Monthly Archives: June 2009

Random Thoughts: Pre-Depot 2-Launch Manned Missions Using L2 Swingby

Posted on June 28, 2009 by Jonathan Goff

Ok, two weeks ago, I mentioned that the “pre-depot” dual EELV launch concept my friend had passed to me could be adapted to do manned lunar missions.  Lunar missions are a lot easier to close if you assume a depot … Continue reading →

Posted in Bigelow Aerospace, Commercial Space, ESAS, Launch Vehicles, Lunar Commerce, Lunar Exploration and Development, MSS, NASA, Propellant Depots, Space Transportation, SpaceX | 13 Comments

Random Thoughts: Lunar Excavation Technologies

Posted on June 27, 2009 by Jonathan Goff

I recently found a fun presentation on lunar excavation technologies that I thought deserved a bit wider circulation.  I’ve actually been interested in lunar excavation for over a decade now (in fact, it played a role in leading me to … Continue reading →

Posted in Bigelow Aerospace, Lunar Commerce, Lunar Exploration and Development, Technology | 8 Comments

Batching It

Posted on June 27, 2009 by Jonathan Goff

In case some of you are wondering why I’ve managed to blog four times today, I dropped Tiff and the boys off at the airport yesterday to go spend a month with her family. I’ll be batching it for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Administrivia | 1 Comment

Science vs. Screwing Around With Heavy Equipment

Posted on June 27, 2009 by Jonathan Goff

For your amusement, Ben explains: I’ve found that the difference between “screwing around with heavy equipment” and “science” is whether or not you record the results with a high speed camera. This principal has been repeatedly demonstrated by the Mythbusters.

Posted in Fun | 1 Comment

4 Years of Selenian Boondocks

Posted on June 27, 2009 by Jonathan Goff

FWIW, I just noticed today that last week (on the 16th) was the four year anniversary of me starting this blog.  I can’t say my readership is that high compared to some, but nearly 300,000 hits and over 600 published … Continue reading →

Posted in Administrivia | 8 Comments

The Incredible (Already) Shrinking Moon Program

Posted on June 27, 2009 by Jonathan Goff

A few years ago, I asked the question of “how many crew do you really need for a lunar program?“  The conclusion was that if you could reduce the crew requirements (at least initially), it might allow for a much … Continue reading →

Posted in ESAS, NASA, Space Transportation | 5 Comments

Shuttle Thoughts: The Continuing Series…Continues

Posted on June 24, 2009 by Jonathan Goff

With yet another episode of “let’s-just-quote-Jorge-Frank-because-he-puts-it-so-much-better-than-I-could”.  In response to a comment about how the problem with Shuttle was that it tried to be everything to everyone, Jorge said: That was an effect, not a cause. The cause was the decision … Continue reading →

Posted in Launch Vehicles, NASA | 18 Comments

Orion II

Posted on June 21, 2009 by johnhare

guest blogger john hare The multiple problems of solid rocket first stages would lead one to believe that the people that specified them would change their minds after they sobered up. That not being the case, it is somewhat interesting … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Aries II

Posted on June 19, 2009 by johnhare

guest blogger john hare I have been reading about some of the financial  numbers and technical problems of the Aries I for the last couple of weeks with more interest than usual. The idea that $8B has been spent already, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 28 Comments

Quick Notes: Debunking The PLF Volume Argument for HLVs

Posted on June 17, 2009 by Jonathan Goff

I noticed during the DIRECT presentation at today’s HSF public meeting, that they were asked why they would need an HLV if they had depots.  Now, I didn’t hear the exact question, since I had a phone call come in … Continue reading →

Posted in Commercial Space, ESAS, Launch Vehicles, Lunar Exploration and Development, NASA, Propellant Depots, Space Transportation | 17 Comments