NASA – The Muskette https://themuskette.com Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:31:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://themuskette.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/cropped-elon-fav-32x32.png NASA – The Muskette https://themuskette.com 32 32 SpaceX Dragon Lifts ISS Higher: A New Era for Orbital Maintenance https://themuskette.com/spacex-dragon-lifts-iss-higher-a-new-era-for-orbital-maintenance/ https://themuskette.com/spacex-dragon-lifts-iss-higher-a-new-era-for-orbital-maintenance/#respond Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:31:13 +0000 https://themuskette.com/?p=4764 In an exciting development for space enthusiasts and professionals alike, SpaceX has achieved a historic milestone by using its Dragon spacecraft to reboost the International Space Station (ISS). This operation, executed on November 8, 2024, at 12:50 p.m. EST, marked the first time a Dragon has been utilized for such a purpose, traditionally reserved for Russian Soyuz and Progress spacecraft, along with Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus.

The Reboost Operation

The maneuver involved firing Dragon’s Draco thrusters for approximately 12 minutes and 30 seconds, adjusting the ISS’s orbit by a slight but significant margin. This adjustment increased the apogee (the highest point of the orbit) by 7/100 of a mile and the perigee (the lowest point) by 7/10 of a mile.
This demonstration is more than just a technical achievement; it’s a strategic move toward diversifying the ISS’s maintenance options. Jared Metter, SpaceX’s director of flight reliability, emphasized the significance of this event, noting that the data collected would be instrumental in planning the ISS’s end-of-life deorbiting, expected in the early 2030s.

Why This Matters

The ISS, having been in service for over two decades, requires periodic boosts to counteract atmospheric drag which naturally pulls it closer to Earth. Until now, this task was predominantly carried out by Russian spacecraft. However, with geopolitical tensions affecting international collaborations, having alternative vehicles like SpaceX’s Dragon for these operations becomes crucial.
This move not only enhances operational flexibility but also aligns with NASA’s plans for the ISS’s eventual controlled reentry into Earth’s atmosphere, a task SpaceX has been contracted to execute.

Implications for Future Space Endeavors

This successful reboost by Dragon opens up new pathways for managing space infrastructure:
  • Operational Redundancy: Having multiple spacecraft capable of reboosting the ISS provides a safety net, reducing dependency on any single nation’s space technology.
  • Commercial Space Travel: SpaceX’s involvement might pave the way for more commercial entities to engage in space station maintenance, potentially lowering costs and increasing innovation in space operations.
  • Future Deorbit Planning: The insights gained will directly inform the design of a spacecraft intended to safely deorbit the ISS, ensuring its remnants do not pose a risk to populated areas upon reentry.

Looking Ahead

As the ISS continues its role as a hub for international cooperation in space, this event underscores SpaceX’s growing involvement in NASA’s broader space exploration objectives, including missions to the Moon and Mars under the Artemis program.
The successful reboost not only demonstrates SpaceX’s capabilities but also signifies a shift towards a more diversified and resilient approach to maintaining human presence in low Earth orbit.
This milestone is a testament to the evolving landscape of space travel, where private companies like SpaceX are becoming pivotal in operations traditionally led by government entities.
For more updates on space exploration and technology, keep following our blog and engage with the space community on social platforms like X, where discussions on this event and future space missions continue to unfold.
]]> https://themuskette.com/spacex-dragon-lifts-iss-higher-a-new-era-for-orbital-maintenance/feed/ 0 Navigating the Moon’s Rugged Terrain: The Eagle Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) for Artemis Missions https://themuskette.com/navigating-the-moons-rugged-terrain-the-eagle-lunar-terrain-vehicle-ltv-for-artemis-missions/ https://themuskette.com/navigating-the-moons-rugged-terrain-the-eagle-lunar-terrain-vehicle-ltv-for-artemis-missions/#respond Sun, 10 Nov 2024 23:52:30 +0000 https://themuskette.com/?p=4755 In the race to return humans to the Moon, NASA’s Artemis program is setting the stage for a new era of lunar exploration. A crucial component of this ambitious endeavor is the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), designed to traverse the Moon’s surface with unprecedented efficiency. Among the proposed vehicles, the “Eagle” LTV from Lunar Outpost stands out with its innovative features, promising to redefine how astronauts explore our celestial neighbor.

