could be use as a supplemental lifeboat for a space station in LEO. Of course you will need some kind of EVA suits for the whole crew. Which means you could use this vehicle as lifeboats on the Shuttle.The use of the vehicle docked to the cut down Centaur is more interesting. In theory you could use it to transfer between the Shuttle in LEO and an orbital platform in a higher orbit. It will be cheap since the flight controls are presumably in the Centaur and no other modifications is required other than more consumables for the single crew. Think there is enough delta-V left in the Centaur for a reentry burn after reaching the higher orbital platform.Of course the vehicle concept is a bit crazy.
<snip>If you need to move astronauts to a different orbit, then you design a vehicle for that. You wouldn't also need to bring them back to Earth on that same vehicle.<snip>
Dec 15, 2020Rotary Rocket Company was a rocketry company that developed the Roton concept in the late 1990s as a fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) crewed spacecraft with a rotating annular aerospike engine to pump fuel and oxidizer to the rim by the rotation and a helicopter rotor on top used for landing.The design was initially conceived by Bevin McKinney, who shared it with Gary Hudson.
Chrysler Aerospace was already contracted for the Saturn 1 and 1B First Stage so in 1971 they proposed an alternate shuttle program, the SERV and MURP SERV: the Single-stage Earth-orbital Reusable Vehicle had a 53 metric ton payload in a 7m x 18m payload bay 12 LH2/LOX aerospike engines were arranged around the rim of the base, covered by movable metal shieldsJet Engines, which were fired just prior to touchdown in order to slow the descentMURP, the Manned Upper-stage Reusable PayloadThe MURP was based on the HL-10 lifting body (Six Million Dollar Man test Vehicle) and a Larger Versionone larger (the D-34) could carry up to ten passengers
Jun 1, 2022Douglas Aircraft's SASSTO, short for "Saturn Application Single Stage to Orbit", was a single-stage to orbit (SSTO) reusable launch system designed by Philip Bono's team in 1967. SASSTO was a study in minimalist designs, a launcher with the specific intent of repeatedly placing a Gemini capsule in orbit for the lowest possible cost. The SASSTO booster was based on the layout of the S-IVB upper stage from the Saturn family, modified with a plug nozzle.
Japan's Tourism Reusable Rocket. The Kankoh-maru (観光丸, Kankōmaru)Hazegrayart7 May 2022Kankoh-maru is a single-stage reusable orbital passenger aircraft is a proposed vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL), single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO), reusable launch system that has been studied by the Japanese Rocket Society since 1993.According to a document from July 1997, it would have been manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.The passenger capacity is 50, which is the same as that of a sightseeing bus, and the crew is a pilot and a stewardess, 2 each. The rooms are two-story, with the seats facing outwards and circular so that all passengers can sit and look out the window. The cockpit and the entrance to the space hotel are on the 2nd floor, and the 2 entrances and exits for takeoff and landing and the toilet are on the 1st floor. The weightless swimming space is a stairwell on the 1st and 2nd floors and has large windows. The entrance on the 2nd floor is doubled, and you can do outside activities if you wear a space suit.
Oct 10, 2022Philip Bono's study of a reusable Single Stage to Orbit (SSTO)The Douglas Aircraft Reusable One-Stage Orbital Space Truck (ROOST) The reentry and recovery system for the ROOST booster would gradually deploy and inflate with hot gases to gently land like a hot air balloon.
Aug 1, 2022Neutron is a medium-lift two-stage launch vehicle under development by Rocket Lab. The vehicle is being designed to be capable of delivering an 8,000 kg (17,600 lb) payload to low Earth orbit in a reusable configuration and will focus on the growing mega constellation satellite delivery market. The vehicle is expected to be operational sometime in 2024. It uses LOX and liquid methane propellant on both stages of the vehicle.On 28 February 2022, Rocket Lab announced that Neutron will launch from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) within NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on the eastern coast of Virginia. It was also announced that the company will build a 250,000 square feet manufacturing and operations facility adjacent to the Wallops Flight Facility. The ground was broken for this facility on 11 April 2022. As of December 2021, Rocket Lab is planning for the first launch to take place no earlier than 2024.
The MAKS Spaceplane: Multipurpose aerospace system (Russian: МАКС)2020 31 AugThe MAKS (Multipurpose aerospace system) (Russian: МАКС (Многоцелевая авиационно-космическая система)) was a Soviet air-launched reusable launch system project that was proposed in 1988, but cancelled in 1991. An offshoot of the ENERGIA-BURAN program it had two RD-701 rocket tri-propellant engines based on RD-170 engine from the first stage of ENERGIA rocket and using an Antonov An-225 as a mobile launch platform
Jul 28, 2021The Soyuz rocket, a legendary figure in the history of space travel, is a family of expendable launch systems crafted by Russia's premier space agency, Roscosmos. Since its inception in the swinging 60s, this formidable rocket has undergone numerous improvements and has established itself as one of the most widely used and trusted space launch vehicles in the world.With its versatility and dependability, the Soyuz has launched missions for a diverse array of organizations and nations, including the Soviet Union, Russia, the European Space Agency, and even NASA. Whether it's carrying crew and cargo to low Earth orbit, or transporting astronauts to the International Space Station, the Soyuz has proven its worth time and time again.Fueling this rocket's success is its power source: a mixture of liquid oxygen (LOX) and kerosene. The Soyuz's first stage boasts four liquid-fueled engines, while its second stage is powered by a solitary engine. The third and final stage employs a solid-fueled engine. This fuel combination, which has been utilized in many early and contemporary rockets, is known for its high energy output, making it the ideal choice for spacecraft propulsion systems. The efficiency, affordability, and reliability of the LOX and kerosene combination have made it a staple in various space programs, including the Soyuz rocket.
This is one of my all-time favorites and has over 4Million hits. Way over-the-top concept. EnjoyChrysler’s Space Shuttle Proposal: the SSTO SERV and MURPJun 3, 2020QuoteChrysler Aerospace was already contracted for the Saturn 1 and 1B First Stage so in 1971 they proposed an alternate shuttle program, the SERV and MURP SERV: the Single-stage Earth-orbital Reusable Vehicle had a 53 metric ton payload in a 7m x 18m payload bay 12 LH2/LOX aerospike engines were arranged around the rim of the base, covered by movable metal shieldsJet Engines, which were fired just prior to touchdown in order to slow the descentMURP, the Manned Upper-stage Reusable PayloadThe MURP was based on the HL-10 lifting body (Six Million Dollar Man test Vehicle) and a Larger Versionone larger (the D-34) could carry up to ten passengers
Compared to nice, sleak, aerodynamic cylindrical rockets, the fat capsule shape looks dumb… BUT physics doesn’t *always* care if something is elegant or not, and at a large enough scale the aerodynamic drag isn’t a problem in spite of being fat. There is some appeal to it…
Quote from: Robotbeat on 05/16/2023 08:49 pmCompared to nice, sleak, aerodynamic cylindrical rockets, the fat capsule shape looks dumb… BUT physics doesn’t *always* care if something is elegant or not, and at a large enough scale the aerodynamic drag isn’t a problem in spite of being fat. There is some appeal to it…There will likely be very few "fat" rocket hardware, if any. Just how do you move a "fat" rocket core like for example with a travel cross section of 20 meter wide and 40 meters high around on land? Will need new transport infrastructure with any new "fat" rocket.
An-325: The Giant Carrier for Britain's Interim HOTOL SpaceplaneHazegrayart18 May 2023The HOTOL (Horizontal Take-Off and Landing) project aimed to develop a British unmanned re-usable spacecraft similar to the American Space Shuttle and Soviet Buran. It intended to be a single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) craft capable of operating from runways. HOTOL planned to use a unique propulsion system that acted as both an airbreathing jet engine and a rocket engine.Alan Bond, a rocketry engineer, researched an airbreathing rocket engine concept in 1982. His idea addressed the challenge of carrying propellant onboard SSTO vehicles by using external atmospheric oxygen, combined with liquid hydrogen, for thrust until reaching Mach 5.5. Afterward, it would switch to conventional rocket mode using liquid oxygen.In 1985, Rolls Royce acquired Bond's engine rights and collaborated with British Aerospace (BAe) on the HOTOL project. However, difficulties arose due to the mismatch between the center of pressure and gravity during flight. The British government withdrew support in 1988, leading to the project's cancellation.Nonetheless, in 1990, the project experienced a resurgence when BAe approached the Soviet Union with a proposal to launch a derivative of HOTOL by piggybacking aboard the massive Antonov An-225 transport aircraft. This derivative, known as the Interim HOTOL, would forego the complex RB545 engines in favor of conventional rockets supplied by Russia. The Interim HOTOL would be mounted atop the An-225, originally designed to carry the Buran space shuttle, and ascend to an altitude of approximately 29,500 ft (9,000 m). Once released, the Interim HOTOL would ignite its rocket engines and be propelled into orbit while carrying a payload of 4.5 tons.Antonov also explored the development of an enhanced derivative of the An-225, called the An-325, equipped with two additional engines to accommodate a larger payload and potentially launch a larger version of HOTOL or a Russian vehicle. Unfortunately, the Interim HOTOL fared no better than its predecessor and was discontinued in 1992 due to a lack of interest from both the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK government.The HOTOL project showcased ambition and innovation but faced challenges in achieving its goals. Nonetheless, it contributed to subsequent developments such as Skylon, as the quest for efficient and cost-effective space transportation continues.
Mar 20, 2021HOTOL was a 1980s British project to build a totally reusable Space Shuttle. The project was cancelled and as it existed in the pre-internet age it's hard to find information about it.Whilst I was making my Spaceplanes video I came across a HOTOL brochure from 1985. I thought I would go through it and give an overview of this extremely interesting project.
Mar 23, 2022HOTOL was a 1980s British project to build a totally reusable Space Shuttle. The project was cancelled and as it existed in the pre-internet age it's hard to find information about it.In this video, with the aid of an original patent, I go back to basics to explain how HOTOL's unique rocket engine would have worked.
Apr 16, 2018The only orbital launch of a Buran-class orbiter occurred at 03:00:02 UTC on 15 November 1988 from Baikonur Cosmodrome launch pad 110/37.[3][5] Buran was lifted into space, on an unmanned mission, by the specially designed Energia rocket. The automated launch sequence was performed as specified, and the Energia rocket lifted the vehicle into a temporary orbit before the orbiter separated as programmed. After boosting itself to a higher orbit and completing two orbits around the Earth, the ODU engines fired automatically to begin the descent into the atmosphere, return to the launch site, and horizontal landing on a runway.
