indeed.

4/25/2013 10:46:40 AM

Internation Space Station "shot" by space debris

http://www.space.com/20925-space-station-bullet-hole-photo.html

5/2/2013 10:51:46 AM

Quote :

"A small piece of space junk or naturally occurring celestial debris "

For some reason this reminded me of



some Russian scientists actually thought this might have been a cause for cooling in some past epoch.

5/2/2013 11:22:31 AM

interesting thought... Mars might one day have rings once phobos dips under the Roche limit

5/2/2013 12:34:14 PM

Does Phobos orbit in the same direction as the planet rotation? That always confused me about the moon.

I would find it easier to believe that it will fall and break up if it orbited in the opposite direction of the planet spin. There, there's no equilibrium position.

Earth's rotation has been pushing the moon further out. So I imagine that Earth must have always been rotating faster than the moon's orbit.

Is there no GEO orbit for Mars? If so, then how could a moon orbiting in the direction of rotation ever fall to the Roche limit? It should reach equilibrium to GEO. I guess it's possible the limit is below GEO, but with Mars' similarity to Earth that's a hard pill to swallow.

[Edited on May 2, 2013 at 12:44 PM. Reason : ]

[Edited on May 2, 2013 at 12:45 PM. Reason : ]

5/2/2013 12:44:07 PM

well, i don't claim to understand orbital mechanics perfectly, but i do know that phobos orbits a lot closer to mars than most other moons in the solar system do to their planets... in fact it is so close that it orbits faster than the planet rotates. This, combined with tidal forces, has the effect of reducing it's velocity (and therefore altitude)

5/2/2013 1:06:16 PM

It's tidal forces that would eventually rip it apart if it got close enough, it's something like the quadrupole moment of the planet that causes angular acceleration or deceleration.

From wikipedia

Quote :

"Therefore it rises in the west, moves comparatively rapidly across the sky (in 4 h 15 min or less) and sets in the east, approximately twice each Martian day (every 11 h 6 min)."

It's orbit is about 7.5 hours. So its day crossing would take 7.5/2= about 3.75 hours if the planet wasn't moving. So I guess that means that yes, it is moving in the same direction as the planet rotation?

5/2/2013 2:52:28 PM

Quote :

"Earth's rotation has been pushing the moon further out. So I imagine that Earth must have always been rotating faster than the moon's orbit."

The generally accepted theory is that a large celestial body kind of side-swiped with Earth billions of years ago and the moon formed by picking up all the debris surrounding the planet over time. So the combination of the asteroid or whatever hitting the Earth would have increased the spin velocity while every piece of debris the moon would have picked up likely slowed it down.

And I might be wrong but I thought planetary rings formed from a moon disintegrating, not the other way around.

5/2/2013 3:44:54 PM

I thought rings were moons that never formed; at least that's what I remember from schoo

5/2/2013 3:50:46 PM

Well there are several ways rings could possibly form... rings could have formed from dust from the beginning of the solar system or could have formed from small particles from the break-up of a moon

5/3/2013 8:13:39 AM

Astronauts in the Skylab era kicked ass.

5/6/2013 11:43:14 AM

There's something that I don't get...

Since the Apollo days we've had
- Skylab
- Spacelab as a part of the shuttle
- MIR, which still holds the records for space habitation
- the ISS today

And now, we still get the answer that the ISS's primary purpose is microgravity experiments and knowledge about the effects of space on the human body. What did we learn from the last few times we had the exact same purpose?

5/6/2013 1:51:09 PM

that's like saying "well, we have had particle accelerators for decades... what else can we learn from them??"

5/6/2013 2:35:39 PM

There is literally a list of discovered particles next to the accelerator that discovered them

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_accelerators_in_particle_physics

Eventually we won't build new accelerators because we've gone and discovered all the particles and their properties.

If the degree of self-sufficiency of our space stations improved over time then this would make more sense.
Eventually, just like the accelerators, we'll no longer build any more because they've reached 100%.
I guess the problem is that I don't even see how we are moving in that direction at any speed.

