I missed the beginning of this discussion so forgive me if this is an obvious question.
Is the point behind this discussion, that in theory if a breathing fluid were available,
that one could wear a very small mask or helmet, instead of a bulky space suite when doing
space walks?
--
Have a day,
@ @
( ) bobo
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1993 04:05:16 GMT
From: Henry Spencer <henry@zoo.toronto.edu>
Subject: Atlas revisited
Newsgroups: sci.space
In article <C56nwG.9B4.1@cs.cmu.edu> JDAVIS@GRIFFIN.UGA.EDU (Jerry Davis) writes:
>...This my be blatantly obvious to some but, how does the
>tank remain pressurized while the engines are consuming fuel? Or,
>perhaps they remain rigid enough until the booster is well out of the
>atmosphere?
The answer is the same for the Atlas as for any other liquid-fuel rocket:
you have to add pressurizing gas to the tank as the fuel level goes down.
The Atlas is unusual in that it relies on tank pressurization for almost
all of its structural strength, but essentially *all* liquid-fuel rockets
do pressurize their tanks somewhat to give their pumps a bit of a helping
hand, and the pressurization has to be maintained as the tank empties.
(In some cases, tank pressure is allowed to drop a bit towards the end
to reduce gas requirements.)
Incidentally, although the Atlas is an extreme case in that it can't even
stand up without its tanks pressurized, it's not uncommon for the internal
pressure to be relied on for *part* of the structural strength, since it's
going to be there anyway. This is true of the shuttle ET, for example.
--
All work is one man's work. | Henry Spencer @ U of Toronto Zoology
- Kipling | henry@zoo.toronto.edu utzoo!henry
------------------------------
Date: 9 Apr 1993 00:08:07 -0400
From: Pat <prb@access.digex.com>
Subject: Biosphere II
Newsgroups: sci.space
In article <1993Apr8.181814.21169@unocal.com> stgprao@st.unocal.COM (Richard Ottolini) writes:
|>From article <1q09ud$ji0@access.digex.net>, by prb@access.digex.com (Pat):
|>>
|>> Why is everyone being so critical of B2?
|>>
|Would you spend a couple years in a closed space station (or closed seafloor
|station for the matter) constructed according to the principles or results
|of B2?
|
|The details are not detailed or reliable enough for verification or refutation.
|Many millions of dollars down the toilet.
It's Ed Bass'es Millions down the toilet. I have to say, it's
his ball of wax.
And anyone who would build a space station on the basis of one guys word
needs his head examined. But if B2 works, and they sell the data, and
engineering specs, then someone else can build a B3, and verify the
data or try to maximize the science return.
AS I view it, B2 is more an engineering mission then a science mission.
God, SSF is one enormous Pork Boondoggle, destroying all of the
Space science group, and no-one cares much. Ed Bass goes and spends
a few million of his own on a "Theme Park", and Numerous people are
losing a kidney about bad science.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1993 04:16:14 GMT
From: nsmca@ACAD3.ALASKA.EDU
Subject: Biosphere Organization Non-Profit.
Newsgroups: sci.space
#393 ACAD3A::FSRRC Wed 24 Mar 1993 22:16:09 ( 37/ 2360)
SPACE COLONIZATION
Are you keen? Do you want to go? Are you frustrated with
the slow pace? If so ISECCo was created with you in mind!
The International Space Exploration and Colonization Company
(ISECCo) is a certified non-profit organization doing space
oriented research and development. We are concentrating on
realistic goals, with dreams that extend far into the 22nd
century. To turn dreams into reality we need your support.
Opening up the final frontier requires the concerted efforts of
all involved. If you are interested: Get Involved.
ISECCo's first major project is a closed ecological life
support system (commonly known as a biosphere) designed to
support 1-2 people. Our "garden in a house" is named Nauvik for
the Eskimo word meaning nurturing place. Construction on Nauvik
began in 1989. Once complete, we will use it to develop the
technology of biologically closed systems, with space
applications in mind. A prototype for ecological systems in
space, it is the launch pad for human life support.
Since founding ISECCo in 1988 we have emphasized developing
critical biosphere components such as hydroponics and
aquaculture. We continue to gain the experience necessary to
build a successful biosphere with these on-going experiments.
