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Filtering Space Water (On The Cheap)
2008-01-30 03:28:00
(Hat Tip: IsraGood, Image Credit: Europa.eu)Whenever we hear about water being cited on Mars or any other planet-moon body, one often imagines future colonists drinking clear crystal fresh water as if it came straight from the tap.Unfortunately the chances are that water mined from any foreign world will probably be contaminated with dust particles, making it fairly unhealthy to drink. Filtering this space water will become top priority if we are build cities upon other worlds, let alone conduct research on them.Fortunately it looks as if one companies invention on Earth could enable us to drink water inexpensively off world.(Israel 21st Century) "Desalination is cheaper than melting ice," said Mino Negrin, managing director and founder of Nirosoft, which simulated the environment at the Davis Station in its R&D labs. The company's self-contained desalination unit provides up to 100,000 liters a day of purified, desalinated water. Its Lego-like portability makes it easy to ship by ...
More About: Space , Water , Cheap

SpaceX Engine Firings Give New Hope
2008-01-30 02:10:00
(Hat Tip: Commercial Space Watch, Video Below) While most NewSpace companies either dreaming of reaching the stars (or seeking government backing before they can visit the stars), SpaceX is slowly, but surely laying down the foundation for when they will send rockets past Earthen skies.Even though they still have quite a distance to go before they launch humans into space, SpaceX's test multiple engine firings are giving hope that the commercial sector can pick up where the public left off.(SpaceX Press Release) The engines operated at full power, generating over 180,000 pounds of force, equivalent to a Boeing 777 at full power, and consuming 700 lbs per second of fuel and liquid oxygen during the run. "This is a major hardware milestone for our company," said Elon Musk, CEO and CTO of SpaceX. "It marks the first time that we have simultaneously fired two engines on the same stage. No significant problems were encountered transitioning from single engine testing in November, which ...
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South Korea To Partner With NASA?
2008-01-30 01:30:00
Often ignored by its larger "Asian brothers," South Korea has been taking small, yet steady strides towards the stars.After cooperating with Russia and constructing its own space base, South Korea is broadening its horizons by signing a promising deal with NASA.(SpaceRef) NASA's Ames Research Center and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, (KAIST) South Korea's premier research and education institution, signed a memorandum for the record on Jan. 26, 2008, an important milestone in a new relationship under development. ..."We are exploring a new partnership with South Korea in future satellite research and development," said Worden. "We are looking forward to working with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology to advance future space exploration," Worden added. "I am delighted with this outcome. This potential collaboration is a historic event for KAIST as well as for NASA Ames," said Suh. Even though the deal mostly involves satellite launches...
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Carnival Of The Space Geeks (38)
2008-01-29 22:57:00
Last weeks Carnival Of Space was hosted by Sam Wise of Sorting Out Science.While I encourage everyone to read all of the entries (as Sam presented them in an interesting story like format), a few posts that did catch my eye were:Brian Wang's comparison of Virgin Galactic and NASA over at Next Big Future.Jon Goff's essays regarding Single Stage To Orbit and Two Stage To Orbit (note: these posts are very long).Marko's post about Russian super cockroaches home grown in space.Daily Galaxy wondering if America should ignore the Moon and instead pursue asteroids.This weeks Carnival of Space is coming up quickly, and readers interested in joining our little "space gang" can email Fraser at info [at] universetoday [dot] com for more details, or they can visit this site to see the space carnivals of the past. Content Copyright 2006-2008 of Colony Worlds. All Rights Reserved. Violators (and hosts) can be prosecuted under national and international laws.
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Carnival Of The Space Geeks (Lucky 37)
2008-01-17 07:30:00
Welcome readers (both new and old) to the 37th Carnival of Space !Here you will find a collection of ideas, space highlights and random thoughts ranging from the average (but passionate) citizen to space scientists seeking to break down our complex universe into layman's terms.Starting from the center of our star system is Phil Plait (of Bad Astronomy) who enlightens us regarding those seasonal sun cycles, not to mention a way for the visual impaired to enjoy seeing the universe in a new light.Moving outward it seems that Mercury has regained its lost romance with humanity, with a probe finally being sent by NASA.Stuart Atkinson captures the passion on Cumbrian Sky while Bruce (aka Flying Singer) helps logic lovers understand how these probes can "bounce between the planets" with some cool computer software.Meanwhile I entertain the gruesome thought of turning Mercury into a prison planet.Skipping over Venus we head towards our home world where we find our species still stuck on Ear...
