A sampling of items related to traveling to and through space:<\/p>\n
** Virgin Galactic pilots Mark ‘Forger’ Stucky and CJ Sturckow received Commercial Astronaut Wings<\/strong> from the FAA for flying to space on SpaceShipTwo:<\/p>\n<\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The SpaceShipTwo motor from the flight was also given some special recognition:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-cards=\"hidden\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">The rocket motor which powered SpaceShipTwo to space for the first time on December 13th last year, has been donated to the <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/smithsonian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@Smithsonian<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/airandspace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@AirandSpace<\/a> as an exhibit in their new Commercial Space Flight Gallery 😍 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/0PMZPLHf6n\">pic.twitter.com\/0PMZPLHf6n<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/virgingalactic\/status\/1093636232062685189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 7, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"17772\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?attachment_id=17772\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MotorFromFirstSS2Spaceflight.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1400\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}\" data-image-title=\"Motor From First SS2 Spaceflight\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MotorFromFirstSS2Spaceflight-1024x700.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-17772\" src=\"http:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MotorFromFirstSS2Spaceflight-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"520\" height=\"355\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MotorFromFirstSS2Spaceflight-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MotorFromFirstSS2Spaceflight-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MotorFromFirstSS2Spaceflight-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MotorFromFirstSS2Spaceflight.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Richard Branson never ceases to be optimistic on flight schedules: <a title=\"Richard Branson says he'll fly to space by July\" href=\"https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2019-02-richard-branson-hell-space-july.html\">Richard Branson says he’ll fly to space by July – AFP\/phys.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>** <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/orbex.space\">Orbex Space<\/a> in the UK<\/strong> shows a<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em>completed engineering prototype of the Stage 2 rocket (the stage that will transit into orbital flight after launch) [that] is made from a specially-formulated lightweight carbon fibre and aluminium composite and includes the world\u2019s largest 3-D printed rocket engine.<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_17771\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-17771\" style=\"width: 520px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/orbex.space\/news\/orbex-unveils-prime-rocket-at-new-facility-in-scotland\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"17771\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?attachment_id=17771\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/UpperStageEngineeringPrototype-Feb2019.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1229,832\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}\" data-image-title=\"Orbex Upper Stage Engineering Prototype-Feb2019\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"<p>Orbex upperstage engineering prototype.<\/p>\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/UpperStageEngineeringPrototype-Feb2019-1024x693.jpg\" class=\"size-large wp-image-17771\" src=\"http:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/UpperStageEngineeringPrototype-Feb2019-1024x693.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"520\" height=\"352\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/UpperStageEngineeringPrototype-Feb2019-1024x693.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/UpperStageEngineeringPrototype-Feb2019-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/UpperStageEngineeringPrototype-Feb2019-768x520.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/UpperStageEngineeringPrototype-Feb2019.jpg 1229w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-17771\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Orbex upperstage engineering prototype “#Prime, the completed stage 2 rocket and the world\u2019s most efficient #smallsat launcher. It includes the world\u2019s largest 3D printed rocket engine and designed to run on bio-propane, a #clean, #renewable energy source”.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>More about the roll out:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"Orbex Unveils Prime Rocket at New Facility in Scotland | Orbex\" href=\"https:\/\/orbex.space\/news\/orbex-unveils-prime-rocket-at-new-facility-in-scotland\">Orbex Unveils Prime Rocket at New Facility in Scotland | Orbex<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Orbex reveals Prime\u2019s second stage as it prepares for UK domestic launches \u2013 NASASpaceFlight.com\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/2019\/02\/orbex-primes-second-stage-uk-launches\/\">Orbex reveals Prime\u2019s second stage as it prepares for UK domestic launches \u2013 NASASpaceFlight.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Orbex Space (@orbexspace) | Twitter\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/orbexspace\">Orbex Space (@orbexspace) | Twitter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The first stage booster will be reusable. Orbex has not shown a prototype of the booster or given details about its design.<\/p>\n<p>Orbex is aiming for the first orbital launch in 2021.