Reaching new heights – Space, the Moon and Mars
Earth Log – January 2021
We are living in some challenging times on planet Earth due to a global pandemic. However, for some, it has been time to focus on what is happening off planet. To date according to http://en.wikipedia.org less than 600 people have reached the altitude of space. As few as 12 people have walked on the moon. http://rmg.co.uk/discover/explore/how-many-on-moon
ISS – International Space Station (ISS)
The ISS is a large space craft orbiting Earth at nearly 18,000 Mph at an average distance of 250 miles. Built and manned by astronauts from several countries who undertake long periods in space.
Perseverance Mission to Mars 2020 http://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/
On the 18th February 2021 the latest mission to Mars will land at Jezero Crater. This unmanned mission will have the latest technology, a Mars rover will drive over the planet collecting rock and soil samples while a deploying helicopter will take images and video from above the planet surface.
The Space Travel Industry
Many companies are looking to place themselves as front runners to get satellites, people and cargo to the Moon, ISS (International Space Station) and eventually Mars. Here are some of those taking part.
| SpaceX – https://www.spacex.com/ Elon Musk has developed a new leader in space exploation. Rockets with reuseable boosters, delivery systems for the ISS (International Space Station) for payloads and astronauts, plus the exciting plans to develop Starships to take humans to Mars. The Falcon 9 rocket with reusable boosters carries the Crew Dragon compartment already proven in trips to the ISS (Internetional Space Station). https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html https://www.spacex.com/human-spaceflight/mars/ |
Blue Origin – https://www.blueorigin.com/
Founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin are working to send astronauts to space using reuseable technology.
Mission Statement – We’re committed to building a road to space so our children can build the future.
https://www.youtube.com/user/blueoriginchanne
Boeing – https://www.boeing.com/space/
Boeing has a reputation as a leading player in building commercial aircraft. However they are challenging both SpaceX and Blue Origin in the race to provide recyclable space vehicles. Boeing are using an Atlas 5 rocket with a Starliner crew compartment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4JO-nr3qm4
Virgin Galactic – https://www.virgingalactic.com/
Virgin Galactic have a different way for their passengers to get to space. Virgin are using what at first looks like a conventional aircraft. However, this aircraft will fly to the very edge of space and then will seperate into two sections. The main body fly’s back down to earth while the space ship section is propelled into space. This is intended to extend the role of astronaut to a greater selection of the population, while the trip is limited in its duration, the sensation of weightlessness is priceless to the new space traveller.