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Poll Results: Is Google's Lunar X-Prize Good For Humanity?
2007-10-20 02:34:00
Over on the sidebar of Colony Worlds, this author ran a mini poll asking readers whether or not Google's X-Prize was of any benefit to humanity.The poll closed four days ago with a grand total of 26 votes. Here are the results below:Question: Is Google's Lunar X-Prize Good For Humanity ?Choice 1: Yes, as it helps us reach the moon (17 votes or 65%)Choice 2: No, as it won't reduce the cost of rocket launches (3 votes or 11%)Choice 3: Maybe, if they provide more money (1 vote or 3%)Choice 4: No, as going to Mars is more important (1 vote or 3%)Choice 5: Yes, as we can finally discover what moonbats are (4 votes or 15%)The next poll will deal with who will colonize the Moon first, which was inspired by Mike Griffin's comments regarding China.Thanks to everyone who participated in the poll, and I am looking forward to the results of the next! (and no, moonbats will not be apart of this unscientific survey). Content Copyright 2006-2007 of Colony Worlds. All Rights Reserved. Violator...
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Carnival Of The Space Geeks (Sorting Out Science)
2007-10-20 01:28:00
Sam Wise of Sorting Out Science hosted this week's Carnival of Space .Despite being new to the event (at least to this author) Sam created a very professional layout for the Carnival, with a mash of links to not only some of the bloggers posts, but to related media sites as well.We even had mention of space elevators, with the Marc of the Space Elevator Reference and Ted via the Space Elevator Blog.Be sure to subscribe to either of those blogs as they are covering the Space Elevator Olympics (aka Space Elevator Games) in which their are currently six teams competing (you can find video's over here). Other interesting posts included:Louise of A Babe in the Universe wonders why it took so long to have a women command the ISS.Astro Prof goes in depth about solar power satellites (note: you can view it via Google cache if the site is down) which every newbie should read.Jesse of the Space Law Probe brings good tidings that there are no legal show stoppers to building a solar powered sa...
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SpaceX Clears Another NASA Hurdle Towards ISS
2007-10-20 00:55:00
After passing NASA's last test with flying colors, it looks as if the NewSpace giant has cleared another hurdle in its attempt to become the main supplier to the International Space Station.(Space Fellowship) SpaceX has successfully completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) for its first Falcon 9 / Dragon mission as part of the NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) demonstration program. ...During the event, all comments and questions raised by NASA's experts were satisfactorily addressed by the SpaceX design team, which resulted in official NASA approval. With this, SpaceX continues its track record of meeting all COTS milestones on schedule. "In terms of overall design maturity of the Falcon 9 project, we are well ahead of the curve for a program of this size," said Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX. "Few CDRs feature multiple hardware items in fabrication, assembly, integration and test phases." Currently SpaceX is the main player when it comes to securing the COTS (...
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Communism In Space: The New Solar Religion?
2007-10-19 23:45:00
(Image Credit: Himalayan Academy)It look as if the Chinese government will be spreading the socialistic gospel in the heavens above. Not satisfied with millions of registerd members on Earth, China wishes to establish a communist branch beyond the sky.(Space Travel) Chinese taikonauts (astronauts) may start a branch of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in space, said the country's first taikonaut Yang Liwei. China now has a 14-strong astronaut team. The team members, including Yang himself, are all CPC members. "If China has its own space station, the taikonauts on mission will carry out the regular activities of a CPC branch in space in the way we do on earth, such as learning the Party's policies and exchanging opinions on the Party's decisions," said Yang, a delegate to the on-going CPC national congress in Beijing. ..."Like foreign astronauts having their beliefs, we believe in Communism , which is also a spiritual power," said Yang. "We may not pray in the way our foreign ...
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Self Sustaining Space Habitats A Possibility?
2007-10-19 23:09:00
(Hat Tip: Space Pragmatism and Engadget, Image credit: NASA)If humanity is ever going to venture beyond lunar orbit, then they need to develop a way to survive off world indefinitely, or at least for long periods of time (as in years).While no one has yet developed a biosphere that can survive without outside assistance, it looks as if James Chartres (an aerospace engineer from Australia) may have figured out how to create one that is "95 percent efficient."(Cosmos Magazine) The Luna Gaia concept integrates technologies such as the Closed Equilibrated Biological Aquatic System (CEBAS), an enclosed aquarium designed by the German Aerospace Centre and the Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELIiSSA) developed by the European Space Agency. MELIiSSA uses microbes to purify water, recycle carbon dioxide and derive edible material from waste products.Algae – which generates oxygen from carbon dioxide via photosynthesis, and doesn't require pollinating – is the key to t...
