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: Asteroids!
Engineering 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 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 moreA Bit O’ Brilliant Green!
This is a beautiful sight!
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 moreHammerstrike Dispatch #1
One of these days, a seriously substantial piece of the cosmos is going to hit us. It’s not really a speculative event, other than the date and time. I mean a real and devastating asteroid
Read moreThe Earth: You will be rocked
In a story on Zerohedge about the Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) Apophis, it is noted that the celestial body is to pass within the orbital range of most of our communication satellites, approaching somewhere in the
Read moreOutbound Operational Plan for Space Migration: Robots to Mars
While we’ve talking about Lunar Exploration, a parallel path would be underway to check out the Red Planet. Starting around Robotic Asteroid Exploration (OPS.7), the phase known as Robotic Martian Exploration (OPS.11) would begin. The
Read moreAsteroid Hunting with the Big Guns
I just read an interesting article regarding this year’s Planetary Defense Congress, held in College Park, Maryland. The panel held a “wargame” of sorts over what to do with an incoming asteroid of an average
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