22 Fun Facts About Space | Beyond the Stars
It is possible to see the International Space Station from your backyard.
Outer Space is only 62 miles away, according to the Kármán line.
Shooting stars are space debris that burns up when they enter Earth’s atmosphere.
Voyager 1 and 2 have been operating in space for more than 40 years.
Galaxies in space are either elliptical, spiral, or irregular.
Space’s expansion rate is known as the Hubble constant.
Neutron stars can spin 600 times per second in space.
More than 600 people have been in space.
Astronauts wear orange spacesuits during takeoff or re-entry for visibility.
In space, a volcano can spew water, methane, or ammonia.
Outer space is frigid, with a temperature of around -454.75 °F (-270.42 °C).
“Space Oddity” by David Bowie was the first music video ever filmed in space.
Sending one pound of payload into space costs around $10,000.
Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin are private companies working to make space tourism a reality.
The first human-made object to reach space was the Soviet satellite Sputnik 1.
Table of Contents
1. Space is a three-dimensional continuum containing positions and directions.
Space is an endless, three-dimensional playground where all the events and objects in the universe find their place and direction. It’s more than just up, down, or sideways; it’s everywhere, and when you add time to the mix, it becomes spacetime.
This vast stage is where every space fact comes to life, showing us where things are and how they move in this grand expanse.
2. A full NASA space suit costs $12,000,000.
A full NASA spacesuit costs an astonishing $12,000,000. Tested in North Dakota’s badlands, the suit weighs 47 pounds without its life support backpack. Surprisingly, the gloves are the most expensive part.
Designing these suits is complex; they’re essentially personal spacecraft, equipped with advanced life support and safety systems, justifying their hefty price tag.
3. After the Big Bang, space was dense, hot plasma, rapidly expanding.
Right after the Big Bang, space was a seething cauldron of hot, dense plasma, expanding swiftly. In this early chaos, temperatures were so extreme that not even atoms or their nuclei could stay intact, creating a soup of quarks and gluons.
From a tiny, infinitely dense point, space itself stretched outward faster than light, cooling down to form the vast universe we explore today, about 13.7 billion years ago.
4. Hubble Space Telescope can see back in time to 13.4 billion years ago.
Launched in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has revolutionized our view of the universe, capturing stunning images of distant galaxies and nebulae. Its powerful lens allows us to look back in time to about 13.4 billion years ago, just after the Big Bang.
Hubble’s contributions to science are immense, with over 15,000 published papers and 738,000 citations, making it an invaluable tool for astronomers.
5. Nobody knows how many stars are there in space.
Estimating the universe’s vastness, astronomers suggest there might be around 200 billion trillion stars, making space a realm of endless wonder. This number comes from multiplying the Milky Way’s stars by the galaxies we know exist.
Yet, despite these deep space facts, the true star count remains a mystery, showcasing the universe’s incomprehensible scale and beauty.
6. Space-time began with the Big Bang, as per the theory of general relativity.
Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity, formulated in 1916, revolutionized our understanding of space and the universe’s origins. It suggests that space-time, the fabric of the cosmos, began with the Big Bang.
This theory, with its elegant mathematical framework, explains how matter influences space-time’s curvature, leading to the conclusion that the universe is not static but expanding.
7. Why can’t sound travel in space?
Space is silent because it’s a vacuum with no air for sound to travel through. While you can’t hear anything in the emptiness of space, astronauts can still talk to each other using radios.
This is because radio waves, unlike sound, don’t need air to move, allowing communication across the vast, quiet expanse of space.
8. Space has a water cloud with 140 trillion times Earth’s ocean water.
One of the creepy facts about space is the existence of a colossal water vapor cloud, floating 12 billion light-years away, surrounding a quasar.
This cloud holds 140 trillion times the mass of all Earth’s oceans combined, making it the universe’s largest known water reservoir. Astonishingly, it weighs more than 40 billion times the weight of Earth.
9. The International Space Station circles Earth every 92 minutes.
The International Space Station (ISS) orbits Earth every 92 minutes at a speed of 17,150 miles per hour, allowing its crew to experience 16 sunrises and sunsets each day.
Home to an international crew of seven, the ISS completes 16 orbits of Earth in 24 hours, providing a unique perspective on the planet and the cosmos beyond.
10. The first woman in space was a Russian called Valentina Tereshkova.
Valentina Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut, made history as the first woman in space on 16 June 1963, launching from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. During her solo mission on Vostok 6, she orbited Earth 48 times and spent nearly three days in space.
Known by her radio nickname “Chaika,” meaning seagull, Tereshkova paved the way for women in space exploration.
11. What was the first soft drink in space?
Another lesser-known space fact is Coca-Cola holds the title of the first commercial soft drink consumed in space. This milestone occurred in 1985 when astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger used a specially designed Coca-Cola Space Can.
Following this, the Space Shuttle Discovery featured the first-ever ‘Space Dispenser,’ further cementing Coca-Cola’s place in space exploration history during a memorable moment on NASA’s STS-63 mission.
12. In 4 billion years, the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies will collide in space.
In about 4 billion years, the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies are set to collide, an event-driven by gravity’s pull. This cosmic encounter, taking hundreds of millions of years to complete, will likely move our sun to a new region of the galaxy.
However, scientists say that Earth and our solar system are expected to remain safe throughout this monumental galactic merger.
13. The largest known asteroid in space is 965 km (600 mi) wide.
Ceres, the largest known asteroid with a diameter of 965 kilometers (600 miles), orbits the sun in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Discovered by G. Piazzi on January 1, 1801, Ceres makes up over one-third of the total mass of all asteroids, roughly one-quarter the size of the Moon, highlighting its significance in our solar system’s asteroid population.
14. The boundary of the solar system is known as the Oort cloud.
The Oort Cloud, a vast spherical shell surrounding our solar system, marks its boundary. This immense region, filled with icy debris ranging from mountain-sized objects to larger ones, potentially holds billions or trillions of celestial bodies.
Beyond it lies interstellar space, a realm within our galaxy not occupied by stars or planets but filled with cosmic rays, gas, and dust.
15. There is a planet made entirely of diamonds in space, called 55 Cancri e.
55 Cancri e, discovered in 2004 and located 40 light-years away in the Cancer constellation, is a diamond planet worth 26.9 nonillion dollars. Orbiting its star every 18 hours, it’s tidally locked, with one side always facing the star and the other in darkness.
Despite its molten surface making it uninhabitable, it presents a fascinating aspect of cosmic discoveries.
16. The International Space Station (ISS) is about as wide as a soccer field.
The International Space Station (ISS), with its completion, spans approximately 109 meters by 74 meters, making it slightly larger than a soccer field. Weighing around 420,000 kilograms, equivalent to over 330 cars, its size is comparable to an American football field including the end zones.
This massive structure orbits Earth, serving as a hub for international space exploration and research.
17. Space contains a cosmic neutrino background.
Another interesting fact about space is the existence of the cosmic neutrino background, a sea of low-energy neutrinos that fills the universe. These relic neutrinos, remnants from one second after the Big Bang, now drift through space at a chilly 1.95 K.
With an astonishing density of 336 neutrinos per cm³, they rarely interact with matter, making them elusive cosmic messengers.
18. Do astronauts get taller in space?
Astronauts experience a height increase of up to 3% in microgravity, as observed by NASA. This phenomenon is due to the body’s adaptation to the weightless environment of space.
The change typically happens within the first few days of reaching space, meaning a 6-foot-tall individual could gain up to 2 inches in height during their stay in orbit.
19. If two same types of metal touch in space, they will permanently bond.
One of the mind-blowing facts about space is the phenomenon of cold welding, where two pieces of the same type of metal will permanently bond if they touch in the vacuum of space.
This happens because, without air or moisture, the metal atoms share electrons and fuse, assuming their surfaces are clean and free of oxides or impurities.
20. Massive stars end their lives through supernova explosions in space.
This process not only disperses new atomic nuclei but also forms a glowing remnant. Stars between nine and 50 solar masses may end this way, while larger stars might collapse directly into black holes
21. A rose was brought to space in 1998 to see if it would yield new scents.
In 1998, the ‘Overnight Scentsation’ rose was sent to space aboard the shuttle Discovery, leading to an intriguing discovery. In low gravity, it produced a new, more floral scent, different from its Earth-grown counterpart.
This scent was later used in Shiseido’s Zen perfume and Unilever’s Impulse body spray, showcasing how space can alter a flower’s fragrance.
22. Space between galaxies is still expanding due to the Big Bang.
The space between galaxies is continuously expanding, a momentum originating from the Big Bang, further accelerated by dark energy. While galaxies, stars, and planets remain unchanged in size, the expanding universe carries galaxies apart.
This expansion means we observe galaxies moving away from us in every direction, illustrating the universe’s constant, accelerating growth.
Can you see stars in space?
In space, without Earth’s atmosphere to obstruct the view, stars can be seen clearly. The absence of atmospheric scattering allows stars to shine more brightly, offering a spectacular view of the cosmos with countless stars visible.
Can time exist without space?
Time cannot exist without space, according to our current understanding of physics. Both are fundamentally linked in the fabric of the universe, known as spacetime, where space provides the context for events to occur in time.
Why space is dark?
Space is dark because it is mostly empty, lacking surfaces to reflect light. Light travels through space until it hits an object or is absorbed. Without enough nearby light sources, vast areas of space appear dark.
What is the International Space Station?
The International Space Station (ISS) is a habitable artificial satellite that orbits Earth. It serves as a space environment research laboratory where scientific research is conducted in astrobiology, astronomy, meteorology, physics, and other fields by international crews.
What is space-time curvature?
Space-time curvature is a fundamental idea in Einstein’s theory of general relativity, explaining how gravity is not a force between masses but rather the effect of masses curving space-time, which objects then move through, leading to what we observe as gravitational attraction.