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Is Humanity Heading To Space For All The Wrong Reasons?
2007-10-17 22:00:00
For the past six thousand years of recorded history, humanity has usually had a reason for every route they took while traveling the world. Some people would span the oceans to escape persecution, while others would sprint across deserts to inherit their promised land.Regardless of the path they took, there was ultimately a compelling reason to brave the unknown, to risk health and wealth in order to seek out a future greater than the present.The final frontier is no different, and for the past 50 years a few courageous souls have been struggling to convince the masses of the need to visit the stars above, without much success.Could it be that space is really not that important for humanity as a whole, or could it possibly be that we are attempting to revisit the cosmos for all the wrong reasons?When Russia first launched Sputnik 50 years ago, our primary motivation for reaching the stars could be summed up in one word--ego. Since that first moment, Russia and the United States were...
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Carnival Of The Space Geeks (23rd Edition)
2007-10-17 05:41:00
It's hard to believe that the Carnival of Space has lasted this long! Last weeks roundup was over at Space For Commerce (by Brian Dunbar).Although the number of entries has thinned out a bit, the quality has thus far has continued to blossom, with interesting posts from:Pamela Gay (of StarStryder) talks about the trouble (and hope) of finding Earth like worlds, and the technology that will enable us to view them.Ken Murphy (of Out of the Cradle) discusses two different perspectives (from two different books) regarding exploring and conquering the moon.Stuart (of Cumbrian Sky) reminds us how far humans have gone using a simple image from Mars.Clark Lindsey (of Hobby Space) has an enlightening post on how the current space tourists came from modest backgrounds, which gives hope of the average citizen of someday reaching the stars.Paul Gilster (from Centauri Dreams) highlights Robert Bussard (who sadly passed away), and how his theories may enable us to eventually reach the stars.Sam ...
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Colonizing Ceres Before Mars Could Save The Red Planet
2007-10-10 22:01:00
Some people say Mars is our next home. Other people say Mars is utterly worthless. Regardless of the viewpoint, humans will probably end up visiting the place for "eternal glory," if not for scientific reasons.Whether or not our species actually settles the red planet is highly questionable. Unlike Earth's Moon, Mars lacks major resources of any kind that would make colonizing the planet worthwhile. Unless those crimson deserts can provide some return on investment, it may be wiser to turn Mars into a penal colony, than attempting to recreate the world into a second home.But humanity may be able to justify settling Mars by diverting its attention towards the asteroid belt first--and the key towards conquering the asteroid belt, as well as Mars may lie upon the dwarf world Ceres .Despite their major differences, both Mars and Ceres share a few similarities. Both worlds harbor abundant supplies of water, respectively, and both worlds are located closer to the metal rich "zone" of the ...
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Russian Banks May Finance The "Next Great Leap"
2007-10-10 20:23:00
In an ironic twist of fate, it seems that the nation that first brought humanity to the stars is more "capitalistic" than the first one to put a man on the moon.With more individuals considering space tourism as a worthwhile activity, it looks as if a Russian banks will consider loaning the necessary cash for those who can least afford.(Interfax-AVN) Russian banks could offer low- interest loans to people wishing to go into space as tourists, Roman Popov, the president of the First Russian-Czech Bank, told journalists on Tuesday."If space tourism develops, we are prepared to combine efforts of three or more banks to issue five-year low-interest loans to a future space tourist," Popov said at a press conference dealing with prospects of space exploration[.] This is probably a smart move by Russia, who has been heavily embracing the capitalistic version of the final frontier despite their current leanings towards "all things big brother."If the cost of travel towards space (and future...
