Al is on vacation. This column is reprinted from the February 17, 2012 edition.
I’m a space kid. I was born just over a year after America launched her first man into space and I was named by my mother after that man, Alan Shepard. Many of my earliest memories revolve around the sight of rockets on the launch pad and astronauts in space suits. To me, this was as close as you could get to the Gods of ancient mythology. And one of those astronauts, the second American launched into space, was from right here in Indiana — Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom — from Mitchell, Indiana to be precise. Like my namesake Alan Shepard, Grissom was an original Mercury astronaut who stuck with NASA through to the Apollo program with an eye on walking on the moon someday. If Shepard was my Superman, then Grissom was certainly my Batman.
Gus was born in Mitchell on April 3, 1926. He was a lifelong Boy Scout whose first job was delivering the newspaper. Gus often hung out after school at the Bedford airport. While still in high school he began to take flying lessons from a local attorney who owned his own plane, paying a dollar a lesson. He took the Air Force entrance exam while a high school senior and was inducted into the Army on August 8, 1944 at Fort Benjamin Harrison. He saw no action in World War II and returned home to attain a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. When the Korean War broke out, Gus re-enlisted, this time in the U.S. Air Force. He flew 100 combat missions and was cited for “superlative airmanship.” He became a test pilot at Edwards Air Force base in California and later at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton Ohio.
In 1958, Grissom received an official “Top Secret” U.S. Government teletype message instructing him to report to an address in Washington D.C. The message instructed Grissom to be sure to arrive in civilian clothes and to tell no one about the “mission.” Upon arrival, Gus found that he was just one of 110 military test pilots vying for 7 spots in something called “Project Mercury.” Gus was chosen for the exclusive space program. He became the second American in space on July 21, 1961, making a 15 minute 37 second suborbital space flight in his Freedom 7 Mercury Redstone 4 space capsule. The flight was a success, the splash landing perfect, but the recovery of the capsule was a disaster. The escape hatch blew open unexpectedly and Gus had to scramble for his life as it rapidly filled with water. Grissom was blamed for the loss of the capsule, even though he barely escaped with his life.
However, Grissom’s skill as a pilot was never in question. When NASA moved away from the Mercury program and into the Gemini program, once again Astronaut Alan B. Shepard was chosen to man the first flight. In early 1964, Shepard was grounded after being diagnosed with Ménière’s disease, an inner ear disorder that can affect hearing and balance, causing vertigo — perhaps not that serious for you and me, but a very bad malady for an astronaut. So Gus Grissom stepped in to replace Shepard as command pilot for Gemini 3, the first manned Project Gemini flight, which flew on March 23, 1965. This mission would make Gus the first NASA astronaut to fly into space twice. The flight made three revolutions of the Earth and lasted 4 hours, 52 minutes and 31 seconds. Although Gus, as mission commander, was chastised for co-pilot John Young’s sneaking aboard of two corned beef sandwiches to eat during the flight (Gus always complained of how bad space food was) causing the air in the capsule to fill with floating crumbs, the flight was declared a rousing success and the Mercury capsule loss bad luck seemed to be finally behind him.
February 21, 1967, was set to be Gus Grissom’s time to shine. He was set to be command pilot for the lead mission of the new Apollo manned lunar landing program as commander of Apollo 1. He would be joined by astronauts Ed White (the first American to “walk” in space) and Roger Chaffee (a fellow Purdue graduate) on a trip that was designed to be a test of the Apollo Command/Space Module as a prelude to placing an American on the moon. But there were problems from the start. During testing of the command module, engineers made 113 actual changes and made an additional 623 change orders to the spacecraft in less than 5 months of testing. Gus was so frustrated with the spacecraft that he picked a lemon from a tree in his backyard and hung it from the control panel inside the simulator.
During testing, the crew complained about the amount of the flammable material in the form of the newly created Velcro material and nylon netting that covered the inside of the capsule. The engineers explained that these materials would be handy to the crew for holding tools and equipment during the non-gravitational space flight. The crew made light of their concerns by sending the engineers a portrait of the crew with their hands clasped in prayer above a mockup of the capsule along with a note reading: “It isn’t that we don’t trust you, but this time we’ve decided we’re to go over your head.”
On January 27, 1967, the crew of Apollo 1 gathered at launch pad 34 on Cape Canaveral for one final dress rehearsal just over 3 weeks away. This last practice run was called a “plugs out” test and would simulate everything except the final lighting of the candle. The test was considered non-hazardous because neither the launch vehicle nor the spacecraft was loaded with fuel or cryogenics, and all pyrotechnic systems were disabled. At 1:00 p.m. EST, the trio entered the capsule, strapped themselves into their seats and connected the air hoses of their pressurized space suits into the interior oxygen system. Almost immediately, Grissom noticed a sickly sweet smell that he described as “sour buttermilk” which delayed the test for 20 minutes while air samples were taken.
The hatch of the capsule was still open and as no source for the odor could be determined, the test was resumed. When the air system was activated and pure oxygen began to flow, the smell went away and the odor was discounted. The countdown was resumed and at 2:42 p.m. the hatch closure procedure was resumed. The hatch consisted of three heavy parts whose installation was a ponderous process. Although it was an impregnable shield designed to keep space out, no one dreamed that it would be a deterrent as an emergency exit for the astronaut occupants. As the hatches were secured, the air inside the capsule was vented and replaced by pure oxygen.
The next problem was communication between the astronauts and the NASA Capcom flight controllers located just a short distance away. The communications problems led a surly Grissom to remark, “How are we going to get to the Moon if we can’t talk between three buildings?” Perturbed, yet undaunted, the crew remained professional and used the time to run through their checklists again.
At 6:30 and 54 seconds, a voltage transient (or energy spike) was recorded. Ten seconds later at 6:31 and 4 seconds, Astronaut Chaffee calmly reported, “Hey, Fire, I smell Fire.” accompanied by scuffling sounds inside the capsule. Two seconds later, Astronaut White’s voice was more insistent: “Fire in the cockpit.” At 6:31 and 7 seconds, Gus Grissom’s unmistakable deep voice then reported, “I’ve got a fire in the cockpit.” At 6:31 and 9 seconds, Astronaut Ed White then yelled, “Fire!” as medical technicians watch his pulse rate jump off the chart on their monitors back at Capcom. The last words of Apollo 1 have been reported variously as being: “They’re fighting a bad fire — let’s get out. Open ‘er up” or, “We’ve got a bad fire — let’s get out. We’re burning up” or, “I’m reporting a bad fire. I’m getting out,” and attributed to no one in particular. The transmission between the crew and mission control ended abruptly at 6:31 and 21 seconds with an obvious cry of pain from an unidentified crew member followed by an ominous hiss as the cabin ruptured and outside air rushed into the cabin.
The earth’s atmosphere rushing in effectively caused the capsule to burst into flames and the resulting intense heat, dense smoke and toxic fumes hampered the ground crew’s attempts to rescue the crew. It took five minutes to open all three hatch layers. By this time the fire inside the capsule, robbed of its pure oxygen environment, had gone out. The smoke cleared, the bodies were found, the crew’s fate was discovered.
The fire had partly melted Grissom’s and White’s nylon space suits and the hoses connecting them to the life support system. Grissom had freed himself from his restraints and his body was found lying on the floor of the spacecraft. White’s restraints were burned through, and he was found lying on his side below the hatch. It was later determined that he died trying to open the hatch per the emergency procedure, but was unable to budge it against the internal pressure. Chaffee was found strapped into his right-hand seat, as procedure called for him to maintain communication until White opened the hatch. Official NASA emergency escape procedures required a minimum of 90 seconds, but, in practice, the crew had never accomplished the feat in the minimum time. It was later confirmed the crew had died of smoke inhalation with burns contributing. Truth is, Grissom, White and Chaffee never had a chance.
The cause of the fire was attributed to a frayed wire at the feet of Gus Grissom on the left side of the capsule, which would explain how Chaffee, seated in the middle, was the first to report it. It has been estimated that the fire most likely burned for 5 to 6 seconds before anyone noticed it.
Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee are interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Ed White is interred at the United States Military Academy cemetery in West Point, New York. Locally, 65 miles north of Indianapolis between Kokomo and Peru, Bunker Hill Air Force base was renamed Grissom Air Force Base on May 12, 1968. Today it is known as Grissom Air Reserve Base. An Apollo 1 mission patch was left on the Moon’s surface after the first manned lunar landing by Apollo 11 crew members Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
And that “Sour Buttermilk” smell that was seen as the precursor to disaster first reported by Gus Grissom? The accident investigation determined that this odor was not related to the fire in any way. But for those among you who believe in superstition, one survives today that might declare Gus’s sensory premonition an omen of portent. In ancient Irish tradition, the spilling of milk means bad luck, whether it was spilt by someone by design or accident. Bad luck and controversy certainly seemed to follow Gus Grissom around. As for me, he’ll always be a Hoosier hero.
Al Hunter is the author of the “Haunted Indianapolis” and co-author of the “Haunted Irvington” and “Indiana National Road” book series. His newest book is “Bumps in the Night. Stories from the Weekly View.” Contact Al directly at Huntvault@aol.com or become a friend on Facebook.


The Fontana Police Air Support Unit began operation in 1996 with two Robinson R44 Raven II police helicopters. Each helicopter is equipped with a powerful searchlights, forward looking infrared (FLIR), color video camera, GPS mapping, PA / siren, computer, Lo-Jack, and radios for both communication and navigation. This police helicopter can cruise at 130 mph and carry three passengers.
The primary mission of the Fontana Police Air Support Unit is to support the patrol officer on the street. The helicopter is a very effective tool to put law enforcement on scene quickly overhead of crimes in progress. In addition to assisting patrol officers, the aircraft also provides aerial photography, an aerial platform for disaster response, aerial surveillance, and occasionally assists other agencies within the County of San Bernardino.
Every year the Air Support Unit responds to thousands of calls for service and has been first on the scene more than 90% of the time. The Air Support Unit's quick response times to these calls has resulted in the recovery of illegal drugs, stolen property, stolen cars, and the arrest of thousands of suspects over the years.
The Air Support Unit operates one 10-hour shift per day, five days per week. The Unit flies approximately 1,150 flight-hours per year.
For information regarding the Air Support Unit, please email Sergeant C. Surgent or call him at (909) 854-8051.