<\/p>\n<p>Orbex has also obtained launch contracts with two companies:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"SSTL Partners with Orbex for UK Launches | Orbex\" href=\"https:\/\/orbex.space\/news\/sstl-partners-with-orbex-for-uk-launches\">SSTL Partners with Orbex for UK Launches | Orbex<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Orbex to Launch Nanosatellites for Planet-wide IoT Network | Orbex\" href=\"https:\/\/orbex.space\/news\/orbex-to-launch-nanosatellites-for-planet-wide-iot-network\">Orbex to Launch Nanosatellites for Planet-wide IoT Network | Orbex<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>** <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/pldspace.com\">PLD Space<\/a> of Spain<\/strong> also makes progress in development of a smallsat launcher with a reusable first stage booster:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">As we promised. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/MIURA5?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#MIURA5<\/a> Liquid Porpulsion Stage Recovery (LPSR) reusable booster demonstrator is under manufacturing. First stage of the launch vehicle will be integrated in 1month for a full-scale test in April. One of our major milestones this year. Exciting test to come. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/b6Tw0dyORq\">pic.twitter.com\/b6Tw0dyORq<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 PLD Space (@PLD_Space) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PLD_Space\/status\/1093471152184414208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 7, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<figure id=\"attachment_17770\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-17770\" style=\"width: 520px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"17770\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?attachment_id=17770\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ReusableFirstStageDemo-Feb2019.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1024,565\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}\" data-image-title=\"PLD Space Reusable First Stage Prototype\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"<p>PLD Space reusable first stage prototype<\/p>\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ReusableFirstStageDemo-Feb2019-1024x565.jpg\" class=\"size-large wp-image-17770\" src=\"http:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ReusableFirstStageDemo-Feb2019-1024x565.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"520\" height=\"287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ReusableFirstStageDemo-Feb2019.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ReusableFirstStageDemo-Feb2019-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ReusableFirstStageDemo-Feb2019-768x424.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-17770\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>PLD Space reusable first stage prototype.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Plus:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Propellant loading underway to begin with <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TEPREL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#TEPREL<\/a>-B flight qualification engine tests. Our first flight engine version. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Propulsion?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Propulsion<\/a> team is ready. Upgraded Teruel facilities also ready to support the test. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/GoMIURA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#GoMIURA<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/GoPLD?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#GoPLD<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/TbpXDUripu\">pic.twitter.com\/TbpXDUripu<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 PLD Space (@PLD_Space) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PLD_Space\/status\/1093838130027859968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 8, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>** <strong>Intro to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers\/kennedy\/launchingrockets\/index.html\">NASA’s Launch Services Program<\/a><\/strong>, which hires commercial rockets to launch the agency’s unmanned payloads:<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9GwU8O8wfpQ?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>** <strong>Space elevator proponents<\/strong> continue to pursue this replacement for rockets:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"Making Space Elevators a Reality - JHU Engineering Magazine\" href=\"https:\/\/engineering.jhu.edu\/magazine\/2018\/11\/making-space-elevators-a-reality\/\">Making Space Elevators a Reality – JHU Engineering Magazine<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Space Elevator: Bioengineering Approach Advanced\" href=\"http:\/\/www.leonarddavid.com\/space-elevator-bioengineering-approach-advanced\/\">Space Elevator: Bioengineering Approach Advanced – LeonardDavid.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"[1804.06453] Building the Space Elevator: Lessons from Biological Design\" href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/1804.06453\">Building the Space Elevator: Lessons from Biological Design – arxiv.org<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>From the magazine article:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em>While most engineered structures operate at a fraction of their material\u2019s tensile strength\u2014how far they can be pulled without breaking\u2014most biological structures, such as tendons, operate near their max. \u00a0That\u2019s because biological structures are constantly breaking themselves down and rebuilding, which allows for continual repair.<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em>Space elevators won\u2019t require such a strong cable if the cable also continually renews itself, Sun and Popescu reason. This feat could be achieved, they suggest, by developing a cable that\u2019s constantly serviced by autonomous robots. Rather than waiting for breaks in the cable, these robots can dynamically break down and rebuild the cable to make sure it\u2019s always in good working order. This cable would be segmented so that if a break occurred, it wouldn\u2019t extend beyond a small site, note the researchers, who recently reported their solution on the pre-print website <a href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/1804.06453\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">arXiv<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>** <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.SpaceX.com\">SpaceX<\/a><\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p>*** <strong>Latest pictures of StarHopper<\/strong> work underway in Texas:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Topping out <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/StarHopper?