Over the past few years, with the aim of sharing my lifelong enthusiasm for Space Science with other people young and old, I have developed a series of Excel spreadsheets that explore many of the core ideas in Astronautics. Using Newton\u2019s laws of motion and gravity and employing only basic mathematics they demonstrate that the flight of a Rocket attempting to achieve orbit around a chosen planet at a target height can be realistically modelled in a spreadsheet.<\/em><\/p>\n The Rocket\u2019s ascent trajectory and any resulting circular or elliptical orbit are calculated based on the spreadsheet user\u2019s input parameters for the space mission. The parameters determine the configuration of a two stage Rocket, specify the characteristics of a planet, and define the guidance instructions that the Rocket must follow.<\/p>\n I have also developed a spreadsheet that explores the concepts in Einstein\u2019s Special Theory of Relativity in some depth. The main concepts in the theory are illustrated using a series of worked examples, where again only basic mathematics is involved.<\/p>\n If this is of any interest to you, please visit my website\u00a0www.rocketsandrelativity.co.uk<\/a>\u00a0to see details about my two books which feature the spreadsheets and explain their design. The spreadsheets are available for free download from the site to enable readers to \u201cfly\u201d their own orbital missions, and to experiment with the ideas in Special Relativity.<\/em><\/p>\n I am in the process of developing a rather more ambitious spreadsheet that models the soft landing of a Spacecraft from orbit around an airless planet using only Rocket thrust. This is the subject of my third book which I plan to publish in 2019.<\/em><\/p>\n In addition, I have developed a range of supporting PowerPoint slides and animations for use in presentations and demonstrations.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cROCKETS ORBITS AND NEWTON\u201d \u2013 Astronautics topics covered in the book:<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cLIGHT NEEDS TIME\u201d \u2013 Special Relativity topics covered in the book:<\/em><\/p>\n ** Community Development Partnership<\/strong> – Orbitmuse Inc.<\/a> and NewSpace Chicago<\/a><\/p>\n Orbitmuse Inc. and NewSpace Chicago are pleased to announce a ground breaking Community Development Partnership to bring the Space and Aerospace entrepreneurial communities in the Midwest to the forefront of the New Space Race. The partnership aims to promote Orbitmuse\u2019s Habitat strategic partnership location within mHUB Chicago and inspire growth in start-up interest in the Chicagoland business community.<\/em><\/p>\n Orbitmuse Inc. is the global Space and Aerospace entrepreneurial network and technology platform providing the essential tools and education to fund, build, and launch your Space, Aerospace, UAV, or Defense venture. Orbitmuse\u2019s product offerings include Habitat<\/a>, co-working and innovation facilities with dynamic state-of-the-art prototyping labs and startup resources; Boost<\/a>, a specialized crowdfunding platform designed to promote and fund your projects; and Masters<\/a>, the one-of-a-kind learning platform to bring your business and technologies to life.<\/em><\/p>\n NewSpace Chicago<\/a> (\u201cNSC\u201d) is the premier Midwest community of professionals and investors driving commercialization and development of Space. NSC is promoting Chicago as a Center of Excellence for new commercial Space, Space-related, and Space-scalable ventures. NSC sponsors monthly network events and other programs supporting Space entrepreneurship in Chicago. With deep roots in the startup and technology communities, NSC provides a strong local presence for Orbitmuse to accelerate its growth in the Midwest. Building on the organic momentum of NSC’s community of nearly 400 members, this partnership provides exciting new opportunities for mentorship, investment, and active participation in Orbitmuse\u2019s ecosystem by the Chicago community.<\/em><\/p>\n Together, the partnership aligns our core missions and will help our communities succeed with greater insight and resources. Members at Orbitmuse\u2019s Habitat location within mHUB will have access to Orbitmuse\u2019s global space entrepreneurship network and mHUB\u2019s unparalleled coworking and innovation facility, with state-of-the-art prototyping equipment and resources, including a fully equipped 3D Printer Lab, Cold Metals Lab, Electronics Lab, Hot Metals Lab, Laser Cutting Lab, and Plastics Lab.<\/em><\/p>\n ** New Worlds 2018<\/strong><\/a> – Nov. 9-10, Austin, Texas<\/p>\n Join an exclusive group of the world\u2019s leading space science, business, engineering, and policy leaders as we plan the first colonies on the Moon, Mars, and in Free Space.<\/em><\/p>\n Interactive Discussions<\/strong>: Meet the leaders of space settlement and space commerce during interactive panel discussions on topics such as Commercial Lunar Missions, Farmers in the Sky, Who Owns the Moon?, Sex in Space, and more. For details on the New Worlds discussion topics, click here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Sharks in Space: In this “Shark Tank” style competition, six space companies will present their investor pitch to a judging panel of top space investors who will decide who takes home the big check. The audience choice winner will take home a cash prize as well!\u00a0For more information on the competition, or to submit an entry\u00a0click here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n For more details on the complete New Worlds agenda, confirmed speakers, and other conference events and activities, please visit us online at NewWorlds2018.space.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n ====<\/p>\n Genesis: The Story of Apollo 8: The First Manned Mission to Another World<\/a>\n
\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/NewWorlds2018.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=hobbyspace&l=am2&o=1&a=B00A1EZJ6U\")