Aurora Labs (ASX: A3D) has confirmed it will employ the newly-designed AL250 commercial printer as a working model in its own bureau to showcase the technology to potential customers.
The Perth-based company is transitioning from the operation of an RMP-1 3D printer to the new machine which incorporates Aurora’s patented MCP (multi-layer concurrent printing) functionality to increase laser exposure and reduce recoat times.
It ensures custom parts or components can be prototyped and printed in serial production runs, quickly and at costs which cannot be achieved through traditional manufacturing methods.
Central to the AL250’s functionality is a unique powder-dosing mechanism whereby the powder is conditioned with heat prior to being deposited to the recoating system.
It allows powders to be at optimal temperatures for spreading and densifying to build a consistent layer, which can reduce mechanical defects within parts and ensures a quality repeatable build.
The AL250 holds a build plate heater capable of reaching temperatures of 200° Celsius for extra capability in materials research, as well as strict environmental control processes which allow monitoring of the flow and recirculation of gases, temperature and humidity during printing in the build chamber.
Laser power is reported to be at the top of its class with 1500 watts per laser available for use on highly-reflective or conductive powders such as copper.
Potential customers will be able to purchase efficient and optimised laser parameters for processing a variety of powder materials.
Aurora’s target markets for the AL250 commercial printer includes the defence, aerospace and oil and gas industries, as well as engineering specialists and original equipment manufacturers with libraries of complex parts made in bespoke production runs.
The company said the printer’s ability to solve complex problems with parts through generative designs would be key to demonstrating its strength and flexibility to the wider market.


(From Singapore Airlines press release) Singapore Airlines (SIA) has launched its highly-anticipated new cabin products, which will be rolled out on its Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 fleet in the coming weeks. This elevates the customer experience on board the Airline’s narrowbody aircraft fleet to a level similar to its widebody aircraft, offering a consistent and premium travel journey across the entire Singapore Airlines network.
All of SIA’s 737-8 aircraft will have 154 seats in two classes, 10 in Business Class and 144 in Economy Class, with new cabin products featuring bespoke elements that have been designed especially for the SIA customer.
The lie-flat Business Class seats have been designed by London-based Factorydesign, and manufactured for Singapore Airlines by Thompson Aero Seating. The Economy Class cabin will feature the latest generation sleek and slim-line seats, which have been built by Collins Aerospace. The 737-8 cabin has been designed with a special focus on ergonomics, helping to ensure that everything is within easy reach for customers.
The aircraft feature Panasonic’s X-Series seat-back in-flight entertainment, allowing all customers to enjoy the latest KrisWorld entertainment content. The fleet is also fitted with Panasonic’s in-flight Wi-Fi service, as well as mobile data connectivity services.
Singapore Airlines has invested around S$230 million on the development, design, and installation of the new industry-leading cabin products, which elevate the standard for short- and medium-haul travel on board narrowbody aircraft. SIA’s 737-8 aircraft will progressively enter into service on short- to medium-haul flights across the Airline’s network in the coming weeks. This includes services to points in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, and Thailand, subject to regulatory approvals. Further details on these flights will be announced in due time.
Designed by London-based Factorydesign and manufactured for Singapore Airlines by Thompson Aero Seating based in Craigavon Northern Ireland, the Business Class seat features ample storage spaces, high-definition touch screen monitors that provide in-flight entertainment akin to a home theatre experience, as well as high-quality material and finishes, to provide a luxurious and private space for the customer.
Seats in the Business Class cabin are arranged in a forward-facing staggered 2-2, 1-1, 2-2 abreast configuration. Measuring up to 22 inches in width, the Business Class seat reclines directly into a comfortable full-flat bed (76 inches). These seats are made with premium materials with bespoke embroidery in custom patterns and textures. The seat cushions and covers use the same soft furnishings as those found on our medium-haul aircraft, providing a higher level of comfort for short-haul flights.
The Business Class seat is designed to wrap smoothly in a cocoon-like formation around the customer, which enlarges personal space and provides better privacy. A divider between the adjacent seats provides a new stowage area for personal items, as well as the bi-fold meal table. Other features include USB charging ports and in-seat power supply, a reading light with adjustable brightness, mood lighting, and a pocket under the monitor that provides easy stowage during taxi, take-off and landing.
The two standalone Business Class seats (seats 12B and 12J) have additional table-top and stowage spaces, and a side stowage compartment equipped with a mirror and LED light.
For more information, visit https://www.singaporeair.com
All images are © Singapore Airlines


CS&P Technologies offers a complete line of cryogenic vaporizers and heat exchangers for well service, industrial gas, alternative fuel and aerospace applications. Vaporizer options include both fired and non-fired as well as manual and automated control options to meet your specific requirements. Models are available using stainless steel construction with both DNV approval and Lloyds Register certification.
All CS&P vaporizers and heat exchangers are engineered to the following criteria:
• Low maintenance and high reliability
• Compact design and rugged construction
• Advanced heat transfer and heat recovery characteristics
Cryogenic Vaporizers: Pot Vaporizer
Exhaust Gas Vaporizer
Forced Air Ambient Vaporizer


China to take on Boeing, Airbus with homegrown C919 passenger jet
By Steven Jiang, CNN
Updated 3:00 AM ET, Mon November 2, 2015
Beijing (CNN)Amid much fanfare on live national television, China on Monday rolled its first homegrown large passenger jet off the production line in Shanghai, vowing to challenge the dominance of Airbus and Boeing in the global commercial aviation market.
At the ceremony, a shiny C919 - sporting a largely white fuselage with a blue wavy stripe and a green tail - was towed beneath a banner with the phrase "a dream takes off" and past a huge Chinese national flag.
The C919 - a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft seating up to 174 people - is similar in size to the Airbus 320 and Boeing 737 series of jets, long the workhorses for airlines around the world.
With a flying range of up to 5,555 kilometers (3,451 miles), it is designed to compete head-to-head with its Airbus and Boeing rivals, and said to easily cover popular business and leisure routes from China such as Shanghai to Singapore and Beijing to Bangkok.
Launched in 2008, the C919 project marks China's return to the business of making large passenger jetliners, after a failed attempt in the 1980s.


DescriptionPlanet Earth is attacked by enemy rockets.
You have to launch a space station to travel in space, land on the enemy planet, and destroy rocket launchers using a robot, that is equipped with a laser gun.
-All the controls are located in the mission control panel.
-Press the launch button to release the space ship into space.
-Press up/down controls to move the spaceship in up/down directions.
-Avoid hitting the rockets and asteroids during the space voyage.
-If the enemy rockets hit the earth the game ends.
-Your satellite is attracted due to gravity pull by the other orbiting planets ...


A tour helicopter crushed into the East River in New York City on Sunday night, as reported by local authorities and news agencies. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that a Eurocopter AS350 helicopter crushed down in the river near Roosevelt Island at 7 p.m.
Here is a YouTube video of the red tour helicopter splashing down in the river and go belly-up as its rotors hack at the water.
Only two Eurocopter AS350’s are registered with the FAA in the area and both of them belong to the New Jersey parent company of tour operator Fly Liberty Charters, FAA records show. Fly Liberty was not available for comment at the moment.
Police reports say that at least two persons were killed and one was rescued from the water. Witnesses said that the pilot climbed out of the sinking helicopter and screamed for help.
‘There was about a minute where we didn’t see anyone come out, then after a minute we saw a man come out holding onto a raft screaming, ‘Help! help! Ah!’ and then inaudible screams… It was horrifying.’ said witness Brianna Jesme according to The New York Post.
Sources say that the pilot had called in a emergency to the La-Guardia Airport air-traffic control tower before crashing into the water.
Witness Mary Lee, age 66, told The New York Post that she saw the helicopter go down from her apartment window and said that she ‘immediately thought someone was in there and not going to live… it’s cold water, it was sinking really fast.’
‘By the time we got out here, we couldn’t see it. It was under water.’ she added.
The Federal Aviation Administration stated that ‘The helicopter reportedly is inverted in the water. Local authorities will confirm the number of people on board, their names and conditions’.
— Jaan Paljasma (@jpaljasma) March 11, 2018
The probable cause of the incident will be determined by The National Transportation Safety Board after the search and rescue operation.


237 'Apollo' Spiritile
"Pioneer the future for the benefit of all." - NASA
Meet "Apollo" - Houston's Summer Limited Edition 2019
Fifty years ago, our American predecessors landed on the moon. The Apollo 11 project represents one of the greatest achievements in human history. During Summer 2019, our nation will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.
Houston designed this Summer Limited Edition Spiritile to celebrate the men and women who made this extraordinary feat of American ingenuity possible. To this day, the scale of the Apollo program’s dedication, teamwork, and engineering genius is staggering. The project ran on tight timeframes and under intense pressure. Thanks to the persistence and discernment of the mathematicians, engineers, physicists, and programmers behind this project, we were the first to land astronauts on the moon and bring them safely home.
And not only that! As a result of the Apollo programs, we discovered technologies such as CAT scanners, computer microchips, water filtration, solar panels, heart monitors, and home insulation. The teams behind Apollo not only achieved their goals, they pioneered the future for the benefit of all humanity.
We owe these lesser known heroes our gratitude. We owe them our present.To honor their efforts and further their legacy, Houston Llew will donate the profit of each “Apollo” Spiritile to the National Math & Science Initiative, which is dedicated to advancing STEM education among all American youth.
“Apollo” will be available to order until September 2nd, 2019. Join us in celebrating our past, so that we may pioneer our future for the benefit of all.