10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… blastoff!
December 2018 saw the inaugural expedition of a group of BGS and SMS student to the USA for a STEM immersion. 10 students ranging in age from 16 to 18 had the opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Centre in Orlando, USA.
Here they experienced working on a space ship under the influence of zero gravity, they problem solved emergency procedures using coding on Mars and the conducted actual research on which plants are the most effective to grow on Mars for future colonisation expeditions.
We saw an actual Saturn rocket and were amazed at the actual size and we touched real moon rock! We toured the launch sites including that for the SpaceX rockets and sadly, just missed out on seeing a live launch – the launch was delayed due to the contamination of the food for the mice experiments. We met astronaut Anna Fisher who said she would be happy to come to Melbourne if we invited her!
Following Orlando Florida we went to San Francisco to investigate the engineering of the Golden Gate Bridge and Explore the USS Hornett. This was the ship that was used to recover the Apollo 11 astronauts when they landed after first standing on the moon in 1969.
Finally, a visit to LA for an immersion in physics at the Knott’s Berry Farm rollercoaster park – and priority riding of the roller coasters! We couldn’t go to LA without a visit to Disneyland and Universal Studios – think Space Mountain and Harry Potter World!
The only criticism of the trip was….. it was too short!
Mrs Helen McDonald
Director of Academic Growth


MET is pleased to announce its appointment as design consultants for the upcoming exhibition to mark the Centenary of the RAF in 2018 at the RAF Museum in Colindale.
We will specifically be working on the exhibition which tells the story of the First 100 Years of the RAF. Working with the Museum’s exhibition development team, MET will work with the RAF on the narrative, providing 3D and 2D graphic design services as well as advising on the interactive exhibit development and visitor experiences being created for this exciting new introductory gallery, opening in 2018.
“We are very excited to play a key part in the centenary celebrations of the RAF Museum” said MET Studio’s Creative Director, Peter Karn. “There is a great opportunity to tell a wealth of inspiring personal stories from RAF history – from the pilots to the crew to the families involved, as well as showcasing it’s impressive collection.”
Read more on the following article https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/1-7-february-2016/raf-museum-makes-23-million-design-investment/


Inside the probe will be a single instrument weighing only two pounds. There is no camera on board to take images as the probe falls through the clouds of Venus—there simply isn’t the radio power or time for it to beam much back to Earth. “We have to be very, very frugal with the data that we’re sending back,” says Beck.
It is not images scientists are after, however, but a close-up inspection of Venus’s clouds. That will be provided by an autofluorescing nephelometer, a device that will flash an ultraviolet laser on droplets in Venus’s atmosphere to determine the composition of molecules inside them. As the probe descends, the laser will shine outwards through a small window. It will excite complex molecules—potentially including organic compounds—in the droplets, causing them to fluoresce.
“We’re going to look for organic particles inside the cloud droplets,” Seager says. Such a discovery wouldn’t be proof of life—organic molecules can be created in ways that have nothing to do with biological processes. But if they were found, it would be a step “toward us considering Venus as a potentially habitable environment,” says Seager.
Only direct measurements in the atmosphere can look for the types of life we think could still exist on Venus. Orbiting spacecraft can tell us a great deal about the planet’s broad characteristics, but to really understand it we must send probes to study it up close. The attempt by Rocket Lab and MIT is the first with such a clear focus on life, although the Soviet Union and the US sent probes to Venus in the 20th century.
The mission will not look for phosphine itself because an instrument capable of doing so would not fit in the probe, Seager says. But that could be a job for NASA’s DAVINCI+ mission, set to launch in 2029.
The Rocket Lab–MIT mission will be short. As the probe falls, it will have just five minutes in the clouds of Venus to perform its experiment, radioing its data back to Earth as it plummets towards the surface. Additional data could be taken below the clouds, if the probe survives. An hour after entering the atmosphere of Venus, the probe will hit the ground. Communications will probably be lost some time before that.
Jane Greaves, who led the initial study of phosphine on Venus, says she is looking forward to the mission. “I’m very excited about it,” she says, adding that it has a “great chance” at detecting organic materials, which “might mean life is there.”
Seager hopes this is just the start. Her team is planning future missions to Venus that will be able to follow up on results from this tentative glimpse into the atmosphere. One idea is to place balloons in the clouds, like the Soviet Vega balloons in the 1980s, which could carry out longer investigations.