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Welcome To Mercury (The Prison Planet)
2008-01-16 02:42:00
So you want to see the future?To see the glory of tomorrowAnd experience adventureAs well as escape today's sorrowBut every great societyHas to remove the base and vileFrom the rest of humanitySadly casting them into exile~Darnell Clayton, © 2008 With NASA's Messenger probe seeking to map out the entire planet of Mercury , one may ponder whether or not our species may settle upon that sun baked world.Mercury's high density may hint towards an abundance of metallic resources beneath its surface. If so, the cratered crust may rival that of our asteroid belt as far as wealth is concerned.While Mercury may hold the promise of a future colony world, the cratered globe will probably not attract large bodies of people, who may consider it too dangerous to live due its close orbit around the sun (hint: think radiation).Instead of future solar governments "bribing" their citizens to declare the first rock from the sun home, why not populate Mercury with prison colonies?While the common ci...
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Turning Martian Air Into Fuel?
2008-01-13 05:06:00
(Hat Tip: Mars News)(Image Credit: NASA)If humanity is every going to subdue the red planet, then they will need an inexpensive way to transport goods and personal across its crimson deserts.Instead of looking towards the distant sun to energize our future Martian rovers, why not pull fuel from the "abundant" Martian air?(Renewable Energy Access) Using concentrated solar energy to reverse combustion, a research team from Sandia National Laboratories is building a prototype device intended to chemically "reenergize" carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide using concentrated solar power. The carbon monoxide could then be used to make hydrogen or serve as a building block to synthesize a liquid combustible fuel, such as methanol or even gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.The prototype device, called the Counter Rotating Ring Receiver Reactor Recuperator (CR5, for short), will break a carbon-oxygen bond in the carbon dioxide to form carbon monoxide and oxygen in two distinct steps. It is a major...
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Barack Obama Becoming Space Friendly?
2008-01-13 04:38:00
(Hat Tip: The Write Stuff) After previously supporting a drastic cut to NASA in order to provide more funds to education, it looks as if Senator Obama is now warming up to the needs of NASA.(Space Ref) Develop the Next-Generation of Space Vehicles: The retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2010 will leave the United States without manned spaceflight capability until the introduction of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) carried by the Ares I Launch Vehicle. As president, Obama will support the development of this vital new platform to ensure that the United States' reliance on foreign space capabilities is limited to the minimum possible time period. The CEV will be the backbone of future missions, and is being designed with technology that is already proven and available.While this is good news on the space front, his campaign seems to be more or less leaning towards robotic missions, rather than pondering if the US can once again visit the moon (and beyond).Other candidates hav...
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India To Enter Space Tourism Market
2008-01-13 04:08:00
With the space race heating up, several countries are exploring unorthodox ways of keeping their space programs afloat in order to finance their trip to the stars.While other nations depend upon the "generous" donations of tax paying citizens, India is looking towards space tourism to help keep its solar dreams alive.(Hindustan Times) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) seems to be in an expansive mood, the way it proposes to take potential space tourists on short duration sojourns in low earth orbit. The Isro Chairman, G. Madhavan Nair, thought aloud on this the other day and reportedly told the media that “well-heeled tourists” — read immensely rich wannabe astronauts — could go for week-long spins on board an Isro spacecraft in eight years’ time. The idea apparently is to use the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) to loft a couple of space tourists into a 400-km orbit around Earth.By India opening up its facilities towards the private sector the go...
More About: Tourism , Space Tourism , Market

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (36th Editon)
2008-01-13 02:22:00
This weeks Carnival of Space was hosted by Steinn Sigurosson over at Dynamics of Cats which held an interesting round of posts varying from space weather to revisiting Mercury.Some interesting posts included:Pradeep's post indicates that India is becoming increasingly busy in the space arena.Jon Goff has a lengthly (but awesome) post regarding an air launched Single Stage To Orbit. Is it possible? The world may never know should consider this option.The Space Cynics are attempting to counter the Space Exploration Alliance to everyone's disappointment (they are lobbying for cheap, reliable access to space)Paul Glister has an interesting article regarding Europa's oceans being oxidised, not to mention the ice mountains of Titan.Those interested in submitting their blog posts (or articles to the carnival of space can visit this page over at Universe Today for the details. Content Copyright 2006-2007 of Colony Worlds. All Rights Reserved. Violators (and hosts) can be prosecuted und...