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Russia Launches Malaysia's First Astronaut In Space
2007-10-10 20:01:00
(Image Credit: CNN)It is a proud day for Mala ysians everywhere, as they are for the first time seeing one of their own journey beyond the sky in order to orbit the heavens above.(Earth Times) Malays ia's first astronaut created national history when he blasted off on board a Russia n rocket into space Wednesday, marking a first for the nation which tuned in to watch the historic event live on television. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor took off for the International Space Station (ISS) on board a Soyuz-FG rocket, adorned with the Malaysian flag, from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. ...At the ISS, Sheikh Muszaphar is to experiment with microbes of tropical diseases and with proteins for a potential HIV vaccine, and study the effects of microgravity and space radiation on cancer cells and human genes.Malaysia is located in the Pacific below Vietnam and Thailand and right above Indonesia. Although predominantly Muslim, Malaysia seems to have a more "liberal" view than its Islamic neigh...

Russia, NASA Team Up In Quest For Space Water
2007-10-08 18:51:00
The head of both Russia and America's space agencies signed an agreement to cooperate as they search both the Moon an Mars in the quest for "liquid gold."(USA Today) The agreements signed by NASA Administrator Michael Griffin and Russian Space Agency chief Anatoly Perminov deal with putting Russian instruments on board NASA probes that would be sent to the moon and Mars."These two projects demonstrate the commitment by our countries to continue to look for opportunities where it's mutually beneficial to cooperate," Griffin said. "When these opportunities happen it's our intent to work together to bring them to fruition."This partnership should help out both NASA and Russia, as it will lessen the cost of finding the best locations for a moon base, as any habitation near water is considered prime real estate.This could also help relieve some of the space war rhetoric, as the last thing humanity needs is a cold war in space. Content Copyright 2006-2007 of Colony Worlds. All Rights ...
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Japan's Lunar Orbiter Dances Around The Moon
2007-10-08 18:20:00
(Image Credit: JAXA) The land of the rising sun has a new accomplishment to boast about. Having successfully launched its satellite from Earth to the moon, SELENE now orbits this lunar world in an attempt to better understand Earth's nearest neighbor.(Moon Daily) "The satellite successfully entered the moon's orbit. We are glad that we achieved one of the big challenges in this mission," said Tatsuo Oshima, a spokesman from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). ...Once it gets close to the moon it will start observation of land features and study gravitational fields, the JAXA spokesman said."Our next challenge is a successful launch of observation activities with cameras and radars functioning normally," he said.Hopefully Japan's SELENE satellite will help the island nation (as well as the world) locate fertile grounds for habitation on the Moon. Although they have yet to launch one of their own in space, Japan does have plans to establish a lunar colony in 2030. Con...
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The Billion Dollar Question: Can Congress Help NASA?
2007-10-08 17:50:00
After facing grueling budget cuts in 2007, the US Senate is trying to offset the damage done towards NASA by rewarding it with an extra billion dollars in 2008.But with the White House threatening to kill the bill for over spending, one has to wonder whether or not the funds will actually arrive in NASA's pocket.(Chron.com) The Senate approved $1 billion in additional funding for NASA on Thursday, with Democrats and Republicans alike ignoring President Bush's threat to veto any spending bills that exceed his budget proposal. ..."We're thrilled," said Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, who has been working with Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., and other Senate budget writers for the past two years to secure the additional money. "This is a major step in the right direction to ensure that America stays at the forefront of being first in space exploration."With Congress under pressure to reduce spending, it is unlikely that NASA will receive the extra billion dollars for 2008. This ...
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Video: Happy Space Age Day!
2007-10-05 02:36:00
Today marks the anniversary when humanity first began to wander beyond the sky by the launch of Sputnik 50 years ago.It demonstrated our species ability to send objects above our atmosphere and has spurred our race to find its place among the stars.(Video Hat Tip: Robot Guy)A hundred years from now humanity may celebrate October the 4th as an interplanetary holiday, uniting all cultures throughout our solar system in our quest to conquer the final frontier.Until then our young race must continue to pursue the journey started by our forefathers, in order to pass that same torch towards our children and their children's children.Happy Space Age day to all, and may God bless our fragile world, as well as those living upon it. Content Copyright 2006-2007 of Colony Worlds. All Rights Reserved. Violators (and hosts) can be prosecuted under national and international laws.

