Tag: Science

Into Space Via Water Gun

HYPACC Hydro Pneumatic ACCeleratorThis is a fascinating idea of how to lob a payload into space with water. Ok, not quite the water rockets you bought when you were a kid (or built as an adult), this uses the vacuum created by burning oxygen and hydrogen to force a column of water into a pocket of hydrogen gas that launches the rocket ( SCRAM jet) into low orbit. The payload needs to be pretty strong, the gee forces are going to be quite extreme. Also, as it needs water to work it can be lashed to a boat and towed to a launch site near the equator and if something goes wrong stuff won’t fall on the neighbors. If this system proves practical it may become the preferred way of lifting tough payloads to a waiting space station.

[via new scientist]
HYPACC

Spherical Photovoltaic Solar Cell, Flexable too!

Sperical Solar CellThe latest offering from the guys in Japan:

Sphelar® captures light from all directions, which means it can catch reflected light and diffused light. In addition, there is no need for the superfluous operation of tracking the sun. The spherical light-receiving surfaces achieve unprecedented high generation efficiency.

[via metaefficient]
Spherical Photovoltaic Solar Cell | Kyosemi Corporation

Rocket Sport in Russia

Russian model rocket contestI was quite impressed when I learned that the sport of model rocketry was alive and well in the former Soviet Union. Every year in Baikonur, Kazakhstan the World Model Rocketry Championship is held. I stumbled upon a load of photos over at English Russian and decided to do a bit of research on the subject. I happened on the World Spacemodeling Championship website (Google translation here) that has information on the event. Looks like the next one is going to be on April 21. If you happen to be in the neighborhood you should plan on attending. Or you can read about what it’s like in this article on when Vernon Estes (namesake of Estes Rockets) visited there in 2006. Sounds like great event, not only do you get to see some world class model rockets fire off but you also get to tour some of the buildings at the famous Cosmodrome.

DIY Underwater Rocket Launcher

You know, nothing says ‘Fourth of July’ like rockets shooting out of the pool!

Joe Peck has extended the pursuit of realism in model rocketry to the launch environment. Think Poseidon here — this rocket launches from underwater. Initially, it’s sealed watertight from nose to nozzle. Ignition is triggered by bringing a magnet close to a sensor contained in the upper section. The motor ignites, blowing off the bottom end cap and we have liftoff! If you’re into model rocketry, here’s your next challenge.

[via MAKE]
Project Dragon Fish: Joe Takes Rocket Science to New Depths

Minuteman III Launch On Wednesday

This is of interest if you are in southern California or, if people are lucky, in Arizona.

For the first time in years, the countdown for a Minuteman 3 missile test will include blasting open the 106-ton silo door at Vandenberg Air Force Base.
The year’s first liftoff from the Central Coast also marks a return of closed-door missile tests. It’s planned for 12:01 a.m. Wednesday from Launch Facility 10 on north Vandenberg. The launch window remains open until 6:01 a.m. to accommodate any delays from unfavorable weather or technical problems.

Opening the doors isn’t a small matter. There are four explosives that are fired to generate gas that flings the multi tone octagonal door open so the missile can be launched in seconds. Normally the tests launches are done when the door has been winched open slowly but in this case it’s the whole show. It should be quite a site if you can be close enough to see the base when it launches.
The test is of an unarmed re-entry vehicle to see how well the missile works using GPS based satellite navigation instead of radio transponders.

Launch to test both missile, silo door

No Pulse? No Problem!

Simply amazing, I find the notion of not hearing your own pulse fascinating and very eerie.

A 65-year-old Quebec man who received a new long-term mechanical heart last month is being described as the only living Canadian without a pulse.
Dr. Renzo Cecere implanted the “Heartmate II” mechanical heart into Gerard Langevin in an three-hour operation Nov. 23.
Officials at the McGill University Health Centre say the device, which is about the size of a flashlight battery, could last up to 10 years

[via jwz]
Man with no pulse considered a medical breakthrough