Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Online: Evolution of the Spacesuit

Evolution of the Spacesuit
EchoMon, 28 February 2012
http://echomon.co.uk/evolution-of-the-spacesuit/

Check out these images of space suit development over the years....

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Charged Up: Electric Rockets Are Set to Transform Space Flight

Charged Up: Electric Rockets Are Set to Transform Space Flight
Technologist, 23 February 2012
http://www.txchnologist.com/2012/charged-up-electric-rockets-are-set-to-transform-space-flight

As a result rocket scientists are increasingly turning to electric rockets, which accelerate propellants out the back end using solar-powered electromagnetic fields rather than chemical reactions. The electric rockets use so much less propellant that the entire spacecraft can be much more compact, which enables them to scale down the original launch boosters.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Online: Autonomous Truss Robot Video

Autonomous Robotic Truss Reconfiguration and Manipulation
YouTube, 22 February 2012
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ynr7VGiusQQ#!

This video presents a robot capable of autonomously traversing and manipulating a 3D truss structure. The robot is able to approach and traverse multiple structural joints using a combination of translational and rotational motions. A key factor in allowing reliable motion and engagements is the use of specially designed structural building blocks comprised of bidirectional geared rods. A set of traversal plans, each comprised of basic motion primitives, were analyzed for speed, robustness, and repeatability. Paths covering eight joints are demonstrated, as well as automatic element assembly and disassembly. We suggest that the robot architecture and truss module design, such as the one presented here, could open the door to robotically assembled, maintained, and reconfigured structures that would ordinarily be difficult, risky, or time consuming for humans to construct.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Wallops Evolving Into Smallsat Launch

Wallops Evolving Into Smallsat Launch
Aviation Week, 26 January 2012
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=space&id=news/asd/2012/01/25/11.xml&headline=Wallops%20Evolving%20Into%20Smallsat%20Launch%20Center

NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, long a center for sounding rocket science campaigns, is becoming a site for small satellite launches as well, according to NASA’s new chief technologist.