Travel by plane on Safari
Roads in Kenya and Tanzania are fairly horrendous.
They will beat you up, beat up your equipment, cover
you in a lovely, light red or tan dust, and waste hours
of your precious safari days.
These are just a few reasons we fly on safari.
Flying with Mark Ross
Mark Ross owns and flies his own turbine 14-seat aircraft. Both Mark and the aircraft are rated for night flying and instrument flying, so total safety and flexibility is guaranteed on every safari. And since the aircraft will never be flying empty legs during your safari the operation of the plane couldn’t be more efficient.
Typically, having your own personal plane and pilot with you for the duration of your two week safari only adds about $475 per person. Flying the entire safari is easier, safer, far more relaxing, cleaner and, of course, gives you about 400% MORE TIME in the parks and reserves than if you were to drive the safari.
Somewhat surprisingly, with the Cessna Caravan you can also bring more luggage than were you to be traveling by road. The Caravan has four cargo holds as well as hundreds of cubic feet of storage in the cabin area.
When you range father afield, to Rwanda or Uganda to see the gorillas, to Tanzania to visit the Serengeti, Zanzibar, or to climb Kilimanjaro, you’re savings of both money and time are even greater.
Traveling by air
Chartering an aircraft in Kenya is certainly possible and easily done, but you’ll end up paying more than double the price you would pay if the plane stays with you for your entire safari. The cost is more than double because the aircraft will return to Nairobi after dropping you off, and then will come back out, empty, to collect and you and take you to your next destination. Afterwards, the aircraft will again return to Nairobi empty.
Flying with the local airlines is great, but the companies don’t fly to many of the more interesting places and, of course, you must match their schedules and days.


HSDJETSUSA Demo Team Events
2021 United States HSDJETSUSA Demo Team Events
Members of the HSDJETSUSA.com demo team are planning to attend the following events. Demo pilots display, demo and fly HSDJETSUSA.com products and are available to answer questions and even help set up your HSDJETS products.
In certain specific circumstances, jets can be delivered to these events to alleviate shipping charges. Contact email@example.com to arrange delivery details.
April 22-24, 2021, Mississippi Afterburner, Jackson, MS, mississippijets.org
May 8-15, 2021, Joe Nall, Woodruff, SC, Joe Nall - Triple Tree Aerodome (tta.aero)
June 9-12, 2021, EDJ Jet Jam, New Albany, IN (Louisville, KY) rosewoodrc.com
July 12-17, 2021, Jets Over Kentucky, Campbellsville, KY, jokjets.com
Sept 8-11, 2021, Greater Southwest Jet Rally, Waco, TX, hotmac.org
Oct 14-16, 2021, Jet Rally, Shreveport, LA, sharksrcclub.com
There are no guarentees on what specific products will be on display at each event or which specific team pilot(s) will be attending.


We’re living in a space-age, and the stars are getting closer and closer. We’ve all been to the moon, and we’re about to visit Mars.
Space exploration is still in its infancy. So many things still need to be done to explore, discover and settle in outer space. But the first steps have already been taken – space tech is now a mainstream technology.
This is no longer a dream – it’s a reality.
What Is Space Tech?
Space technology or space tech refers to the application of engineering principles to the design, development, manufacture, and operation of devices and systems for space travel and exploration.
Space technology can be used to explore other planets, study the universe, and provide communication and navigation services to support human activities.
It encompasses everything from satellites and other instruments to the human aspects of space travel, such as astronautics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
Space tech also covers research and development of new technologies, new applications for existing technologies, and improvement of technologies for existing space systems.
Precisely, space tech is a wide-ranging term used to describe any technological advance or tool that is created specifically for use in outer space, whether it be for communication, navigation, exploration, or some other purpose.
Current Challenges In The Space Sector
The space industry is dynamic and ever-changing. It has many challenges, which are both technical and regulatory. The following are some of the challenges faced by the space industry.
- Technological Limitations: Space exploration has been a topic of interest for many countries in recent years. However, the technologies used in these missions are pretty costly and difficult to maintain. Moreover, space technology is highly complex as compared to the technologies used on Earth and has proven to be a challenge in terms of maintenance and usage.
- Lack of Funding: Space exploration is a risky business. Not only does it involve considerable amounts of money, but it also involves the risk of life if something goes wrong. It is very challenging to get funding for space exploration and is often met with criticism from certain people who argue that investing in space exploration is wasteful.
- Limited Knowledge: The space industry is an extremely complex industry which requires a large amount of technical expertise to develop. Only a handful of people have the expertise to create such technologies.
- High Failure Rate: The high failure rate of current space technology is another challenge facing the space industry. For example, satellites used to provide communication services are highly complex and are susceptible to faults and breakdowns due to natural and man-made causes.
- National and International Regulations: Governments regulate many aspects of space activities, including the launch of satellites, the use of space technologies, and access to outer space. Different space-related agencies also enforce these regulations. Besides this, there are also regulations relating to the use of space resources, spaceflight safety, and space debris.
- Lack Of Space Infrastructure: Space exploration requires a lot of things to be taken care of before a mission can be successfully carried out. Well-organized space infrastructure is needed to support space exploration. This includes things like transportation and storage, as well as the maintenance and operation of satellites. Without the right space infrastructure, space exploration is almost impossible.
- Less Initiative: The fact that there is not much initiative towards space exploration is another challenge the space industry faces. It has been argued that the lack of space industry initiatives is mainly due to people’s lack of interest. Moreover, it has also been argued that governments and other interested parties do not really understand the benefits of space exploration.
- Environmental factors: One of the challenges of space exploration is its impact on the environment. Space activities have a detrimental effect on the environment. For example, the use of high-powered rockets to launch satellites creates significant amounts of dust which pollutes the Earth’s atmosphere. Furthermore, space activities are also responsible for the creation of space debris which can cause severe damage to the Earth’s orbit.
- Risk factors: Many risk factors make space exploration a risky business. These include space-related risks such as orbital decay, space weather, radiation, and debris. Other risks include technical risks, such as failure and malfunctions, as well as political risks, such as conflict or environmental risks.
Space Tech Use Cases
Space technology has made lots of advancements in the last few decades. The use of space tech has changed many industries and also made life easier for us. Some of the important use cases are:
- Space Tourism: This is a new kind of tourism that involves people travelling to space for a few days or months. This is a recent trend as people have been getting more interested in space exploration. It is mainly popular with the rich because of the expense involved in going to space, as well as the fact that it is a very rare experience. Companies like Virgin Galactic and SpaceX are making plans to offer this kind of space tourism.
- Space Robotics: Robots are widely used today because of their ability to perform repetitive tasks, which are difficult for humans. Robots are used in many industries, including the medical industry, defence industry, manufacturing, etc. However, the most prominent use of robotics is in space exploration. A large number of space robots are sent into space to accomplish different tasks. These tasks include maintenance, construction, search and rescue, and science.
- Astronomy & Astrophysics: The use of space technology in astronomy and astrophysics has significantly improved our understanding of the universe. For example, the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory are two great space telescopes that have made significant contributions to astronomy and astrophysics.
- Remote Sensing: Remote sensing is the collection of information from space about things on the Earth. It helps to measure physical parameters like temperature, elevation, wind speed, water, crop yields, pollution levels, forest fires, etc. These data are then used to monitor environmental conditions, monitor weather, and assess climate change. It is also useful in identifying problems in different parts of the world.
- Earth Science: Earth Science is the study of the physical properties of the Earth. Space tech has helped scientists identify mineral resources, find minerals and oil deposits, and even observe changes in the environment. The use of space technology in earth science has improved the quality of our knowledge of the Earth. For example, satellites can be used to measure land use and natural resources, estimate crop yields, study earthquakes, floods, drought, and more.
- Space Medicine: Space medicine refers to the medical aspects of space exploration. Many risks are associated with human space travel, including cosmic radiation, decompression sickness (DCS), microgravity, etc. Space medicine helps astronauts to mitigate these risks. For example, astronauts wear spacesuits that protect them from cosmic radiation, decompression sickness, and other space hazards. They also carry medicines to treat these hazards when they occur. Space medicine also makes it possible for them to perform surgeries in orbit or in deep space.
- Space Engineering: Space engineering is the science of designing, building, operating and maintaining space systems. It involves the development of space systems as well as their operation and maintenance. Space technology has helped develop many space systems like the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-Ray Observatory, and many others.
- Space Architecture: Space architecture is the practice of planning, designing, constructing and using space structures. It includes the design and construction of spacecraft and other space structures like the International Space Station (ISS) and space habitats, as well as the design and construction of rockets, launch pads and other infrastructure.
- Space Mining: Space mining is the extraction of minerals, metals, and other materials from outer space. It is done through the use of spacecraft or by humans. For example, asteroids have been identified as being rich in water and other resources. The use of space technology in space mining has improved our ability to identify and extract these resources.
- Astrobiology: Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe. Astrobiology also helps us to understand the origin and evolution of life on Earth. It helps to study the relationship between the planets and their moons in the solar system. It also helps us to understand how life may have started on other planets.
- Planetary Geology: Planetary geology is the study of the physical processes that occur on the surfaces of planets and their moons. It involves studying these bodies’ composition, structure, and geological processes. It also involves understanding the impact of those processes on the environment.
- Satellite Communication: Satellites provide communication links for the world. They are used for many things like sending TV signals, tracking weather patterns, controlling nuclear weapons, etc. These satellites use radio waves, which are in the form of electromagnetic radiation. They are useful for wireless data transmission. They also enable global positioning systems (GPS), mobile phones, and other types of communications. They are also used for broadcasting television programs and radio programs.
- Spacecraft Propulsion: Spacecraft propulsion is the process by which a spacecraft is propelled through space. It can be done using any type of fuel. For example, spacecraft propulsion involves chemical reactions that release energy to push the spacecraft forward. It can also involve nuclear reactors that power spacecraft using nuclear fusion. The use of rocket engines has helped to propel spacecraft from Earth into space. Some spacecraft have been propelled by solar energy or by nuclear power. They can also be propelled by a combination of both.
- Satellite Manufacturing: Satellite manufacture is the process of making satellites. It includes designing the satellite, fabricating and assembling it, testing it, and integrating it.
- Aerial Imagery: Aerial imagery is the collection of images taken from above Earth by aircraft, balloons, or satellites. It provides a bird’s-eye view of places. It is used for many things like mapping the Earth’s surface, taking photos of land, and surveying the land.
- Space Farming: Space farming involves the growing of plants in space. It involves the use of various techniques and technologies to grow plants and food in space.
Spacetech Startups & Companies
Several companies have disrupted the space industry and created new markets. Here we will explore the top startups that have helped us separate space tech from regular technology.
SpaceX is a private company founded by Elon Musk, an American entrepreneur, inventor, engineer, and designer who is also a co-founder of PayPal and Tesla Motors. The company was founded in 2002 to develop advanced launch vehicles for commercial, military, and civil applications. The launch of SpaceX’s Falcon 1 rocket in June 2006 made it the first private company to launch a spacecraft into orbit successfully. After this successful launch, the company continued to launch its Dragon spacecraft, which made a successful test flight in May 2010, and a successful commercial cargo flight in March 2013. On 29 September 2015, SpaceX successfully launched its first reused Falcon 9 rocket with the first stage landing back at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. In November 2016, SpaceX successfully launched the world’s most powerful rocket, the Falcon Heavy. The company plans to develop more powerful rockets.
Rocket Lab is a New Zealand-based company that offers microlaunch services and satellite launches for government and commercial clients. The company was founded in 2011 by Peter Beck and Jarrod Wight. Its main competitor is SpaceX. Rocket Lab uses small, expendable rockets called Electron vehicles to launch satellites into orbit.
Virgin Galactic is a space tourism company founded by Richard Branson in 2004. The company provides commercial suborbital flights, including those for tourists. The company has achieved numerous successes and milestones since it was founded, including the first test flight of the SpaceShipTwo and the first commercial human space flight, which was carried out on 12 April 2013.
Future Of SpaceTech
We have been living on planet earth for quite a while, but there’s still so much space out there for us to explore, discover, and settle on. Our current generation, the next, and the one after that are going to live and work in space. We can’t do this without technological advances. The world is heading in this direction with the development of new technologies in space. Space is an infinite resource; there’s no reason why it should only be for the big players in the business. Smaller startups can make great contributions to the space industry and help us learn more about the universe.
The current space startups are not only helping us better understand the universe, but also contributing to research and development for future innovations. We will see new technologies in space in the coming years. We cannot predict exactly what they will be, but we can be sure that they will be innovative.
We might see more of robotics, AI, and ML in the short term as we see more satellites and other objects being launched into orbit.
Space tourism is another area where small startups can contribute significantly to developing the future of space travel. With a lot of smaller companies, we will see more private spaceflight, and we can expect to see space hotels in the near future.
It’s a fact that space tech will get more commercial in the long run, and more and more startups will get involved.
Go On, Tell Us What You Think!
Did we miss something? Come on! Tell us what you think about our article on what is space tech in the comments section.
A startup consultant, digital marketer, traveller, and philomath. Aashish has worked with over 20 startups and successfully helped them ideate, raise money, and succeed. When not working, he can be found hiking, camping, and stargazing.