We are primarily supported by donations of time and money
from our members. Our president covers all operating expenses.
Since the majority of our labor is volunteer, your donations are
spent only on projects, not payroll or overhead. For those who
want to direct their money toward specific projects we offer that
option. Future funding will be supplemented through venture
capital, grants, and companies wishing to operate in space.
Space colonies are feasible with today's technology.
Tomorrow's technology will make them economically viable.
Help us turn today into tomorrow and start mankind on the
ultimate migration: to the stars!
For more information, to join, or to send a donation, please
respond to ISECCo, Department PC-V, P.O. Box 60885, Fairbanks AK
99706. Though not required, a business-sized, self-addressed,
stamped envelope will expedite our response.
Internet email address nsmca@acad3.alaska.edu
or fsrrc@acad3.alaska.edu
We have been having problems with email to fsrrc@acad3.alaska.edu and from
him, so please include a snailmail address so we can send info to anyone
interested via gag, snailmail...
Quyanna for any interest in the future...
------------------------------
Date: 7 Apr 93 17:59:21 CDT
From: Bob Kierski <bobo@thejester.cray.com>
Subject: Blow up space station, easy way to do it.
Newsgroups: sci.space
In article <1993Apr5.184527.1@aurora.alaska.edu> nsmca@aurora.alaska.edu writes:
>This might a real wierd idea or maybe not..
Some of the people here were talking about that same idea before we saw your
post. So eithere we are wierd too, or maybe it's a good idea...
In article <1993Apr7.144426.15921@ke4zv.uucp>, gary@ke4zv.uucp (Gary Coffman) writes:
> Your proposal is somewhat similar to the LLNL balloon station concept.
> It is a cheap way to get large pressurized volumes. But most uses of
> a space station require more than just a large pressurized volume.
> Generally there will be requirements to host experimental equipment
> and supply power for that equipment. You need structure for equipment
> mountings, and structure for power systems. You need wiring channels.
> You need storage lockers, etc. Also you need structure to allow reboost
> burns against orbital decay. With a large pressurized volume comes a
> large drag area that requires frequent reboosts. Without structures
> to hold massive equipment and supplies in place, reboost becomes
> difficult and dangerous. An open truss design gives lots of mounting
> points without large drag generating surfaces. Most of the things a
> space station is good for don't require large pressurized volumes.
> Most space experiments want exposure to space conditions.
In our discussion, we intended to use the balloon only to reduce the risks involved in
building a more structured station inside. The balloon would provide a surface to mount
solar panels and communication equipment. Once the "inside" station was finished,
the balloon could be "popped" or somehow opend.
Our dome (The Metradome in MSP) uses an inflated cover which is reenforced. There is
enough strength to support a fairly large number of speakers, cameras, lights and several
inches of snow. I don't know what the rate of orbital decay would be for a balloon that
size, nor do I know the amount of force a reboost engine would aply to the structure (Can
anyone help?) My guess is however that you wouldn't need to make your balloon spherical.
If you made it egg shaped, shaped like a football, or like this new Nurf football, you
would greatly reduce your drag area.
--
Have a day,
@ @
( ) bobo
------------------------------
Date: 8 Apr 1993 23:59:35 -0400
From: Pat <prb@access.digex.com>
Subject: Degrees vs. experience
Newsgroups: sci.space
In article <C56rx6.Cv0.1@cs.cmu.edu> 18084TM@msu.edu (Tom) writes:
>
>[various people offering opinions on degrees vs. experience WRT economics]
>
>Economics, OTOH, is all about human behavior, and when laws that affect
My grandfather once suggested that a degree in psychology was
very important to someone who wished to engage in actual
fiscal policy developement.
Oh, and for those who are interested. The reason I never got a
formal Econ major, was because i needed three german classes.
I audited one or two of the advanced econ classes and realized,
why struggle through 1.5 years of umlauts for two more
classes where I felt i knew as much as the professors.
pat
ObSpace : The russians have made a formal offer to participate in
Mir2, oh i mean space station ed. And pletesk is being upgraded
to support Mir2 operations. Apparently, Mir2 will have a highly
inclined orbit. 70 degrees or more, and pletesk is more effecient
for that then Baikonur.