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#StarHopper<\/a>‘s business-end last couple days in South <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TEXAS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#TEXAS<\/a>. Strong cold front blowing thru the Valley this morn after a few well above average highs lately. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/FlyBocaChica?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#FlyBocaChica<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/SpaceX?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#SpaceX<\/a> (📷 credit: NSF\/BocaChicaGal) <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/AjlqBko3EH\">pic.twitter.com\/AjlqBko3EH<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Cowboy Dan (@CowboyDanPaasch) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CowboyDanPaasch\/status\/1093876878497193984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 8, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>*** More about Raptor engine tests:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-cards=\"hidden\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Raptor just achieved power level needed for Starship & Super Heavy <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/NcqnAVWc35\">pic.twitter.com\/NcqnAVWc35<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/elonmusk\/status\/1093423297130156033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 7, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"17791\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?attachment_id=17791\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/RaptorTestHighPower-Feb.2019.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"668,351\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}\" data-image-title=\"Raptor Test High Power\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/RaptorTestHighPower-Feb.2019.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-17791\" src=\"http:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/RaptorTestHighPower-Feb.2019.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"263\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/RaptorTestHighPower-Feb.2019.jpg 668w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/RaptorTestHighPower-Feb.2019-300x158.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-conversation=\"none\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Design requires at least 170 metric tons of force. Engine reached 172 mT & 257 bar chamber pressure with warm propellant, which means 10% to 20% more with deep cryo.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/elonmusk\/status\/1093424663269523456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 7, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>*** <strong>More on Crew Dragon demo mission scedule<\/strong> -test flight with no one onboard is now set for no earlier than March 2: <a title=\"First unpiloted test flight of SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule reset for March 2 \u2013 Spaceflight Now\" href=\"https:\/\/spaceflightnow.com\/2019\/02\/06\/first-unpiloted-test-flight-of-spacex-crew-dragon-capsule-reset-for-march-2\/\">First unpiloted test flight of SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule reset for March 2 \u2013 Spaceflight Now<\/a><\/p>\n<p>*** <strong>Other SpaceX related item<\/strong>s:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"SpaceX hints at mystery Falcon 9 missions with record breaking launch target\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teslarati.com\/spacex-mystery-falcon-9-missions-record-breaking-launch-target-2019\/\">SpaceX hints at mystery Falcon 9 missions with record breaking launch target – Teslarati<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"SpaceX's Mr. Steven crosses Panama Canal on 5000 mile journey to Florida\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teslarati.com\/spacex-recovery-vessel-mr-steven-transits-panama-canal-with-falcon-fairings-on-board\/\">SpaceX’s Mr. Steven crosses Panama Canal on 5000 mile journey to Florida – Teslarati<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"SpaceX's Starship prototype is looking increasingly rocket-like as hop test pad expands\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teslarati.com\/spacex-starship-prototype-looking-more-rocket-like-rapid-pad-expansion\/\">SpaceX’s Starship prototype is looking increasingly rocket-like as hop test pad expands – Teslarati<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Special Report: SpaceX and Beyond\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kveo.com\/spacex\/special-report-spacex-and-beyond\/1760393619\">Special Report: SpaceX and Beyond – KVEO.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2019-02-08\/musk-s-spacex-has-big-stake-in-outcome-of-border-security-talks\" target=\"_d\">SpaceX Texas Launch Site Risks Being Split in Two by Border Wall – Bloomberg<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>** Rocket news included in the latest <a href=\"http:\/\/TMRO.tv\">TMRO.tv<\/a> space news report: <em>SpaceX Engine Tests, ISRO Spaceflight, Lunar Craters and SpaceIL<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7grV1LV8jg4?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">====<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=hobbyspace&l=ur2&o=1\" alt=\"\" \/> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/b?