Moya Aero and Helisul Aviation have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to purchase 50 Moya eVTOL.
São José dos Campos, April 25, 2023
Moya Aero eVTOL maker, and Helisul Aviation, have announced a strategic partnership to develop logistical operations with high-capacity RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft). At the opportunity, they signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to purchase 50 Moya eVTOL.
The Moya eVTOL is an autonomous cargo drone, all-electric, with a payload capacity of 200 kg and a range of 110 kilometers. Being electric allows the cargo drone to operate with zero emissions. In addition, Moya's design brings efficiency gains. Helisul Drones, the group's remotely piloted aircraft division, will perform these 50 eVTOLs.
Helisul is an aviation company that has been operating in Brazil for half a century and today has one of the largest helicopter fleets in Latin America, with over 50 aircraft. Helisul Drones operates in highly specialized operations segments, which require sophisticated equipment and highly qualified personnel.
"We believe the Moya eVTOL will revolutionize freight transportation with greater agility and productivity. Moya's high load capacity and flight range are perfect for this type of mission. Not to mention that it is a clean flight, with zero carbon emissions," said Humberto Biesuz, Helisul's Executive Superintendent.
"We designed the Moya eVTOL to meet a wide spectrum of logistics and agriculture uses. We aim to offer efficient cargo transportation with better economics and sustainable operation. It is the first vehicle developed in Latin America and a new means of logistics transportation," said Alexandre Zaramela, CEO of Moya Aero.
Moya's prototype will fly by the end of 2023. The first Moya eVTOL is expected to enter into service by the end of 2025.
"The Moya eVTOL perfectly complements our drone fleet strategy, operating at a unique payload and range level. In addition, we are development partners, collaborating from the operator's point of view," said Lucas Fontoura, Head of the UAS Division at Helisul Drones.
About Moya Aero
Moya Aero, founded in 2020 by Alexandre Zaramela and Renata Paolillo, is a spin-off of ACS Aviation, Brazil's leading aeronautical engineering, research, and aircraft development entity in the heart of Latin America's industrial corridor, São José dos Campos. This extraordinary experience is behind the Moya eVTOL, the first high-capacity, all-electric, and autonomous vehicle built in the Southern Hemisphere.
Our collective experience covers a broad spectrum of aerospace. We draw on that knowledge to capitalize on market opportunities with aerial vehicle concepts that address many age-old logistics problems, like reducing CO₂ emissions to ZERO, connecting remote regions with vital supplies, improving the efficiency, productivity, and cost of crop management, and connecting business with customers faster, cheaper, and simpler.
Our ideas are creative. Our products are transformative.
Visit our gallery to download the image for this article.
Suggested image: Press Moya Helisul
Press inquiries or questions?


NEW SHOW: CELEBRATING CANADA’S FIRST SPACE COMMANDER
To commemorate astronaut Chris Hadfield’s mission to become the first Canadian to serve as commander of the International Space Station (and only the second non American/Russian to do so), The Peterborough Planetarium is now offering a special interactive presentation* on the latest Canadian aerospace science & technology featured on Chris’ mission.
The show: From mission launch in December 2012 until Chris lands back on Earth in
***Groups who book our standard “Tour of the Universe” presentation will have the chance to experience a mini version of this presentation, based on Peterborough Planetarium co-presenter Peter McMahon’s experiences working as a contract writer for the Canadian Space Agency leading up to the mission.***May of 2013, we will offer the chance to ‘virtually’ launch to the ISS, dock with the station in orbit (while travelling at 28,000 km/h!), operate the station’s Canadian-made robot arm and float around in a full-scale representation of the interior and exterior of this cosmic laboratory.
For more on booking “Celebrating Canada’s first space commander”, our signature show, “Tour of the Universe“, or any other presentations, call or email: firstname.lastname@example.org / (905) 885-9471
- More on our presentations
- More on our presenters
- In the media (explore the stars under the dome in our latest TV appearance)
- More details on Canadian experiments on the ISS in this magazine article written by Peter McMahon
- FAQ page
(*This show is based on Rick and Peters’ extensive knowledge of the International Space Station and Peter’s work as a Canadian Space Agency contract writer before and during Chris’ mission. However, please note, this presentation is not affiliated with or officially endorsed by the Canadian Space Agency)


A NATO F-16 fighter jet tried to approach the Russian defense minister’s plane above the Baltic Sea.
A NATO F-16 fighter jet approached the Russian defense minister’s plane above the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea.
The move appears to be in response to yesterday’s Russian fighter allegedly flying within 5 feet of a US reconnaissance plane traveling over the Baltic Sea.
The NATO plane was scared off by a Russian Su-27 escorting the minister’s aircraft.
The Russian plane was en route to the city of Kaliningrad, where Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu is scheduled to discuss security issues with defense officials.
Russia’s Sukhoi Su-27 fighter escorting Shoigu’s plane displayed its weapons, prompting the F-16 to swiftly retreat.
- While one NATO aircraft tried to approach the Russian airplane, a Russian Su-27 fighter jet got in its way and tilted its wings, apparently showing its arms. The F-16 then flew away.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that he has no information about the incident.
“It’s probably better to ask the Defense Ministry,” Peskov said in answer to journalists’ questions.
On Monday a US RC-135 spy plane flying toward the Russian border made a “provocative turn” toward a Baltic Fleet Su-27, which had been scrambled for an interception mission.
The encounters of Russian and US warplanes over the Baltic Sea waters have apparently become more frequent lately. A Russian fighter jet intercepted a small group of US warplanes, including Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military refueling aircraft, two B-1 bombers and one B-52, during the BALTOPS (Baltic Operations) annual training exercise on June 10.


Effective immediately, all U.S. operated Boeing 737-MAX aircraft will be grounded by order of the President. The emergency order follows in line with many other worldwide restrictions and comes shortly after Canada also issued a suspension of all 737-MAX aircraft from operating in its controlled airspace.
In the announcement, President Trump added that “Pilots have been notified, airlines have been all notified. Airlines are agreeing with this.
Boeing 737 MAX Operations in America
Three US-based carriers operate variations of the 737-MAX model aircraft, Southwest, American, and United Airlines. Below is the following breakdown of fleet size and service by each airline:
There is no current timeframe on how long the grounding will remain in effect as the FAA and other governments wait for further information regarding the fatal accident of Flight 302 in Ethiopia.