Full Version: Feb 3, 2021, Shorten Version June 2, 2023Project Orion was a study of a starship intended to be directly propelled by a series of explosions of atomic bombs behind the craft (nuclear pulse propulsion)The project was eventually abandoned for multiple reasons such as the Partial Test Ban Treaty which banned nuclear explosions in space as well as concerns over nuclear fallout.The biggest design was the "Super" Orion design; at 8 million tons, 7250000000 Kilograms it could easily be a city. One design proposed by Freeman Dyson for the "Super Orion" called for the pusher plate to be composed primarily of uranium or a transuranic element so that upon reaching a nearby star system the plate could be converted to nuclear fuel.
Soviet Union's other Moon Rocket: UR-700A4 Jun 2023The regular UR-700 had a payload capacity of 151 tons to Earth orbit, surpassing both the N1 (97 tons) and the American Saturn-5 (127 tons). Additionally, Chelomei's engineers developed a larger follow-on version called Skhema "A" (Configuration "A"), which incorporated nuclear engines. This configuration featured a solid-core nuclear reactor and increased the payload capacity to as much as 250 tons into Earth orbit.The first two stages of the UR-700 with the "A" variant propulsion were similar to the regular UR-700. The six boosters in the first stage fed their own engines and simultaneously refueled the three boosters of the second stage. This ensured that the second stage had full tanks when it took over the powered ascent after the separation of the first stage.The "atomic" version of the UR-700 included third and fourth stages developed from scratch, equipped with RO-31 nuclear engines (also known as RD-0411). These engines burned cryogenic liquid hydrogen or liquid methane and produced a thrust of 40 tons. The third stage featured seven RO-31 engines, while the fourth stage had three. The third stage could be responsible for sending a spacecraft on an escape trajectory from Earth orbit, while the fourth stage could perform a braking maneuver near the Moon or Mars.
Dec 2, 2022The LK was a lunar module (lunar lander designed for human spaceflight) developed in the 1960s as a part of several Soviet crewed lunar programs. Its role was analogous to the American Apollo Lunar Module (LM). Three LK modules, of the T2K variant, were flown without crew in Earth orbit, but no LK ever reached the Moon. The development of the N1 launch vehicle required for the lunar flight suffered setbacks (including several launch failures), and the first Moon landings were achieved by US astronauts on Apollo 11. As a result, having lost the Space Race, both the N1 and the LK programs were cancelled without any further development.Sergei Korolev, the lead Soviet rocket engineer and spacecraft designer during the 1950s and 1960s, planned to adopt the same lunar orbit rendezvous concept as seen in the Apollo program. The lunar expedition spacecraft L3 was to consist of a Soyuz 7K-L3 Command Ship (a variant of the Soyuz) and an LK Lander. L3 would carry a two-man crew atop a single three-stage superheavy N-1 booster. A fourth stage, the Blok G, would push the L3 (LOK+LK) toward the Moon, with the Blok D as a fifth stage.LK compared to the Apollo Lunar ModuleBecause the payload capacity of the N1 rocket was only 95 tons to LEO, versus the Saturn V's 140 tons to LEO, the LK was created to be less bulky than the Apollo Lunar Module (LM):It had a different landing profileIt was lighter at only one-third the mass of the LMInitially, the LK was to have carried a single cosmonaut. A later variant would have a two-man crew; the LM took twoIt had no docking tunnel like the LM's; the cosmonaut would spacewalk from the LOK (Soyuz 7K-L3) to the LK and back.LK Lunar Lander, Soyuz-Lok,N1 Rocket service tower,3rd Stage n1 Models from Sketchfab user "Soviet Model Magic"
Jul 7, 2020Before the Stratolaunch was ever conceived, the Tupolev Bureau proposed a fully reusable replacement for the Buran Space ShuttleThe "OOS" Which stood for Odnostupenchati Orbitalni Samolyot, (one-stage orbital plane)Like the Stratolaunch system, The shuttle would ride under the Aerospace Transport System (AKS) A Dual fuselage version of the Antonov An-225 with between 24 and 40 Jet EnginesThe OSS would have a weight of 675 tons and the AKS would have a weight of 1000 tons for a total of around 1600 tons.
Jun 16, 2023The Atlas V rocket is a launch vehicle developed and manufactured by United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin. It is designed to deliver payloads into space for both government and commercial customers. The Atlas V has been in service since 2002 and has a strong track record of successful launches.Here are some key features and capabilities of the Atlas V rocket:Configurations: The Atlas V is available in several different configurations, which vary based on the number of solid rocket boosters (SRBs) and the type of Centaur upper stage used. The most common configurations include the Atlas V 401, 411, 421, and 551.Two-Stage Rocket: The Atlas V is a two-stage rocket, meaning it has two distinct stages stacked on top of each other. The first stage is powered by a Russian-built RD-180 engine, which burns a highly efficient combination of kerosene (RP-1) and liquid oxygen (LOX). The second stage is powered by the RL10 engine, which uses liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX) as propellants.Payload Fairing: The rocket's payload is encapsulated in a protective fairing, which shields the payload during the ascent through the atmosphere. The fairing comes in two different diameters: 4 meters (13.1 feet) and 5.4 meters (17.7 feet), depending on the payload requirements.Flexibility: The Atlas V is known for its versatility and can deliver a wide range of payloads to various orbits, including low Earth orbit (LEO), geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), and beyond. It has been used to launch satellites for communications, weather monitoring, scientific research, national security, and more.Reliability: The Atlas V has established a strong reputation for reliability and has achieved a high success rate throughout its operational history. It has been used for numerous critical missions, including launching spacecraft to Mars, delivering satellites to orbit, and supporting national security missions.
Jun 21, 2023Fireflash is an advanced supersonic airliner with impressive specifications. Speed: Fireflash is capable of reaching Mach 6 supersonic speeds, allowing for faster-than-sound travel.Passenger Capacity: Nuclear Powered 600 Seat JetlinerRange: The range of Fireflash is portrayed as a long-haul aircraft capable of traveling significant distances.Defensive Systems: Fireflash is equipped with defensive systems to counter threats, including anti-missile countermeasures and a reinforced hull.Advanced Avionics: The aircraft features advanced avionics and navigation systems to ensure safe and efficient travel.
Aug 22, 2022Our moon makes Earth a more livable planet by moderating our home planet's wobble on its axis, leading to a relatively stable climate, and creating a tidal rhythm that has guided humans for thousands of years. The moon was likely formed after a Mars-sized body collided with Earth and the debris formed into the most prominent feature in our night sky. It is the only celestial a body beyond Earth that has been visited by human beings.Earth's Moon is the fifth largest of the 200+ moons orbiting planets in our solar system.Distance from the Earth: About 239,000 miles."Year" (time to orbit the Earth): About 27 Earth days.Day: About 27 Earth days.Minimum temperature: -387 degrees Fahrenheit.Maximum temperature: 253 degrees Fahrenheit.Earth's only natural satellite is simply called "the Moon" because people didn't know other moons existed until Galileo Galilei discovered four moons orbiting Jupiter in 1610.
Jul 4, 2023SpaceX Starship, a remarkable creation from the visionary private space exploration company founded by Elon Musk, is an extraordinary feat of engineering that embodies the limitless potential of human ingenuity. The Starship represents a pioneering concept in space travel, providing an advanced, fully reusable transportation system designed to propel both crew and cargo beyond the frontiers of Earth's orbit and enable unparalleled point-to-point travel on our planet.This awe-inspiring spacecraft comprises two distinct but interdependent components: the powerful Super Heavy booster and the sleek, futuristic Starship spacecraft. The Super Heavy booster serves as the initial thrust mechanism that catapults the Starship spacecraft into orbit, while the Starship spacecraft itself is responsible for carrying both crew and cargo to their intended extraterrestrial destinations.Fashioned out of the ultra-durable stainless steel, the Starship spacecraft is a masterful creation of technological sophistication that can carry up to 100 people and accommodate a staggering payload capacity of up to 150 metric tons. The spacecraft boasts a bevy of cutting-edge features, including robust engines and state-of-the-art avionics systems that guarantee the utmost safety and precision in the spacecraft's landings on various extraterrestrial surfaces.SpaceX's relentless commitment to innovation and progress is evident in their extensive testing of the Starship prototype at their launch facility in South Texas. The company envisions a future where the Starship spacecraft serves as a vital tool for humanity's exploration of the Moon and Mars, as well as facilitating commercial point-to-point travel on our planet. With the Starship, SpaceX hopes to expand the horizons of space travel, making it more accessible and affordable for everyone and ushering in a new era of human achievement and exploration.
What Will Our Moon Look Like in the FutureQuoteAug 22, 2022Our moon makes Earth a more livable planet by moderating our home planet's wobble on its axis, leading to a relatively stable climate, and creating a tidal rhythm that has guided humans for thousands of years. The moon was likely formed after a Mars-sized body collided with Earth and the debris formed into the most prominent feature in our night sky. It is the only celestial a body beyond Earth that has been visited by human beings.Earth's Moon is the fifth largest of the 200+ moons orbiting planets in our solar system.Distance from the Earth: About 239,000 miles."Year" (time to orbit the Earth): About 27 Earth days.Day: About 27 Earth days.Minimum temperature: -387 degrees Fahrenheit.Maximum temperature: 253 degrees Fahrenheit.Earth's only natural satellite is simply called "the Moon" because people didn't know other moons existed until Galileo Galilei discovered four moons orbiting Jupiter in 1610.
Think the lit up areas of the Moon in the future will be much dimmer than in Hazegrayart's video. The sensible thing to do is go underground for radiation protection and thermal stability. So Lunar top side infrastructure will likely be minimal.
Quote from: Zed_Noir on 07/05/2023 04:06 amThink the lit up areas of the Moon in the future will be much dimmer than in Hazegrayart's video. The sensible thing to do is go underground for radiation protection and thermal stability. So Lunar top side infrastructure will likely be minimal. And I've always thought that's one of the great ironies about concepts for space settlement--go all the way to the Moon or Mars, and then live in a cave. I mean, if you want to live in a cave, you can easily do that on Earth.
Yet settle Mars crowd think millions will want to do that for rest of their days.
Lockdown has give people a taste of living permanently indoors.
Not needed for the most part. Radiation level on the surface of Mars is no higher than in ISS. People could live almost their whole adult lives on Mars going outside as often as the average American and still have less risk to their health than smoking cigarettes.
Quote from: Robotbeat on 07/05/2023 06:54 pmNot needed for the most part. Radiation level on the surface of Mars is no higher than in ISS. People could live almost their whole adult lives on Mars going outside as often as the average American and still have less risk to their health than smoking cigarettes.What are they going to do outside in a spacesuit?. For exploring rover will be quicker both to enter and travel.