Raising Pigs On Mars
2007-10-03 20:49:00
Orbiting our celestial star at an average distance of around 228 million kilometers, Mars is often romanticized as the next home world for humanity. Scientists and space enthusiasts alike often wonder what would life be like living on the red planet, and dream of the future culture that will emerge there.The first explorers upon Mars will probably rely on supplies previously shipped to the red planet in order to survive upon this harsh world. But in order to settle on this crimson globe, future Martians will need to import fruits, vegetables, grain, trees and pigs--yes pigs.Pigs represent many things to many people on Earth. To some pigs are smelly, ugly, awful creatures that only look half way descent when staring in a children's film. To others they are delicious beasts who fit perfectly into ones personal barbecue.Regardless of the viewpoint, pigs may serve a useful purpose on Mars, and could ultimately determine the fate of not only future colonists, but whether or not Martians...

Video: Carnival Of The Space Geeks (22nd Round)
2007-10-03 06:34:00
Last week's Carnival of space was hosted over at Wandering Space which included some interesting videos from Louise of A Babe In The Universe, as well as several new comers.The first was Brian Dunford who discusses on Riding With Robots his fascination with asteroids, especially Ceres and Vesta.The second is by Steven from the OutsideIn blog. Steven is working on a mini film to help bring space to life on the small screen (and hopefully the large screen as well).Here is a teaser of the trailer below.This is but a sample of the work Steven wants to bring to the world, and if you feel like supporting his efforts, you can make a tax deductible donation to the project over here. 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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NASA Looking For A Few Good Space Suits
2007-10-02 06:23:00
Fifty years into the future our space born descendants may ponder why their forefathers explored the lunar surface in bulky white suits. With NASA calling out to the private sector for a "space tailor," future suits worn by astronauts may not resemble the outfits worn by the first men on the Moon.(Moon Today) NASA has issued a request for proposals from industry for the design, development and production of a new spacesuit system for Constellation Program voyages to the International Space Station and the moon. ...Prospective contractors are being asked to develop a system that minimizes mass, volume and carry weight; donning time; maintenance requirements; suit logistics; operational overhead; life cycle costs; and operational constraints on the lunar surface in varying geographical, solar and thermal conditions. The same spacesuit system also must maximize pressurized and unpressurized crew comfort, range of motion, reliability and work efficiency throughout multiple suit uses. ...
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Congress Opposes Human Missions To Mars?
2007-09-30 01:46:00
While NASA prepares itself to once again visit the Moon, it looks as if the US House of Representatives is proposing a bill that would ban all human missions towards Mars .(New Scientist Space) Is there life on Mars? Who knows, but if the US House of Representatives gets its way, no human will be making the trip to find out. Its proposed yearly budget for NASA contains a provision banning the funding of anything related to the human exploration of Mars.NASA is seeking to send humans towards Mars around 2037, although if Congress displays enough apathy, we may end up never funding anything other than hi-tech golf carts to roam its surface.Robert Zubrin, the founder of the Mars Society (which is currently down as of this post) is seeking to overturn this measure, although he may be fighting an uphill battle as Mars is quite literally being out shined by Earth's "lunar brother."Update: Changed Martian photo. Content Copyright 2006-2007 of Colony Worlds. All Rights Reserved. Violators...
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Will Ion Engines Replace Chemical Rockets?
2007-09-30 00:54:00
(Image: Ion Propulsion System Hot Fire Test for Deep Space 1, Credit: NASA / JPL)Probably not, as chemical rockets are the undisputed champions when it comes to launching anything from Earth's surface to beyond the sky. However when it comes to general interplanetary travel, chemical rockets may find themselves taking a back seat towards their "star trek" cousins.(Physorg.com) An ion engine prototype developed at NASA's Glenn Research Center has now accumulated more than 12,000 hours of operation and processed over 245 kilograms of xenon, setting a record for most propellant throughput ever demonstrated by an ion engine.The engine is the critical component of NASA's Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) system, which uses xenon gas and solar electric power to drive future robotic science spacecraft to distant asteroids, comets, planets and their moons. ...Today's chemical propulsion systems get their big boost and then coast at constant speed until the next boost. An ion engine ...