How Small and How Old?
In “E is for Experimental” I explained how it came to be that my husband, Jeff, is building an airplane (yes, folks – BUILDING an airplane!). I was asked what “experimental” means as it relates to airplanes. Perhaps the Canadian moniker for this category of aircraft, “amateur-built”, describes it better. Simply put, it is an airplane that is not built in a certified factory (such as a Cessna is), but rather it is built by a person. Rest assured that it is inspected by Transport Canada to meet quality standards; however, when you fly in such an airplane, you need to trust the skills of the person who built it. I was discussing this with someone who said to me “I wouldn’t fly in an airplane that my husband built” and I replied “Neither would I, but I would fly in one that my husband built”.
This is the story of how we came to be owners of a certified airplane, a Cessna 172.
Just around the time that Jeff started building the first wing of his homebuilt, about 7 years ago, he mentioned that he was going to attend a seminar on aviation insurance. Did I want to come along? No, thank you. I didn’t have the time nor the interest. Plus, I thought that looking into insurance was a bit premature, as I knew that it would be several years before he would be flying the airplane. I was a little suspicious, so as he was leaving the house to go to the seminar, I said to him “Don’t you dare buy an airplane”.
A few nights later, we were having dinner at a nice restaurant…with wine…and Jeff announced that he had met a broker at the seminar who told him about an airplane that was for sale. And he wanted to buy it.
I froze with a forkful of chicken half way to my mouth. Fortunately, he made this announcement before I put the chicken in my mouth. I gaped. I stared. He went on. It would be at least few years before he would be flying his homebuilt (a.k.a ‘experimental’) airplane, and it would be nice to have something to fly in the meantime. The airplane that was for sale was in good shape and had over 600 hours left on the engine before it would have to be overhauled (a major expense, apparently). If we flew it for 100 hours a year and sold it in three or four years when the homebuilt was finished, there would still be time left on the engine before overhaul. Sidebar – three or four years…LOL. Seven years later, one of the wings is almost finished.
I had a simpler idea – rent an airplane.
Well apparently he had done the math and explained that if we flew 100 hours or more, per year, it was actually cheaper to own an airplane than to rent one. “Besides”, he said, “When you go for long trips, it’s not practical to rent an airplane”. Long trips, I thought to myself? I was trying to mentally translate hours of flying into number of trips, destinations, distances, cost, etc. It was too many variables for me to get my head around, so I gave up. And, this was starting to sound very expensive.
“We can’t afford to buy an airplane” I said. Jeff went on to explain that we actually COULD afford this particular airplane, as it was a small, old airplane.
“How small, and how old?” was what I wanted to know.


Space exploration has always been a field that requires the most advanced technologies. Currently, in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), we have unimaginable opportunities to improve the efficiency of space research and understand the universe.
AI in Space Navigation and Operations
One of the key applications of AI in space exploration is navigation. For example, AI can assist in the control of space probes, managing their trajectories and avoiding collisions with other objects. Such autonomous navigation systems are crucial, especially in missions far beyond Earth, where communication delays can be several minutes.
Similarly, AI can contribute to the improvement of operations on space stations. It can automatically monitor and regulate various systems, such as maintaining the appropriate temperature, oxygen levels, or managing energy resources.
AI in Space Data Analysis
Space exploration generates vast amounts of data that are extremely challenging to analyze manually. AI, with its ability to process massive amounts of data, is the perfect tool for this task. It can help identify interesting phenomena in the data, as well as detect anomalies that may indicate new discoveries.
For example, AI is used in the analysis of telescope data, assisting scientists in identifying distant galaxies, black holes, or planets beyond our Solar System. With AI, we can understand this data faster and more efficiently, accelerating the pace of discoveries in astronomy.
AI in Mars Exploration
Artificial intelligence is also a key element in ongoing research missions to Mars. For example, Mars rovers, such as Perseverance, utilize AI for navigation in challenging terrain, conducting scientific investigations, and even selecting targets for study without direct commands from Earth.
This is particularly important on Mars, where communication delays with Earth can be up to 24 minutes. AI enables rovers to act autonomously, significantly increasing their efficiency and allowing for better utilization of mission time.
The development of artificial intelligence opens new horizons in the study of space. From facilitating navigation and operations to accelerating data analysis and enabling autonomous missions to other planets, AI is an extremely important tool in further space exploration. The more we learn about the universe, the more we realize the importance of utilizing all available tools, including artificial intelligence, to understand its profound mysteries.


The freight industry is constantly changing and recent developments in “delivery by drone” technology continue to add to those changes. Drones – or “unmanned aerial vehicles” or “unmanned aircraft systems” – have come a long way from their early military and surveillance applications. These GPS-loaded devices come in all sizes and are used for all sorts of purposes, from news coverage to security patrols. Drones have even been used in entertainment: dozens of drones with different color lights dazzled viewers during Lady Gaga’s concert at the 51st Super Bowl in Houston.
These “flying robots” are expected to become increasingly common in the field of small package delivery. Under the guidance of remote “pilots” stationed back at a keyboard somewhere, drones have delivered medical supplies to remote areas, for instance. Some drones can get packages close to their targets autonomously and then a pilot will guide the delivery for the last 400 feet, for instance.
Recently, test drone flights with no pilot supervision have also been successful. With its sensors and highly advanced programming capability, a drone can locate a correct address, descend above a pre-determined drop zone, and then lower a package by rope onto a door step. It’s all accomplished with software-controlled “flight plans” and sophisticated equipment.
Huge corporations with deep resources are increasingly ready to launch their own entries in the drone delivery business to residential and commercial customers – and what seemed like science fiction is not far off into our future. What might this micro-delivery method mean for the trucking industry?
Delivery trucks that make door-to-door drop-offs for online retailers and businesses will be the primary sector affected by drone deliveries. With many retail packages weighing under five pounds, this will be an accessible goal. In some scenarios, drones could be loaded on trucks at the distribution center or warehouse and the truck driver could send them out and call them back to keep dropping off packages to expedite his route.
However, most truckers will feel little impact from the growth of drone deliveries. These lightweight air-borne innovations are a mere blip of the radar screen for long-distance freight haulers. There will likely always be a need for trucks carrying heavy loads across the country!
There will also always be a need for trucks to stay loaded and avoid empty backhauls or idle equipment. Many motor carriers turn to FreeFreightSearch.com to search for loads and post their trucks’ locations for freight brokers to see. As the world’s largest FREE freight-matching load board, FreeFreightSearch.com lets brokers and shippers post loads for motor carriers to cover. To register, please visit freefreightsearch.com and sign up today!