Jul 25, 2018Project Orion was a Supper Heavy Lift Spacecraft intended to be directly propelled by a series of explosions of atomic bombs behind the craft. This is a 10 Meter version with Eight astronauts, with around 100 tons of equipment and supplies, which could have made a round trip to Mars in 125 days. The biggest design is the "super" Orion design; at 8 million tonnes, it could easily be a city.And yes, there is no sound in space.
July 10, 2023The Sea Dragon rocket was a proposed heavy-lift launch vehicle designed by Robert Truax in the 1960s. While it never flew, the Sea Dragon rocket remains one of the largest and most ambitious launch vehicle concepts ever conceived.Here are some key details about the Sea Dragon rocket:Size and Payload: The Sea Dragon rocket was designed to be enormous, standing at a height of about 150 meters (500 feet) and having a diameter of 23 meters (76 feet). It was intended to launch payloads of up to 550 metric tons (1.2 million pounds) into low Earth orbit (LEO), which is significantly more than any rocket that has ever been successfully launched.Unique Design: The Sea Dragon rocket was distinctive due to its unconventional construction method. It was planned to be built in two stages. The first stage would be constructed underwater and integrated with the launch platform. Once completed, the entire structure would be floated to the launch site, and the second stage would be attached on top.Propulsion: The Sea Dragon rocket would have used a combination of liquid oxygen (LOX) and kerosene (RP-1) as propellants. The first stage was planned to use multiple engines, possibly derived from the F-1 engines used on the Saturn V rocket, while the second stage would have used a single large engine.Purpose and Potential: The Sea Dragon rocket was intended to significantly reduce the cost of accessing space by leveraging the economy of scale. By launching massive payloads, it aimed to make space transportation more cost-effective. It was envisioned to be used for various purposes, including the launch of space station modules, lunar missions, and even manned missions to Mars.Despite the impressive design, the Sea Dragon rocket never progressed beyond the conceptual stage. It faces numerous technical and logistical challenges, including the difficulty of transporting such a large vehicle by sea, the absence of appropriate launch facilities, and the uncertainties associated with its construction and operation.While the Sea Dragon rocket remains an intriguing concept, it serves as a reminder of the engineering complexities involved in building and launching extremely large launch vehicles.
The Comet Rocket is a proposed super heavy-lift launch vehicle (HLLV) designed for NASA's First Lunar Outpost Program (FLO) from a 1992-1993 Space Exploration Initiative. It was a Saturn V-derived launch vehicle with modernized engines, stretched fuel tanks, and strap-on boosters
In a future where space exploration is the next frontier, Project Neptune Spear stands at the forefront of revolutionary Navy concepts. Spearheading this bold initiative is a highly classified joint effort between the U.S. Navy and space agencies, aiming to deploy a space capsule atop a Trident missile launched from an SSBN submarine.Purpose:Project Neptune Spear seeks to leverage the Navy's expertise in submarine-launched ballistic missiles and extend its capabilities beyond conventional terrestrial targets. The primary objective is to demonstrate rapid and covert deployment of satellites, scientific instruments, and crewed missions into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond while maintaining global strategic deterrence with Trident missile capabilities.Key Components:Trident SSBN Submarine:The cornerstone of Project Neptune Spear is an advanced, stealthy Ohio-class submarine modified for space launch operations. The Trident SSBN (Submarine Ballistic Missile Nuclear-powered) submarine is equipped with cutting-edge technologies to accommodate the launch, integration, and preparation of the SPACE CRUISER. The submarine's existing launch tubes are adapted to securely house the space capsule, ensuring a stable launch platform.SPACE CRUISER:The SPACE CRUISER is a state-of-the-art spacecraft designed for crewed missions. It boasts a streamlined and aerodynamic shape to minimize drag during ascent and re-entry. The capsule is capable of carrying astronauts, scientific payloads, or satellites into space. Advanced life support systems provide a safe environment for extended missions.Advanced Launch System (ALS):The Advanced Launch System is a series of modifications to the Trident missile that enables it to carry and deploy the SPACE CRUISER into space. Additionally, the missile's propulsion system is optimized to ensure a smooth transition from submarine launch to space.
Great video, ridiculous concept. I love these silly what-if videos.
Quote from: laszlo on 07/25/2023 01:57 pmGreat video, ridiculous concept. I love these silly what-if videos.<snip>You could make a long list of how many things are wrong/dubious for this:-would you really want a big thing like that sticking up out of the sub? How would that affect maneuverability of the sub?-that reentry vehicle is going to be directly exposed to the sea? Is that a good idea?-the astronaut climbs inside with the sub on the surface, and then the sub dives?-how does this thing find the target with any precision while out at sea for launch? -the astronaut sticks his head out and attaches a grenade to the enemy satellite?<snip>
For your edification.The sub is an Ohio class boomer. It more or less drifts underwater at shallow depth with the ocean currents most of the time. I consider the DARPA's STAR to be less of an obstruction to the sub's maneuverability than a carrying a DSRV (deep-submergence rescue vehicle) behind the sail on the top deck of the U.S.S. Jimmy Carter.AIUI the when a ballistic missile is ejected underwater from a submarine silo it is exposed to sea water. AFAIK almost all strategic ballistic missiles deployed aboard a boomer sub can only ignites their motor after clearing the ocean surface and the water plume from the ejection.The orbit of the targeted satellite is known not long after it's launch. Presumably it will be treated as any other targets on the sub's target list with updated orbital data when the launch order is transmitted to the sub. Think the Space Cruiser have the same mid-course guidance package as the reentry vehicles with the nukes with the Astronaut as terminal guidance.The Astronaut is deploying a magnetic shaped-charged demolition charge likely with a adhesive coating on the business end.As stated up thread the concept for the DARPA's STAR is bit crazy. Why Astronaut is required for the mission concept is that robotics and avionics hadn't advanced enough to replaced the Astronaut at the time the concept was conceived.
<snip>Now my own crazy idea - if that vehicle could withstand re-entry nose-first, it should have been very much stronger than any on-orbit spacecraft without re-entry capability. In that case, it didn't actually need the astronaut setting explosives. Just a low-speed bump with that nose at any random point on the target would have probably been enough to disable or destroy it.
ESA's Airbus Reusable Rocket: The AdelineHazegrayart4 Aug 2023Introducing Adeline - A Revolutionary Leap in Reusable RocketryImagine a rocket that not only soars into the sky with a thunderous roar but elegantly glides back to Earth, ready for another thrilling journey among the stars. Enter Adeline (Advanced Expendable Launcher with Innovative engine Economy), a groundbreaking concept brought to life by the brilliant minds at Airbus Defence and Space. This audacious vision aims to redefine the boundaries of space travel by harnessing the power of drone technology to achieve horizontal runway landings - an awe-inspiring spectacle that is sure to leave space enthusiasts in absolute awe!At the core of this visionary concept lies a rocket booster like no other. Equipped with propeller engines and cutting-edge avionics, it promises to be more than just a disposable first-stage component. Adeline's true genius lies in its ability to gracefully touch down on a runway, post-launch, only to be lovingly refurbished and sent off on yet another exhilarating adventure.As the fiery launch propels the stage forward, the engine module knows its fate and bravely bids farewell, preparing for the daring descent. Here's where Adeline unleashes its wings - tiny, yet potent winglets that nimbly guide the booster towards its coveted runway destination. Thrilling, isn't it?As the runway looms closer, the tension builds; this is the moment when the landing gear springs into action, providing the stability needed for a picture-perfect horizontal landing. To add a touch of ingenuity, two small pusher configuration propellers join the ensemble, lending that extra oomph to the landing. Talk about elegance and power wrapped into one!Now, let's talk economics. Adeline has an ace up its sleeve. By reusing a whopping 80% of the stage's economic value - encompassing the engine, avionics, and propulsion bay - it stands as a beacon of sustainability and cost-effectiveness. SpaceX, though impressive with its vertical landing feats, does not escape the taxing stresses their booster engines endure during deceleration. Adeline, on the other hand, gracefully glides and only requires a modest 2,000 kg of fuel for a geostationary flight back to the ground. Compare that to the estimated 35,000 kg needed for a SpaceX booster's return to the launch site. Mind-blowing, right?Now, fuel might be a mere fraction of the overall launch cost, but it's a game-changer for Adeline. The beauty lies in the reduction of launch costs, ranging from 21-40%. However, the catch lies in the payload capacity, which could diminish from 8,300 kg to 5,500 kg with this approach. But fret not, as the true cost advantage emerges when ferrying payloads much lower than the rocket's lift potential. Unleash the unused lift capacity, and voila! Extra fuel to recycle the rocket and unlock new realms of possibilities.You might wonder where this marvel will find its niche. Fear not, for the future is ripe with potential. Adeline could seamlessly integrate into the evolution of Ariane 6 or any liquid-fueled rocket. Talk about versatility!Embarking on this interstellar journey was no easy feat. Airbus commenced this ambitious program in 2010, investing a staggering €15 million by May 2015 to refine the art of reusability. Scale models took flight, fueling the dream of a reusable rocket future. As Ariane 6 takes center stage in Airbus's development priorities, Adeline awaits her turn to shine.Of course, with every bold venture, there are skeptics lurking in the shadows. In 2018, an official from the CNES launcher directorate expressed doubts about the concept's financial viability. But remember, history has shown that audacious visions often take time to win over skeptics and blaze new trails.
China's Space Station "Tiangong" Fly Around11 Aug 2023The Tiangong Space Station is a Chinese space station that is fully operational. It is being developed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) as a part of China's ambitious space program. The name "Tiangong" translates to "Heavenly Palace" in English.The Tiangong Space Station consists of multiple modules that will serve various purposes, including living quarters for astronauts, scientific research laboratories, and facilities for conducting experiments in microgravity. It is designed to be a long-term, modular space station similar to the International Space Station (ISS), but with a smaller scale.The construction of the Tiangong Space Station is planned to occur in several phases:Tiangong-1: This was China's first space station module, launched in 2011. It served as a prototype and tested various technologies and docking procedures.Tiangong-2: Launched in 2016, this module was used to conduct additional docking and rendezvous tests.Tiangong Modules (Tianhe, Wentian, Mengtian): The core module, named Tianhe (meaning "Harmony of the Heavens"), was launched in April 2021. It serves as the main living and working area for astronauts. It has docking ports for additional modules, which will be added in subsequent launches. Wentian and Mengtian are two experiment modules that will attach to Tianhe.The Tiangong Space Station will host a variety of scientific experiments in fields such as astronomy, biology, materials science, and more. It will also serve as a platform for international collaboration, with countries being able to send astronauts and participate in research projects aboard the station.The completion of the Tiangong Space Station represents a significant milestone in China's space program, showcasing the country's growing capabilities in space exploration, technology, and scientific research."China's Tiangong Space Station" (https://skfb.ly/oEzAB) by thaweverything is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b....