------------------------------
Date: 8 Apr 1993 23:55 UT
From: Ron Baalke <baalke@kelvin.jpl.nasa.gov>
Subject: GSFC Mission Updates - April 1993
Newsgroups: sci.space,sci.astro
Release No. 93-50
Goddard Public Affairs Status Report
April 1993
Highlights:
Astro-D
Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (Compton)
Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE)
Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE)
Hubble Space Telescope (HST)
Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer (SAMPEX)
Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS)
Science Note: SN 1993J
Astro-D -- The instruments on the Astro-D spacecraft launched in Japan on
February 20, 1993 are being activated. The two Japanese focal plane instruments,
the Gas Scintillation Imaging Spectrometers (GISs), were turned on in mid-
March. Both GIS counters have been verified as working normally. GSFC's Solid
State Imaging Spectrometer (SIS) Charge Coupled Device (CCD) cameras also are
being activated. Both camera vent valves have opened and the cameras currently
are stabilized around -81 degrees Farenheit (-63 degrees Centigrade).
Public Affairs Contact: Michael Finneran (301) 286-5565
Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory -- The first delivery of public Energetic
Gamma-Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) data into the archive has been made.
This data comprises photon lists, exposure histories and maps from the
verification period through July 26, 1991. As of March 25, the mean orbital
altitude was 233.11 statute miles (359.06 kilometers). Planning and rehearsal
simulations for the orbit reboost operations continue. The series of daily orbit
reboost burns are planned to begin June 15 and continue for about two weeks.
Public Affairs Contact: Michael Finneran (301) 286-5565
Cosmic Background Explorer -- COBE continues to acquire all science and
engineering data without any major problems or operational errors. The COBE
Operations team is still attempting to firm up contingency plans in the event
of a gyro failure during the upcoming eclipse season, which occurs from May
through July.
Public Affairs Contact: Michael Finneran (301) 286-5565
Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer -- Observations of the planet Jupiter and the stars
DELTA-CEN and HD-131156 were planned for the first week in April, followed by
a short observation of the moon. The next sky map "gap filling" period is
scheduled for April 19 through 25.
Public Affairs Contact: Michael Finneran (301) 286-5565
Hubble Space Telescope -- On Wednesday, March 24, the HST spacecraft entered
Software Sun Point Safe Mode. The preliminary indication was that the solar
array electronics had sensed an erroneous position for a solar array and
transmitted this information to the onboard computer, which in turn responded
by safing the spacecraft systems. This initial level of safing suspends
science operations but retains all vehicle control through the operations
flight computer (DF-224). Initial analysis of the telemetry indicated that
the safing had been caused by a miscompare between the actual position of
the solar arrays and the position indicated by the Solar Array Drive
Electronics (SADE) resolver. The most likely cause is believed to be either
a failure in the DC power supply or the resolver electronics. The SADE are
fully redundant and operations have been switched to the correctly operating
side two. Evaluation and analysis is continuing and science operations have
been resumed. The number of observations may be reduced by about 20 percent
for the next several weeks until flight software safing modes can be modified.
Once this is accomplished, normal science operations can resume. In the
event of a subsequent failure of side two (SADE2), science observations
could still continue by factoring power requirements into
the constraints during the planning and scheduling of the observations.
Public Affairs Contact: Jim Elliott (301) 286-6256
Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer -- SAMPEX acquired all
science and engineering data without any significant problems or operational
errors. The spacecraft continues to perform well while it is in continuous
sunlight.
Public Affairs Contact: Michael Finneran (301) 286-5565
Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite -- UARS, launched September 12, 1992,
surpassed its 18-month mission success criteria mark. More than 100 scientists
participated in a UARS workshop in Virginia Beach, Va., last month,
commemorating this occasion. More than 55 studies were presented. The
scientific focus of the workshop was high latitude processes affecting ozone
in the stratosphere and mesophere although one session highlighted higher
altitude phenomena and wind measurements. Many of the talks illustrated new
understanding of the development and distributions of important gaseous species
impacting ozone, and a newly perceived role of dynamics and transport from high
altitudes in the formation and maintenance of the Antarctic "ozone hole."
Public Affairs Contact: Allen Kenitzer (301) 286-2806.