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John McCain: Go To Mars...Yeah
2008-01-09 06:11:00
(Hat Tip: Space Pragmatism) It looks as if presidential contender John McCain is not only serious about winning the white house (which looks a little closer after he won New Hampshire) but also perhaps Mars as well.(Hobby Space) Today John McCain was at Dartmouth College on a final rally before the primaries in the Granite state There I had the opportunity to ask him this question: "Senator, what is your vision for America's space program?" ...He replied "Sure" then paused, "whats my vision?" he asked as though trying to clarify my question "...go to Mars. Yeah ..."Other presidential candidates from both sides have also given "their blessing" towards space exploration, even if they are at odds with President Bush's Vision for Space Exploration (or VSE).With the presidential primaries heating up, the space community must identify (and support) candidates who desire to spread our civilization beyond our home world, as space has the potential of solving our current energy woes. Con...

Space Tourim To Promote Space Medicine
2008-01-09 05:56:00
One of the great benefits about space tourism is the industry will help reawaken the dream of humans traveling beyond the stars.While the passengers themselves may not be charting out new worlds, their participation may help us navigate the medical arena of space travel.(AMNews) "We're bringing civilian space travel into a different medical paradigm," said Jan Stepanek, MD, MPH, director of the aerospace medicine program at Mayo Clinic in Arizona and a physician within Mayo's executive health program. "Are these people going to have problems with coronary artery disease or pulmonary disease that could put them at risk? Something that could lead to an in-flight medical emergency that could compromise the safety of passengers or the safety of the flight?" ...This is why Mayo Clinic in Arizona has joined aerospace experts at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and Wyle Laboratories in Houston to form a medical space tourism program. The trio is offering commercial s...
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NASA To Locate Most Earth Killing Asteroids
2008-01-05 05:02:00
While colonizing the heavens above us is important to our species, defending our home world ranks even higher on the scale.Fortunately NASA (along with China) will be scanning the sky above looking for asteroids that can pose serious threats to our Earth en cradle.(Computer World) By the end of this year, NASA hopes to find about 90% of the largest asteroids that could potentially strike Earth, a blast that could throw dust into the atmosphere and cause firestorms and acid rain. These asteroids can be as large as mountains but are at least 1 kilometer (3,280.8 feet) in diameter. NASA estimates that 900 of these objects are in potentially hazardous range of Earth. Defending our planet from space rocks will probably become a priority long after we expand our presence throughout the solar system.Even if our species were able to send millions of individuals to colonize Mars, Ganymede, Callisto and Saturn's Titan, losing Earth would be devastating for our species, as there is no known wo...
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Virtual Worlds To Keep Martian Astronauts Sane?
2008-01-05 04:04:00
(Image Credit: NASA)While NASA has dedicated hundreds (if not thousands) of scientists and engineers to ensure that the future humans traveling to Mars make it back to Earth in one piece, they have paid a lot less attention to the fact of them getting homesick.In order to help lift their spirits (and perhaps counter cabin fever) NASA is considering building a "Second Life" virtual world that would enable them to communicate with friends and family.(Wired.com) While aerospace engineers are designing the Ares rockets to be deployed in the Mars missions, a more starry-eyed contingent at NASA is testing networking and virtual reality technologies that they think will connect the first wave of Mars pioneers with their families, friends and colleagues back on Earth, in a 3-D virtual world cut from the mold of Second Life or World of Warcraft."We want to help our remote explorers 'phone home' in a way that lets them sit around a dinner table with their family, help their children with ho...
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Carnival Of The Space Geeks (35th Edition)
2008-01-05 02:47:00
The 35th Carnival of Space is up over at Bruce's Flying Singer, with entries spread out over two separate posts.Some interesting discussions include:Paul Gilster of Centauri Dreams discusses whether or not humans should announce our presence to the rest of the Universe via active SETI (as well as the consequences of doing so).Brian Wang of Advanced NanoTechnology provides a fresh new look at solar power satellites in low orbit, which could be built a lot sooner than we think.Brian Dunbar of Space for Commerce (who works for LiftPort) wonders if space gold could be the key element to motivate the masses towards space.Jonathan Goff of Selenian Boondocks (who works at Masten Space) suggests that the next lunar landing vehicle should be equiped with ejection seats (as parachutes would be useless in space).Those were some of the interesting articles that caught my eye during this round of the Carnival of Space.If anyone is interested in joining our growing "space gang," you can contact ...
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Russia Backing Out Of Space Tourism?