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.
Nov 24, 2023DARPA studied modifying the current external tank design to be able to carry low-density payloads in a 25 or 35 ft (7.6 or 10.6 m) diameter fairing where the oxygen tank was currently. The Shuttle on average would only fly 66% of its payload capability but at nearly 100% of its payload volume. The external tank payload fairing would solve this problem. The oxygen tank would be redesigned as a cylindrical tank rather than conical and the clamshell payload fairing would be mounted directly on it. In this configuration, the orbiter would launch without any payload. These studies were eventually abandoned due to the fact that the new aerodynamic profile would make a Return to Launch Site (RTLS) maneuver impossible.
Kliper Spaceplane: ESA-Russia Collaboration that never MaterializedHazegrayart5 Dec 2023The Kliper spaceplane was a proposed Russian reusable spacecraft intended for crewed missions to low Earth orbit (LEO), the Moon, and potentially Mars. Developed by RSC Energia, it aimed to be a successor to the Soyuz spacecraft and capable of transporting both crew and cargo to space.Key features and concepts associated with the Kliper spaceplane included:Reusability: Designed to be partially reusable, enabling multiple flights after refurbishment similar to the Space Shuttle program.Crew Capacity: Planned to accommodate up to six cosmonauts for missions to the International Space Station (ISS) or other orbital missions.Launch Vehicle: Intended to be launched atop a variety of rockets, including the Soyuz-2 and Angara rockets, depending on mission requirements.Mission Capabilities: Envisioned for missions to the ISS, lunar expeditions, and potentially Mars missions, providing a versatile platform for various space exploration endeavors.Landing System: Planned to return to Earth autonomously, with the ability to land on conventional runways, similar to the Space Shuttle, reducing the reliance on ocean landings.The Kliper project generated significant interest and anticipation, but it faced funding challenges and shifts in priorities within the Russian space program. Ultimately, the project was shelved in the mid-2000s in favor of other initiatives, such as the continued use and development of Soyuz spacecraft and modules for the ISS missions.Despite its discontinuation, the Kliper concept and its design elements have contributed to discussions and ideas surrounding future crewed spaceflight and reusable spacecraft within the Russian space industry.The Soyuz-3 concept, as described from the information available, seems to incorporate several key technical details:First Stage:Comprised of four conical strap-on boosters.Equipped with a modified version of the RD-120 engine, borrowed from the operational Zenit-2 rocket.Second Stage (Core/Sustainer Stage):Borrowed body dimensions from the Avrora project.Top section had a cylindrical shape with a constant diameter (different from previous conical shapes).Carried the NK-33 engine, inherited from the ill-fated N1 rocket of the 1960s Moon Race.The scale model lacked the RD-110P steering engine on the 2nd stage.Third Stage:Developed from scratch.Equipped with four RD-0146E engines.Utilized cryogenically cooled liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as propellants.The basic concept of the engine was also intended for upper stages of the Proton-M and Angara launch vehicles.These specifications indicate a mix of heritage technology and new developments, combining engines from previous projects like the N1 and Zenit rockets with new designs for the third stage. The use of cryogenic propellants in the third stage suggests a focus on achieving higher performance. (Клипер, English: Clipper) was an early-2000s proposed partially-reusable crewed spacecraft concept by RSC Energia. Due to lack of funding from the ESA and RSA, the project was indefinitely postponed by 2006.Designed primarily to replace the Soyuz spacecraft, Kliper was proposed in two versions: as a pure lifting body design and as spaceplane with small wings. In either case, the craft would have been able to glide into the atmosphere at an angle that produces much less stress on the human occupants than the current Soyuz. Kliper was intended to be designed to be able to carry up to six people and to perform ferry services between Earth and the International Space Station.Presumably Soyouz 2-3 would have been able to launch the Kliper without wings and without the service module (working with the module Parom), whereas Soyouz 3 would have been used for the winged and autonomous heavier version (capable of docking to the station by its own).Royalty Free Music from Tunetank.comTrack: The Time by MusicAreahttps://tunetank.com/track/3935-the-t..."Soyuz TMA" (https://skfb.ly/oupxS) by TwilightSparkleX is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b....
It's neat to see him do that one. Kliper was interesting when it was first proposed, but then it joined a long list of Russian Soyuz replacements that never happened.Has he done Hermes yet? That seems like a rather obvious one.
No Hermes so far, unfortunately. Agree it would make sense.
SpaceX STARSHIP, Blue Origin NEW GLENN, ULA VULCAN CENTAUR, Relativity Space TERRAN R, Landspace ZHUQUE-2, Rocket Lab NEUTRON, Relativity Space TERRAN 1,ESA Ariane Group THEMIS, Stoke Space The possibilities of employing methane as a fuel for rockets have the potential to radically overhaul the space industry in multifarious ways. Primarily, as aforementioned, methane embodies a more ecologically friendly fuel source than traditional rocket fuels. If implemented, the utilization of methane-powered rockets has the capability of reducing the carbon footprint of space exploration, which has heretofore been an industry notorious for its pollutant output. Secondly, methane has greater accessibility than certain other rocket fuels, such as liquid hydrogen. Methane is derived from a plethora of sources, ranging from natural gas to renewable sources such as biomass and waste. This denotes that the production and distribution of methane as a rocket fuel can be more stable and less dependent on particular geographic locations. Thirdly, the potential for methane-powered rockets to be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional rockets is a plausible reality. Due to its increased density relative to hydrogen, methane can be stored in smaller tanks and requires less insulation to maintain a suitable temperature. This can lead to decreased launch costs and facilitate the execution of more frequent space missions. Finally, the possibilities of methane-powered rockets afford the potential for lengthier and more ambitious space missions, notably to destinations like Mars. Methane can be synthesized on Mars utilizing the planet's abundant carbon dioxide atmosphere and water ice. Consequently, methane-powered rockets could potentially refuel and return to Earth or proceed to other destinations in the solar system. Taken together, the implementation of methane as a rocket fuel holds the promise of a revolutionary transformation within the space industry. It can potentially make space exploration more sustainable, cost-effective, and ambitious than ever before.
The Russian Winged Orbital Launch Vehicle, a visionary project by the Soviet Air Force, aimed for a horizontal takeoff/horizontal landing, reusable space launch system akin to conventional aircraft. Developed by Mikoyan from 1960 to 1976, it featured a reusable hypersonic air-breathing booster, two expendable rocket stages, and the Spiral manned spaceplane. Hindered by inadequate government funding, it only reached subscale flight tests by the mid-1970s. Development ceased in 1976, giving way to the Buran, a Soviet version of the U.S. space shuttle. However, the concept saw a resurgence in the 1980s as the MAKS spaceplane, embodying technological evolution and human perseverance in aerospace innovation.
Jan 31, 2024In July 1960, Mikhail Yangel's OKB-586 design bureau, based in the city of Dnepropetrovsk Ukraine proposed the development of a rocket capable of carrying 40 tons into low Earth orbit, filling the gap between Korolev's N-1 (75 tons) and Chelomei's UR-500 (20 tons). Named R-56 with industrial designation 8K68, its preliminary design saw the liftoff weight increase from 1,200 to 1,400 tons.On May 22, 1963, the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the Soviet Ministers of the USSR authorized the experimental project (EP) for the R-56 rocket. Its potential applications included delivering geostationary satellites, lunar and planetary probes, manned circumlunar expeditions, and lunar surface supply missions.During conceptual design, KB Yuzhnoe explored three configurations for the R-56:Four modules: Each module with a 3.8-meter diameter for rail transportation.Seven-module: Each module with a 3-meter diameter, similar to the R-36 missile.One-module: Booster stages with a 6.5-meter diameter, necessitating waterway transportation.Despite the need for significant upgrades to production facilities and new means of stage delivery from the manufacturer to launch sites in Dnepropetrovsk, KB Yuzhnoe chose the one-module configuration.
Feb 14, 2024The Boeing doublebody, winged booster, known as Model 832-40made use of a Dyna-Soar glider as the crew module and escape capsule.Powered by twin clusters made up of 4 Rocketdyne J-2B rocket engines for vertical boost and 3 hydrogen-fueled, General Electric MF239C Turbofan engines for horizontal flight and landing. Designed for use with a variety of upper stages Source
ReNova SSTO Rocket Concept Developed by Martin3 Mar 2024The rocket engines are arranged in a ring around the major diameter of a STO.The hydrogen tanks form what is , in effect, a a large plug, with a toroidal oxygen tank mounted forward.. The rockets are enclosed in an air duct equipped with adjustable inlets. A jettisonable shroud extends the mixing area down stream of the rockets. The conical payload fairing serves as an inlet spike during accent through the atmosphere. The air enter through the inlet, mixes with the rocket exhaust, is heated and expands past the plug-shaped aft body, thus contributing additional thrust. The mixing shroud is jettisoned and the inlets are closed after leaving the atmosphere
Aug 30, 2022Gateway is a critical part of NASA’s deep space exploration plans, along with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, Orion spacecraft and human landing system. As astronauts prepare for missions to the lunar surface, they will need deliveries of critical pressurized and unpressurized cargo, science experience and supplies, such as sample collection materials and other items. In March 2020, NASA awarded SpaceX as the first U.S. commercial provider under the Gateway Logistics Services contract to deliver cargo and other supplies to the lunar outpost on the SpaceX Dragon XL logistics module.The agency’s powerful Space Launch System rocket will launch four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft for their multi-day journey to lunar orbit. There, two crew members will transfer to the SpaceX human landing system (HLS) for the final leg of their journey to the surface of the Moon. After approximately a week exploring the surface, they will board the lander for their short trip back to orbit where they will return to Orion and their colleagues before heading back to Earth.NASA’s Artemis program will land astronauts on the Moon and reveal new knowledge about the Moon, Earth and our origins in the solar system. At the Moon, NASA and its partners will gain the experience necessary to mount a historic human mission to Mars.Gateway model credit: Andreas Engevoldandreas93609.artstation.com
Apr 2, 2024The Energia Vulkan design was the largest of the Energia concepts with eight Zenit booster rockets and an Energia-M core as the upper stage, the Vulkan (which shared the name with another Soviet heavy lift rocket that was cancelled years earlier) configuration was initially projected to launch up to 200 metric tonnes into 200 km orbit with inclination 50.7°The development of the Vulkan and the refurbishment of Universal Test Stand and Launch Pad at site 250 for its launches was in progress between 1990–1993 and abandoned soon after due to a lack of funds and the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Apr 10, 2024The Saturn MLV was a proposed concept family of rockets, intended as a follow-on to the Saturn V. MLV stands for "Modified Launch Vehicle".Vehicle configurations representative of several alternative uprating methods were specified by the Marshall Space Flight Center for initial studies.Proposed modificationsThrust uprating and modifying of the five F-1 rocket engines used in the first S-IC stage, and corresponding increases in propellant tank capacities.Addition of a sixth F-1 engine in the S-IC stage, as an alternative to engine uprating, plus increased propellant capacities.Use of UA1205 solid rocket boosters derived from the Titan IIIC vehicle.Additional J-2 engines in the S-II stage, ~131 s increased upper stage propellant capacities.Improved or advanced upper stage engines, such as the HG-3, plus increased propellant capacities.The baseline Saturn MLV would incorporate these changes from the Saturn V vehicle. The Saturn IC first stage would have been stretched 240 inches (610 cm) with 2,500,000 kg (5,600,000 lb) of propellant and five new F-1A engines; the S-II second stage would have been stretched 41 inches (100 cm) with 450,000 kg (1,000,000 lb) of propellant and five J-2 engines; the S-IVB third stage would have been strengthened, but with a standard 100,000 kg (230,000 lb) of propellant, and one J-2 engine. Nuclear propulsion in the third stage and toroidal J-2 engines in the second and third stages were also investigated.