_encoding=UTF8&tag=hobbyspace&linkCode=ur2&linkId=9ad77237101a529e858b08c724b1d0e6&camp=1789&creative=9325&node=499320\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Telescopes and Binoculars at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A sampling of items related to traveling to and through space: ** Virgin Galactic pilots Mark ‘Forger’ Stucky and CJ Sturckow received Commercial Astronaut Wings from the FAA for flying to space on SpaceShipTwo: The SpaceShipTwo motor from the flight was also given some special recognition: The rocket motor which powered SpaceShipTwo to space for … <a href=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=17769\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Space access roundup – Feb.10.2019<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">→<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[5,26,44],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17769","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-rockets","category-space-systems","category-spaceflight-parabolic-flight"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p34aWK-4CB","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":17291,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=17291","url_meta":{"origin":17769,"position":0},"title":"Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo rocket vehicle makes its first suborbital space flight [Update]","author":"TopSpacer","date":"December 13, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"[ Update: Here is a video released by Virgin Galactic with highlights of the flight: https:\/\/youtu.be\/bRQUwjoETSE ] This morning two pilots for Virgin Galactic successfully flew SpaceShipTwo \"Unity\" to over 50 miles (82 km) in altitude. SpaceShipTwo reached: 51.4m 271,268ft 82.7km \u2014 Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) December 13, 2018 SpaceShipTwo's rocket\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Rockets"","block_context":{"text":"Rockets","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/bRQUwjoETSE\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2029,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=2029","url_meta":{"origin":17769,"position":1},"title":"Galactic Unite lesson plans based on Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo test flights","author":"TopSpacer","date":"April 30, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Yesterday. Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo (SS2)vehicle made its first rocket powered test flight. VG has created an education program called Galactic Unite with STEM lesson plans based around the SS2 test flights: Galactic Unite Lesson Plans are now live! - Virgin Galactic Galactic Unite Lesson Plans are now live! Virgin Galactic\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Education"","block_context":{"text":"Education","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=22"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/HLDmcjeDohc\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":17983,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=17983","url_meta":{"origin":17769,"position":2},"title":"Videos: More views of the 2nd Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo spaceflight","author":"TopSpacer","date":"February 24, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"More imagery from Friday's flight of the SpaceShipTwo VSS Unity (see previous postings here and here): ** Beth Moses enjoys the view from space: ** Flight highlights: https:\/\/youtu.be\/5V8BKLdap5Y ** Post-flight interviews with Moses, Chief Pilot Dave Mackay, Co-Pilot Michael \u201cSooch\u201d Masucci, and Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides: https:\/\/youtu.be\/DSV7E8ipiu8 ** Feather\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Rockets"","block_context":{"text":"Rockets","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/BethMosesEnjoysTheView-Feb23-2019-1024x576.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":17932,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=17932","url_meta":{"origin":17769,"position":3},"title":"Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo test flight – Feb.22.2019","author":"TopSpacer","date":"February 22, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"[ Updates: 12:14 pm EST: Max altitude is reportedly 294,000 feet, or 89.6 km, or 55.7 miles. [Update: 295,007 feet, or 89.9 km, or 55.87 miles.] 12:08 pm EST: The SpaceShipTwo VSS Unity is back safely on the ground after a second successful powered flight to the edge of space.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Rockets"","block_context":{"text":"Rockets","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/WK2-SS2-Feb22-2019-1024x683.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":17296,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=17296","url_meta":{"origin":17769,"position":4},"title":"Virgin Galactic: Richard Branson hails first SpaceShipTwo spaceflight","author":"TopSpacer","date":"December 13, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"A release from Virgin Galactic about today's SpaceShipTwo spaceflight: [ Update: A new video from the flight: https:\/\/youtu.be\/NZO26mVshfQ ] Richard Branson Welcomes Astronauts Home from Virgin Galactic\u2019s Historic First Spaceflight History has been made and a long-anticipated dream realised in Mojave, CA, today as Virgin Galactic\u2019s SpaceShipTwo, VSS Unity, landed\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Rockets"","block_context":{"text":"Rockets","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Virgin_Galactics_First_Spaceflight-1024x576.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":17954,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=17954","url_meta":{"origin":17769,"position":5},"title":"Virgin Galactic sets new milestones on second flight to edge of space in 10 weeks","author":"TopSpacer","date":"February 22, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Here is a press release from Virgin Galactic about today's SpaceShipTwo flight to space: Virgin Galactic Makes Space for Second Time in Ten Weeks with Three On Board, Reaching Higher Altitudes and Faster Speeds, as Flight Test Program Continues Flight Follows December\u2019s Fourth Rocket-Powered Flight and First Space Flight Mojave,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Rockets"","block_context":{"text":"Rockets","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Second_Spaceflight_Rocket_Motor_Burn-1024x538.