At approximately 11:27 p.m. on Friday, September 6, NASA, Orbital Sciences and the Virginia Space Flight Authority launched the LADEE (Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer) Mission from Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) Pad OB at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
The LADEE Mission accomplishes a number of firsts—it is the first deep space mission to launch from the Wallops Flight Facility, as well as the first payload to launch on the U.S. Air Force’s Minotaur V rocket. The Minotaur V launch vehicle was built by Virginia company Orbital Sciences.
The LADEE spacecraft was constructed using Modular Common Spacecraft Bus Architecture, representing a departure from custom design towards assembly production and multi-use design in order to reduce costs.
Upon completing three phasing orbits around the earth, the LADEE spacecraft will enter the moon’s orbit through a three-minute Lunar Orbit Insertion maneuver that involves firing the spacecraft’s onboard propellant for approximately three minutes.
After being captured by the moon’s gravitational field, LADEE will orbit around the moon for a 100-day science phase to collect data and study the lunar atmosphere. The moon’s atmosphere is classified as a surface boundary exosphere, a thin layer that is theorized to be the most common type of atmosphere in the universe.
Scientists hope to determine the density, composition and variability of the moon’s atmosphere, as well as learn more about the lunar dust environment. Knowledge gained through this mission can be extrapolated to the atmosphere of other planets, including Earth.
With another Antares mission expected to launch in mid-September from the MARS facility, Virginia remains at the forefront of U.S. space exploration. MARS is one of only four commercial sites authorized by the FAA for orbital space launches, and offers an ideal trajectory for earth orbit insertion.
To learn more about Virginia’s burgeoning aerospace industry, click here.
The LADEE Mission launches from Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on September 6. Photo courtesy of NASA/Carla Cioffi.


esa-par.net a website for PPP – PAR for Primary Production
Scientific contributions and contact Didier Ramon: dr(at)hygeos(dot)com
Designed and developed by Laurent Wandrebeck: lw(at)hygeos(dot)com
The PPP project is funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the program of Science Exploitation of Operational Missions (SEOM) following Contract N°4000113690/15/I-LG
This website represents only the views of the PPP consortium. ESA is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.


Astronomy:Student Nitric Oxide Explorer
|Names||Explorer 72, STEDI 1|
|Mission type||Atmospheric research|
|Operator||CU Boulder (LASP) / NASA|
|Mission duration||Final: 5 years, 9 months, 17 days|
|Manufacturer||CU Boulder (LASP)|
|Launch mass||115 kg (254 lb)|
|Dimensions||1.0 × 0.9 m (3.2 × 3.1 ft)|
|Start of mission|
|Launch date||February 26, 1998, 07:07UTC|
|Rocket||Pegasus XL HAPS F20|
|Launch site||Vandenberg Air Force Base (Stargazer)|
|Entered service||March 11, 1998|
|End of mission|
|Decay date||≈December 13, 2003, 09:34UTC|
|Perigee altitude||535 km (332 mi)|
|Apogee altitude||580 km (360 mi)|
|Epoch||February 26, 1998, 02:07 UTC|
The Student Nitric Oxide Explorer (SNOE), also known as Explorer 72 and STEDI 1, was a small scientific satellite which studied the concentration of nitric oxide in the thermosphere. It was launched in 1998 as part of NASA's Explorers program. The satellite was the first of three missions developed within the Student Explorer Demonstration Initiative (STEDI) funded by NASA. The satellite was developed by the University of Colorado Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) and had met its goals by the time its mission ended with reentry on December 13, 2003.
SNOE had a compact hexagonal structure 0.99 m (3.23 ft) high and 0.94 m (3.08 ft) wide with a mass of 115 kg (254 lb). It was spin-stabilized at five revolutions per minute, and its axis of rotation was perpendicular to the orbital plane. The exterior of the satellite was covered with solar cells that provide 37 watts.
SNOE was equipped with three scientific instruments:
- An Ultraviolet Spectrometer, which performs a vertical profile of the concentration of nitric oxide.
- A two-channel Auroral Photometer, which performs measurements of auroral emissions beneath the satellite.
- A five-channel Solar X-ray Photometer, which measures the soft X-ray emissions by the Sun.
The satellite features a GPS receiver to accurately determine its orbit and orientation.
SNOE was the 72nd mission of the Explorer program by NASA dedicated to the scientific investigation of the space environment of the Earth. SNOE was the first of three projects developed within the university satellite program (STEDI) whose objective is to reach students in the development of satellites with limited means in the context of the strategy of "faster, better, cheaper" promoted by then-NASA administrator Daniel Goldin. The program was funded by NASA and managed by the Universities Space Research Association. The mission, developed by the University of Colorado Boulder in 1994, was selected among 66 proposals to be one of the six pre-selected satellites of the program. In February 1995 the satellite was selected along with TERRIERS of Boston University and CATSAT of the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. SNOE was built and operated entirely by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics of the university.
The objective of the mission was the detailed study of variations in the concentration of nitrogen monoxide in the thermosphere. Nitric oxide, though a minor component of this region of space, has a significant impact on the composition of ions in the ionosphere and in the heat of the thermosphere. The detailed objectives are:
- Detailing how the variations of X-ray radiation from the sun affects the density of nitric oxide in the lower layer of the thermosphere.
- How auroral activity increases the amount of nitric oxide in the polar regions.
SNOE was launched on 26 February 1998 at 07:07 UTC by a Pegasus-XL rocket, along with the Teledesic T1 satellite. The rocket was lofted by Orbital Sciences' Stargazer L-1011 aircraft based out of Vandenberg Air Force Base . SNOE was placed into a Sun-synchronous orbit of 535 by 580 km (332 by 360 mi) with an inclination of 97.7 degrees. The spacecraft functioned normally until its orbit degraded and it reentered the atmosphere on 13 December 2003.
Selected science results
The limb-scanning Ultraviolet Spectrometer on SNOE observed polar mesospheric clouds, finding that PMCs occur more frequently in the northern latitudes than in the southern, but that they otherwise conform well to the standard model of cloud formation. SNOE also helped to map the effect of global X-rays on the atmosphere.
Enhanced fluxes of solar soft X-rays were detected by SNOE. Solar soft X-ray irradiance was measured by the spacecraft's Solar X-ray Photometer (SXP) between 2 and 20 nm, and covered irradiance levels outside of solar minimum and maximum conditions. In the 2 to 7 nm interval the irradiance levels ranged from 0.3 to 2.5 mW/m2, while in the 6 to 19 nm interval the range was observed to be 0.5 to 3.5 mW/m2. These values were a factor of four times higher than those predicted by the Hinteregger, et al. (1981) empirical model.
- Wade, Mark. "SNOE". Encyclopedia Astronautica. http://www.astronautix.com/s/snoe.html. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
- Solomon, Stanley C.; Bailey, Scott M.; Barth, Charles A.; Davis, Randal L.; Donnelly, John A. (1998). "The SNOE Spacecraft: Integration, Test, Launch, Operation, and On-orbit Performance". 12th AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites. 1998. Logan, Utah.. http://lasp.colorado.edu/media/projects/snoe/publications/pdf_docs/AIAAitlop.pdf.
- "Launch vehicle dynamic envelope diagram". University of Colorado Boulder. http://lasp.colorado.edu/media/projects/snoe/mission/images/dynamic_envelope_new.gif. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
- Bailey, Scott M.; Woods, T. N.; Barth, C. A. et al. (December 2000). "Measurements of the solar soft X-ray irradiance by the Student Nitric Oxide Explorer: First analysis and underflight calibrations". Journal of Geophysical Research 105 (A12): 27179-27194. doi:10.1029/2000JA000188. Bibcode: 2000JGR...10527179B.
- "SNOE - Trajectory Details". National Space Science Data Center. NASA. https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1998-012A. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
- "Spacecraft Structure". University of Colorado Boulder. http://lasp.colorado.edu/home/snoe/spacecraft-specs/structure/. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
- Solomon, Stanley C. et al. (October 1996). "The Student Nitric Oxide Explorer". Proceedings of the SPIE: Space Sciencecraft Control and Tracking in the New Millennium 2810: 121-132. doi:10.1117/12.255131. Bibcode: 1996SPIE.2810..121S. Archived from the original on 11 June 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100611030958/http://lasp.colorado.edu/snoe/publications/pdf_docs/snoespie.pdf.
- "Spacecraft Specs: Instruments". University of Colorado Boulder. http://lasp.colorado.edu/home/snoe/spacecraft-specs/instruments/. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
- Bailey, Scott M.; Merkel, Aimee W.; Thomas, Gary E. et al. (July 2005). "Observations of polar mesospheric clouds by the Student Nitric Oxide Explorer". Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres 110 (D13). doi:10.1029/2004JD005422. D13203. Bibcode: 2005JGRD..11013203B.
- REDIRECT Template:Explorers Program
Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Student Nitric Oxide Explorer. Read more