Would it still fit the VAB?
Quote from: Kansan52 on 04/10/2024 05:44 pmWould it still fit the VAB?The one in the video would have. It's some 24 feet taller than the Saturn V, so 387 feet tall. The VAB doors are 456 feet tall, having been sized to accommodate the Nova.
Boeing Rocket ConceptsHazegrayart26 Apr 2024#boeing #nasaThe Boeing X-20 Dyna-Soar ("Dynamic Soarer") was a United States Air Force (USAF) program to develop a spaceplane that could be used for a variety of military missions, including aerial reconnaissance, bombing, space rescue, satellite maintenance, and as a space interceptor to sabotage enemy satellites.Full Video: • The Boeing X-20 Dyna-S... Boeing doublebody, winged booster, known as Model 832-40made use of a Dyna-Soar glider as the crew module and escape capsule.Full Video: • Boeing Recoverable Lau... Boeing 1968 study, four improved Saturn S-IC first stage stretched TO 498 inches with 6.64 million pounds propellant and 5 F-1 engines each and 4 S-II second stage with 5 J-2 enginesand a payload shroud of 86.5 feet in diameter and 240 feet long for a payload of over 1 million poundsFull Video: • Saturn V-4X(U) 1 Milli... Boeing's 4 Million lbs Payload Rocket (LMLV) Large Multipurpose Launch Vehicle Concept. Ten 372-inch solid motors would have resulted in a payload up to 4.2 million pounds Full Video: • Boeing's 4 Million lbs... Boeing's Low cost Heavy Lift Vehicle Concept VTVL SSTO RLV was part of the company's NASA-funded Solar Powersat Studies in 1976-77. Known as "The Big Onion"Full Video: • Boeing's Low cost Heav... The Boeing Space Freighter was a 1970′s designed fully reusable 420 Ton Payload Rocket System to construct the Solar Power Satellite Array to beam energy down to earth Full Video: • Boeing Space Freighter... SRB-X has often been called "The single worst shuttle-derived launcher ever proposed."Full Video: • Boeing's SRB-X Space S... #boeing #nasa
The Boeing X-20 Dyna-Soar ("Dynamic Soarer") was a United States Air Force (USAF) program to develop a spaceplane that could be used for a variety of military missions, including aerial reconnaissance, bombing, space rescue, satellite maintenance, and as a space interceptor to sabotage enemy satellites.
Feb 14, 2024The Boeing doublebody, winged booster, known as Model 832-40made use of a Dyna-Soar glider as the crew module and escape capsule.Powered by twin clusters made up of 4 Rocketdyne J-2B rocket engines for vertical boost and 3 hydrogen-fueled, General Electric MF239C Turbofan engines for horizontal flight and landing. Designed for use with a variety of upper stages
Jun 17, 2022Boeing 1968 study, four improved Saturn S-IC first stage stretched TO 498 inches with 6.64 million pounds propellant and 5 F-1 engines each and 4 S-II second stage with 5 J-2 enginesand a payload shroud of 86.5 feet in diameter and 240 feet long for a payload of over 1 million pounds
Feb 10, 2020A 1968 NASA-sponsored study of a large multipurpose launch conceptA potential application of this launch vehicle concept is for launching future manned interplanetary, extended lunar, and large space station payloads. For many missions, the payload versatility of the launch vehicle system could be used to orbit the total payload requirements in a single launch, obviating the need for orbital assembly. Previous mission analysis information indicated that a payload capability from one to four million pounds to low earth orbit would adequately cover the range of these mission requirementsThe concept is a "building-block'' vehicle system that features a main stage capable of single- stage-to-orbit operation and add-on stages, either boost assist or upper stages, that afford a broad range of payload capability.Ten 372-inch solid motors would have resulted in a payload up to 4.2 million pounds REFERENCESCONCEPT FOR A LARGE MULTIPURPOSE LAUNCH VEHICLE By Edward W. Gomersall: Research ScientistJohn G. Brunk: Advanced Vehicle System Manager, Launch Systems Branch, Space Division, The Boeing Company.
Mar 5, 2022The Boeing Space Freighter was a 1970′s design fully reusable 420 Ton Payload Rocket System to construct the Solar Power Satellite Array to beam energy down to earth Booster Wingspan 80 MetersHeight 154 MetersDiameter 18.5 Meters
Dec 26, 2022Boeing's Low cost Heavy Lift Vehicle Concept VTVL SSTO RLV was part of the company's NASA-funded Solar Powersat Studies in 1976-77. Known as "The Big Onion" it utilized twenty-four 4.5MN oxygen-hydrogen main engines plus twenty-four 2.25MN lox-kerosene booster engines to generate a thrust-to-weight ratio at liftoff of 1.3. with 227 tonne payload capacityLeo’s base heat shield would be water-cooled and the engine nozzles were to be protected by steam ejection.
Mar 22, 2021Source:SRB-X SHUTTLE DERIVED VEHICLE ANALYSISSOLID BOOSTER UNMANNED LAUNCH VEHICLECONCEPT DEFINITION STUDYVolume IITECHNICAL REPORTDISO-27351-2February 1983Contract NASS-34722Submitted to The National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationGeorge. C. Marshall Space Flight Center byBoeing Aerospace CompanySeattle, Washington 98124The SRB-X study was initiated by NASA in response to preliminary investigationsthat suggested future launch requirements could best be satisfied by a mixed fleet ofmanned and unmanned launch vehicles. Manned requirements are expected to be met bythe space shuttle, at least to the turn of the century, but requirements for the unmannedvehicle are not specific at this time. The following, however, represent potential uses orbenefits that indicate, when viewed collectively, that an unmanned vehicle could be avaluable addition to the space transportation system (STS). Such a vehicle coulda. Provide shuttle contingency or backup in the event of an out-of-service orbiter, amajor accident, or failure to achieve acceptable turnaround time.b. Deliver payloads that exceed the size and mass constraints imposed by theshuttle.C. Free the shuttle for missions unique to its capabilities, thus extending the life ofthe orbiter fleet.d. Supplement the shuttle flight rate in the event launch needs increase appreciably.e. Deliver cargo considered hazardous or presenting additional risk to the shuttle.The SRB-X is one of several shuttle-derived vehicle (SDV) concepts being considered for the unmanned launch vehicle role. The distinguishing feature of the concept isthat, to the greatest extent possible, primary propulsion would use the space shuttle'ssolid rocket motors (SRM), boosters, or derivatives rather than the LO2/LH2 main propulsion system.
McDonnell Douglas X-33 SSTO Reusable Launch Vehicle11 May 2024Single-Stage-To-Orbit (SSTO) Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). McDonnell Douglas submitted a vertical landing configuration design which used liquid oxygen/hydrogen engines. NASA considered design submissions from Rockwell, Lockheed Martin, and McDonnell Douglas. NASA selected Lockheed Martin’s X-33 design on 2 July 1996. The RLV technology program was a cooperative agreement between NASA and industry. The goal of the RLV technology program was to produce significant reductions in the cost of access to space, and to promote the creation and delivery of new space services and other activities that would have improve U.S. economic competitiveness.
May 28, 2024At the 2010 AIAA Joint Propulsion conference, SpaceX presented potential designs for future heavy and super-heavy lift vehicles.Falcon XX is a single core launch vehicle with a diameter of 10 meters and an estimated length of about 100 meters using six Merlin 2 engines operating at the 100% thrust setting on its first stage creating a liftoff thrust of 45,360 Kilonewtons (4,625 metric tons).
The Conroy Virtus Designed by John M. Conroy of the Turbo-Three Corporation incorporate a pair of Boeing B-52 Stratofortress fuselages to form a new craft using existing parts for cost-savings.The Lockeed Twin Galaxy featured two C-5 Galaxy's with six engines to cradle the orbiter between twin fuselages
QuoteThe Conroy Virtus Designed by John M. Conroy of the Turbo-Three Corporation incorporate a pair of Boeing B-52 Stratofortress fuselages to form a new craft using existing parts for cost-savings.The Lockeed Twin Galaxy featured two C-5 Galaxy's with six engines to cradle the orbiter between twin fuselages
You are certainly right - but the sheer attractivity of it was the elimination of the mate/demate device... just roll the orbiter under the central wing, attach, and fly away.
Quote from: Spiceman on 06/19/2024 03:51 pmYou are certainly right - but the sheer attractivity of it was the elimination of the mate/demate device... just roll the orbiter under the central wing, attach, and fly away. Attach to what? Did the Shuttle have hard-points on the top that it could be suspended by?[Edit: In the video, the two designs seemed to use completely different attachment points on the Orbiter. But I don't know how much of that is artistic guesswork.]
Quote from: Paul451 on 06/19/2024 06:50 pmQuote from: Spiceman on 06/19/2024 03:51 pmYou are certainly right - but the sheer attractivity of it was the elimination of the mate/demate device... just roll the orbiter under the central wing, attach, and fly away. Attach to what? Did the Shuttle have hard-points on the top that it could be suspended by?[Edit: In the video, the two designs seemed to use completely different attachment points on the Orbiter. But I don't know how much of that is artistic guesswork.]The orbiter had hard points for stacking. If you search on [STS VAB MATE], various resources will be found. I wouldn't presume that the as-built points were rated for flight transport, but they would have been if either of these carrier schemes had gone forward.
There was a way to remove/lift a shuttle for mating/de-mating with the 747 SCA using two large cranes.