Science Note: A supernova discovered on March 30, 1993, is the target of
opportunity for three satellites. Observed initially by NASA's International
Ultraviolet Explorer, SN 1993J also has been looked at in the gamma-ray
spectrum by NASA's Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory and in the x-ray spectrum
by the Japanese Astro-D satellite and the German Roentgen Satellite.
Public Affairs Contact: Michael Finneran (301) 286-5565
-end-
___ _____ ___
/_ /| /____/ \ /_ /| Ron Baalke | baalke@kelvin.jpl.nasa.gov
| | | | __ \ /| | | | Jet Propulsion Lab |
___| | | | |__) |/ | | |__ M/S 525-3684 Telos | Being cynical never helps
/___| | | | ___/ | |/__ /| Pasadena, CA 91109 | to correct the situation
|_____|/ |_|/ |_____|/ | and causes more aggravation
| instead.
------------------------------
Date: 8 Apr 93 23:37:15 -0500
From: tffreeba@indyvax.iupui.edu
Subject: Hoosier Pi Phight (was Re: All Kinds of Stuff)
Newsgroups: sci.space
Bill Higgins Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory forwarded this bit
of Hoosier Hysteria:
>It has been found that a circular area is to the square on a line equal to the
>quadrant of the circumference, as the area of an equilateral rectangle is to
>the square on one side. The diameter employed as the linear unit according to
>the present rule in computing the circle's area is entirely wrong, as it
>represents the circles area one and one-fifths times the area of a square
>whose perimeter is equal to the circumference of the circle. This is because
>one-fifth of the diameter fils to be represented four times in the circle's
>circumference. For example: if we multiply the perimeter of a square by
>one-fourth of any line one-fifth greater than one side, we can, in like
>manner make the square's area to appear one fifth greater than the fact, as
>is done by taking the diameter for the linear unit instead of the quadrant
>of the circle's circumference.
>It is impossible to compute the area of a circle on thediameter as the
>linear unit without tresspassing upon the area outside thecircle to
>the extent of including one-fifth more area than is contained within
>the circle's circumference, because the square on the diameter produces the
>side of a square which equals nine when the arc of ninety degrees equals
>eight. By taking the quadrant of the circle's circumference for the linear
>unit, we fulfill the requirements of both quadrature and rectification of
>the circle's circumference. Furthermore, it has revealed the ratio of the
>chord and arc of ninety degrees, which is as seven to eight, and also the
>ratio of the diagonal and one side of a square which is as ten to seven,
>disclosing the fourth important fact, that the ratio of the diameter and is
>as five-fourths to four; and because of these facts and the further
>fact that the rule in present use fails to work both ways mathematically,
>it should be discarded as wholly wanting and misleading in its practical
>applications.
WAIT A GODDAM MINUTE! You mean this is not true??! This is certainly
what I was taught at good ole Goodwin High. Possibly this is the reason
I got a 499 on my math SAT.
The thing that REALLY amazes me is that there was NO use of CAPITALS in
this FANTASTIC DOCUMENT OF SUPPRESSED TRUTH! They were less sophisticated
times.
Thanks Bill. After a rotten day this is just what the doctor ordered
(actually, she ordered me to lose 30 lbs. and quit smoking, but this
seemed much easier.)
Tom Freebairn
P.S. To the Flamer who asked if I wanted to join the fun: Nope. I will
be too busy writing a screenplay about the great Hoosier Pi Phight.
Hmmmm... titles, titles, titles? "Pi Pi Birdie?" "Bridge Around the River
Pi?" "Fast Times at Goodwin Pi?" ...
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1993 04:34:29 GMT
From: nsmca@acad3.alaska.edu
Subject: Inflatible Space Work Area for Construction.
Newsgroups: sci.space
Well I think this might be to wierd or ??
How about an inflated structure in space to cover the total area of the proposed
space station..
Best reason for this is to carry a proposal that Andrew Bissell had..
Basically to allow the workers to not to have to wear suits, EVA and such..
Basically the inflated baloon would act like how construction in parts of
Alaska is done.. Basically provide cover from the elements, and with a space
heater a heat source.. Added to this would be oxygen, and easy of contruction..