Twelve secondary pupils from London have become the first youngsters in Europe to have their science experiments launched into space.
The real-life experiments were sent into space earlier this month and are being monitored for 30 days by astronauts on the International Space Station, 220 miles above the Earth’s surface. The astronauts will record their findings and send the results back to NASA.
One experiment will test the effectiveness of antibiotics in space, something that has never been examined before. The other experiment will look at whether slime mould grows in 3D in space due to the lack of gravity. The pupils won the opportunity as part of the International Space School Educational Trust’s 2012 Mission Discovery Programme, held at King’s College London.
They were among 250 secondary pupils who, with guidance from a former astronaut, NASA leaders and scientists from King’s College, designed experiments to be conducted in space. The winning teams were chosen by a panel of judges led by Professor Steve Harridge, director of the Centre of Human and Aerospace Physiological Sciences at King’s College London.
The winners have spent the last year turning their projects into workable experiments and were invited to King’s College to watch the launch via a live feed.
Prof Harridge said: “We are delighted to be involved in such a unique initiative, which aims to inspire the next generation of scientists. This has been an excellent opportunity for young people to meet world-leading experts in the field and work on a real-life experiment that will be undertaken on the International Space Station.” CAPTION: Far-out: Students prepare their experiments with support from staff at Kings College London


In the vast expanse of the cosmos, a new era has dawned with the advent of Orbit Odyssey a groundbreaking initiative that is set to redefine the landscape of satellite technology. Unlike conventional satellites that orbit Earth in isolation, Orbit Odyssey pioneers the era of hybrid satellites, ushering in a paradigm shift in the way we perceive and utilize space-based assets. At the core of this visionary project is the fusion of traditional geostationary satellites with cutting-edge Low Earth Orbit LEO satellites, creating a seamless network that combines the strengths of both orbits. Geostationary satellites, positioned at fixed points above the Earth’s equator, have long been the workhorses of communication and weather observation. However, their inherent limitations, such as latency and bandwidth constraints, have spurred the need for innovation. Orbit Odyssey addresses these challenges by integrating LEO satellites into the equation. These satellites operate at lower altitudes, allowing for reduced signal latency and enhanced data transfer capabilities.
New hybrid satellite technology combination of geostationary and LEO satellites in a hybrid system results in a robust and versatile satellite network can cater to a diverse array of applications. One of the key advantages of Orbit Odyssey is its ability to optimize communication services. Traditional satellites have struggled to provide low-latency communication, particularly in remote areas. The hybrid architecture of Orbit Odyssey tackles this issue head-on, ensuring that users in even the most remote locations experience improved connectivity. This makes the technology particularly relevant for sectors such as maritime communication, disaster response, and rural connectivity, where instantaneous data transfer can be critical. Moreover, Orbit Odyssey opens up new horizons for Earth observation. The combination of geostationary and LEO satellites allows for more frequent and comprehensive monitoring of our planet. The hybrid system facilitates real-time data collection with high spatial resolution, enabling more accurate weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.
This enhanced observational capability holds great promise for scientific research, climate studies, and resource management. As we embark on the Orbit Odyssey, the implications for space exploration are also profound. The hybrid satellite system offers a cost-effective and efficient means of supporting interplanetary missions. Communication with spacecraft and rovers on distant celestial bodies becomes more reliable, paving the way for breakthroughs in space exploration and expanding our understanding of the cosmos. In conclusion, Orbit Odyssey marks a pivotal moment in satellite technology, fusing the strengths of geostationary and LEO satellites to create a hybrid system that is greater than the sum of its parts. This pioneering initiative not only addresses the limitations of existing satellite technology but also opens up new possibilities for communication, Earth observation, and space exploration. As the Odyssey unfolds, it propels us into a future where the boundless potential of hybrid satellites shapes the way we connect, observe, and explore the vast reaches of space.


The A330-300 joined the Virgin Atlantic family in April 2011. At 63.69 metres long with a wingspan of 60.3 metres, it's the largest of the twin engine A330's. We have 10 of these beauties in our fleet, they are Beauty Queen G-VSXY, Mademoiselle RougeG-VKSS, Lady LoveG-VLUV, Diamond Girl. Detailed seat map Virgin Australia Airbus A330 200. Find the best airplanes seats, information on legroom, recline and in-flight entertainment using our detailed online seating charts. 23/01/2019 · Virgin Australia A330 Business Class international overview. Exceptional dining and friendly service, but some aspects are rough around the edges. Post meta. January 23 2019. Virgin Australia A330 Business Class international overview. The best ways to. The Virgin Australia Group the Group today announced a number of. 17 September 2019. Virgin Australia puts its hand up for Haneda slots.
14/05/2019 · Business class on a nine-hour flight doesn't get much better than this. Having flown in Virgin Australia's Airbus A330 business cabin on domestic routes many times, I've always yearned to experience its excellent premium product on a much longer flight. Seat map Airbus A330-200 Virgin Australia. Best seats in the plane. Airbus A 330-200 operated by Virgin Australia offers seats of two classes: business and economy. Virgin Australia flies its wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft between Melbourne and Hong Kong – an aircraft that in August 2015 saw the launch of the carrier’s new “The Business” business class suites on domestic routes, before rolling out across its entire A330 fleet that October.
Virgin Australia’s all-new A330 business class goes head-to-head against the Qantas Business Suite in the airlines' continued dogfight for premium passengers on the lucrative east-west route. Marketed as ‘The Business', the seatservice package will be rolled out onto all six of Virgin Australia's Airbus A330 jets by the end of October 2015. Virgin Australia today announced that it would commence daily Airbus A330 services from Melbourne for the first time, with tickets going on sale today for flights to Perth and Sydney. From 14 May 2012, the airline will expand its popular Airbus A330 “Coast To Coast” service to include double daily Melbourne to Perth return flights. Each year Virgin Australia carries the 18 AFL teams on more than 330 flights, travelling more than 470,000km, and provides tens of thousands of extra seats to fans. Carlton Football Club Captain Marc Murphy said: “The players are really excited about the introduction of Economy X. Virgin Australia offers wireless In-Flight Entertainment across its domestic and international short haul fleet. This system provides access to hundreds of hours movies, TV shows, and music- all available on your own Wi-Fi enabled device. Virgin Australia has them mostly on services between Sydney – Perth, Melbourne – Perth and occasionally Brisbane – Perth. Taking either the Qantas or Virgin Australia A330’s to Perth in business class is a fine way to travel. Photo: Virgin Australia. Even in economy you’ll enjoy vastly upgraded food and service on the A330 flights.
Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd, commonly referred to as Virgin Australia, is one of Australia's largest airlines, and it is the largest airline by fleet size to use the Virgin brand. It commenced services on 31 August 2000 as Virgin Blue, with two aircraft on a single route. Virgin Australia has developed an extensive flight network across Australia and the world and also provides Charter and Cargo services. It operates a modern fleet of around 130 aircraft that includes Airbus A330, Airbus A320, Boeing 777, Boeing 737, Embraer 190, ATR-72 turboprop, and Fokker 100. Virgin Australia Fleet Airbus A330-200 Details and Pictures. On current fleet, Virgin Australia operates 6 wide-body aircraft Airbus A330-200. This aircraft powered by Rolls Royce Trent 772B with maximum thrust 71,100 lb 316 kN.
Virgin Australia A330-200 “The Business” Review Perth To Sydney Booking The Flight: I already had an economy ticket booked on Virgin Australia Perth to Sydney on an elevate fare using cash. I wanted to upgrade to business class so started exploring different ways to do so. For your next Virgin Australia flight, use this seating chart to get the most comfortable seats, legroom, and recline on. 17/06/2016 · Virgin Australia’s A330 newest domestic Business Class cabin is fast gaining a reputation as one of the best domestic Business Class’ in the world alongside Qantas. In this overview we’ll cover our experiences, tips and thoughts about Virgin Australia’s Business Class in their A330 fleet. 28/02/2018 · Virgin Australia chief executive John Borghetti says his airline is in no hurry to place an order for new widebody aircraft, pointing to the relatively young age of its six Airbus A330-200s and five Boeing 777-300s. While the average age of its mainline fleet was 7.1 years at December 31 2017, up.
Aviation Photo 5796279 Airbus A330-243 - Virgin Australia Airlines [ Medium Large] Tweet. This photo is copyright protected and may not be used in any way without proper permission. 412 of 412 412 of 412 Sponsor Message Sponsor Message. Virgin Australia will offer economy class passengers more legroom, priority boarding and exclusive access to overhead locker space as part of its new Economy X. Hello you. Welcome to Virgin Atlantic. Find our best fares on your next flights to the US and beyond, with a fantastic choice of food, drinks, award winning entertainment and onboard WiFi.
When it comes to transcontinental flights, Australian travellers enjoy one of the world's best domestic business class experiences. Competition between Qantas and Virgin Australia in the lucrative coast-to-coast corridor sees both airlines offering international-grade business class seats and service on their respective Airbus A330 jets. A Virgin Australia flight to Hong Kong made an emergency landing in Melbourne shortly after take off Wednesday, 10 July 2019, due to a possible fuel leak in the right engine. VA69, operated by VH-XFG, the daily A330-200 mid-morning departure from Melbourne to Hong Kong, turned around after white vapour was seen coming from the aircraft’s right Trent 772 engine. Virgin Australia A330 business class seat. When I boarded, the crew member working on my side of the cabin came over to introduce himself and asked if I’d flown in the business seat before. When I replied that I hadn’t, he offered to explain all the features, which I appreciated.
Flightradar24 is a global flight tracking service that provides you with real-time information about thousands of aircraft around the world. Flightradar24 tracks 180,000 flights, from 1,200 airlines, flying to or from 4,000 airports around the world in real time. Our service is currently available online and for your iOS or Android device.
Mesa Y Silla Vtech
Lista De Todas Las Carreras Posibles
¿Paxil Me Ayudará A Dormir?
Tortugas Marinas De Kemp's Ridley
Entrenamiento De Flebotomía Cerca De Mí Gratis
Ford Mustang Premium Convertible
Serie De Campeonato De La Liga Nacional 2017
Diccionario De Terminología Deportiva
Peluche Dreamworks Light Fury
Pizarra De Cristal Rodante
Juego En Vivo De Los Medias Rojas Hoy
Juegos De Cama Occidentales King
Gerard Bertrand Syrah 2016
El Brazo Izquierdo Palpita
Shp To Xml
Puntaje Promedio De Ensayo De Sábado
Rooms To Go Muebles Baratos
Keto Yummy Snacks
Orakpo Griffin Cupcakes
Unidad Estándar Para Masa En Física
Ib Pattern School
Coches De Los Años 50 En Alquiler
Restaurante Chino Cerca De Mí Las 24 Horas
El Mejor Chile Verde Enlatado
Carta De Disculpa Médica
Bandera De Jardín De Caballos
Reservoir Dogs Pulp Fiction
2008 Audi S5 4.2 L
Mejor Serie De Ciencia Ficción En Hbo
Ruedas De Radios Cafe Racer
Altura De Barra Al Aire Libre
Abrigos Macys Plus Size
Ingresos Familiares Brutos
Notas De Trompeta De Tiburón Bebé
Proyecto De Feria De Ciencias Del Plástico Biodegradable
Candidiasis Dolor De Garganta
Receta De Sopa De Fideos Con Carne De Res
Libros De Literatura Lésbica
Caminar Detrás De Mulcher
Ruedas 22x16 En Venta