Jun 27, 2024The Rockwell C-1057, born during Phase B studies, aimed to shorten the Shuttle Orbiter without losing payload space. Engineer Harry Scott proposed an unconventional solution: turning the cargo bay sideways. The resulting "Breadbox" was short, squat, and surprisingly aerodynamically sound. However, integrating it with the ET and SRBs remained a mystery, contributing to its demise as a concept.
Rockwell C-1057 "Breadbox" Space Shuttle ConceptQuoteJun 27, 2024The Rockwell C-1057, born during Phase B studies, aimed to shorten the Shuttle Orbiter without losing payload space. Engineer Harry Scott proposed an unconventional solution: turning the cargo bay sideways. The resulting "Breadbox" was short, squat, and surprisingly aerodynamically sound. However, integrating it with the ET and SRBs remained a mystery, contributing to its demise as a concept.
Launching payloads sideways? Look at Hubble in that payload bay and shudder.
Jul 30, 2024North American XB-70 ValkyrieAlternate concepts for the XB-70 ranged from cargo and personnel transport, supersonic tanker and reusable launch vehicle to name a few. Some topics have enjoyed brief coverage in previous publications, yet most of what you will find resides in the archives of the Air Force Materiel Command History Office, a research facility located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Research revealed a variety of gems in these archives, many a simple mention or illustration in an obscure report while others came from archived materials supplied by the manufacturer.
Aug 15, 2024An autonomous spaceport drone ship (ASDS) is an ocean-going vessel derived from a deck barge, outfitted with station-keeping engines and a large landing platform, and is autonomously positioned when on station for a landing.0:00 Blue Origin - New Glenn0:56 Relativity Space - Terran R1:42 Rocket Lab - Neutron2:54 China's - Long March 10
Project Daedalus (named after Daedalus, the Greek mythological designer who crafted wings for human flight) was a study conducted between 1973 and 1978 by the British Interplanetary Society to design a plausible uncrewed interstellar probe. Intended mainly as a scientific probe, the design criteria specified that the spacecraft had to use existing or near-future technology and had to be able to reach its destination within a human lifetime. Alan Bond led a team of scientists and engineers who proposed using a fusion rocket to reach Barnard's Star 5.9 light years away. The trip was estimated to take 50 years, but the design was required to be flexible enough that it could be sent to any other target star.
Martin Nova Post-Saturn Reusable RocketHazegrayart24 Sept 2024Nova was a series of NASA's rocket designs that were proposed both before and after the Saturn V rocket used in the Apollo program. Nova was NASA's first large launcher proposed in 1958, for missions similar to what Saturn V was subsequently used for. The Nova and Saturn V designs closely mirrored each other in basic concept, power, size, and function. Differences were minor but practical, and the Saturn was ultimately selected for the Apollo program, largely because it would reuse existing facilities to a greater extent and could make it to the pad somewhat earlier.During a series of post-Apollo studies in the late 1960s, considerations for a crewed mission to Mars revealed the need for boosters much larger than Apollo's, and a new series of designs with as many as eight Rocketdyne F-1 engines were developed under the Nova name (along with the Saturn MLV). The image of the Nova C8 is commonly used as a representative of the entire Nova series, and many references to Nova refer specifically to these post-Apollo versions. The two series of designs were, essentially, separate, but shared their name. Thus, "Nova" does not refer to a specific rocket design, just a rocket larger than the Saturn V in most cases. Nova was the name used by NASA in the early 1960s for a super booster in the 10 to 20 million pound thrust range.By the end of 1963, NASA had shifted its focus away from the need for massive launch vehicles. Studies on the Saturn V had already commenced, showing that with solid strap-on boosters, it could deliver up to a million pounds into orbit without requiring new vehicles or facilities. More importantly, many at NASA envisioned the successor to the Saturn V as a reusable winged shuttle that could land on airstrips. Consequently, the Nova program was quietly cancelled in 1964. Throughout the 1960s, innovators like Truax and Bono continued to promote ambitious designs for very large or single-stage-to-orbit vehicles, such as Sea Dragon and Rombus. However, without political backing for human colonization of space or Mars exploration, the demand for such large launch vehicles has yet to arise.
Rocket Air Launch ConceptsHazegrayart4 Oct2024 Full Video0:00 British HOTOL /AN 325 An-325: The Giant Carr... 0:32 Russian “OOS” Soviet Designed Air La...0:49 Hypersonic Test Vehicle/B-70 VALKYRIE XB-70 Valkyrie Hyperso... 0:59 FDL-5/C-5 Galaxy How To Get Your Hypers... 1:17 Dream Chaser/Stratolaunch Stratolaunch World's L... 1:39 FDL-5/747 How To Get Your Hypers... 1:59 X-15 Delta Wing/B-70 VALKYRIE XB-70 Valkyrie Hyperso... 2:12 MAKS/AN-225 MAKS Spaceplane: M... Air launching is the practice of releasing a rocket, missile, parasite aircraft or other aircraft payload from a mother ship or launch aircraft. The payload craft or missile is often tucked under the wing of the larger mother ship and then "dropped" while in flight. It may also be stored within a bomb bay, beneath the main fuselage or even on the back of the carrier aircraft, as in the case of the D-21 drone. Air launching provides several advantages over ground launching, giving the smaller craft an altitude and range boost, while saving it the weight of the fuel and equipment needed to take off on its own.
Oct 16, 2024The experts at OKB-1, pioneers behind the Soyuz capsule, were decidedly unimpressed with the winged design of the US shuttle. Their extensive aerodynamic studies, painstakingly conducted during the Soyuz development, revealed daunting weight penalties and troublesome thermal control issues inherent to any winged craft. Instead, their research illuminated a compelling alternative: a lifting body shape capable of executing high angles of bank at hypersonic speeds, which could almost rival winged designs in terms of cross range efficiency. They firmly believed that the parachute and retrorocket landing techniques perfected for Soyuz could be effectively scaled up for a larger spacecraft.Consequently, the preferred design emerging in 1974 took the form of an unwinged spacecraft. This innovative vehicle featured a conical crew cabin at the forefront, a cylindrical payload section in the middle, and a rear cylindrical section housing the engines necessary for orbital maneuvers. The MTKVA was set to be launched into the cosmos by the Vulkan rocket, and after fulfilling its mission, it would embark on a meticulously controlled re-entry. Utilizing a hypersonic lift-to-drag ratio of 1.0, it could perform expansive cross-range maneuvers, enabling recovery on Soviet territory from nearly any orbit.As it approached its landing zone, the MTKVA would glide gracefully at low subsonic speeds. The final descent would leverage parachutes for initial deceleration, transitioning to a soft vertical landing facilitated by retrorockets and skid gear. The fusion of these innovative designs and techniques promised a new era of space exploration—one that would challenge conventional wisdom and reshape the future of spacecraft design.
Oct 24, 2024Space Station Freedom was a NASA-led multi-national project proposed in the 1980s to construct a permanently crewed space station in low Earth orbit. Despite initial approval by President Ronald Reagan and a public announcement in the 1984 State of the Union Address, the ambitious project faced significant budget cuts and delays. Ultimately, a scaled-down version of Freedom evolved into the US Orbital Segment (USOS) of the International Space Station (ISS)."Power Tower" space station concept (1984)In April 1984, the newly established Space Station Program Office at Johnson Space Center produced a first reference configuration; this design would serve as a baseline for further planning. The chosen design was the "Power Tower", a long central keel with most mass located at either end. This arrangement would provide enough gravity gradient stability to keep the station aligned with the keel pointed towards the Earth, reducing the need for thruster firings. Most designs featured a cluster of modules at the lower end and a set of articulated solar arrays at the upper end. It also contained a servicing bay. In April 1985, the program selected a set of contractors to carry out definition studies and preliminary design; various trade-offs were made in this process, balancing higher development costs against reduced long-term operating costs"Dual Keel" space station concept (1985)The newly conceived "Dual Keel" Station emerged as a sophisticated blend of Lockheed and McDonnell Douglas designs, boasting a structure that was significantly stiffer—resulting in enhanced stability. This innovative architecture promised not only increased space for external instruments but also a superior microgravity environment, a marked improvement over its predecessor, the gravity gradient-stabilized "Power Tower."In response to the pressing concerns of scientists, the crew size was elevated to eight astronauts. The rationale? A mere six-member team would likely be overwhelmed by the demands of assembly and maintenance, leaving scant time for crucial research activities.NASA set its sights on a launch date for the station's first element in January 1993; however, the initial operational capability was pushed back to January 1994. This delay stemmed primarily from a significant budget cut in Fiscal 1986, which slashed funding from $280 million down to a mere $200 million. The implications were profound, reshaping timelines and expectations for this ambitious project..Revised Baseline Configuration (1987)At the same time, late 1986, NASA carried out a study into new configuration options to reduce development costs; options studied ranged from the use of a Skylab-type station to a phased development of the Dual-Keel configuration. This approach involved splitting assembly into two phases; Phase 1 would provide the central modules, and the transverse boom, but with no keels. The solar arrays would be augmented to ensure 75 kW of power would be provided, and the polar platform and servicing facility were again deferred. The study concluded that the project was viable, reducing development costs while minimizing negative impacts, and it was designated the Revised Baseline Configuration. This would have a development cost of US$15.3 billion (in FY1989 dollars) and FEL in the first quarter of 1994. This replanning was endorsed by the National Research Council in September 1987, which also recommended that the long-term national goals should be studied before committing to any particular Phase 2 design.This work is based on "Spacestation 7 - Procedural" (https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/spacestation-7-procedural-5e8cb801870f4cbc89246ba4f9c8e6b2 )) by re1monsen (https://sketchfab.com/re1monsen )During 1986 and 1987, various other studies were carried out on the future of the U.S. space program; the results of these often impacted the Space Station, and their recommendations were folded into the revised baseline as necessary. One of the results of these was to baseline the Station program as requiring five shuttle flights a year for operations and logistics, rotating four crew at a time with the aim of extending individual stay times to 180 days.
Nov 20, 2024Humpback OrbiterAn undefined need for more payload bay volumeinspired the thought that the lee side area above thepayload bay (at entry angles of attack) could be used foran expanded bay. This resulted in what was called the“humpback” orbiter . The wind shield area wasfaired into the higher moldline and whole faired into thevertical fin trailing edge. There was no change in thehypersonic aerodynamic characteristics at high angles ofattack. However, there was no evaluation of the subsonicaerodynamic characteristics but it is likely that there somedegradation of directional stability.STS External Tank StationIn 1980, NASA conducted a study on various concepts for an American manned space station, focusing on the 'wet workshop' approach. This concept involved using the large External Tank carried into orbit by each shuttle flight to create a spacious space station.Although the idea was highly cost-effective and practical, NASA management ultimately did not pursue it seriously. The proposal was viewed as a tempting low-cost alternative to their own ambitious plans for a large modular space station.
