Tag: Space

Inconstant Cosmos.

“‘As you go back in time, the universe is pushing [outward] less and less,’ he said. ‘At some point, the pressure of dark energy is zero and is exerting no force on the universe. There is no explanation for it.'” New cosmological research announced yesterday further muddles our understanding of the expansion of the early universe and (once again) casts doubt on Einstein’s recently resurrected cosmological constant. “Schaefer based his findings on analysis of ultra-bright cosmic explosions called gamma-ray bursts, detected as far as 12.8 billion light-years away. He found that the most distant explosions appeared brighter than they should have been if the universe were accelerating at a constant rate.“

The Moon and Beyond.

“To become a multiplanet species, we must master the skills of extracting local resources, build our capability to journey and explore in hostile regions, and create new reservoirs of human culture and experience. That long journey begins on the moon — the staging ground, supply station and classroom for our voyage into the universe.” Astrophysicist Paul Sputig eloquently makes the case for a return to manned lunar exploration.

Gravity’s Rainbow.

“Suppose the asteroid is traveling 60,000 miles per hour. You want to make it 60,001.” Concerned by the possible 2036 impact of 99942 Apophis, two clever NASA astronauts have developed a tractor beam of sorts to pull asteroids off a possible collision course. Namely, send a relatively small (20-ton) ion-powered spacecraft to intercept and hover near the offending asteroid, and then let gravity work its mojo. “Even as the spacecraft counters the asteroid’s gravity, he said, its own gravity will pull the asteroid out of orbit.”

Houston, we’ve had a problem.

“‘It is now commonly accepted that was not the right path,’ Griffin said. ‘We are now trying to change the path while doing as little damage as we can.'” In an interview with USA Today, NASA head Michael Griffin calls the Space Shuttle and ISS programs mistakes. Hmmm, interesting. This article reminded me of a quote I’ve seen attributed to Jerry Pournelle: “I always knew I’d live to see the first man walk on the Moon. I never dreamed I’d see the last.“

The Apollo Creed.


“‘We must deal with our short-term problems while not sacrificing our long-term investments,’ Griffin said. ‘The space program is a long-term investment in our future.'” While nodding to the funding issues created by Katrina, NASA unveils its ambitious plans to return to the moon by 2018. The plan, involving a lunar-lander like CEV that can carry 4 to 6 astronauts, basically seems to be a hybrid of the Space Shuttle and “Apollo on Steroids,” and has been designed with future missions to Mars in mind. In general, I’ve been impressed with NASA head Michael Griffin despite Dubya’s faulty emphasis on space-weapons (and I generally agree with his take on NASA funding), so if he thinks this rocket-hybrid is the way to go to get to the moon and beyond, I’m all for it.

Here’s a little ghost for the offering.

Space Adventures, the firm behind Dennis Tito’s 2001 trip to the ISS, is looking for two takers for a $100 million moonshot. Well, that’s a pretty penny and no mistake. But if they’re forced to switch to a lottery system to procure the necessary funds, I’d buy a ticket or three.