Check out the cool Saturn V Rocket “Apollo 11” Model Kit 1:72 at Bad Cat toys. Link via Cheaper Saturn V – The Unwanted Blog
Category Archives: 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.
The FrankenFalcon rocket + Navy railguns as lunar mass drivers
John Hare considers the capability of a monster (in more ways than one) rocket that combines a stretched SpaceX Falcon 9 with Shuttle solid rocket boosters to put about 140 tons into orbit: SFalconLS – Selenian Boondocks.
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Chuck Lesher notes that Navy railgun development has reached a level of capability already sufficient to hurl small amounts of material from the Moon at escape velocities: Is the US Navy Preparing to Conquer Space? – Moonandback
Even at this early stage, the railgun is already capable of launching a 23 pound payload off the surface of the moon. We have our mass driver but getting it operational on the moon along with all the support needed to supply it with payloads… well, solving that problem must wait for another blog entry.
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!
The Titan Missile Museum in Arizona
Bob Zimmerman has an interesting report on a visit to the Titan Missile Museum near Tucson, Arizona: Visiting a nuclear missile silo – Behind The Black.
I’ll note that the company Frontier Astronautics LLC is located in a decommissioned Atlas-E Missile Silo in Wyoming. So such sites do have some utility after all.