A drone, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), is a remote controlled aircraft that only recently entered the market for amateur use. Previously one might have seen them being flown by the military. Now that people recognize their potential as a utility aircraft, a variety of drones in all shapes and sizes are appearing in the skies, offering their pilots unparalleled views.
Before drones, extended selfie sticks and climbing trees seemed like too much of a hassle (or hazard) to get good videos or photos from above. Depending on their battery life and optimal range, drones can offer you views for miles around or get into tight spaces for the most difficult of shots. Either way, choosing the right drone is going to be a challenge, which is why we’ve prepared a guide to help you decide the one that’s good for your wallet, skills, and needs.
Types of Drones
The drone frenzy doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. In the optics and video making world, the view and perspective provided by drones can be breathtaking. Not only are people snatching up drones, but they are specifically after camera-equipped drones.
These drones come equipped with different quality of cameras while others are built to hold smaller cameras and GoPros. Depending on your experience level and the shooting you want to do, different drones will be more applicable to you than others. The higher the quality and the heavier the payload, the more expensive the drone. We don’t recommend fidgeting with the drones that come with cameras, as the drones themselves are extremely delicate.
You’ll see a variety of drones on the market, but the majority of them are going to be quadcopters, which offer the most stable flight. However, you’ll see everything from cute little single propellers to massive behemoths that can sport six or eight propellers.
Because drones are a relatively new technology available to the public, it can be difficult to choose a brand to place your trust in. Smaller, beginner drones are going to be the most numerous of the drone types, and thus there are many manufacturers. However, there are a few brands that have separated themselves from the competition and notoriety within the drone community:
- DJI—One of the most well-known drone manufacturers. They make the “Phantom” model which is a very popular line of drones.
- Yuneec—Manufacturers higher quality drones with advanced systems. Typically marketed towards the higher end hobbyist and professional.
- Autel—A newer startup that created the X-Star (listed below). As a smaller company, they have a create customer service reputation aside from having a reliable drone.
- Force1—Makers of smaller, more numerous drones that don’t have high-quality cameras, but are still a joy to fly.
These drones are the cheapest on the market, but that shouldn’t be a reflection of their trustworthiness. While inexpensive, they can still carry basic cameras (most being 720p quality) or different types of GoPros. They’ll get the job done and be generous to your wallet.
They are the perfect entry-level drones not just because they are small and cheap, but because their flight time is usually pretty short which keeps them in range of you or whoever is the pilot. As a result, you should probably fly them around or close to home for an easy recovery.
Best drones under $100
The X5C is one of the cheapest drones on our list and one of the best in terms of all-around quality. The photos and videos you take on its HD camera are pretty standard and nothing too special. With a flight time of 6 minutes, you’re pretty limited on what you’re able to do, which also makes it a versatile indoor/outdoor aircraft.
While the flight time is indeed small, it doesn’t limit the aircraft on where it can fly. The indoors are a perfect environment to operate without having to worry about the wind taking it and throwing it off course. Onboard nighttime lights will also come in handy if you’re looking to fly it in the evening.
TOZO Q1012 X8tw Drone RC Quadcopter
The X8tw is a unique drone in that its 720p HD camera comes built into the body of the drone. This will appeal to concerned drone users if the drone malfunctions or bumps into the something—the camera is protected within the body. This doesn’t mean that you should fly around recklessly!
You can fly the X8tw with either a remote control or by your fingers if you choose to download the app for iOS or Android. This drone is perfect for beginners looking to mesh their skills with aerial photography and flying in general.
The APP-RC takes the cake for one of the coolest looking drones of any price. It looks like something you’d find in a video game or movie. Better yet, it almost fit’s in the palm of your hand with its built in 480p (0.3MP HD) camera. The APP-RC used unusually advanced technology for its control and imaging systems, allowing the user to see through the eyes of the drone from a smartphone app and recall with a push of a button on the controller.
Its propellers are completely encased in air guards. Most drone’s you’ll see only have the air guards around portions of the propellers because they add weight and shift airflow around the drone. If you end up dropping the APP-RC, chances are it’ll fair a lot better than most drones. Its small size will also help in minimizing damage.
The camera isn’t the best quality in the world and flight time is about six minutes. That being said, the fact that it does have a camera mean’s you’ll still be able to use it to take pictures, you just won’t have much time to do so. Regardless, the APP-RC is still a very reliable drone that will be fun for everyone from the beginner to the pro.
GordVE RC Drone
The GordVE is also another drone with a sleek, almost sci-fi look design. It’s about twice the size of the APP-RC and is praised by users just as much. A flying time of around 8-9 minutes gives it a little boost over the APP-RC. The drone also comes equipped with a headless mode, giving it increased agility and mobility.
The most notable fact about the GordVE is its camera, capable of 720p and 1080p, which is almost unheard of for a drone of this size and price. Furthermore, if you happen to have a VR headset or glasses, you can connect to your phone and see what the drone sees. Now that is some next level technology.
Best drones under $200
Holy Stone F181 RC Quadcopter Drone
Holy Stone’s F181 is a comfortable compromise between affordability and versatility as a beginner’s drone. It’s 2MP (megapixel) will deliver you crisp photos from wherever it’s positioned in the sky. Perhaps its greatest quality is its “headless” system, which means the drone will always fly forward, backward, side to side regardless of which way the “front” of the drone is facing. With different percentages of power settings, this is perfect for beginners looking to test their skills over time.
One drawback of the F181 is its meager flight time, anywhere between 7-9 minutes and a range of only 100 meters. This means that it’s preferable for beginners who aren’t looking to go up high or too far away. With a total charge time of around 80 minutes, it seems a little unbalanced regarding what you get from flight time.
As a result, you should plan out where and what you want to see with your drone before you lift off. Once the charge runs out, your drone should be nearby, or in your hands otherwise, it’ll drop out of the sky!
The DBPOWER drone is well liked among the drone community for its durability and maneuverability. Many users have complimented the DBPOWER on its ability to withstand (moderate) punishment and keep flying. It has a different overall design than Holy Stone’s and TOZO’s with a small body and its propellers located inside their respective guards.
Like the F181, the DBPOWER can be controlled via an app on your smartphone. Even more, you can tilt your smartphone in any direction, and FPV will respond accordingly. If you’re feeling brave, give the DBPOWER’s 360-degree flip capability a try! The DBPOWER comes with a 720p HD camera that will have to be set manually before flight.
Force1 U45W Blue Jay
The Force1 Blue Jay is a cutting-edge beginners drone, mainly due to its features and capabilities that allow the user a wide range of viewing and function. Like some of the drones on this list, it is controllable via WiFi and a smartphone app and can be viewed through a VR headset/glasses.
One of the Blue Jay’s most interesting features is its ability to fly a set path unassisted from a pilot. If you’re unsure about your skills as a pilot, you can try out the Blue Jay’s onboard navigation and allow it to fly itself to its destination along a series of points.
Force1 UDI U818A
Force1 also manufacturers the UDI drone. This drone is somewhat similar in design to the Blue Jay and just as fancy when it comes to capabilities. The UDI shares the same route mode that the Blue Jay has, enabling it to fly along a series of points that you create for it.
A 720p/2mp camera is perfect for a beginner pilot and photographer. As a forethought, you should try mastering the drone before you try to take the craziest shots possible.
Some people like the skip cheaper drones and go straight to the best sellers. Companies such as DJI and Yuneec are some of the most well-known drone makers due to their unique design of drone. While the following drones aren’t necessarily made for children, they’re not the most difficult to handle either. If your child or friend who has no experience with drones, check out one of the ones below. Be sure they practice long before they start pulling crazy maneuvers and flips.
These drones will probably require less assembly and an easier learning curve than the ones built for pros but need more patience and practice than the beginners. Since they are more pricey, we recommend you study tutorials or even converse with fellow owners about your newer drone if possible.
Best drones under $500
The DJI Spark is the first “mini” drone to make our hobbyist’s list. The 12mp/1080p camera and video automatically qualify it in the optics business, but what makes it worth its price tag?
When we think of mini-drones, we’re normally aware of their short flight time. However, the Spark uses a more powerful 11.4V LiPo battery, doubling it’s smaller cousin’s flight time from 8-9 minutes to about 16 to 17 minutes depending on flight patterns. Like most of the hobby drones on this list, a smartphone app allows you to see where the drone is going while you use a remote control to dictate its movements.
Since the Spark is one of the latest pieces of DJI technology and the smallest at that, it comes with propeller guards for increased protection against accidents. Especially with the price involved with the Spark, you want to take every precaution possible to ensure its safety.
Force1 F100 Ghost
The F100 Ghost is a basic design for a much lower price than drones that come with their cameras or GoPros. The F100 specifically can carry the GoPro Hero 3 or 4. Keep in mind this will add extra weight to the drone and detract from total flight time. Regardless, it will save you from having to buy a more expensive drone that will come with a camera-equipped.
Drones can make a lot of noise with their fast-spinning propellers (not counting how many of them they have). The F100 utilizes brushless fans that spin more quietly. If you have neighbors that were upset at the sound of your last drone, they’ll be much more accepting of this one. If you’re feeling even more daring, try testing out the F100’s maneuverability in a 360-degree loop!
The Bebop compliments its cute appearance with an arrangement of stats and abilities that make it worth its price tag. First and foremost, the camera shoots 1080p videos and 14mp pictures, which is pretty high quality for a drone of its size and price. The camera itself is built into the body of the drone, so there’s need to worry about the drone crashing and crushing the camera under it.
The Bebop comes with a state of the art controller along with VR goggles (connected via the smartphone app), so you can see through the eyes of the drone. This feature can provide you with enhanced mobility and awareness of the drone’s surroundings.
What many users have enjoyed about the Bebop is its near half-hour flight time, which is a huge boost over the beginner drones. That being said, using the Bebop’s smart features to keep it safe and within range will dramatically extend its lifetime.
Best drones under $800
DJI Phantom P3
The Phantom is probably one of the better all-around drones in every aspect compared to drones both more or less expensive. An extended 25 minutes of flight time is sure to give you enough time to accomplish what you want to see or shoot with its attached 2.7K video/12mp camera. This camera is a much higher quality photo/video taker than any other drone before it, which is why it’s the most popular. You’ve probably seen someone’s phantom flying around with its distinctive white and red paint scheme.
The Phantom’s flight controls can be a little tricky, so we recommend experience with easier or small drones, to begin with. The Phantom uses WiFi, GPS, and an onboard compass to maintain its flight, and having complete control over all is going to take some practice.
However, once you master having to handle the “flying samurai sword” as one user joked, you can expect your videos and pictures to turn out even better.
DJI Phantom 3 Professional
The Phantom 3 is the face of the drone industry, and its line of products is probably one of the most numerous in the sky (discounting smaller, indoor drones). The Phantom 3 has a wide reputation for also being the best all-around drone for a number of reasons including price, flight time, and camera quality.
A 4k UHD(30 frames per second)/12mp video and camera are some of the most high-quality optics available to amateurs for under a grand. The Phantom sits right on the median between amateur and pro, with most drones following being more for professionals with specific jobs.
If you’re a beginner looking to jump right into the Phantom 3, then you’re in luck. The Phantom 3 comes with a beginner’s system that will show you the basics of this advanced drone before you start to fly like an experienced pilot. This drone has just about everything you could ever need. Its various systems will allow you to get precise shots and remain aloft for just over twenty minutes.
The photo taking is amazing, but the Phantom 3 is known primarily for the 4k video quality, almost unparalleled in the drone market unless you want to spend more money. With the drone’s versatility, it seems ludicrous to not take advantage of long video shots as the drone flies overhead.
Autel Robotics X-Star Premium
The Autel X-Star is a simple looking drone not too unlike the Phantom 3. A 4k camera separates it from the competition. The X-Star is unique with its smartphone/tablet app in that if the app crashes or your phone dies during flight, the remote control has an LCD light that will tell you when the battery is low. That being said, you should (and are required) to keep the drone within sight.
The mounting device linking the drone with the camera is removable. The X-Star gives you the option of mounting a different camera or trying out modifications. If you do want to modify the drone in any way, you should consult drone forums for advice before trying to pry pieces away from the body.
As you can probably tell by now, flying drones is no easy feat. The price tag and learning curve are directly related—as one increases, so does the other. The following drones are equipped with (or can carry) some of the best quality cameras that are drone applicable.
These drones aren’t for beginners. The experienced drone pilot will have good knowledge of a particular aircraft’s advanced systems in order to maximize the efficiency of photo or video taking. They will also know the basics on how to keep the aircraft out of harm’s way. This is why you’ll commonly see the operators of these drones with experience in a variety of other drones.
Best drones under $1000
Yuneec TYPHOON Flight Aerial Videography Hexacopter
The Typhoon has an even more intricate design as a hexacopter with six rotating propellers. This drone marks the transition from amateur to professional with its hefty price tag. The Typhoon’s advanced GPS system allows it to track the user without controls from a remote or phone. Whether you’re walking, running, or swimming, the Typhoon will follow at a distance and provide you with unbeatable views from above with 4k, Ultra HD quality.
- A notable feature of the Typhoon is the presence of a fail-safe rotor system. In the event one or more propellers fail, the drone will automatically adjust to the loss of power and keep itself from crashing to the ground as long as possible until you can recover it.
There are similar drones for around the same price, so what makes the Typhoon so different? To start, the camera has a 360-degree range of motion and a 98-degree field of view. This enables it to see most things directly below it without moving a mechanical muscle. This feature is only one of many “smart” features that the Typhoon is capable of which makes its price tag all the more worth it.
DJI Mavic Pro
The Mavic Pro is another intuitive design by DJI so you’re probably asking, what makes it so different from the Phantom 3 or the next step up, the T600? First off, it’s a pretty versatile drone. We like to use that word a lot, but the Mavic Pro really takes it to the next level. It can fly close to 40mph at top speed and its wings can fold to a compact size. It has a maximum range of 4.3 miles, which is almost unheard of when we look at cheaper and smaller drones.
- These physical features already compliment the drone’s 4k camera, which sits in the nose of the aircraft. Furthermore, the camera is perfectly stabilized along 3 axis’ in the nose, giving you stable pictures and videos for the duration of the flight.
Like the Spark, the Mavic Pro also utilizes a hand control recognition system but to a lesser extent. This drone takes many of the strengths of other DJI products and combines them into one, really fast drone.
Best drones over $2000
DJI T600-Dual-Controllers Inspire 1 Quadcopter
Sometimes being a pilot and photographer can be a hassle if you combine the two jobs. The FAA wouldn’t be happy with you! That’s why the designers at DJI have created the T600 (not the terminator) to split the jobs of pilot and photographer and maximize performance. The T600 comes with two controllers—one for the pilot and the other for the photographer/videographer. This innovative design will help you and a partner control both functions optimally without compromising the other’s ability.
A 4k/12mp camera will surely accomplish all of your photo and video taking needs as this drone has the capability to fly nearly 1.2 miles away and stream whatever it sees directly back to you.
So what makes this drone special in our hearts? Aside from the astounding 4k/12mp camera, it has indoor and outdoor uses via its intricate design. This gives it a more steady flight pattern compared to other drones with heavier propellors or unusual designs.
The ALTA UAV is the ultimate workhorse for the professional artist. The price tag is astronomical, but we reckon you know what you’re if you’re considering this drone. This heavy-duty drone is strong enough to carry a basic film camera or any optics up to fifteen pounds. For easier transport, the ALTA folds up nicely.
Obviously, it’s not made to make the nifty flips and turns like the smaller drones, but you’re likely to get some of the best shots and videos of any drone on this list with the ALTA. Despite its size, the ALTA’s highly sophisticated controller allows for more complicated maneuvers. It would be very good idea to test your skills on a variety of drones before taking this beast on.
So you’ve purchased a drone…
Congratulations! You’re almost ready to get your drone in the air. First things first, however, there are a couple of very important pointers and regulations you are required to know before your drone can even leave your house.
Most beginner’s drones, due to their small size, can’t go beyond your house. Most only have flight times of less than ten minutes. Regardless, the Federal Aviation Administration is extremely particular about keeping drones away from vital areas such as airports, power stations, and densely populated areas.
As such, the FAA has created a list of drones (usually some of the bigger ones) that it requires you to register if you own it. If you are the owner of the drone, the FAA will usually require you to register as a pilot as well. This may seem a little detrimental to the fun you’re looking to have, but it’s all necessary. This registration and various courses on drone safety will educate you on piloting best practices.
Once you’ve completed any and all necessary documentation and courses with the FAA, you’re free to enjoy your drone!
Your drone is an expensive piece of equipment, and we would like for you to enjoy it as long as possible. Therefore we’ve compiled a list of best practices that you should at least be aware of as you introduce your drone to the wild.
- Keep it safe—don’t leave your drone lying around when you’re not at home. It’s an expensive toy, and many people would love to take it off your hands without asking.
- Clean it—chances are you’re probably going to have one or two crash landings in your drone’s lifetime. Make sure to clean off any water or dirt that may have stuck to it.
- Extra batteries—your drone may have room on its body for an extra battery. Most extra batteries don’t come free. If you want to extend the flight time of your drone, an extra battery will usually double it.
- Check forums and reviews—you’re not the only one to hold your type of drone. If you ever need an answer, check various drone forums or consult the manual relentlessly before trying to get a hold of the manufacturer.
- Try all the features—the drone’s features and capabilities aren’t just for show. Some of them, like the “recall” function, will save the drone if you lose sight of it or don’t know what direction you’re heading.
Be safe and aware!
Drone safety is critical, especially to the government. You’ll most likely have to register as a pilot to fly some of the bigger drones or fly them near residential areas. Please read up on your drone’s manufacturer with drone regulations before taking flight.
In any case, the drones we’ve prepared for you have proven their worth to photographers, videographers, and filmmakers alike.
Choosing a Drone
With all the different brands and their constantly increasing number of drone lines, it can even more difficult to find the right drone for yourself even if you’ve identified a particular brand. The first thing you should understand about drones is that the more advanced you go, the more training and specialization needs to be done.
- Beginners will have an easier time choosing drones. The smaller ones will be easier to fly and have less flight time, which will keep them in range of you.
Let’s face it, if you’re buying drones that are starting to go into the hundreds of dollars, you’re probably looking to maximize the capabilities of its camera and video. If photography is your game, then you’ll immediately discount the beginner’s drones and go straight for the DJI or Yuneec based drones.
Just because you are a professional artist doesn’t mean you should treat the drone any differently than any other optic. They should be well maintained and kept out of harm’s way or the hands of small children when they’re not flying. The more you take responsibility for it and keep it out of dangerous conditions, the longer it will last you.