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17769","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=17769"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17769\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17793,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17769\/revisions\/17793"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17769"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17769"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17769"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The SpaceShipTwo motor from the flight was also given some special recognition:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-cards=\"hidden\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">The rocket motor which powered SpaceShipTwo to space for the first time on December 13th last year, has been donated to the <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/smithsonian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@Smithsonian<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/airandspace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@AirandSpace<\/a> as an exhibit in their new Commercial Space Flight Gallery 😍 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/0PMZPLHf6n\">pic.twitter.com\/0PMZPLHf6n<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/virgingalactic\/status\/1093636232062685189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 7, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"17772\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?attachment_id=17772\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MotorFromFirstSS2Spaceflight.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1400\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}\" data-image-title=\"Motor From First SS2 Spaceflight\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MotorFromFirstSS2Spaceflight-1024x700.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-17772\" src=\"http:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MotorFromFirstSS2Spaceflight-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"520\" height=\"355\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MotorFromFirstSS2Spaceflight-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MotorFromFirstSS2Spaceflight-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MotorFromFirstSS2Spaceflight-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MotorFromFirstSS2Spaceflight.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Richard Branson never ceases to be optimistic on flight schedules: <a title=\"Richard Branson says he'll fly to space by July\" href=\"https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2019-02-richard-branson-hell-space-july.html\">Richard Branson says he’ll fly to space by July – AFP\/phys.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>** <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/orbex.space\">Orbex Space<\/a> in the UK<\/strong> shows a<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em>completed engineering prototype of the Stage 2 rocket (the stage that will transit into orbital flight after launch) [that] is made from a specially-formulated lightweight carbon fibre and aluminium composite and includes the world\u2019s largest 3-D printed rocket engine.<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_17771\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-17771\" style=\"width: 520px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/orbex.space\/news\/orbex-unveils-prime-rocket-at-new-facility-in-scotland\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"17771\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?attachment_id=17771\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/UpperStageEngineeringPrototype-Feb2019.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1229,832\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}\" data-image-title=\"Orbex Upper Stage Engineering Prototype-Feb2019\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"<p>Orbex upperstage engineering prototype.<\/p>\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/UpperStageEngineeringPrototype-Feb2019-1024x693.jpg\" class=\"size-large wp-image-17771\" src=\"http:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/UpperStageEngineeringPrototype-Feb2019-1024x693.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"520\" height=\"352\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/UpperStageEngineeringPrototype-Feb2019-1024x693.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/UpperStageEngineeringPrototype-Feb2019-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/UpperStageEngineeringPrototype-Feb2019-768x520.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/UpperStageEngineeringPrototype-Feb2019.jpg 1229w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-17771\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Orbex upperstage engineering prototype “#Prime, the completed stage 2 rocket and the world\u2019s most efficient #smallsat launcher. It includes the world\u2019s largest 3D printed rocket engine and designed to run on bio-propane, a #clean, #renewable energy source”.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>More about the roll out:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"Orbex Unveils Prime Rocket at New Facility in Scotland | Orbex\" href=\"https:\/\/orbex.space\/news\/orbex-unveils-prime-rocket-at-new-facility-in-scotland\">Orbex Unveils Prime Rocket at New Facility in Scotland | Orbex<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Orbex reveals Prime\u2019s second stage as it prepares for UK domestic launches \u2013 NASASpaceFlight.com\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/2019\/02\/orbex-primes-second-stage-uk-launches\/\">Orbex reveals Prime\u2019s second stage as it prepares for UK domestic launches \u2013 NASASpaceFlight.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Orbex Space (@orbexspace) | Twitter\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/orbexspace\">Orbex Space (@orbexspace) | Twitter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The first stage booster will be reusable. Orbex has not shown a prototype of the booster or given details about its design.<\/p>\n<p>Orbex is aiming for the first orbital launch in 2021.<\/p>\n<p>Orbex has also obtained launch contracts with two companies:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"SSTL Partners with Orbex for UK Launches | Orbex\" href=\"https:\/\/orbex.space\/news\/sstl-partners-with-orbex-for-uk-launches\">SSTL Partners with Orbex for UK Launches | Orbex<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Orbex to Launch Nanosatellites for Planet-wide IoT Network | Orbex\" href=\"https:\/\/orbex.space\/news\/orbex-to-launch-nanosatellites-for-planet-wide-iot-network\">Orbex to Launch Nanosatellites for Planet-wide IoT Network | Orbex<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>** <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/pldspace.com\">PLD Space<\/a> of Spain<\/strong> also makes progress in development of a smallsat launcher with a reusable first stage booster:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">As we promised. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/MIURA5?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#MIURA5<\/a> Liquid Porpulsion Stage Recovery (LPSR) reusable booster demonstrator is under manufacturing. First stage of the launch vehicle will be integrated in 1month for a full-scale test in April. One of our major milestones this year. Exciting test to come. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/b6Tw0dyORq\">pic.twitter.com\/b6Tw0dyORq<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 PLD Space (@PLD_Space) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PLD_Space\/status\/1093471152184414208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 7, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<figure id=\"attachment_17770\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-17770\" style=\"width: 520px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"17770\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?attachment_id=17770\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ReusableFirstStageDemo-Feb2019.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1024,565\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}\" data-image-title=\"PLD Space Reusable First Stage Prototype\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"<p>PLD Space reusable first stage prototype<\/p>\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ReusableFirstStageDemo-Feb2019-1024x565.jpg\" class=\"size-large wp-image-17770\" src=\"http:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ReusableFirstStageDemo-Feb2019-1024x565.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"520\" height=\"287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ReusableFirstStageDemo-Feb2019.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ReusableFirstStageDemo-Feb2019-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/ReusableFirstStageDemo-Feb2019-768x424.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-17770\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>PLD Space reusable first stage prototype.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Plus:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Propellant loading underway to begin with <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TEPREL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#TEPREL<\/a>-B flight qualification engine tests. Our first flight engine version. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Propulsion?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Propulsion<\/a> team is ready. Upgraded Teruel facilities also ready to support the test. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/GoMIURA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#GoMIURA<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/GoPLD?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#GoPLD<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/TbpXDUripu\">pic.twitter.com\/TbpXDUripu<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 PLD Space (@PLD_Space) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PLD_Space\/status\/1093838130027859968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 8, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>** <strong>Intro to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers\/kennedy\/launchingrockets\/index.html\">NASA’s Launch Services Program<\/a><\/strong>, which hires commercial rockets to launch the agency’s unmanned payloads:<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9GwU8O8wfpQ?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>** <strong>Space elevator proponents<\/strong> continue to pursue this replacement for rockets:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"Making Space Elevators a Reality - JHU Engineering Magazine\" href=\"https:\/\/engineering.jhu.edu\/magazine\/2018\/11\/making-space-elevators-a-reality\/\">Making Space Elevators a Reality – JHU Engineering Magazine<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Space Elevator: Bioengineering Approach Advanced\" href=\"http:\/\/www.leonarddavid.com\/space-elevator-bioengineering-approach-advanced\/\">Space Elevator: Bioengineering Approach Advanced – LeonardDavid.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"[1804.06453] Building the Space Elevator: Lessons from Biological Design\" href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/1804.06453\">Building the Space Elevator: Lessons from Biological Design – arxiv.org<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>From the magazine article:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em>While most engineered structures operate at a fraction of their material\u2019s tensile strength\u2014how far they can be pulled without breaking\u2014most biological structures, such as tendons, operate near their max. \u00a0That\u2019s because biological structures are constantly breaking themselves down and rebuilding, which allows for continual repair.<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em>Space elevators won\u2019t require such a strong cable if the cable also continually renews itself, Sun and Popescu reason. This feat could be achieved, they suggest, by developing a cable that\u2019s constantly serviced by autonomous robots. Rather than waiting for breaks in the cable, these robots can dynamically break down and rebuild the cable to make sure it\u2019s always in good working order. This cable would be segmented so that if a break occurred, it wouldn\u2019t extend beyond a small site, note the researchers, who recently reported their solution on the pre-print website <a href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/1804.06453\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">arXiv<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>** <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.SpaceX.com\">SpaceX<\/a><\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p>*** <strong>Latest pictures of StarHopper<\/strong> work underway in Texas:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Topping out <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/StarHopper?