The Eagle LTV: A Leap Forward

The Eagle LTV represents a significant evolution from the Lunar Roving Vehicles used during the Apollo missions. Here’s what makes it stand out:
  • Extended Range and Endurance: With the capability to travel over 20 kilometers on a single charge and operate for up to 8 hours, the Eagle LTV significantly expands the exploration radius for astronauts. This range is critical for investigating diverse lunar landscapes, especially in the resource-rich South Pole region.
  • Speed and Maneuverability: Designed to reach speeds up to 15 km/h, the Eagle LTV isn’t just about getting from point A to B; it’s about doing so with agility. This speed allows astronauts to cover more ground in less time, enhancing mission productivity.
  • Autonomous Operation: One of the most futuristic features of the Eagle LTV is its ability to operate autonomously. This means it can be programmed to perform tasks without human intervention, like transporting cargo or conducting preliminary site surveys. Such capabilities are reminiscent of the Mars rovers but adapted for human interaction, allowing astronauts to focus on high-value scientific tasks or rest while the vehicle works.
  • Cargo and Utility: The design includes a tow hitch, enabling the vehicle to pull additional cargo or equipment. This feature supports not just exploration but also the logistical needs of setting up a sustainable lunar presence, like moving supplies or aiding in the construction of lunar habitats.

Design Philosophy and Technology

The Eagle LTV has been conceptualized with both human and robotic exploration in mind, drawing from the latest in electric vehicle technology and autonomous systems:
  • Advanced Battery Technology: To cope with the Moon’s harsh environment, where temperatures can swing dramatically between extreme cold and heat, the vehicle employs state-of-the-art batteries capable of functioning in these conditions.
  • Robust Tires: Adapted for the lunar regolith, the tires of the LTV are designed to handle the abrasive and loose lunar soil, preventing the vehicle from getting stuck or suffering damage.
  • Solar Power Integration: While batteries provide the primary power, solar panels could be integrated to supplement energy during the long lunar day, ensuring the vehicle’s longevity during uncrewed operations.

The Role in Artemis Missions

The Artemis program aims not just to visit the Moon but to establish a long-term presence. Here, the Eagle LTV plays a pivotal role:
  • Scientific Exploration: By allowing astronauts to travel further from their landing sites, the LTV enables sampling and study over a much larger area, potentially uncovering new geological insights or resources like water ice.
  • Logistical Support: Between crewed missions, the LTV can be used for site preparation, cargo transportation, or as a mobile lab, supporting both NASA’s objectives and potential commercial activities on the lunar surface.
  • Safety and Redundancy: With autonomous capabilities, the Eagle LTV can serve as a backup for emergency scenarios, potentially retrieving stranded astronauts or delivering critical supplies.

Looking to the Future

The development of vehicles like the Eagle LTV isn’t just about the Moon. The technologies developed for lunar exploration could find applications on Mars or other planetary bodies, where similar environmental challenges exist. Moreover, the push towards autonomous systems in space could influence terrestrial technologies, particularly in logistics, mining, and exploration.

Conclusion

The Eagle Lunar Terrain Vehicle, if selected for the Artemis missions, promises to be more than just a mode of transport; it’s a mobile science station, a logistical tool, and a testament to human ingenuity in space exploration. As we edge closer to 2030, when astronauts will once again set foot on lunar soil, the Eagle LTV stands ready to carry them into the next chapter of lunar discovery, embodying the spirit of exploration that has always driven humanity to look beyond our world.
This vehicle, with its blend of autonomy, durability, and advanced tech, might just be the key to unlocking the Moon’s secrets and paving the way for sustainable human presence beyond Earth.
]]> https://themuskette.com/navigating-the-moons-rugged-terrain-the-eagle-lunar-terrain-vehicle-ltv-for-artemis-missions/feed/ 0 Jeff Bezos Challenges SpaceX-NASA Deal https://themuskette.com/jeff-bezos-challenges-spacex-nasa-deal/ https://themuskette.com/jeff-bezos-challenges-spacex-nasa-deal/#respond Thu, 29 Apr 2021 01:35:50 +0000 https://muskette.com/?p=3265 A couple of days ago, NASA gave SpaceX a $2.9 billion contract to make a rocket that will take astronauts to the moon for the first time in 49 years. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Blue Origin, has since protested.

According to CNN, NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS) originally planned on picking two companies to build the rocket but then decided to have just SpaceX do it due to cost. SpaceX was the lowest bidder of the three companies considered.

Elon Musk trolled Blue Origin after hearing the news via Twitter:

He also joked about Blue Origin’s lunar lander “Blue Moon” by calling it “Blue Balls.”

The company complained to the Government Office on Monday claiming that they were not able to change their proposal after NASA cut their budget and that they did not assess parts of their proposal. They also said that NASA’S decision limits the competition and delays and endangers the mission.

Space News reports that another competing company, Dynetics, filed a complaint the same day. In a statement they commented that:

”Dynetics has issues and concerns with several aspects of the acquisition process as well as elements of NASA’s technical evaluation and filed a protest with the GAO to address them,” and that, “We respect this process and look forward to a fair and informed resolution of the matter.”