Kalpana Chawla was an Indian American astronaut who was a mission specialist in the space shuttle Columbia. She first flew on the Columbia in 1997 as a mission specialist and primarily roboticarm operator.
She was one of the 7 crew members killed in the Space shuttle Columbia disaster. Kalpana was the first Indian-born woman and the second Indian personality to fly in space. She first flew on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator.
Life of Kalpana Chawla
Kalpana Chawla was born on July 1, 1961, at Karnal in Haryana to Banarasi Lal Chawla and Sanjyothi. She enjoyed flying, hiking, backpacking and reading.
She completed her schooling at Tagore Public School in Karnal. She did her Bachelor of Engendering degree in Aeronautic Engineering at Chandigarh in 1982.
After getting a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, India, she moved to the United States in 1982 and obtained a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1984.
Chawla went on to earn a second Masters in 1986 and a PhD in aerospace engineering in 1988 from the University of Colorado Boulder.
In 1988, Chawla began working at NASA Ames Research Center, where she did computational fluid dynamics (CFD) research on vertical and/or short take-off and landing (V/STOL) concepts.
In 1993, she joined Overset Methods, Inc. as Vice President and Research Scientist specializing in the simulation of moving multiple body problems.
After becoming a USA citizen she applied for NASA and she joined the corps in March 1995 and was selected for her first flight in 1997.
Her first space mission began on 19 November 1997, as part of the six-astronaut crew that flew the Space Shuttle Columbia flight STS-87. Chawla was the first Indian woman to go into space.
She had traveled 10.67 million km, as many as 252 times around the Earth. Chawla was assigned to technical positions in the astronaut office to work on the space station. In 2001, Chawla was selected for her second flight as part of the crew.
She died on 1 February 2003, in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, along with the other six crew members, when the Columbia disintegrated over Texas during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, shortly before it was scheduled to conclude its 28th mission, STS-107.
Her remains were identified along with those of the rest of the crew members and were cremated and scattered at Zion National Park in Utah in accordance with her wishes.
Awards and Honours for Kalpana Chawla
Kalpana Chawla was awarded posthumously the Congressional Space Medal of Honour, the NASA Space Flight Medal and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.
Scholarships like The Kalpana Chawla ISU Scholarship and the Kalpana Chawla MemorialScholarship have been named after her.
The Kalpana Chawla Award was instituted by the government of Karnataka for young woman scientists. NASA has dedicated a super computer to Kalpana.
The Kalpana Chawla Planetarium in Kurukshetra is named after her. IIT, Kharagpur started the Kalpana Chawla space Technology Cell in her honour.
To Read More as well as to pay tribute Click Here.


Swiss Aerospace Cluster: General Assembly and Aerospace-Event in the production halls of BWB-Betschart AG
©Swiss Aerospace Cluster
This year, the General Assembly of the Swiss Aerospace Cluster (SAC) took place at the site of its longtime member company BWB-Betschart AG on 8 June 2018 in Stans-Oberdorf. The official part of the event was followed by numerous speeches about relevant topics in the field of aviation and aerospace.
After the formal part, Roland Hengartner (picture above) and Oliver Wunderlin, CEO of the hosting BWB-Group, welcomed also other aerospace-interested guests to the unofficial Aerospace-Event amid the production in the second floor.
All speeches of the event provided new insights which were vividly discussed by the participants at the subsequent Networking-Apéro and at the company tour of BWB-Betschart AG.
Find more about the Swiss Aerospace Cluster Event.
©Swiss Aerospace ClusterBack


In the mission Apollo 14, in the beginning of the descent on the moon, the astronauts could see a problem with the Abord Stage button, which is the button which allows to drop the ascent stage before returning to the command module, and which is only taken into account in the powered descent.
This problem would come from a spurious signal in the abort logic command interface.
The astronauts have warned Houston about this problem, which asked the MIT team, which developped the AGC, to find a solution for this problem.
A young developper would have sent a sequence telling the AGC to ignore this spurious signal, a sequence which was sent to the lunar module, and that Mitchell would have typed on the keyboard of the AGC.
The only problem is that the guidance program is entirely contained in the core rope memory, which is hard wired on earth, and that the astronauts could not modify.
So, it means that typing this sequence was useless, since it could not modify the hard wired guidance program.
In short, this problem with the abort stage button appears to be a good joke.
In fact, before making this video, I had not really looked into detail the procedure which had to be followed in the abort fix.
This time I have done it: I describe it in this link, and I show that it’s totally absurd, nonsensical.
I also talk about the famous 1202 alarm of Apollo 11.
The conclusion is that these absurd events are very obviously hints that the engineers are giving us to make us understand that these descents were not real.


In May 2022, DARPA announced a program to develop a brand new X-Plane. Called Liberty Lifter, the X-Plane is a massive cargo seaplane that leverages ground effect to fly long distances efficiently by skimming over the surface of the sea. DARPA is of course well known for having lots of crazy ideas, only some of which ever come to fruition. But excitingly, two major aerospace companies have now signed on with their own designs for Liberty Lifter, meaning that a new full-scale X-Plane may actually happen in the near future.
The concept behind Liberty Lifter is to create a sort of hybrid delivery system that combines the speed of airlift with the efficiency of sealift. While Liberty Lifter will be able to fly at altitude like a normal seaplane, cruising just tens of meters above the waves (where the pressure under the wings against the water’s surface adds lift) could boost the aircraft’s effective range by 50 percent. The name “Liberty Lifter” invokes the idea of Liberty ships, reflecting DARPA’s goal of an aircraft that’s relatively easy and cheap to put together.
“We are excited to kick off this program and looking forward to working closely with both performer teams as they mature their point-of-departure design concepts through Phase 1,” said DARPA Liberty Lifter Program Manager Christopher Kent. “The two teams have taken distinctly different design approaches that will enable us to explore a relatively large design space during Phase 1.”
There isn’t a lot of technical detail on the designs available yet, but the renderings are pretty cool:
Aurora Flight Sciences
Aurora’s design is a traditional-ish looking big seaplane, using eight turboprops and a high wing. General Atomics is looking at something a bit more adventurous:
This twin hull, low wing design with twelve turboshaft engines is more like DARPA’s original concepts, and is optimized for on-water stability and seakeeping. But neither of these concept images communicates much about the efficiency of the craft’s construction process, which will likely be a significant factor in DARPA’s decision about which design gets to move forward.
DARPA expects the conceptual work on these designs to take about six months, followed by nine months of design maturation and a preliminary design review. After that, three months spent on “manufacturing planning and test/demonstration planning reviews” will give the agency the info that it needs to transition one design into Phase 2 of the program, with the goal of building a full-scale Liberty Lifter X-plane starting in mid-2024.
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The aerospace industry is where precision, innovation, and reliability are non-negotiable. Whether we're talking about commercial aircraft, cutting-edge military jets, or the intricate systems that propel satellites into space, the design and engineering of aerospace technology demand nothing less than excellence. In this high-stakes arena, Electronic Design Automation (EDA) emerges as a silent but indispensable hero, driving advancements in avionics and satellite design.
Setting the Stage: Aerospace Challenges
Aerospace engineering is a demanding field. Safety, efficiency, and performance are paramount, and these demands extend to avionics systems (the electronic systems used in aircraft) and satellites. The intricacy of these systems requires precise design and rigorous testing, which is where EDA comes into play.
The Crucial Role of EDA in Avionics:
Safety-Critical Systems: Avionics systems are the brains behind aircraft, responsible for navigation, communication, and control. EDA tools enable the design and verification of safety-critical systems, ensuring they function flawlessly under all conditions.
Hardware Optimization: In aviation, every ounce matters. EDA tools help engineers optimize the hardware, making avionics systems lighter and more energy-efficient without compromising performance or safety.
Signal Integrity: Aerospace systems operate in challenging electromagnetic environments. EDA tools ensure signal integrity, minimizing interference and ensuring that crucial communications remain clear and reliable.
Complex PCB Design: Avionics systems rely on complex Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). EDA tools assist in designing these PCBs, optimizing component placement for compactness and reliability.
EDA in Satellite Design:
Space Environment Simulation: Satellites operate in the harsh environment of space, exposed to extreme temperatures and radiation. EDA tools assist in simulating these conditions during the design phase, ensuring satellite components can withstand the rigors of space.
Power Efficiency: Satellites often have limited power sources, such as solar panels. EDA tools aid in designing power-efficient systems, allowing satellites to maximize their mission life.
Miniaturization: Space is limited on a satellite, so miniaturization is key. EDA tools help design compact and lightweight satellite components while maintaining performance.
Signal Processing: Satellite communications are critical. EDA tools optimize signal processing systems, ensuring that data can be transmitted reliably across vast distances.
Collaboration and Innovation:
In aerospace engineering, collaboration is vital. EDA tools foster collaboration among multidisciplinary teams of engineers, allowing for the seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, and software components. This collaborative environment encourages innovation, resulting in breakthroughs in aerospace technology.
The Future of EDA in Aerospace:
As aerospace technology advances, the role of EDA will only grow. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into EDA tools promises to enhance system design, predictive maintenance, and fault tolerance, making aerospace systems even more resilient and efficient.
conclusion, Electronic Design Automation is the silent hero of aerospace
engineering, shaping the aviation and satellite technology that define our
modern world. It ensures safety, reliability, and efficiency in avionics and
satellite design, driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what's
possible in aerospace technology. As we look to the future, the partnership
between EDA and aerospace promises to take us to new heights, both literally
and figuratively, in the sector of aerospace engineering.
Stay tuned to our blog for more insights into the intersection of technology and innovation, and how EDA is driving change in diverse industries.