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#StarHopper<\/a>‘s business-end last couple days in South <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TEXAS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#TEXAS<\/a>. Strong cold front blowing thru the Valley this morn after a few well above average highs lately. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/FlyBocaChica?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#FlyBocaChica<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/SpaceX?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#SpaceX<\/a> (📷 credit: NSF\/BocaChicaGal) <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/AjlqBko3EH\">pic.twitter.com\/AjlqBko3EH<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Cowboy Dan (@CowboyDanPaasch) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CowboyDanPaasch\/status\/1093876878497193984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 8, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>*** More about Raptor engine tests:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-cards=\"hidden\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Raptor just achieved power level needed for Starship & Super Heavy <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/NcqnAVWc35\">pic.twitter.com\/NcqnAVWc35<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/elonmusk\/status\/1093423297130156033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 7, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"17791\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?attachment_id=17791\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/RaptorTestHighPower-Feb.2019.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"668,351\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}\" data-image-title=\"Raptor Test High Power\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/RaptorTestHighPower-Feb.2019.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-17791\" src=\"http:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/RaptorTestHighPower-Feb.2019.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"263\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/RaptorTestHighPower-Feb.2019.jpg 668w, https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/RaptorTestHighPower-Feb.2019-300x158.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-conversation=\"none\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Design requires at least 170 metric tons of force. Engine reached 172 mT & 257 bar chamber pressure with warm propellant, which means 10% to 20% more with deep cryo.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/elonmusk\/status\/1093424663269523456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 7, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>*** <strong>More on Crew Dragon demo mission scedule<\/strong> -test flight with no one onboard is now set for no earlier than March 2: <a title=\"First unpiloted test flight of SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule reset for March 2 \u2013 Spaceflight Now\" href=\"https:\/\/spaceflightnow.com\/2019\/02\/06\/first-unpiloted-test-flight-of-spacex-crew-dragon-capsule-reset-for-march-2\/\">First unpiloted test flight of SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule reset for March 2 \u2013 Spaceflight Now<\/a><\/p>\n<p>*** <strong>Other SpaceX related item<\/strong>s:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"SpaceX hints at mystery Falcon 9 missions with record breaking launch target\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teslarati.com\/spacex-mystery-falcon-9-missions-record-breaking-launch-target-2019\/\">SpaceX hints at mystery Falcon 9 missions with record breaking launch target – Teslarati<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"SpaceX's Mr. Steven crosses Panama Canal on 5000 mile journey to Florida\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teslarati.com\/spacex-recovery-vessel-mr-steven-transits-panama-canal-with-falcon-fairings-on-board\/\">SpaceX’s Mr. Steven crosses Panama Canal on 5000 mile journey to Florida – Teslarati<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"SpaceX's Starship prototype is looking increasingly rocket-like as hop test pad expands\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teslarati.com\/spacex-starship-prototype-looking-more-rocket-like-rapid-pad-expansion\/\">SpaceX’s Starship prototype is looking increasingly rocket-like as hop test pad expands – Teslarati<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Special Report: SpaceX and Beyond\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kveo.com\/spacex\/special-report-spacex-and-beyond\/1760393619\">Special Report: SpaceX and Beyond – KVEO.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2019-02-08\/musk-s-spacex-has-big-stake-in-outcome-of-border-security-talks\" target=\"_d\">SpaceX Texas Launch Site Risks Being Split in Two by Border Wall – Bloomberg<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>** Rocket news included in the latest <a href=\"http:\/\/TMRO.tv\">TMRO.tv<\/a> space news report: <em>SpaceX Engine Tests, ISRO Spaceflight, Lunar Craters and SpaceIL<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7grV1LV8jg4?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">====<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=hobbyspace&l=ur2&o=1\" alt=\"\" \/> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/b?