2008-01-02 22:31:00
Despite pioneering the "newspace" movement (with the help of Space Adventures), it looks as if the nation responsible for getting us into space has decided to push space tourism to the wayside--at least for now.(Physorg.com) "It has to do with international agreements that stipulate that from 2009 the (ISS) crew must be made up of six people if Japanese and European scientific modules are launched," said Roskosmos chief Anatoly Perminov. "In this case there will be no room for space tourists," Perminov told a news conference, adding that space tourism making use of Russia n vessels and the ISS would therefore be "rather problematic". "I'm afraid that from 2009, tourism as we see it today may be discontinued," he said. With the space shuttle scheduled to retire early, many nations are looking towards Russia to transport their astronauts to and from the International Space Station (or ISS), hence the reason for placing space tourism on the back burner.While this may be a setback for S...
More About: Tourism , Space Tourism , Backing

Video: Merry Christmas (Plus Carnival Of Space)
2007-12-24 21:47:00
The 34th Carnival of the Space Geeks is up over at Rainer Gerhards Spaceflight blog, with a host of interesting articles ranging from Scramjets alternatives to free books about Mars.There are also some spectacular astronomy images over at Bad Astronomy.For those of you enjoying your holiday break, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas , or Solemn Festivus, which ever you prefer.I would also like to thank the many readers who spend time reading this little web journal of mine, as well as to the host of others out there who still believe that there is more to space than watching Star Trek, and are willing to share ideas to make this happen.For your enjoyment, here is a video from the show Firefly, which for those of you who are not Browncoats can enjoy over at Hulu.com for free. Enjoy!Update: Video size adjusted to fit within post. Content Copyright 2006-2007 of Colony Worlds. All Rights Reserved. Violators (and hosts) can be prosecuted under national and international laws.
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Gravity Suits For Off World Children
2007-12-19 07:01:00
When one gazes upon the heavens that surround our fragile globe, one can not help but wonder what human civilization will look like as future generations dance upon foreign worlds.With the final frontier ahead of us, our crowded world loses its Earthly appeal and seems to only regain it when viewed from the surface of its little sister Luna.Unfortunately for our species, our bodies were simply not designed for living abroad, as the sub-Earth gravity has a way at reducing our hearts, bones and muscles into "malleable clay."Not even our own immune system is not safe from the ravages of micro gravity. To counter this, some have proposed constructing orbital space stations, while others may be looking at medical science to cure their gravitational woes.While either of these paths would enable us to dwell among the heavens in some form or fashion, one may be too expensive to replicate across our star system while the other may be riddled with side affects.Neither of these would allow us ...
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Toshiba: A Micro Nuclear Reactor?
2007-12-19 06:39:00
(Hat Tip: Mars Rover Blog)With energy becoming the "word of the day" (at least among politicians) many people are taking a fresh look at nuclear power.Apparently it seems as if one company has found a way to shrink today's nuclear reactors into a more portable size--twenty by six feet to be exact.(Next Energy News) The 200 kilowatt Toshiba designed reactor is engineered to be fail-safe and totally automatic and will not overheat. Unlike traditional nuclear reactors the new micro reactor uses no control rods to initiate the reaction. The new revolutionary technology uses reservoirs of liquid lithium-6, an isotope that is effective at absorbing neutrons. The Lithium-6 reservoirs are connected to a vertical tube that fits into the reactor core. The whole whole process is self sustaining and can last for up to 40 years, producing electricity for only 5 cents per kilowatt hour, about half the cost of grid energy.While citizens on Earth may be nervous about having a nuclear reactor near ...
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Construction Company Helps NASA With Lunar Lifting
2007-12-19 05:38:00
(Image Credit: Universe Today)As we gaze towards the heavens, and wonder about the future, one often overlooked aspect of space colonization is construction.Whether we like it or not, we may have to actually build houses on the Moon, as not every lunar colony may be able to inflate its way towards habitation.One company, called Caterpillar, is seeking to create a remote controlled construction machines to help NASA build bases on lunar soil.(Universe Today) Caterpillar has proposed a multi-terrain loader for lunar surface development. Currently, they are working with NASA to develop the technology to augment existing earth moving equipment with sensors and on-board processors to provide time-delayed tele-operational control. The loader would be able to undertake regolith moving such as grading, leveling, trenching, strip-mining, excavating and habitat covering. It also could be used for construction of lunar bases, the deployment or relocation of surface assets, as well as for mobil...