基于中等涵道比涡扇发动机结构及其气动稳定性特点,通过该类型某发动机高空压力畸变试验研究,获取了研究对象合理可行的高空压力畸变试验方案设计、畸变装置选取以及数据处理规范,结果表明：在飞行高度小于14 km范围内,飞行高度对稳态综合畸变指数有一定的影响,但影响不明显；有引气/功率分出136 kW条件下,飞行高度为11 km、飞行马赫数为0.8以及飞行高度为14 km、飞行马赫数为0.39时,该中等涵道比发动机最大巡航状态与最大爬升状态在进口综合畸变指数不大于12%时均能稳定工作。
Based on characterizations of the structure and aerodynamic stability, the experimental investigation on the inlet total pressure distortion of the middle-bypass ratio turbofan engine at high altitude was carried out. The detailed available distortion project designs, distortion installations selection, and data processing standard were introduced. The test results showed that within the range of flight height less than 14 km, the height affected the steady state comprehensive distortion index a little. When flight height was 11km, and flight Mach number was 0.8, under the comprehensive distortion index less greater than 12%, the middle-bypass ratio turbofan engine could work steadily at military cruising regime and military climbing regime with air bleeding, and power extractions was 136 kW, when the flight height was 14 km, and flight Mach number was 0.39.
彭生红,田金虎,刘冬根,田应维,邝文.中等涵道比涡扇发动机高空压力畸变试验[J].航空动力学报,2019,34(6):1273~1251. Experiment on inlet total pressure distortion of middle-bypass ratio turbofan engine at high altitude[J]. Journal Of Aerospace Power,2019,34(6):1273-1251.复制


1 post tagged Space Junk
There is so much junk in space that collisions could start to increase exponentially, leading to a continuously growing pile of rubble in orbit, a new report warns.
The independent report, released today (Sept. 1), surveyed NASA’s work to meet the threat of space debris. It was sponsored by NASA, and conducted by the National Research Council, a nonprofit science policy organization.
Space debris — an accumulation of broken satellites, spent rocket stages and other junk in orbit — is dangerous because it could hit and damage working satellites, as well as spacecraft like the International Space Station.


The following images are created by Steve Freeman (sfreeman421 for deviantart) and depict all the all the types of fighters that were/are in service with the United States Navy as well as the eight different demonstration aircraft that the United States Navy's flight demonstration squadron, the "Blue Angels", have flown from 1946 to present, and the Grumman's Navy Cats. Enjoy this great artwork!
|US Navy fighter planes (1915 - present). In high resolution here|
|Grumman's Navy Cats. In high resolution here.|
|US Navy Blue Angels. In high resolution here.|
|Drawing showing the different aircraft flown by the U.S. Navy "Blue Angels" aerobatics team (top to bottom):|


My role spotting-what an exciting but extremely important job. As we arrive at the destination I am looking all around, checking for any obvious hazards. It makes it easier if you know what is where, how far away, and how high everything is. Once I'm informed by the leading project Pilot of the take-off/landing area, my work begins. I put the landing pad down, with N-E-S-W in the correct position. There has to be a second landing pad for emergencies, normally set-up in the opposite corner of the site.
Preparing the drone - the technical bit. I have to make sure the equipment is in good working order. The drone shell is inspected for cracks and abnormalities, insuring all screws are secure is also part of the process. Batteries must be fully charged with no cell bulges or irregularities. The camera gimbal guard is removed, then I give the lens a thorough clean. The SD card - cannot forget that little but very important item! So the SD card is in, batteries are good, now for the blades. After no visible splits or chips, they are clipped on, checking they are locked into position and spinning freely.
I have to record the battery charge percentage and usage cycle, take-off/ landing times, and the total flight time, with my assistance the leading Pilot is free to focus on client requirements. Now the hard part, when the drone is in operation I assist the pilot in making sure the appropriate distances are kept in check. The well-known 50-meter rule is key here. An extra eye to watch out for people at ground point and birds in the sky is a real asset to the drone operator. Communication is key, it takes time to develop but soon becomes second nature.
Once all media is completed, the drone has landed and systems are shut-down, I provide the Pilot with my gathered flight information, which is then uploaded to our main database. I give a helping hand in packing all the equipment and a closures check-list is followed to ensure all items are together. Now all back into the carrier until our next job!
I would imagine that most people are not aware that the job of a spotter even exists, but it's actually a very important, exciting, skilled job, that I love!
I hope you enjoyed the read, want to learn more about the UAV world, check out our other posts :)