The nod to 2001 is pretty brilliant.
Humpback Shuttle, External Tank Space Station
Quote from: catdlr on 11/20/2024 03:34 pmHumpback Shuttle, External Tank Space Station
Dec 17, 2024The selected Titan IIIL booster is designated as the 1207-4 spread configuration. The booster stage consIsts of a sixteen foot diameter liquid fuel core with five (Aerojet Liquid Rocket Company) LR-87 engines and four 120 inch (United Technology Center) UA 1207 solid rocket motors mounted in the yaw plane, two on either side of the core. The liquid fueled core uti1izea nitrogen tetroxide as an oxidizer and Aerozine-50, a solution of Hydrazine and UDMH, as afuel. Five core engines supply a total sea level thrust of 1,133,370 pounds. The liquid rocket engines are precanted 90 in pitch to compensate for the CG Z-axis offset. The center engine is hinged in pitch to facilitate CG tracking while the outboard engines heve gimbal capabilities of plus or minus 4.5 degrees in pitch and yaw. The four solid rocket motors develop a total of 5,570,400 pounds-thrust. The engine nozzles are precanted six degrees in a plane rotated 30 degrees out of pitch. The cant and rotation angles are chosen to facilitate CG tracking and to minimize the individual SRM moment arms at the end of web action time.
10 Soviet/Russian Spacecraft Designs That Never FlewHazegrayart20 Dec 2024A fascinating look at the top 10 spacecraft that never made it to space is presented. From ambitious designs to cancelled projects.
Titan IIIL Heavy Lift Concept
Quote from: catdlr on 12/17/2024 07:24 pmTitan IIIL Heavy Lift ConceptI don't get this one at all. Why mount the SRBs off to the side rather than around the core? It seems to me that simply from a structural standpoint, this would put the thrust forces from two SRBs on each side running through relatively small attachment points to the Titan core, rather than spreading that thrust around the core.
January 15, 2025At the 2010 AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference, SpaceX presented potential designs for future heavy and super-heavy lift vehicles.Falcon XX is a single core launch vehicle with a diameter of 10 meters and an estimated length of about 100 meters using six Merlin 2 engines operating at the 100% thrust setting on its first stage creating a liftoff thrust of 45,360 Kilonewtons (4,625 metric tons).
Super Nexus: Nuclear Powered RocketHazegrayart24 Jan 2025Convair’s Super-NEXUS—a visionary leap into spaceflight—was no ordinary vehicle. This partially reusable, Single-Stage-to-Orbit (SSTO) behemoth was designed to carry an astounding 2 million pounds of payload, making it a true giant of its time. Imagine a colossal structure that stood 400 feet tall, towering over even the mighty Saturn V, which itself reached a height of 363 feet. With a staggering diameter of 150 feet, the NEXUS would have dwarfed its predecessors in both size and capability.But sheer size is only part of the story. In its largest proposed variant, the Super-NEXUS would have weighed an almost incomprehensible 48 million pounds when fully fueled—compared to the Saturn V’s comparatively modest 6.5 million pounds. This weight discrepancy highlights the ambitious scale of the project. The NEXUS wasn’t just a bigger rocket; it was an entirely new class of spacecraft, designed to deliver an unprecedented payload of 2 million pounds to low Earth orbit—more than eight times the capacity of the Saturn V.And the innovation didn’t stop there. Unlike traditional one-and-done rockets, the Super-NEXUS was envisioned as a reusable marvel. It was designed not just to launch and land, but to land vertically on the ocean’s surface after each mission. Once safely aloft, the massive vehicle would be towed back to port by ships, ready to be refurbished and launched again. This ambitious dream, while never realized, pointed toward a future where space travel was as routine as any other form of transportation.Such a vision was perhaps too far ahead of its time—but the audacity and scope of the Super-NEXUS continue to inspire, underscoring the boundless potential of human ingenuity in the quest to conquer the stars.Royalty Free Music from Tunetank.comTrack: The Time by MusicAreahttps://tunetank.com/t...
Apr 28, 2022Welcome to the new channel! Subscribe if you want to see more stuff just like this. This is just the first in many on Von Braun's rocket designs and other spacecraft, so buckle down and prepare to stay a while In 1955, Disney aired a special called Man in Space. In it, Von Braun showcased the future of space travel, with the ferry rocket front and center. But did you know that Disney dumped this rocket down? That right, as imaginative as the House of the Mouse might be in the fantasy world, they actually hid Von Brauns' original rocket vision.A rocket of insane proportions that is so tall and colossal it looks like it's right out of War of the Worlds—from the Martian side. I know that the Martians didn't actually use rockets, depending on which version you read, but it's good imagery.A fleet of ten would be built to construct an orbital platform for a 50-man moon base. The platform would have escape pods on the sides and be reusable within a week of landing.Today on Escape Velocity, we will examine the original von Braun spacecraft, with no other name than the very first - Rocket Ship. Wernher Von Braun was a very controversial figure, but one who undoubtedly saw humanity's future among the stars and was willing to help develop technology to get there - even if the initial rockets would be aimed at Moscow rather than the moon. Formally a nazi in name and creator of the V2, his work on rockets during the war secured him a role as the de facto leader of the US Army missile program. With his newfound source of funds and celebrity status, he pushed for more civil applications of his rockets and to turn what mainly was science fiction into near-future reality.In a 1952 article in Colliers Magazine, he outlined an ambitious timetable for man's future in space. It featured milestones such as constructing a rotating space station by 1967, large space-going freighters to head to the moon by 1977, and a moon base with 50 personnel by the same year. The trip to Mars would follow. Truely ambitious and will be the focus of future videos on this channel - so hit that subscribe button if you want to hang around for that. These plans relied on a reusable launch vehicle, a spacecraft that could make multiple trips consistently and reliably and be far larger than anything the Americans had seen before. And remember, this is 1952 and 1953 - almost a decade before the Saturn V would be built. And this would be far bigger in virtually every way. And boy, did it look good. It was called simply - the rocket ship. It did have some similarities to previous designs by Von Braun, such as the A-11 and A-12, and had appeared in some publications beforehand, but this version was the pinnacle of his design career.Transcript
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ORZB0-xW8uMQuoteSuper Nexus: Nuclear Powered RocketHazegrayart24 Jan 2025Convair’s Super-NEXUS—a visionary leap into spaceflight—was no ordinary vehicle. This partially reusable, Single-Stage-to-Orbit (SSTO) behemoth was designed to carry an astounding 2 million pounds of payload, making it a true giant of its time. Imagine a colossal structure that stood 400 feet tall, towering over even the mighty Saturn V, which itself reached a height of 363 feet. With a staggering diameter of 150 feet, the NEXUS would have dwarfed its predecessors in both size and capability.But sheer size is only part of the story. In its largest proposed variant, the Super-NEXUS would have weighed an almost incomprehensible 48 million pounds when fully fueled—compared to the Saturn V’s comparatively modest 6.5 million pounds. This weight discrepancy highlights the ambitious scale of the project. The NEXUS wasn’t just a bigger rocket; it was an entirely new class of spacecraft, designed to deliver an unprecedented payload of 2 million pounds to low Earth orbit—more than eight times the capacity of the Saturn V.And the innovation didn’t stop there. Unlike traditional one-and-done rockets, the Super-NEXUS was envisioned as a reusable marvel. It was designed not just to launch and land, but to land vertically on the ocean’s surface after each mission. Once safely aloft, the massive vehicle would be towed back to port by ships, ready to be refurbished and launched again. This ambitious dream, while never realized, pointed toward a future where space travel was as routine as any other form of transportation.Such a vision was perhaps too far ahead of its time—but the audacity and scope of the Super-NEXUS continue to inspire, underscoring the boundless potential of human ingenuity in the quest to conquer the stars.Royalty Free Music from Tunetank.comTrack: The Time by MusicAreahttps://tunetank.com/t...
Mar 31, 2022The An-225 Launched Space Shuttle - MAKS Molniya
Feb 7, 2025 #strategicdefense #starwars #irondomeThe Titan Barbarian Rocket and the Zenith Star Directed-energy weapon was part of the SDI concept, which was often referred to as "Star Wars" due to its futuristic, space-based defense capabilities. Martin Marietta’s design featured a large-diameter core powered by five LR-87-AJ11 engines, with a second stage and five Titan 4A SRMs surrounding it. At liftoff, all engines would fire, generating a combined 8.1 million pounds of thrust. The result was a rocket built for sheer power and speed.The Zenith Star was a proposed space-based chemical laser missile defense system from the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), conceived during the 1980s under President Reagan. It aimed to use powerful lasers deployed on satellites to destroy incoming missiles in space, before they reached Earth.Despite its innovative vision, the system faced significant challenges, including high power requirements, targeting precision, and the difficulty of maintaining space-based systems. The project ultimately faltered due to technical and financial obstacles, and SDI was abandoned after the Cold War ended.Though never operational, the Zenith Star influenced later missile defense systems and remains a symbol of the SDI's ambitious goals.
Feb 21, 2025If SpaceX's Starship boosted the ISS to a higher orbit, it could:Benefits:**Goals:**- Extend the lifespan of the International Space Station (ISS) by addressing orbital decay. - Facilitate future missions by adjusting the ISS's position for improved accessibility.- Decrease atmospheric drag and mitigate potential risks associated with space debris.**Challenges:**- High fuel consumption required for such maneuvers.- Increased stress on the ISS structure during the boost process.- Need for coordination with other satellites to prevent conflicts.- Safety risks for the crew during the operation.- Precise maneuvering necessary to avoid complications.In short, boosting the ISS would extend its life but come with significant risks and logistical challenges.
Feb 23, 2024In the 1960s, Lockheed and the U.S. Air Force's Flight Dynamics Laboratory (FDL) explored several design concepts for hypersonic flight. Three principal vehicles, the FDL-5, FDL-6 and FDL-7, were based on 70-degree triangles and had different designs. The FDL-5 had variable-geometry wings for controlled landings, and one proposal called for it to be carried aloft by a C-5 Galaxy transport and then released at high altitude. The Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory also outlined an "Air Force Sortie Space System" that had three major parts: a launch platform, drop tanks, and a space vehicle, which was a 747 with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen storage tanks inside its fuselage and hydrogen pumped into afterburners for thrust augmentation. Another option involved a vehicle sized to fit inside the shuttle bay.