More About: Company , Construction , Nasa , Lunar , Lifting

Spacesuits Of The Future...For Today?
2007-12-19 05:07:00
(Image Credit: Orbital Outfitters via The Future of Things) While space suits have to be safe, who says that they have to be boring?While many companies are in the process of developing unique "solar wear" for future astronauts, it looks as if Orbital Outfitters is concentrating on creating fashionable spacesuits for the emerging space industry.(The Future of Things) Jeff Feige, CEO of Orbital Outfitters, said his company will soon reveal a model of a passenger spacesuit as well, adding that space travel reservations are quickly piling up. "Our mission is to provide low-cost, industrial quality spacesuits and related services to companies providing commercial and government space travel" – he said. ...The spacesuit's inner layer is made from breathable materials, such as polyurethane, which is capable of preserving the atmospheric pressure level and of extracting sweat from the material underneath it. Details in regards to other fabrics that comprise the IS3C have yet to be dis...
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Carnival Of The Space Geeks (33 Rotations)
2007-12-19 04:22:00
Last weeks Carnival of Space was hosted by Fraser of Universe Today.A few (of the many) articles that stood out included:Stuart Atkinson of Cumbrian Sky thinks we are actually going to miss having the NASA shuttles around (note: are you serious?) while Mark Whittington thinks SpaceX may actually save NASA from the "launch gap."Brian Wang of Advanced Nanotechnology enlightens everyone on what it would take to launch magnetic sails from Earth, while Paul Gilster of Centauri Dreams posts about how discovering the secrets to the solar wind could help speed up travel throughout the solar system, and beyond.Last but not least Space Cynics has a post that will help deflate some of the optimism in the NewSpace arena, although his articles do help to keep all of us "grounded." (pun intended--with kindness of course!)Those wishing to join the fun can submit articles for Thursdays round (of the Carnival of Space) to Fraser over at info [at] universetoday [dot] com or CarnivalOfSpace [at] Gmail...
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Lagrange Way Stations: The Key Towards Interplanetary Trade?
2007-12-12 22:32:00
(Image: Deep Space 9, Credit: Star Trek)Several thousand years ago, an empire called Rome used its extensive road system to keep communication and trade flowing throughout its empire.Today, like Rome, the nations on Earth depend upon sea routes, railways and airplanes to safely transport goods and people across our planet.But unlike the fixed destination points that span our busy world, space will pose a unique problem for future colonies. Since each planet orbits our Sol star at different speeds, sending frequent goods towards outposts off world may prove to be a bit of a challenge, especially if one factors in space pirates. Whether composed of enormous orbital space stations or a fleet of armed star ships, future solar governments may want to construct way stations at various Lagrange points to ensure that they arrive at their destinations intact.Sometimes referred to by scientists as the "three body problem," would provide stable orbits for whatever star ship was able fly within...
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Regenerative Fuel Cells: Power For Lunar Nights?
2007-12-12 22:09:00
(Image: Regenerative fuel cell, Credit: NASA) One of the biggest "show stoppers" against humanity colonizing the Moon is energy. While solar power can easily collect energy from the sun during a "lunar day," its the nights that might quite literally leave us in the dark.While Germany has developed a unique way to power future off world outposts, it looks as if another scientist may have found a longer lasting method for keeping the lunar lights on.(Moon Today) A typical hydrogen fuel cell combines hydrogen from a tank and oxygen from the air to produce electricity, leaving water and heat as its only byproducts. A regenerative fuel cell also works in reverse, using electricity to divide the water into hydrogen and oxygen, which are fed back into the fuel cell to produce more electricity."What makes our regenerative fuel cell unique is that it's closed loop and completely sealed," Bents said. "Nothing goes in and nothing comes out, other than electrical power and waste heat. The hydr...
More About: Power , Fuel , Lunar , Nights , Fuel Cell

Algeria And Ukraine Teaming Up For Space?
2007-12-12 21:55:00
It looks as if another space alliance has formed recently between two aspiring space powers. Ukraine and Algeria have signed an agreement to help promote each others civilian space programs in an already competitive field.(Space Fellowship) On the 5th of December, 2007 during the official visit of NSAU delegation to Algeria, there was signed a Framework Agreement on cooperation in exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. The Framework agreement was signed on behalf of the NSAU by Director General Yuriy Alekseyev and on behalf of the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) by Director General Azedin Oussedik.While this agreement is great for both nations, they should probably attempt to expand it to their neighbors (if they are friendly that is) as launching a rocket towards the heavens is not exactly cheap.As more and more nations head into space, it will be interesting to see ...

