Let’s consider how an enterprising space-faring race might get their arms around the scope of their endeavor. What would be the minimum goal? Expanding to the full extents possible, just in terms of travel, the
Read moreCategory: Advanced Propulsion
The Spaceman’s Reading List – Exhibit 1
My current employer is really on a “How would SpaceX do it?” kick these days. Frankly, given Elon Musk’s success with that venture, I can’t say it’s a bad guiding question to ask ourselves. It’s
Read moreEngineering a Universe
Having been a part of several spaceflight programs, I have come to the conclusion that an almost Godlike view has to exist to drive from one end of the journey to the end of it.
Read moreRiPM – Travel to the Oort Cloud
So, it seems to me that if we determine that the we’re headed to the Oort Cloud from Earth, the time involved to do that would be important to know. For those that don’t know,
Read moreWhat Is Needed for a Robust Interplanetary Mission?
As a Systems Engineering exercise, an in a sincere attempt to plan ahead, it occurred to me that I had not really considered a top-down set of requirements for a robust interplanetary mission. And what
Read moreKerbal Space Program – a More Realistic Option?
I’ve been pondering the idea of working with a space simulator that is of similar entertainment value as Kerbal Space Program, but with more realistic physics. I’ve dabbled with Kerbal some, and it’s always fun.
Read moreOutbound Operational Plan for Space Migration: Robots to Kuiper Belt
We’ve been on a trend of talking about all the places in the Solar System that we shouldn’t go, as they aren’t habitable. That leads to OPS.15, the robotic exploration of the Kuiper Belt. Named
Read moreHammerstrike Dispatch #2
In a story from SpaceDaily/Sputnik News, it’s fully apparent that under our current ability to detect incoming asteroid or comet impactor we may never have any warning. “Because there may be media coverage tomorrow, I’m
Read moreOutbound Operational Plan for Space Migration: Robotic Asteroid Exploration
So far, I’ve been charting a programmatic course that has taken Outbound to the moon with robotic surveys and construction demonstrations. Now it’s time to flex some operational muscle and go for stretch goals. In
Read moreMarching Towards Warp Drive
There is interesting news afoot in particle physics. It seems that some researchers from the University of Rochester have created quasi-particles known as polaritons at room temperature, and these little beauties exhibit behavior of objects
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