SPACE AFFAIRS’ Post

Advanced Power for Extreme Space Exploration! Consider submitting an abstract to this special session we are putting together at the AIAA SciTech 2025 Conference. Go to aiaa.org/SciTech to submit your abstract, and select “Other Topics in Aerospace Power Systems."

I am excited to share our latest blog post, which dives into the fascinating details of the Saturn V FUELDRAULIC Gimbal System from 1963. This innovative technology played a critical role in the success of the Apollo missions, showcasing the advanced engineering behind rocket stabilization and control. The post explores the design, functionality, and impact of this remarkable system, offering insights into its significance in aerospace history. To learn more about the Saturn V FUELDRAULIC Gimbal System and its contributions to space exploration, read the full article here: https://ift.tt/4KEenDa.

Rocket Lab will send a probe to Venus December 30, 2024, the first private mission to another planet, at a cost of only about $10m . It will look for organic materials in cloud droplets between 37 and 28 miles high in the atmosphere, where pressure and temperature are similar to Earth conditions (albeit with a lot of sulfuric acid).  The reason is that life could conceivably exist up in the clouds, even though surface conditions are extremely hot and at high pressure.  The 45 pound probe is carried by a Photon craft, launched on the small Electron rocket (Rocket Lab products). Getting there involves multiple earth orbit passes of increasing altitude, followed by a pass by the Moon for a gravity assist. The probe uses a laser instrument to analyze the Venus atmosphere for 3-5 minutes before crashing to the surface.  This was done with extensive collaboration with MIT, and with some thermal protection help from the NASA Ames research center. Several other notable upcoming launches are also briefly covered. Also, the odd statement from NASA that the Orion heat shield problems for the Artemis lunar missions were identified, but they are being kept secret for now. https://lnkd.in/gpM7ggjS (YouTube video, 10 minutes) #Venus #RocketLab #Electron #Photon #Orion #HeatShield

Konstantin #Tsiolkovsky was a Russian scientist and engineer who is considered one of the pioneers of rocket #science. He was born on September 17, 1857, in the Russian Empire. Tsiolkovsky's fascination with space exploration began at a young age, and he dedicated his life to studying and theorizing about the possibilities of human space travel. The variables of his equation are expressed as follows: Δv = the change in velocity ve = the exhaust velocity m0 = the initial mass of the rocket mf = the final mass of the rocket In addition to enabling space exploration, the Tsiolkovsky Rocket Equation also plays a crucial role in planning and executing space missions. It helps determine the amount of fuel needed for a spacecraft to travel to ISS and return safely to Earth. This information is vital for ensuring the success of space missions and the safety of cosmonauts.

I contributed to this survey based on the research I presented to the #IAC2024 on Point to Point transfer. It’s a fascinating area of study with much more to discover.

Another Space Debris Event: Atlas 5 Centaur Fragmentation Slingshot Aerospace has just reported that an ATLAS 5 CENTAUR (43227 / 2018-022B) has broken up in a High Earth Orbit (HEO). Estimated fragmentation time of 2024-09-06 05:21 UTC. This is the FOURTH such event from an ATLAS 5 CENTAUR upper stage, with only two acknowledged by the United States so far. #spacesustainability #spacedebris #debris #spacesafety #space #spacetug

Now, in the Braga II room, we have the presentation by Evaldo Corat from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), Brazil. He is addressing the topic "Graphene Aerogels Development for Aerospace Applications." #AuxDefense2024 #DefenseInnovation #AdvancedMaterials #GrapheneAerogels #AerospaceApplications #Innovation

The best way to reduce space junk is to not leave space junk. The D3 is a reliable mechanical boom to safely deorbit smallsats. The FCC has a new 5 year rule to mitigate space junk and this is superior to propulsion in my view. Prop can get finicky at end of mission life and relying on gravity for natural deorbit creates unnecessary risk. You can read about the FCC’s 5 year rule for deorbiting satellites here: https://lnkd.in/ecWx6FTP

Are you making parts used for space travel ?

The Millenium Falcon is a YT-1300 Corellian freighter. One of the fastest ships in the galaxy, flies at a faster-than-light drive, known as hyperdrive. Hyperdrives use "hypermatter particles," which let spacecraft enter an alternate dimension, known as hyperspace, and exceed the speed of light. Hyperdrive unfortunately doesn't exist yet. Current science hasn't found a solution to several critical problems. As you approach the speed of light, the amount of mass needed trends toward infinite, along with the amount of energy needed to move the Falcon. Ignition energy is also problematic : starting the Millennium Falcon would require mass-energy on par "with the total mass-energy of the planet Jupiter." Tomorrow is 04.05. - May the “Fourth” be with you all 😎 #MayThe4thBeWithYou #GrummanAircraft #spacedotcom #hypermatterparticles (picture credits: starwars.fandom.com)