5/6/2013 2:57:46 PM

The point is that we are "getting better at it". The ISS is obviously worlds more advanced than Skylab and the knowledge gained during its development and use is far more than previous space stations. Regardless, humans still haven't mastered spaceflight and the ISS is there to help us become more of a spacefaring species.

I guess you could kind of say it is like the difference between an NES and an Xbox 360 -- both machines serve the exact same purpose but one is a lot "better" at it.

[Edited on May 6, 2013 at 4:26 PM. Reason : ]

5/6/2013 4:25:52 PM

NASA to Mark 40th Anniversary of Skylab and Life Off Earth


WASHINGTON -- NASA will commemorate the 40th anniversary of America's first space station Monday, May 13, with a televised roundtable discussion featuring Skylab astronauts, a current astronaut and agency managers planning future space missions.

The discussion, open to NASA employees and the public, will begin at 2:30 p.m. EDT in the James Webb Auditorium of NASA Headquarters at 300 E St. SW in Washington. The event will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website.


Participants will include:
-- Owen Garriott, science pilot, Skylab 3
-- Gerald Carr, commander, Skylab 4
-- Kevin Ford, commander, International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 34
-- D. Marshall Porterfield, director, Space Life and Physical Sciences Research and Applications Division, NASA Headquarters
-- Jason Crusan, director, Advanced Exploration Systems, NASA Headquarters

Media representatives who want to attend must call 202-358-1100 no later than noon May 13. Anyone unable to attend the event in-person may ask questions during the program via Twitter or Google+ using the hashtag #asknasa.

NASA launched Skylab on May 14, 1973. It was the nation's first foray into significant scientific research in microgravity. The three Skylab crews proved humans could live and work effectively for long durations in space. The knowledge gathered during Skylab helped inform development and construction of the International Space Station, just as the research and technology demonstrations being conducted aboard the ISS will help shape a new set of missions that will take Americans farther into the solar system.

For NASA TV streaming video, scheduling and downlink information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv


For more information on the Skylab program, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/skylab

5/8/2013 5:37:11 PM

we back!

5/9/2013 12:05:39 PM

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22402849

not sure where they got this stuff from:

5/9/2013 3:43:10 PM

5/13/2013 8:22:08 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaOC9danxNo

5/13/2013 11:45:45 AM

5/14/2013 2:14:11 PM

what is that showing?

5/14/2013 4:07:59 PM

They had some more pictures come in of the holes. I'm not sure actually, they said they had acquired a new drilling target after the alignment thing but not sure if this is it or not. But it would make sense.

The recent talk was all about the white veins within the hole. There were better pictures than that gif but I didn't see any of a small size.

The veins are the same you see on Earth. I'm sure it also proves the former existence of liquid water. Doesn't everything?

5/14/2013 4:20:27 PM

The launch of Skylab 1- they almost lost the whole damned vehicle

http://theklydemorrisproject.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-launch-of-skylab-1-they-almost-lost.html

interesting read

5/14/2013 5:35:07 PM

Kepler Space Observatory in trouble

he future of NASA's planet-hunting Kepler space observatory was in question Wednesday after a part that helps aim the spacecraft failed, the U.S. space agency said.

Controllers found Tuesday that one of the three reaction wheels needed to orient the spacecraft had stopped spinning, Associate NASA Administrator John Grunsfeld told reporters. The probe has gone into a "safe mode" and aimed itself back at Earth, and controllers are trying to figure if they can get the balky part back in operation, he said.

"We're not ready to call the mission over," Grunsfeld said.

The Kepler probe has discovered 132 planets beyond our solar system since its launch in 2009.

This would be a huge loss for us exoplanet fans.

5/15/2013 5:11:13 PM

5/15/2013 5:20:53 PM

^^ugh i read few weeks ago that one of the wheels was having trouble...

this is a MAJOR blow. Kepler has been one of the most productive science instruments in the history of space flight.