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India To Put Humans Into Space By 2015
2007-09-30 00:23:00
After previously committing to send its own citizens to orbit above the heavens, India has finally laid out a date for when it will join the space power club.(MSNBC) India plans a manned space mission by 2015, using indigenous systems and technology, a top scientist said Thursday. ..."We are trying to develop the technologies which are required for sending a man to space ... If everything goes all right we will be able to have a manned mission wherein an astronaut will be orbiting the earth within eight years," he said.India still has not laid out any plans on whether or not it will send astronauts to inhabit the Moon. The worlds largest democracy may be hesitant about committing towards lunar colonies in the future until they have proven themselves floating among the stars.Hopefully India will consider revisiting the moon along with the other major space powers, as it would be sad to see such a great nation miss out on owning a piece of the sky. Content Copyright 2006-2007 of Co...
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NASA To Put Humans On Mars In 2037
2007-09-25 02:01:00
(Image: Humans working on Mars . Credit: NASA/Johnson Space Center)NASA is adding the red planet to its "celestial road map" by planning on landing a man on Mars by the year 2037.(Earth Times) 'We are planning many missions. Our long-term game-plan is to put man on Mars by 2037, so that by 2057, when the International Aeronautical Congress (IAC) holds its centenary, we should be celebrating the 20th year of putting man on the red planet,' NASA administrator Michael Griffin told the delegates at the first plenary of the 58th IAC on the inaugural day. ...'We are looking beyond moon and mars into the inter-planetary system, how to make best use of the ISS and how to use solar power to reduce its operational costs. With manned mission to moon from 2020 onwards and Mars a decade later, we want to build a space civilisation for tomorrow and beyond that,' Griffin pointed out.Griffin's road map to Mars is about seven years later than what Buzz Aldrin would have liked, although it is d...
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Good News: Micro Gravity Great For Dangerous Bacteria
2007-09-25 00:38:00
(Hat Tip: MarsNews .com)Even though building micro gravity space stations may be cheaper in the long run, it may not be the healthiest choice for future colonists.In a cruel twist of fate, it seems that micro gravity not only weakens our immune system, but ironically strengthens the defenses of dangerous bacteria.(Space.com) Bacteria express different sets of genes in different environments to ensure their survival. Inhospitable conditions, for example, can turn on a "master switch" in some bacteria and allow the microbes to form tough spores that can survive the extreme conditions of space.Prior to Nickerson and her team's study, the genetic behavior of Salmonella typhimurium--the main culprit in cases of food poisoning and typhoid fever--was unknown. The microbe poses a significant threat to astronauts during spaceflight, especially because it is resistant to many antibiotic treatments.The researchers' experiment revealed that a genetic switch called "Hfq," which may control more...
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Video: Direct Launcher A Better Alternative To Ares?
2007-09-24 23:39:00
(Hat Tip: Hobby Space, Video below post)It looks like a new rocket is in town, which may not only be able to lift cargo into orbit sooner than Ares I and Ares V rockets (which have yet to be built), but may be much more affordable as well.(Direct Launcher ) DIRECT is an alternative approach to launching missions planned under NASA's new mandate: The Vision for Space Exploration (VSE). DIRECT would replace the separate Ares-I Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) and Ares-V Cargo Launch Vehicle (CaLV) with one single "Jupiter" launcher, capable of performing both roles.This change to NASA's architecture completely removes the costs & risks associated with developing and operating a second launcher system, saving NASA $19 Billion in development costs, and a further $16 Billion in operational costs over the next 20 years.DIRECT's single launcher system would use existing Space Transportation System (AKA the Space Shuttle) facilities and hardware to lift over 45 tons (in basic configuration) ...
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Carnival Of The Space Geeks (Turns 21)
2007-09-24 03:41:00
The Carnival of Space was held by Henry Cate over at Why Homeschooling (the founder of this whole project) and most of the posts focused on the Google X-Prize Lunar Lander Challenge.Some interesting posts include:Brian Wang from Advanced Nanotechnology on how to win the lunar challenge.Brain Dunbar (of Space For Commerce) highlights the three general thoughts regarding the competition in general (with the second being the best, although Henry disagrees).Mr. Anonymous at Cumbrian Sky has thoughts on how the competition will kill off the moon doubters, although he wants the Sea of Tranquility blocked off from the competition for historical reasons.AstroProf highlights the International Lunar Decade and why its important for our global culture.This week's Carnival of Space will be hosted over at Wandering Space.Note: Those desiring to submit a post to the upcoming carnival can visit this link for details. Content Copyright 2006-2007 of Colony Worlds. All Rights Reserved. Violators (...
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