NASA Plans On Kidnapping Martian Soil
2007-12-12 04:32:00
Even though NASA has already sent robots to see if Martian soil is fertile, the space agency still desires to study the red dirt under terrestrial eyes.(Mars Today) NASA and an international team are developing plans and seeking recommendations to launch the first Mars mission to bring soil samples back to Earth. The ability to study soil from Mars here on Earth will contribute significantly to answering questions about the possibility of life on the Red Planet. Returned samples also will increase understanding of the useful or harmful properties of Martian soil, which will support planning for the eventual human exploration of Mars. A task force named the International Mars Architecture for Return of Samples, or IMARS, recently met in Washington to lay the foundation for an international collaboration to return samples from Mars. NASA hosted the meeting. IMARS meeting participants included representatives from more than half a dozen countries and NASA, the European Space Agency, or...
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Earth's Magnetic Field: A Shield For Lunar Astronauts?
2007-12-12 04:06:00
(Image Credit: NASA)After a "brief" delay, humanity will once again send a few brave souls to visit the lunar world that orbits our home planet. However if we are going to live upon that barren world, humanity will have to find a way to deal with the cosmic radiation that can bombard the lunar surface.While scientists have yet to create a portable magnetic field to shield future explorers, they are looking at the possibility of "borrowing Earth's" to protect lunar astronauts.(Physorg.com) Earth is largely protected by its magnetic field, or magnetosphere, but new University of Washington research shows that some parts of the moon also are protected by the magnetosphere for seven days during the 28-day orbit around Earth. "We found that there were areas of the moon that would be completely protected by the magnetosphere and other areas that are not protected at all," said Erika Harnett, a UW assistant research professor of Earth and space sciences. While a week of protection is bett...
More About: Astronauts , Shield , Field , Lunar , Magnetic

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (32nd Edition)
2007-12-11 04:16:00
Last week's Carnival of Space was hosted by Ed Minchau over on Robot Guy.Posts ranged from raging volcano's on Io to visiting Mars but "never touching it," to even a brief history regarding the fall and (hopeful) rise of the solar sail.Brian Wang (who recently became a father--congrats!!!) has an interesting roundup of his favorite launch systems, one which may be cheaper than a space elevator.The next Carnival of Space is coming up in a few days, and if anyone is interested in submitting articles to the next round can visit Universe Today for the details. Content Copyright 2006-2007 of Colony Worlds. All Rights Reserved. Violators (and hosts) can be prosecuted under national and international laws.
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Making Space Relevant: It's The Energy Stupid!
2007-12-05 23:57:00
Can two walk together, except they be agreed? ~Amos 3:3 During this holiday season, one may find it quite easy to strike up conversations with strangers regarding snow, caroling and which toys to buy for their kids (make sure that they are safe).One could easily discuss the current war in Iraq, or even politics with their neighbor, as they (like Santa) are stuck on everyone's mind.But when it comes to talking about the final frontier, you may find people's eyes either glaze over in confusion, or scoff at the idea of wasting billions more in sending people to the moon.So how do you, the average space enthusiast, engage an audience more interested in Nintendo Wii's than exploring the cosmos?Answer: You avoid all the excuses to justify human space exploration, and instead convert its reason for existence into "common cents."If someone were to ask you why humanity should spend a $100 billion to put yet more men on the Moon, you should quickly reply "because its the energy stupid!" (n...
More About: Space , Energy , Stupid , Relevant

Would You Want To Own (Future) SpaceX Stock?
2007-12-05 22:47:00
Elon Musk, founder of Space Exploration Technologies (or SpaceX for short) has indicated that his company may consider going public in two years.Despite being privately funded by the self made billionaire, SpaceX may acquire some serious cash in the future as Elon seeks to play off his company against rivals--both foreign and domestic.(Reuters) Musk said he aims to put payloads into space for one-quarter to one-third of what his domestic competitors charge. He said he could beat by one-half the cost of international competitors including China, which he called the biggest potential competitor.A spokeswoman for the rocket joint venture between Boeing Co and Lockheed Martin, United Launch Alliance, did not return a request for comment."I think going public might be some time in late 2009 ... something on that order," he said in a telephone interview from his headquarters in Hawthorne, California.Reducing the cost of travel will not only guarantee the profitability of the company (not ...
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