Category Archives: DIY space

Contests and Games, DIY space, Rockets

DIYROCKETS and the 3D Rocket Challenge

DIYROCKETS.com describes itself as

a global space company helping humanity establish a civilization in space by building an open space frontier.

​Our mission is to lower the cost of space exploration as much as possible by generating extremely low-cost knowledge and technology through open sourcing and crowdsourcing. We believe in harnessing the talent and resources of all to build a democratized space industry

Their  partners include Sunglass, Shapeways, the Silicon Valley Space Center, and Citizens in Space.

They are currently sponsoring a 3D ROCKET CHALLENGE

DIYROCKETS Challenges YOU to Collaboratively Design an Open Source 3D Printed Rocket Engine that Could Carry Nano-Satellites into Space

THE CHALLENGE

​Over the last few years multiple companies, institutions and individuals have started building nano-satellites and other small satellites. These little satellites are packed with electronics and range from the size of a computer chip to a smart phone to a pumpkin. With their communication and research capabilities, they have multiple applications working individually or in coordination with one another. But, with the high cost of earth to space transport, how in the world are they going to get up into space?

We challenge YOU to design a 3D printed rocket engine that could become part of a propulsion system and vehicle to carry nano-satellites into space.

 

DIY space

Copenhagen Suborbitals: DIY space capsule wind tunnel tests

Copenhagen Suborbitals reports on low cost wind tunnel testing of their capsule design: DIY Space Capsule Wind Tunnel Testing – One More Time Please – Wired Science/Wired.com.

DIY space, Rockets

Exodus Aerospace update

David Luther outlines the Horizontal In Line Launch Staging (H.I.L.L.S.) concept and previews the crowd-sourcing and small venture approach that can test it: First Steps…Science Fiction to Science Fact – Exodus Aerospace

Among your ranks are those who can contribute on many levels. Any real space venture requires an army of supporters of every skill set. We welcome contributions of time as well as funding. Aerospace educators can bring students on board. Corporate sponsorship and discounts are valuable and we can deliver inside information on our projects to our supporters. We will deliver recognition and rewards to all contributors…Join a real Star Fleet crew!

DIY space

Copenhagen Suborbitals: More about the Vostok launch support ship

Copenhagen Suborbitals  posts the second installment of their video reports on their “Mission Control and Sea Launch Support Ship Vostok”:

Caption:

Vostok will provide Mission Control, Rocket Trajectory Tracking and Spacecraft Recovery capabilities to Copenhagen Suborbitals.

Outfitting of the vessel for its Sea Launch support role is being undertaken at present.

The Mission Control and Rocket Trajectory Tracking roles require a host of radio gear, antennas and electronic equipment to be fitted to the vessel.

DIY space, Space Systems

DIY pressure suit building guidelines – Dr. Cameron Smith

DIY space suit builder Cameron M. Smith, who recently partnered with Copenhagen Suborbitals, writes about the lessons he has learned in making pressure suits: How To Build Your Own Functional Pressure Suit – Guest Blog by Dr. Cameron Smith – Wired Science/Wired.com.