Download Space Launch Update
Free download space launch update. Live coverage and the most up-to-date schedule of all upcoming orbital rocket launches, including SpaceX, ULA, Arianespace and others. Check back for live coverage on launch day! Recent updates appear in red type. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Dragon 2 spacecraft on its second cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station.
The flight is the 22nd. bvzy.drevelit.ru brings you the latest images, videos and news from America's space agency.
Get the latest updates on NASA missions, watch NASA TV live, and learn about our quest to reveal the unknown and benefit all humankind. SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in to revolutionize space technology, with the ultimate goal of.
NASA's Space Launch System will be safe, affordable, and sustainable, to continue America's journey of discovery from the unique vantage point of space. A Canadian space flier will join three NASA crew members on the first piloted flight of the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft around the moon, becoming the first non-U.S.
astronaut on a. A Falcon 9 rocket will launch from Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center carrying a secret payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. This mission is code named NROL This page will automatically update when there is a change in.
SpaceX is set to launch a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office on Thursday (Dec. 17), during a three-hour launch window that opens at a.m. EST ( GMT). These 3. The launch of the SpaceX Crew Dragon in May ushers in the next phase of the space race: private companies ferrying NASA astronauts. Spectrum News has everything you need to know about this. NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover lifted off successfully July 30, at a.m. EDT ( GMT) aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Author: Chelsea Gohd.
Come face-to-face with space during special events at Kennedy Space Center. Visitors can watch rockets blast off, meet astronauts and celebrate holidays in space, just to name a few. Make space in your travels for unique and inspiring experiences during your Florida vacation. SEE A LAUNCH. The seats of the spacecraft then rotated back slowly into the launch position, with the astronauts facing skyward.
Sun, Nov 15 PM EST Vice President Mike Pence to watch launch in Author: Michael Sheetz. The International Space Station, the destination for four astronauts aboard the SpaceX capsule that launched Sunday, is visible to the naked eye and appears as. Falcon 9 Block 5 | SWOT - Surface Water and Ocean Topography.
Date/Time May Change. Tue Aug 31st, PM EDT. UPDATE for pm ET: SpaceX has scrubbed tonight's launch of a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 60 Starlink internet satellites due to the need for "additional mission assurance." A new launch date will. The SpaceX Falcon 9, with Dragon crew capsule is serviced on Launch Pad A, Tuesday,at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.
MORE: SpaceX and NASA set for 'milestone' launch of astronauts to the International Space Station Here is the latest on the milestone launch for the U.S. space program bvzy.drevelit.ru: Catherine Thorbecke. NASA's Mars Perseverance rover will look for signs of past microbial life, cache rock and soil samples, and prepare for future human exploration.
The United States opened a new era of human space travel on Saturday as a private company for the first time launched astronauts into orbit, nearly a. Watch live as SpaceX targets p.m., the opening of a minute window, for the launch of a SiriusXM satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Weather at Launch Author: Emre Kelly. What happened: SpaceX's second attempt to launch two NASA astronauts on a mission to the International Space Station was successful.
Why it's. Launch Window: 9 a.m. to noon Forecast: TBD A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket sits on Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center ahead of the rocket's 1st test flight, which will carry a Tesla Roadster. Update #2: Per new Temporary Flight Restrictions, there’s now a chance that SpaceX has rescheduled Starship’s (now slightly less) high-altitude launch.
By Space Coast Daily // December 9, launch targeted for p.m. ET United Launch Alliance has announced that a Delta IV Heavy rocket is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force. NASA’s first human space launch in nearly a decade is a success. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, with astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley aboard, separated from the Falcon 9 rocket’s second. SpaceX's John Insprucker said the latest update on weather from the 45th Space Wing is "red." That's the code for weather too severe to permit liftoff.
It's still possible things will clear up. UPDATE: SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Reschedules Launch for Saturday Morning from Kennedy Space Center By Space Coast Daily // Decem Launch window opens at 9 a.m. ET. The Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Resilience by the Crew-1 astronauts, was secured to its unpressurized trunk on Friday, Oct. 2, at the company’s processing facility on Cape Canaveral. After launch, Crew Dragon will perform a series of maneuvers culminating with rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station.
Update: LIFTOFF of Falcon 9 with SiriusXM's SXM-7 satellite at p.m. ET! The rocket successfully boosted the 15,pound spacecraft to orbit and Author: Emre Kelly. Space Force launch sends the XB space plane on a new mission. The second mission to orbit for the newest American military branch carries experiments for NASA and others.
ULA is the nation’s most experienced space launch company with more than consecutive launches and a % mission success rate. ULA brings the utmost precision, passion and purpose to one of the most technically complex, critical American needs: affordable, reliable access to space. Learn More. U.S. President Doanld Trump speaks after the successful launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the manned Crew Dragon spacecraft at the Kennedy Space Center on in.
NASA officials gave an update on the Falcon 9 launch that will send two astronauts to the International Space Station. “Bob and Doug are in great spirits.
They are ready to. The agency and space company are together hosting nearly 24 hours of coverage of the first portion of the mission, from about four hours before launch until the spacecraft Author: Michael Sheetz. Pandemic or no pandemic, thousands of spectators flocked to roadside viewing areas surrounding the launch site. Tickets to watch the liftoff from the newly reopened Kennedy Space.
Astronauts on board the Dragon successfully docked at the International Space Station Sunday morning, 19 hours after the successful NASA-SpaceX launch. At. Update October 2nd, PM ET: Just 2 seconds before liftoff, SpaceX stopped the launch of its Falcon 9 rocket, without giving a clear indication of Author: Loren Grush.
Space Launch Now is in no way affiliated with SpaceX, NASA, ULA, ISRO, ESA or any other launch provider. Meet Space Launch Now the best app for keeping track of the next spaceflight event! Get updates and notifications for rocket launches from SpaceX, NASA, ULA, /5(K).
The latest tweets from @SpaceXUpdates. PHOTO: NASA security helicopter flies past launch complex 39A and the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Crew Dragon vehicle on launch day at the Kennedy Space. The latest tweets from @spacex. Recorded : Watch history unfold on Wednesday, May 27, as NASA and SpaceX launch astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the International. People in Titusville at Space View park came out to watch the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch with four astronauts from Kennedy Space Center on Nov.
15, (Image: Troy Campbell/WKMG) (WKMG. NASA and SpaceX will attempt to launch two astronauts into space from Cape Canaveral Wednesday afternoon, if the weather permits. As of 9 a.m., there remains a 60% chance of favorable weather. Launch Date. Webb will launch in Launch Vehicle. The James Webb Space Telescope will be launched on an Ariane 5 rocket.
The launch vehicle is part of the European contribution to the mission. The Ariane 5 is one of the world's most reliable launch vehicles capable of delivering Webb to its destination in space.
Launch of NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for p.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A.” NASA administrator calls launch. Launch date September 2, Payload(s) plus satellites Launch vehicle Vega Launch site Spaceport, French Guiana (Guiana Space Center) Customer(s) 21 different customers Prime contractor(s) Almost 20 manufacturers Orbit Sun-synchronous orbit Status Success.


