Background
Space transportation is by far the chief enabler of human and robotic exploration of the solar system. Current launch vehicles and inter-planetary thrust technologies are such that only mass-limited payloads are feasible for space exploration, increasing time-of-flight and limiting science return. The challenges to enable efficient human and robotic exploration must thus be met by innovative technological leaps to improve engines and reduce weight. This seemingly simple requirement represents one of the most challenging technical aspects of space research and exploration.
This workshop will explore the technologies needed for launch vehicles and inter-planetary travel, as well as examining other critical factors, such as the economics, risk analyses and policy issues pertaining to space transportation. It will also cover the need for basic research in new technologies and concepts (targeting identified goals, but not necessary specific systems) as well as technology and system development. This includes all aspects of interplanetary travel from the training equipment for astronauts to the launch vehicles, propulsion systems, life support systems and all other technologies needed to launch from Earth to the Moon, Mars and beyond.
• What successful technologies already exist for space transportation and how do we define the best space transportation option in terms of performance, cost, and reliability?
• What novel space concepts and technologies can be applied to the problem of sending humans and robots to the Moon, Mars, and beyond?
• How will we know when we are ready for interplanetary travel and at what point is the risk acceptable?
• What are the current plans of space-faring nations and what are these nations addressing in terms of space transportation?
• What policies should be in place for space transportation?
In space program, the X-planes have been the test models for space technology. Currently there are several experimental X-plane models in development that could make space travel as routine as airplane travel. Each of these latest X-planes are reusable launch vehicles (RLVs), like the space shuttle, which means that they can be launched into orbit repeatedly before being replaced.
These lightweight vehicles are designed to lower launch costs, and could eventually replace the space shuttle, which has been in use since 1981. Commercial space travel remains prohibitive because of the expense: It costs about $10,000 to get one pound (.45 kg) of payload into Earth's orbit. Space planes could lower that price to $1,000 per pound. In this article, you'll find out about some of the space planes being developed by NASA, and how these spacecraft might one day succeed the space shuttle and be used as commercial vehicles for space tourism.
Despite the shuttle's many accomplishments, the fact remains that it is extremely expensive to launch into space. NASA's solution to the problem is the X-33.
The X-33 is a prototype for a unique single-stage-to-orbit vehicle. Its wedge-like shape is unlike any spacecraft that has preceded it. The purpose of this design is to allow the spacecraft to hold all of the needed propellant onboard the ship, thus eliminating the need for solid rocket boosters. By eliminating the boosters and the main fuel tank, NASA will trim much of the liftoff weight that makes space shuttle missions so expensive. Launch costs for the X-33, or a derivative of the X-33, are expected to be only a tenth of the cost of launching the space shuttle. Two uniquely designed engines will propel the spacecraft. The X-33 will be the first space plane to use Linear Aerospike engines. The shape of the engines is a better fit for the wedge-shaped space plane than the conventional bell nozzle rocket engines, according to NASA. In contrast to the nozzle of the Bell rocket engines, the Aerospike nozzle is V-shaped, called a ramp. The hot gases are shot from the chambers along the outside of the ramp's surface. These new engines will propel the X-33 to speeds up to Mach 13 (9,100 mph / 14,645 kph).
The ultimate goal of the X-33 project is to produce a commercial aircraft called the VentureStar, which would be the successor to the space shuttle. The VentureStar will be about twice the size of the X-33 prototype, and will use the same type of engines and the same construction materials. However, it will be able to achieve Mach 25, which is the necessary speed to maintain Earth orbit. Not only would the VentureStar be used to put payloads into space, but it could also be used as a space tourism vehicle. The success or failure of the X-33 will determine whether the VentureStar becomes the vehicle that enables public access to space.
First well come ashish, you have not posted for a while in this forum.
Then the final goal for tis forum (as much as I know from last year's experience of working in this workshop) is to develop something other than the chemical propultion. (X-33 et al are surely hi-fi and cutting edge creations, no doubt) --- some different propulsion system.
The immediate question may be what kind of "different"? That is using some other system, such as the famous quantum drive, nuclear pulse drive etc. You can visit the famous wikipedia, for more information on this. Good Luck.
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Joined: 2004-01-09