NASA made an addressal about their upcoming SpaceX Crew Dragon departure and splash down. Astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley addressed this in a news conference at 10:45 AM EDT Friday july 31 from the International Space Station.
Chris Cassidy, NASA astronaut and the present expedition 63 commander, will be joining for spaceX Demo 2 test flight crew for a 30 minutes news conference.
This conference will take place just two day before Hurley and Behnken are anticipated to return to earth.
The spaceship, Mars 2020, that carried new Rover Perceverance to the red planet is facing technical difficulties. On Thursday the agency reported that it was temporarily running on essential systems.
NASA said, “Data indicate that spacecraft has entered a state known as safe mode, likely because of a part of the spacecraft was little colder than expected while March 2020 was in earth’s shadow.
The temperature are now normal as the spaceship has left earth shadow NASA added, ” right now, the March 2020 mission is completing a full health assessment on the spacecraft and is working to return the spacecraft to a nominal configuration for its journey to mars.”
Matt Wallace, mission deputy project manager said, ” the spacecraft is happy there… the team is working through that telemetry… will know more in a bit.
Wallace’s explanation on the Two Issues:
Wallace has also provided a detailed update on the two issues during the launch operation.
” First, the proximity of spacecraft to earth immediately after launch was saturating the ground Station receivers of NASA’s deep space network. This is a known issue that we have encountered on other planetary missions including during the launch of NASA’s curiosity rover in 2011.”
Wallace talked about the team’s ‘prepared mitigation strategies’ including: detuning the receivers, pointing the antennas slightly off target and to bring the signal within an acceptable range.
“The second issue was a transient event involving temperature on the spacecraft. The mission uses a liquid freon loop to bring heat from the center of the spacecraft to radiators on the cruise stage, which have a view to space.”
He continued about the monitoring of the difference in temperature (warm inlet to radiators and the cooler outlet from the radiators).
The spacecraft entered the earth’s shadow. Due to the blockage of the sun by the earth, caused the outlet temperature to drop. This led the spacecraft to transition into ‘safe mode’. ” Safe mode is a stable and acceptable mode for the spacecraft. Triggering safe mode during this transitional phase is not problematic for Mars 2020.
Wallace has informed that the experts are looking into the matter. They are conducting the operations necessary to move “the spacecraft backout of safe mode and into normal cruise mode.”
This mission was launched on July 30 at 4:50 AM PTD (7:50 AM EDT). The spacecraft landed at Jezero Craters in mars on February 18, 2021 the mission took one mars year i.e. 867 earth days .


The fuzzy bit that’s all we’ve got. (April 2018) – By jeff Quigley Artist Emu Park
“The fuzzy bit that’s all we’ve got”. An acrylic on canvas 60cm x 50cm. The inspiration for this one comes from a comments made about the earths narrow atmosphere by a returning lunar astronaut. I believe it was the scientist, geologist, astronaut Harrison Schmitt that made the statement and who had made the flight on Apollo 17.
The fuzzy bit that’s all we’ve got was one of seven paintings I had in the Emu Park Art Gallerys June 2018 Exhibition. I was honoured to be the Featured Artist for the Exhibition.


50,000 pilots and over 50 years of service have to tell you something. The slide rule packing engineers from Northrop did something right. After the initial deployment of supersonic aircraft to the front lines of the USAF it became evident that a trainer was needed to develop pilot skills at high speeds. Northrop answered the call with the T-38 Talon, sister to the F-5 Tiger II fighter. While the aircraft was developed without a firm contract it was quickly snapped up by the USAF which ended up operating over 1100 of the sleek jets.
Compared to its contemporaries the T-38 is an elegant, slim design. It's razor sharp wings are only 25 ft from tip to tip. That is 13 ft narrower than the F-4. It was also weighed 23,000 lbs less at 7,200 lbs.
Powered by two 2000 lb thrust GE J85-5A after burning engines, the light weight trainer could reach Mach 1.3. Its speed and maneuverability allows beginning fighter jocks to get a taste of what flying the big jets is like.
The T-38 was quick enough and maneuverable enough that the Thunderbirds picked up the jet in the '70s during the fuel crunch. Really, while the trainer was a bit of a step down from the fire breathing, and smoking, F-4, it was more than a match in the tight turning category. The Talon also looked fairly snazzy in the T-Birds paint.
One of the notable, and public, uses of the T-38 has been as a trainer and transport for NASA astronauts. The plane is used to to keep the astronaut pilot's skills up, allows them to quickly travel around the country and, frankly, to look like astronauts.
Northrop had some very lofty dreams for the T-38. During the early 1960s it was pitched as an "aerospace" trainer for space plane pilots. They had big dreams in the '60s. This version of the T-38 would have had three rocket engines instead of jets and would have been able to reach an altitude of 280,000 ft and a speed of Mach 3.3. That is a heck of a jump from basic trainer. Tony Chong has a great write up of this program. Northrop also looked into making a vertical takeoff version of the aircraft.
The T-38 is still in service. The Air Force is very interested in keeping it in service for some time to come. It has been updated a number of times, has a rigorous structural program and is probably out flying right now training a new pilot.
NASA.gov, Fly-fighter-jet.com, Myhobbielinks.com, Warbirdalley.com, Lloyder.com, Wikipedia.org


Spaceflights around the moon will be soon available for space tourism lovers, according to Space Adventures.
Last May, Russia’s Energia Rocket and Space Corporation declared that special tourists will be able to travel in 2-week journey for $45-50 million, by Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
The president of RKK Energia Vitaly Lopota told Itar-Tass news agency:
“A trip to deep space is a trip for a distance of no more than 100 kilometers. Speaking about trips to the orbit, there have been a few tourists, but there are no many interested people, one seat to go to the ISS for about two weeks is about $45-50 million.”
A statement by Space Adventures posted online lately revealed some details about the expected tours, saying:
“Using flight-proven Russian space vehicles we will fly two private citizens and one professional cosmonaut on a free return trajectory around the far side of the moon. They will come to within 100km of the moon’s surface; the price of the spaceflight depends on the vehicle you choose, the timing and the exact mission profile.”
The firm expects to launch its first mission by 2018 and give the space tourists the chance to see the illuminated far side of the moon and Earth rising above its surface. The first step of this journey will start with a Soyuz spacecraft, then spending about 10 days in the International Space Station.
The next step is to launch a rocket with a lunar living module and a propulsion module, which will be meeting later with a Soyuz spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. This tour will last for 6 days.
During the time 2001–2009, Space Adventures offered 8 space flights for 7 space tourists to the International Space Station aboard a Soyuz spacecraft. The cost was $20–40 million for each tourist. Thus, we can kind of assume that since the demand hasn’t decreased: the price will very likely be within the same range.
About 4 other companies, such as Virgin Galactic and XCOR Aerospace, started to offer sales of orbital and suborbital flights, with different periods and creature comforts. Still, before we allow ourselves to be too distracted by fantasies of space, we should make sure to take care of matters on our own planet.
- Effect of spaceflight on the human body
- Russia will restore space tourism since 2012
- Fly me to the moon! Company offers lunar holidays (but it could cost you £100 million)