Note: Hardware not included and must be supplied by the customer.
The CPS GlideLine™ Parachute Navigation System enhances mission success by providing pinpoint guidance and situational awareness to parachutists conducting HALO/HAHO operations, allowing them to land at a precise geographical point under a wide variety of meteorological conditions and at any time of day or night. CPS GlideLine™, includes a mission planning module that uses weather data and equipment parameters to calculate flight envelopes. After the jumper exits the aircraft, the navigation software provides a continuously-updated, graphical display of location relative to one or more targets, and provides heading, altitude, descent rate, and course-correction cues during flight. Post-jump analysis and playback is also provided and incorporates both public resources such as GoogleEarth and military-specific resources such as FalconView.
The CPS GlideLine™ system contains stand-alone mission planning software which interfaces directly with the Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS) for current wind forecasts and/or complete mission plans. Alternately the Mission Planner obtains winds aloft forecasts from NOAA, drop sonde or FAA sources, and has the ability to display map, satellite, and terrain data for planned missions using publicly-available sources and FalconView.
To activate or download CPS GlideLine or CPS JumpCalc, please click this link.
- Enables all-weather HALO/HAHO parachutist navigation
- Facilitates clandestine insertion from distances in excess of 20 miles and from altitudes greater than 25,000 feet
- Collision avoidance with other parachutists and cargo
- Delivers real-time situational awareness during descent
- Optimal glide paths to DIP and alternates
- Intuitive display of flight parameters
- Versatile, ergonomic mounting and stowing
- Stand-alone Mission Planner or integration with JPADS for up-to-date wind profile data
- Obtains wind forecasts from multiple sources
- Wireless transfer of mission plan to multiple jumpers
- Displays position, distance, time to jump point
- Interactive map display of mission parameters
- Post-mission analysis for training and debriefing
- 3D visualization of trajectory
- Display in FalconView or GoogleEarth
- Compatible with:
- Helmet mounted displays
- Night vision goggles
- Variety of gear loadout configurations
- Wireless connectivity between CPS GlideLine™ system, navigation and wind forecast tools
- Runs on Android compatible devices
- For more information or to purchase Glideline, please email email@example.com.