They also report that Dynetics had the lowest technical ranking with a “Marginal.” Blue Origin and SpaceX received “Acceptable.” For management, Blue Origin and Dynetics got a rating of “Acceptable” while SpaceX got a “Outstanding” rating.

The government has 100 days to consider whether their pushback is justified or not.

SpaceX plans to use Starship for the mission, they plan to make a revised version of it to cater to NASA’s Artemis moon project.

Though Starship would be able to conduct the whole trip, NASA will use Orion and Space Landing System (SLS) for part of the mission. The SLS will take the astronauts to the moons orbit where they will then board the Gateway space station and then use Starship to land on the lunar surface.

]]> https://themuskette.com/jeff-bezos-challenges-spacex-nasa-deal/feed/ 0 Mars Perseverance Rover’s Parachute Captures Inspirational Cryptic Message – but What Does It Mean? https://themuskette.com/mars-perseverance-rovers-parachute-captures-inspirational-cryptic-message-but-what-does-it-mean/ https://themuskette.com/mars-perseverance-rovers-parachute-captures-inspirational-cryptic-message-but-what-does-it-mean/#respond Thu, 25 Feb 2021 03:52:12 +0000 https://muskette.com/?p=3188 On Monday NASA shared the groundbreaking, first look at a spacecraft touching down on Mars. That left the door wide open for the internet to begin decoding the cryptic message in the parachute captured by the Perseverance rover. The parachute, positioned above the rover, acted as the aid to help ease the descent of the spacecraft for landing.

“You might notice the pattern that’s on the parachute here,” said Allen Chen, the entry, descent, and landing lead for the rover, Monday. “Distinct patterns are useful in helping us determine the clocking orientation of the parachute. Also the contrasting sectors can be useful in tracking different portions of the parachute as it inflates.”

“In addition to enabling incredible science, we hope our efforts and our engineering can inspire others. Sometimes we leave messages in our work for others to find for that purpose. So we invite you all to give it a shot and show your work.”

And in no time, space fans took up Chen on his challenge and began their decoding tactics to unravel the message.

Though the message may not be what you one was yearning for. The cryptic message included the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory motto, “Dare mighty things,” in addition to the GPS coordinates for JPL in Pasadena, California.

Using binary code, the messages were included on the parachute with white and orange gores, or pieces of triangular fabric. The band surrounding the parachute provides the GPS coordinates for JPL’s location. While the inner portion of the parachute provides “Dare mighty things,” with each word moving outward on the expanding rings.

The motto’s root comes from a Theodore Roosevelt quote: “Far better is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure – than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory but defeat.”

The mission is managed by a team at JPL, which is also where the rover was constructed. The mastermind behind the binary code parachute concept was the rover’s systems engineer, Ian Clark.

Though the cryptic message was inspiring and playful for space fans, it is not the first of its kind for the Perseverance rover. And the mission team suggested that as more images return from the rover in the future, more will be revealed.

Nearly 11 million people participated in the “Send Your Name to Mars” campaign, and the rover carries silicon chips containing those names. Perseverance also pays a tribute to the health care workers who battled the pandemic on the front line, by adding a metal tribute plate, as well as 155 student essays who entered a contest to name the rover.

Located on the rover’s deck, is a symbol-laden calibration target for Mastercam-Z, or a pair of zoomable cameras. The color swatches provided on the calibration target help adjust the camera’s settings, and in between the swatches symbols of a man and a woman, a dinosaur, a fern, DNA and cyanobacteria (one of Earth’s earliest forms of life), a rocket traveling from Earth to Mars, and a model of the inner solar system. At the bottom of the target includes the phrase, “Two worlds, one beginning,” alluding to this idea that Earth and Mars were co-created from the same dust that swirled around the sun some billions of years ago.

The SHERLOC instrument, Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals, carries its own set of hidden gems. The bottom row of the instrument contains spacesuit materials to evaluate how they react over time to the radiation of the Martian atmosphere. And one piece specifically is polycarbonate, that can be used for a helmet visor, which doubles as a geocaching target, and has 221B Baker Street etched into the sample, the address of the renowned fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. The top row, to be used to fine tune the settings of the instrument, contains a piece of Martian meteorite.

Perseverance is not the only rover collecting Easter eggs. Curiosity, which began its exploration on the Martian surface in August 2012, left zigzagging patterns from the tread of its aluminum wheels. Embedded into the tread are tiny stamp-like dots. And as the rover roams the surface and leaves its tracks, the stamp-like dots leave “JPL” into the surface of the planet, which acts as Morse code for the JPL mission teams.

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