Quote :

"Kepler Mission Manager Update May 15, 2013 At our semi-weekly contact on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, we found the Kepler spacecraft once again in safe mode. As was the case earlier this month, this was a Thruster-Controlled Safe Mode. The root cause is not yet known, however the proximate cause appears to be an attitude error. The spacecraft was oriented with the solar panels facing the sun, slowly spinning about the sun-line. The communication link comes and goes as the spacecraft spins. We attempted to return to reaction wheel control as the spacecraft rotated into communication, and commanded a stop rotation. Initially, it appeared that all three wheels responded and that rotation had been successfully stopped, but reaction wheel 4 remained at full torque while the spin rate dropped to zero. This is a clear indication that there has been an internal failure within the reaction wheel, likely a structural failure of the wheel bearing. The spacecraft was then transitioned back to Thruster-Controlled Safe Mode. An Anomaly Review Board concurred that the data appear to unambiguously indicate a wheel 4 failure, and that the team’s priority is to complete preparations to enter Point Rest State. Point Rest State is a loosely-pointed, thruster-controlled state that minimizes fuels usage while providing a continuous X-band communication downlink. The software to execute that state was loaded to the spacecraft last week, and last night the team completed the upload of the parameters the software will use. The spacecraft is stable and safe, if still burning fuel. Our fuel budget is sufficient that we can take due caution while we finish our planning. In its current mode, our fuel will last for several months. Point Rest State would extend that period to years. We have requested and received additional NASA Deep Space Network communication coverage, and this morning the Anomaly Review Board approved the transition to Point Rest State later today. Because this is a new operating mode of the spacecraft, the team will closely monitor the spacecraft, but no other immediate actions are planned. We will take the next several days and weeks to assess our options and develop new command products. These options are likely to include steps to attempt to recover wheel functionality and to investigate the utility of a hybrid mode, using both wheels and thrusters. With the failure of a second reaction wheel, it's unlikely that the spacecraft will be able to return to the high pointing accuracy that enables its high-precision photometry. However, no decision has been made to end data collection. Kepler had successfully completed its primary three-and-a-half year mission and entered an extended mission phase in November 2012. Even if data collection were to end, the mission has substantial quantities of data on the ground yet to be fully analyzed, and the string of scientific discoveries is expected to continue for years to come. Updates will be provided as information is available. Regards, The Kepler Team http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/kepler/news/keplerm-20130515.html"

[Edited on May 15, 2013 at 8:41 PM. Reason : ]

5/15/2013 8:34:46 PM

^although

Quote :

"Kepler had successfully completed its primary three-and-a-half year mission and entered an extended mission phase in November 2012."

and

Quote :

"Even if data collection were to end, the mission has substantial quantities of data on the ground yet to be fully analyzed, and the string of scientific discoveries is expected to continue for years to come."

make me feel slightly better.

5/16/2013 8:14:43 AM

^ Me too. I sure hope there is a follow up plan to Kepler.

5/16/2013 8:34:52 AM

should have posted this instead of the gif

5/16/2013 8:41:50 AM

So we know pretty conclusively that almost all stars have one planet or more.

Do we know that rocky planets evolve in just about every stellar system? I imagine that there are some stars that were not formed by the elements that came from a supernova, but instead, just elemental Hydrogen and Helium because they're older, so those element haven't had the time to form. So I imagine that old solar systems have a family of nothing but gas giants.

Although not done by Kepler, I think the most exciting thing is that we know the atmosphere of many exoplanets. Without that, you could dismiss even the best candidates as repeats of Mars of Venus.

5/16/2013 10:49:56 AM

I know they said they needed at least 3 wheels to cover the X,Y, and Z axis. Obviously there are a fuckton of stars out there any chance they could continue to use it in at least the two dimensions they could still control? I know that limits them to a much smaller area but at least get a little more out of it.

