Orion

"Nasa Names New Spacecraft 'Orion'" BBC. 23 Aug. 2006. 23 Jan. 2007 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/5277736.stm.

This article talks about the new name for the CEV the Orion. This new name was slipped from an astronaut aboard the ISS. The article also states the plans for the Orion.

“It is hoped the name Orion could eventually mean as much for manned space exploration as Apollo did in the 1960s and 1970s."

The article states that the spacecraft was named after the Orion constellation. One of the most recognizable constellations in our galaxy. It is a fitting name for a spacecraft which people have such high expectations for.

Question:
1. Who came up with the name?
2. What other names where considered.

Going to the moon

"Nasa Plans Return to Moon by 2020." BBC NEWS. 19 Sept. 2005. 22 Jan. 2007 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4261522.stm.

This artifact talks about NASA's plans to return to the moon by 2020. They plan on using the CEV as the cornerstone to this operation.

'"We will return to the Moon no later than 2020 and extend human presence across the Solar System and beyond," Dr Griffin said on Monday.'

The CEV was briefly discussed in that it was like the Apollo era spacecraft but a lot more advanced. They later went on about using the moon as a base for future expeditions. Using it like a launch platform away from earth, the first stop would be Mars. NASA has huge plans for the CEV and we will see if they become a reality.

Question:
1. Will the CEV need modifications to go to mars?
2. How will fueling work on the moon?

Testing the heat shield

Fletcher, Seth. "Tech Watch: NASA's Heat Ray, Rocket Defense, Martian Spacesuit and More." Popular Mechanics. Aug. 2006. 22 Jan. 2007 http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/3281776.html?page=1.

This artifact is about testing the new heat shields for the CEV. When a spacecraft reenters our atmosphere friction causes immense amounts of heat. These shields are supposed to protect the CEV and the astronauts from the heat. The CEV will reenter the atmosphere faster than the space shuttle. Therefore, it will require better heat shields.

To test and develop this new material they use an arc jet to heat the material to 18,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is supposed to replicate the reentry conditions. The previous shuttle shields are described as the "shuttle's notorious tiles." Hopefully this testing will lead to NASA choosing a better and safer material for the CEV

Questions:
1. has NASA chosen a material?
2. How is it better than the space shuttles tiles?

Shuttle goals to high

"NASA: Shuttle Goals Might Be Tough to Achieve." CNN. 10 Jan. 2007. 22 Jan. 2007 http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/space/01/10/space.shuttle.ap/index.html.

This article is about the five planned space shuttle missions for this year. The article states that this launch schedule may be too ambiguous and that they may not be able to follow this plan. This launch schedule has the highest launches per year since 2002. In 2002 there where also five launches of the space shuttle. The reason for the concern is the prep time for the space shuttle.

“ The problem is NASA's ability to get each of the three shuttles in shape to fly again so soon after each returns home from space."

The launches are planed so the ISS can come closer to completion. Although there is much doubt we will see if the five launches will go according to plan in 2007.

Questions:
1. How long is the prep time for a space shuttle?
2. Is the CEV prep time shorter?
3. What do they do during this prep time?

Discovery returns

"Discovery Home for the Holidays." CNN. 22 Dec. 2006. 3 Jan. 2007 http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/space/12/22/space.shuttle/index.html.

This artifact is about the successful return of the discovery space shuttle. The Discovery landed at 5:32pm eastern time at Kennedy space center on the 22nd of December. This was the first night launch of a space shuttle since the Columbia disaster.

"During the mission, Discovery docked with the space station, and its crew continued construction of the outpost during the first of four spacewalks. The other two spacewalks rewired the station's power system for a permanent setup. The fourth spacewalk was added to allow Discovery crew members to retract the solar arrays."

The mission went without any major problems. To make sure there were no issues with the shuttle cameras where installed and radar was used during the launch. They where used to make sure that the disaster of Columbia tragedy were not repeated. The launch went without any problems, and the astronauts returned in time for the holidays.

This is a successful launch and return for a space shuttle. Which will help boast people confidence in the space shuttle. The new radar and camera system worked to prevent any failures. I believe that the space shuttle will continue to provide our space exploration needs until the CEV will replace it.

Questions:
1. With a successful return will NASA continue to use the space shuttle regularly?
2. Where there any small issues?