Workers might have to wear some form of light space suit incase of a blow
out..
You would have to add a access point to allow trusses and material in to the
inflated structure/construction site.. I have had some experiance in
construction off and odd for the last 10+ years..
Access point as in large airlock (to allow for material in and out) also some
form of filteration device to keep flying outgases and waste material from
causing harm to the workers..
I migth re-write this later offline.. Also to get my ideas in line..
==
Michael Adams, nsmca@acad3.alaska.edu -- I'm not high, just jacked
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1993 04:21:18 GMT
From: nsmca@ACAD3.ALASKA.EDU
Subject: Michael Adam's posts
Newsgroups: sci.space
In article <C564oM.4Bs@fs7.ece.cmu.edu>, loss@fs7.ECE.CMU.EDU (Doug Loss) writes:
> Michael Adams asked if anyone objected to his many posts. Personally, I
> enjoy a lot of them. I find the constant flame wars a lot more
> objectionable, but I would never suggest that people don't have a right
> to whine in public. Keep up the posts, Michael; you never get answers
> if you don't ask questions!
>
> Doug
Quyanna, I am glad some body else does not mind me.. Flame wars are
unproductive and should be in email or better yet, exchange phone numbers and
the flamers pay for the phone calls..
Ill keep on posting, yes I am looking for a way to spell check before I post..
Including write my post offline and then upload it..
==
Michael Adams, nsmca@acad3.alaska.edu -- I'm not high, just jacked
------------------------------
Date: 8 Apr 1993 23:41:44 -0400
From: Pat <prb@access.digex.com>
Subject: Plans, absence therof
Newsgroups: sci.space
In article <SHAFER.93Apr8095041@ra.dfrf.nasa.gov> shafer@rigel.dfrf.nasa.gov (Mary Shafer) writes:
|
|We are allowed to involve ourselves in non-partisan politics, like
|school boards, municipal offices, etc.
Mary.
Here in the DC area, the municipal offices are partisan. Democratic
republican parties, all connected to the national parties. So as I
interpret it, Federal workers can campaign for the School Board which
is non-partisan, but not for the county council which is partisan?
or the town governments which are also partisan.
|
|We are very limited in our investments, too, because of the same
|conflict-of-interest issue. Again, there must be a nexus; I avoid
|high-tech stocks but I can put money into healthcare stocks, someone
|from HHD would have to do the opposite.
|
I think you can use trust accounts, or composite fund accounts
that disconnect you from any particular company or area.
I think the Big investment houses here know the details.
|All of these rules are there to ensure that the public can be assured
|that civil servants will not be motivated by issues other than the
|ones at hand. We shouldn't make decisions based on what our
|investments will do or what our politics are or any other extraneous
|issues and these rules are in place to make it absolutely obvious what
|the limits are.
|
And it really helps avoid trouble. There is always local squawking
about the Hatch act due to the concentration of federal workers here,
but I think it contributes to a professionalism among the corps
of federal workers.
|
|There are other rules of behavior that have to do with bringing the
|government into disrepute. These things have to be pretty flagrant,
|but civil servants can be dismissed for behavior off the job if it
|would cast a bad light on the government. Examples of this include
|sexual scandals and extremist groups. Persistantly not paying debts
|qualifies, too. (This isn't just the Feds--in California, teachers
|can lose their credentials if they're convicted of drunken driving.)
We had one guy here who was a Piercer for the S&M community who was
also an actuary at FDIC, just get canned for creating a perception
that he could not continue his work.
>
>It certainly holds me back from being perfectly frank in this
>forum--I'm not going to put my career on the line for some bozo to
>complain to his congressman when I call him an idiot.
Well, I'd stick up for you, for whatever it's worth.
Just remember,
>you're fighting someone with one hand tied behind her back.
Your'e one right hook beats Nicks 10 fingers and two feet no sweat :-)
------------------------------
Date: 9 Apr 93 07:10:34 GMT
From: Thierry Ranchin <tr@armelle.cma.fr>
Subject: Searching SSM/I data
Newsgroups: sci.space
I am looking for multichannel SSM/I images (basic sensor or geophysical). If any one have information to obtain free data under ftp, please answer by mail or in this newsgroup.