Mar 14, 2025 #spaceshuttle #nasa #kspEngineers in Houston envisioned the Shuttle II as an evolution of the Space Shuttle, with the Evolved Shuttle at its core. This design would have replaced the Space Shuttle’s Solid Rocket Boosters with Liquid Replacement Boosters, while keeping the expendable External Tank and, with minor modifications, the Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs). The wing configuration would have been revamped, with winglets at the tips of modified delta wings replacing the vertical tail fin.The most significant change was to the crew compartment, which was completely redesigned to detach and operate as a separate, independent piloted spacecraft in the event of a catastrophic failure. This feature, along with the new wing design, would have carried over to JSC’s Shuttle II.However, NASA JSC did not specify when the transition from Space Shuttle to Evolved Shuttle would take place. Assuming the Shuttle II would have been operational by the early 21st century, the Evolved Shuttle might have flown in the 1990s—though that future never came to pass.
Could Starship Save the ISS? Boosting to New Heights!QuoteFeb 21, 2025If SpaceX's Starship boosted the ISS to a higher orbit, it could:Benefits:**Goals:**- Extend the lifespan of the International Space Station (ISS) by addressing orbital decay. - Facilitate future missions by adjusting the ISS's position for improved accessibility.- Decrease atmospheric drag and mitigate potential risks associated with space debris.**Challenges:**- High fuel consumption required for such maneuvers.- Increased stress on the ISS structure during the boost process.- Need for coordination with other satellites to prevent conflicts.- Safety risks for the crew during the operation.- Precise maneuvering necessary to avoid complications.In short, boosting the ISS would extend its life but come with significant risks and logistical challenges.
Could Starship Save the ISS? Boosting to New Heights!
...At least Hubble will stay around for ever. And James Webb.
Quote from: Oersted on 03/15/2025 09:29 pm...At least Hubble will stay around for ever. And James Webb.Without a reboost Hubble's coming down between 2030 - 2040.
Quote from: laszlo on 03/16/2025 11:11 amQuote from: Oersted on 03/15/2025 09:29 pm...At least Hubble will stay around for ever. And James Webb.Without a reboost Hubble's coming down between 2030 - 2040.Uncontrolled?
Quote from: catdlr on 03/16/2025 11:41 pmQuote from: laszlo on 03/16/2025 11:11 amQuote from: Oersted on 03/15/2025 09:29 pm...At least Hubble will stay around for ever. And James Webb.Without a reboost Hubble's coming down between 2030 - 2040.Uncontrolled?The same as Skylab - controlled to a small degree by attitude changes that modify the atmospheric drag to some extent. Now if some kind of vehicle gets attached, then there could be real control or even a reboost.
Dec 22, 2021MAN WILL CONQUER SPACE SOON!A bold statement for the far gone, pre space-age year of 1952.Dr. Wernher von Braun and his rocket scientists were cooling their jets at what would later become White Sands Missile Range. Frustrated with developing the weapons of the cold war, they dreamed of travelling to Mars. They had worked out exactly how to do this - not as a Buck Rogers adventure, but as a detailed engineering document. All they needed was someone to bankroll the adventure.Enter Collier’s Magazine editor Cornelius Ryan. He put Wernher and his people together with concept artists such as Chesley Bonestell. He gave them a new mission: show the world how it could be done. Tell them that the Solar System is theirs if they want it.America woke up one morning in March, poured out their cornflakes and opened their mail. Before they had time to finish their orange juice, Collier’s wake-up call had expanded their horizons out beyond the asteroid belt. Space travel had suddenly become mainstream.The message was simple: “Wake up and smell the kerosene baby, the Space Age is go for launch!”Less than 20 years later, men would step out of the pages of Collier’s and walk for real upon the dusty plains of the Earth’s satellite - and it would be Wernher’s group who would help design the ships that would take them there. This is an animated tribute to that 1952 call for action.
Curious they did not make any videos showing off rockets from either Korea's nor Iran.
Quote from: rudimentaryblitter on 08/23/2025 04:34 pmCurious they did not make any videos showing off rockets from either Korea's nor Iran.None of the rockets he designs have ever been constructed; these are projects that were never realized. They all originate from documents issued by various commercial firms with projects submitted to NASA that ultimately did not materialize. When another country publishes proposed plans for rockets that did not come to fruition, he may consider them. Most other countries maintain their plans confidentially. This may explain why we have not seen any regarding the countries you inquired about.
Quote from: catdlr on 08/23/2025 04:59 pmQuote from: rudimentaryblitter on 08/23/2025 04:34 pmCurious they did not make any videos showing off rockets from either Korea's nor Iran.None of the rockets he designs have ever been constructed; these are projects that were never realized. They all originate from documents issued by various commercial firms with projects submitted to NASA that ultimately did not materialize. When another country publishes proposed plans for rockets that did not come to fruition, he may consider them. Most other countries maintain their plans confidentially. This may explain why we have not seen any regarding the countries you inquired about.Also, he does sexy rockets, big rockets, stuff that is weird and interesting. Small rockets don't interest him.
Yet he covered TERRAN-1 that is smaller rocket than Unha-3.While Chollima-1 is heavier rocket than Kosmod-3M.Perhaps could even be medium lift vehicle by US standards.
Quote from: rudimentaryblitter on 08/24/2025 11:36 pmYet he covered TERRAN-1 that is smaller rocket than Unha-3.While Chollima-1 is heavier rocket than Kosmod-3M.Perhaps could even be medium lift vehicle by US standards.Why don't you contact him and ask him?
Quote from: Blackstar on 08/25/2025 12:01 amQuote from: rudimentaryblitter on 08/24/2025 11:36 pmYet he covered TERRAN-1 that is smaller rocket than Unha-3.While Chollima-1 is heavier rocket than Kosmod-3M.Perhaps could even be medium lift vehicle by US standards.Why don't you contact him and ask him?I doubt they would take into consideration seriously what someone they do not know that has no reputation in community.Unsurprising if they have account on this very forum. Just pointing out curious detail about their content lacking coverage.If by any chance any of you veterans have had some prior contact with the individual, you are far more likely to get consideration.
Sep 26, 2025Aerojet 260: The Largest Solid Rocket Motor Ever TestedIn the 1960s, Aerojet, under NASA contract, developed and static-tested the Aerojet 260, the largest solid rocket motor ever built. Measuring 260 inches (6.6 meters) in diameter and over 24 meters long, it was designed as a potential booster for the Saturn V.Two test motors were loaded with 1.68 million pounds of propellant and fired vertically from an underground silo near the Florida Everglades. The motor produced over 5 million pounds of thrust and 3.47 billion pound-seconds of total impulse, with flames visible from 80 miles away during a night test.Though never flown, the 260 demonstrated the viability of massive solid rockets producing nearly 100 times the thrust of a Minuteman III second stage and remains the most powerful solid rocket motor ever tested.
Jul 22, 2022Operation Sandy was the codename for the post-World War II launch of a captured V-2 rocket from the deck of the United States Navy aircraft carrier USS Midway on September 6, 1947. It marked the first launch of a large rocket, and the only time for a V-2, from a ship at sea.Rear Admiral Daniel V. Gallery, Assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations, was an early advocate of the concept. It was he who initiated Operation Sandy.Preliminary testing was done at the White Sands Missile Range, using a simulated aircraft carrier deck. The V-2 to be used was assembled at White Sands. It was shipped across the country to the east coast and loaded aboard the Midway, then the largest carrier in the Navy and equipped with an armored flight deck. The aircraft carrier sailed to a point several hundred miles south of Bermuda for the launch.After liftoff, the V-2 tilted at an angle and subsequently broke up at an altitude of 15,000 feet (4,600 m), disappointing the distinguished witnesses."USS Midway" (https://skfb.ly/owqES) by shangus930 is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b....Satellite Launching ShipConcept artwork, depicting an Essex or Ticonderoga class aircraft carrier converted for launching space satellites into orbits not readily accessible from launch sites in the United States.The rocket shown is an "Atlas" type.Image was received by the Naval Photographic Center on 12 December 1961.
Oct 17, 2025Luna 9 was an uncrewed space mission of the Soviet Union's Luna program. On 3 February 1966, the Luna 9 spacecraft became the first spacecraft to achieve a soft landing on the Moon and return imagery from its surface.
I've never considered bouncy airbag landings to be "soft", whoever built the spacecraft and whichever celestial body they landed on. "Survivable" seems like a more accurate term to me.Also, a nit to pick with the video - the side modules were actually jettisoned 75 km above the lunar surface. The video looks substantially farther than that.
Quote from: laszlo on 10/17/2025 11:01 pmI've never considered bouncy airbag landings to be "soft", whoever built the spacecraft and whichever celestial body they landed on. "Survivable" seems like a more accurate term to me.Also, a nit to pick with the video - the side modules were actually jettisoned 75 km above the lunar surface. The video looks substantially farther than that.It worked for Spirit and Opportunity.
Dec 11, 2025 #rocket #spacestation #spaceplaneBuran was the Soviet Union’s reusable space shuttle orbiter, developed in the 1970s–1980s as part of the Energia–Buran program. Externally similar to the U.S. Space Shuttle, it was designed to carry crew and cargo to low Earth orbitMir-2 was a planned successor to the Soviet Mir space station. Originally conceived in the 1980s, it was intended to be a more advanced, modular orbital station with improved life-support, scientific capability, and long-duration habitation. Although Mir-2 itself was never completed as a standalone station, many of its planned modules—especially the Zvezda service module—were later incorporated into the International Space Station (ISS), becoming core elements of the ISS’s Russian Orbital Segment.
The Project Orion "battleship" was a proposed, but never built, concept for a massive, nuclear-powered space warship that emerged from the 1950s/1960s study on nuclear pulse propulsion. This military application of the Orion drive concept was presented to the U.S. Air Force and, reportedly, to President John F. Kennedy, who was so alarmed by its militaristic nature that political support for the entire project waned.
Jul 20, 2023 #shortsThe Apollo 11 moon landing was a historic event that took place on July 20, 1969. It was the culmination of the Apollo program initiated by NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) with the goal of sending humans to the Moon.The crew of Apollo 11 consisted of three astronauts: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. Armstrong and Aldrin were the two astronauts who actually landed on the Moon, while Collins remained in orbit aboard the command module.The journey to the Moon took about four days. On July 20, Armstrong and Aldrin descended in the Lunar Module, named "Eagle," to the Moon's surface in the region known as the Sea of Tranquility. As Neil Armstrong made his way down the ladder, he famously spoke the words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," becoming the first person to set foot on the lunar surface.The mission collected valuable scientific data and samples from the Moon's surface, and the astronauts planted the American flag to symbolize their achievement. They also conducted experiments and took photographs before returning to the Lunar Module. In total, they spent about two and a half hours outside the spacecraft.After rendezvousing with Collins in the command module, the crew began their journey back to Earth. They splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969, successfully concluding their mission.The Apollo 11 moon landing was a significant milestone for space exploration and a testament to human ingenuity and determination. It remains one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of mankind's exploration of outer space.