5/16/2013 1:18:17 PM

I think once they fully understand how much control they will have they will formulate a new mission... probably won't be the "sit and stare at the exact same stars" like it was before though.

and they do have thrusters to help stabalize, but of course a limited amount of fuel.

[Edited on May 16, 2013 at 1:22 PM. Reason : ]

5/16/2013 1:21:09 PM

Reaction wheels on satellites are used to maintain attitude that would otherwise be lost due to the conservation of angular momentum. Usually the excess angular momentum is "released" by aligning the satellite with the magnetic field of the body it is orbiting, but in this case Kepler is orbiting the sun at 1 AU so it's probably way too far to align with the sun's magnetic field. If the reaction wheel completely stopped spinning it could mean the satellited is spinning uncontrollably in one direction without much hope for stabilization. If that is the case it may not even be able to stabilize until the Earth catches back up with it in orbit around the sun which could be a while.

5/16/2013 1:29:15 PM

^I think that right now it is in a "safe and stable" mode using thrusters to control the spin.

5/16/2013 1:33:35 PM

Quote :

"I think once they fully understand how much control they will have they will formulate a new mission... probably won't be the "sit and stare at the exact same stars" like it was before though."

Didn't ESA have plans for a Kepler followup that was going to have like 2x the angle of vision... obviously for like 4x the field of view.

5/16/2013 1:57:54 PM

If you go see the new Star Trek movie, keep an eye out for the SLS vehicle. It makes a very brief cameo .

5/17/2013 12:10:53 AM

What's the deal with the white veins ?

5/17/2013 12:35:38 AM

The internet is buzzing a bit over this ISS image because what appears to be a UFO over Earth:



Full size from NASA: http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/sseop/images/ESC/large/ISS007/ISS007-E-16252.JPG

5/17/2013 8:46:54 AM

Quote :

"What's the deal with the white veins ?"

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/multimedia/pia16617.html

Quote :

"This set of images shows the similarity of sulfate-rich veins seen on Mars by NASA's Curiosity rover to sulfate-rich veins seen on Earth. The view on the left is a mosaic of two shots from the remote micro-imager on Curiosity's Chemistry and Camera (ChemCam) instrument on Dec. 14, 2012, or the 126th sol, or Martian day, of operations. They show a view of "Sheepbed" rock in the "Yellowknife Bay" area of Mars. The sulfate-rich veins are the light-colored veins about 1 to 5 millimeters (0.04 to 0.2 inches) wide. The image on the right is from the Egyptian desert on Earth. A pocket knife is shown for scale (image courtesy of Pierre Thomas). On Earth, calcium sulfates like gypsum form frequently in veins when relatively dilute fluid circulates at low to moderate temperatures. "

So they had already seen these veins in other places. Pretty sure it's the same stuff.

5/17/2013 10:05:18 AM

5/17/2013 10:05:57 AM

well this seems more complicated than it needs to be

5/17/2013 10:09:24 AM

page 17 is already a mess so I'll post this. I blame Smath74 for the Skylab picture.

5/17/2013 10:30:48 AM

Skylab is entitled to take up as much space as it wants since it was incredibly badass.

5/17/2013 12:19:25 PM

http://www.space.com/21195-56-000-mph-space-rock-hits-moon-explosion-seen-video.html

Meteor hits moon, explosion seen from Earth.

5/17/2013 2:05:32 PM

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?release=2013-167



This is Opportunity, not Curiosity.

Quote :

"The fractured rock, called "Esperance," provides evidence about a wet ancient environment possibly favorable for life. The mission's principal investigator, Steve Squyres of Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., said, "Esperance was so important, we committed several weeks to getting this one measurement of it, even though we knew the clock was ticking." "

5/17/2013 9:08:41 PM

OMG SLS IN STAR TREK

5/17/2013 10:55:06 PM

I already said that a few posts ago, before you guys started posting all those giant pictures.

5/18/2013 5:01:03 PM

yeah that's how i knew to keep an eye out for it

5/18/2013 5:47:53 PM

set em up

5/18/2013 8:30:01 PM