Category: Space

The Spinthariscope

spinthariscope

Another gem form United Nuclear, the Spinthariscope. A Spinthariscope is a small device that contains a tiny speck of radioactive material (in this case its Thorium ore) on a plate of zinc sulfide. As alpha particles are emitted from the ore, tiny flashes of light can be observed on the zinc sulfide. Its an old idea, the page says that it was discovered in 1903 by Sir William Crookes. It would be a dandy device for a practical demo of radiation. And yes, its safe.

United Nuclear- The Spinthariscope

nuclear, science, radiation, cool

A Real Space Shuttle Concept

CEV

It would be nice to see a reusable space vehicle that is for human use only and leave the heavy lifting to the Delta, Atlas, and Titan rockets. Those will take higher G-loads and carry more mass and into orbit while posing no harm to its crew because there isn’t one.

The Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) is NASA’s proposed series of human spaceflight spacecraft, intended to replace the space shuttle system. The project to develop and test the CEV is Project Constellation

Crew Exploration Vehicle – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
space, NASA, exploration, Boeing

Liftoff

Oops

Here are a couple of DVDs that are loaded with all sorts if vintage rocket launch/abort footage, some with audio commentary. I’m thinking that this would make a nifty birthday gift for anyone that likes the historic side of space exploration. Better yet, buy one and donate it to your local library!

“Thor – The IRBM” – Air Force documentary detailing the development of the Thor IRBM. Excellent transfer, containing good overview of the Thor program. Includes successes – and some failures.

“SAC” – Air Force documentary documenting the Strategic Air Command missile force. Excellent quality transfer. Very interesting historical footage.

“Vandenberg” – Air Force documentary on the activiation of the Vandenberg base as a primary missile center. Again, an excellent transfer.

Liftoff

Liftoff: Success and Failure on the Launch Pad

space, NASA, history

Genesis Spacecraft’s Collectors Recovered

oops

Scientists have examined the collectors aboard NASA’s Genesis spacecraft collectors and said they were in excellent shape despite last year’s hard landing.
Scientists at NASA’s Johnson Space Center removed the four solar-wind collectors aboard Genesis from an instrument called the concentrator, which collected solar oxygen ions during the mission.

Genesis Spacecraft’s Collectors Recovered
NASA, Genesis,

NASA Takes Fire From The Gods

Nuclear Power

NASA is taking input on its future nuclear powered space probe program.

NASA’s Prometheus program is looking for input on the possibility of developing a space nuclear reactor.
Prometheus Nuclear Systems & Technology, along with Department of Energy’s Office of Naval Reactors, is evaluating the possibility of developing a space nuclear reactor to supply future exploration spacecraft with a significant increase in on-board power and spacecraft propulsion capability.

NASA Seeks Public Input On Prometheus
NASA, nuclear, space, science