_encoding=UTF8&tag=hobbyspace&linkCode=ur2&linkId=9ad77237101a529e858b08c724b1d0e6&camp=1789&creative=9325&node=499320\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Telescopes and Binoculars at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A sampling of items related to traveling to and through space: ** Virgin Galactic pilots Mark ‘Forger’ Stucky and CJ Sturckow received Commercial Astronaut Wings from the FAA for flying to space on SpaceShipTwo: The SpaceShipTwo motor from the flight was also given some special recognition: The rocket motor which powered SpaceShipTwo to space for … <a href=\"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=17769\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Space access roundup – Feb.10.2019<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">→<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[5,26,44],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17769","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-rockets","category-space-systems","category-spaceflight-parabolic-flight"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p34aWK-4CB","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":17291,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=17291","url_meta":{"origin":17769,"position":0},"title":"Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo rocket vehicle makes its first suborbital space flight [Update]","author":"TopSpacer","date":"December 13, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"[ Update: Here is a video released by Virgin Galactic with highlights of the flight: https:\/\/youtu.be\/bRQUwjoETSE ] This morning two pilots for Virgin Galactic successfully flew SpaceShipTwo \"Unity\" to over 50 miles (82 km) in altitude. SpaceShipTwo reached: 51.4m 271,268ft 82.7km \u2014 Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) December 13, 2018 SpaceShipTwo's rocket\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Rockets"","block_context":{"text":"Rockets","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/bRQUwjoETSE\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2029,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=2029","url_meta":{"origin":17769,"position":1},"title":"Galactic Unite lesson plans based on Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo test flights","author":"TopSpacer","date":"April 30, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Yesterday. Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo (SS2)vehicle made its first rocket powered test flight. VG has created an education program called Galactic Unite with STEM lesson plans based around the SS2 test flights: Galactic Unite Lesson Plans are now live! - Virgin Galactic Galactic Unite Lesson Plans are now live! Virgin Galactic\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Education"","block_context":{"text":"Education","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=22"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/HLDmcjeDohc\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":17983,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=17983","url_meta":{"origin":17769,"position":2},"title":"Videos: More views of the 2nd Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo spaceflight","author":"TopSpacer","date":"February 24, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"More imagery from Friday's flight of the SpaceShipTwo VSS Unity (see previous postings here and here): ** Beth Moses enjoys the view from space: ** Flight highlights: https:\/\/youtu.be\/5V8BKLdap5Y ** Post-flight interviews with Moses, Chief Pilot Dave Mackay, Co-Pilot Michael \u201cSooch\u201d Masucci, and Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides: https:\/\/youtu.be\/DSV7E8ipiu8 ** Feather\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Rockets"","block_context":{"text":"Rockets","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/BethMosesEnjoysTheView-Feb23-2019-1024x576.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":17932,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=17932","url_meta":{"origin":17769,"position":3},"title":"Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo test flight – Feb.22.2019","author":"TopSpacer","date":"February 22, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"[ Updates: 12:14 pm EST: Max altitude is reportedly 294,000 feet, or 89.6 km, or 55.7 miles. [Update: 295,007 feet, or 89.9 km, or 55.87 miles.] 12:08 pm EST: The SpaceShipTwo VSS Unity is back safely on the ground after a second successful powered flight to the edge of space.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Rockets"","block_context":{"text":"Rockets","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/WK2-SS2-Feb22-2019-1024x683.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":17296,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=17296","url_meta":{"origin":17769,"position":4},"title":"Virgin Galactic: Richard Branson hails first SpaceShipTwo spaceflight","author":"TopSpacer","date":"December 13, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"A release from Virgin Galactic about today's SpaceShipTwo spaceflight: [ Update: A new video from the flight: https:\/\/youtu.be\/NZO26mVshfQ ] Richard Branson Welcomes Astronauts Home from Virgin Galactic\u2019s Historic First Spaceflight History has been made and a long-anticipated dream realised in Mojave, CA, today as Virgin Galactic\u2019s SpaceShipTwo, VSS Unity, landed\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Rockets"","block_context":{"text":"Rockets","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Virgin_Galactics_First_Spaceflight-1024x576.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":17954,"url":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=17954","url_meta":{"origin":17769,"position":5},"title":"Virgin Galactic sets new milestones on second flight to edge of space in 10 weeks","author":"TopSpacer","date":"February 22, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Here is a press release from Virgin Galactic about today's SpaceShipTwo flight to space: Virgin Galactic Makes Space for Second Time in Ten Weeks with Three On Board, Reaching Higher Altitudes and Faster Speeds, as Flight Test Program Continues Flight Follows December\u2019s Fourth Rocket-Powered Flight and First Space Flight Mojave,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Rockets"","block_context":{"text":"Rockets","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?cat=5"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Second_Spaceflight_Rocket_Motor_Burn-1024x538.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17769","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=17769"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17769\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17793,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17769\/revisions\/17793"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17769"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17769"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17769"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}