Alloy Bellows Delivers B-52 Components to DLA
Cleveland, OH: July 1, 2019. For immediate release
Alloy Bellows and Precision Welding has delivered welded metal bellows for the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress fuel system to the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).
The metal bellows were delivered ahead of schedule to DLA’s distribution center at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. The order marks the second time Alloy Bellows has produced this component. The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) oversaw the contracting process, including extensive quality testing of the components.
DLA provides supplies to the military services and supports their acquisition of weapons, fuel, repair parts, and other materials.
For more information, contact:
440.684.3000 ext. 159
Image caption: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Thomas Ireland keeps fuel flowing into a B-52 Stratofortress over Afghanistan during a close-air-support mission, Feb. 9, 2006. A KC-135 Stratotanker transfers fuel at about 16 gallons per second. The bomber is from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.
Image credit: U.S. Department of Defense


By Gennady MALYSHEV, Dr. Sc. (Technology), Moscow Aviation Institute
Research space vehicles weighing 1 ton and more are on their way out. Coming in their stead are smaller spacecraft with a payload of 50 to 400 kg. They are the trend-setters, so to speak. Now, what is the best way of launching them? We can put them in orbit by conventional methods with the use of heavy booster rockets like "Rokot", "Kosmos" and others. But does it pay? Economically and in efficiency?
Putting an artificial earth satellite into a pre-assigned orbit requires what we call the circular, or orbital velocity equal to 7.8 km/s. This means that the ground-launched carrier (booster) rocket should have a velocity of 9.5 km/s at the start, since the loss of the characteristic velocity in launching (due to gravitational, aerodynamic and thrust losses in the atmosphere) amounts to something like 1.7 km/s.
But there is a way out-air-launched hardware. A plane lifts a carrier rocket and payload to an altitude of 18 - 25 km. And off it goes! Now what do we gain by that? First, minor satellites and rocket planes can be orbited in all directions (azimuths) and in any latitudes. The launching mobility is increased, while the launching control can be effected from a carrier plane's console. The characteristic velocity losses at the start, say, at an altitude of 11 km will be down to 1.17 km/s; and should the "ceiling" be up to 21 km, the loss will be a mere 0.95 km/s, or nearly half of what we have in ground launchings. What you need is this: find an adequate plane and design a system "satellite (payload)/carrier rocket". To begin with, we chose the fighter plane MIG-31 S which has no analogs in the world. This machine can take a load to a distance of 1,500 km, which means it can carry out launchings at any latitude and in any azimuth. The aircraft can be employed as an air-borne launching complex for smaller space rockets with a payload of 100 - 200 kg at an arbitrary tilt. Besides, th ... Читать далее


International airport Vnukovo has the most convenient location from the other city aviation centers. It’s located 11 km away from MKAD and 27 km from Moscow center with an altitude of 205 m. Due to such an altitude aerodrome gained the II classification category according to ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). This location allows the airplanes to execute landing and taking off in low visibility conditions. The airport has one more advantage: for the flights performed to Moscow from west and south-west directions, flight time to Vnukovois 10—20 minshorter, than to other city airports.
Vnukovo has two crossing airstrips 3 000 m long and 3 060 m, 60 m wide, and the capacity is 45 take-off and landing operations per hour. The airfield platform allows for parking of 100 aircrafts of different categories. The total capacity of Vnukovo passenger terminals is 6 800 passengers per hour (about 7.5 mln. passengers per year). 7 mln passengers, who used Vn u kovo airport in 2008, checked in on November 1.
Airport Vnukovo — is a member of ACI Europe (International Airport Council). Wide-scale program of its further construction and reconstruction, deadlined up to 2015, is powered by Moscow government. Vnukovo is developing and has a good chance to be the largest Moscow aircenter and the leading transit center between Europe and Asia.
The airport operates about 100 thousand flights per year performed by over 140 air companies of Russia, the CIS, and the countries outside the former Soviet Union. (full list see on the official site of the airport, in the section For passengers/aircompanies). The routes performed by the Vnukovo airport include about 200 directions of regular and charter flights and over 450 business flight directions. Representatives of the aircompanies are located on the second floor of the airport, terminal D.
TRANSFER DISTANCE AIRPORT SCHEME OF VNUKOVO
RYAZAN - VNUKOVO AIRPORT
Call Center of Vnukovo Airport
+7 (495) 436-28-13


Gliding Induction Course (GIC)
The Gliding Induction Course aims to teach cadets how the basic flight controls of a glider work in a "hands on" environment reinforcing the Principles of Flight theory already received during training at the home unit.
GIC 1 − 20mins − How to change the pitch of the aircraft (up & down).
GIC 2 − 25mins − How to roll the aircraft (angle of bank).
GIC 3 − 30mins − How to Yaw the aircraft (left & right), and what happens when the aircraft stalls.
Gliding Scholarship (GS)
Having received a good foundation with flying during a Gliding Induction Course, students may progress to a Gliding Scholarship. Here, they will obtain further training in general handling, take-off, landing, stall recovery and prevention and how do deal with airborne emergencies. The final objective of a Gliding Scholarship course is to incorporate all elements of the training into flying a standard circuit pattern unassisted.
The Gliding Scholarship course provides 8 hours of flying to gain an understanding how to operate a motor glider. Completion of this course entitles cadets to wear the Blue Gliding Scholarship wings.
Those showing potential are given a further 2 hours training to enable them to fly the aircraft solo and gain their Silver Gliding Scholarship wings.
Advanced Glider Training (AGT)
Advanced Glider Training builds upon the skills developed during a student’s Gliding Scholarship course. During the course, students are taught advanced turning and advanced landing techniques. Completion of the course culminates in a further 5 solo circuits and entitles the cadet to wear the Gold AGT wings.
With further training, there is the opportunity to become a Graded Pilot on the aircraft entitling you to teach the GIC syllabus. This role is usually held by adult staff; however, cadets who join the squadron strength as Flight Staff Cadets can also achieve Graded Pilot status.
631 VGS actively encourages individuals to progress in their flying career and with even more training, staff can gain instructor status, enabling them to teach each of the courses listed above and contribute to the development of their peers.


Great for pilots of all skill levels, this bad boy features a coaxial rotor and a single rear rotor for precise movement and increased stability! An internal 3.7V rechargeable battery powers this great RC helicopter while the iPhone Head Phone Jack Transmitter is charged using the included USB charging cords. Get ready to grab the controls and take flight of the best flying GYRO helicopter around, the GYRO iFly Heli Metal 3.5CH Electric RTF RC Helicopter! iPhone not included.
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1 KW MAPPS Flight Path Warning Light Solar System - US Air Force Base, Kentucky
The product is in stock
Usually shipps in less than 24 hours
Commercial Solar System Installation Projects
1 KW Flight Path Warning System Solar Battery Powered MAPPS system
This 1,050 Watt MAPPS system was installed at the US Air Force airbase at
Fort Campbell, Kentucky. It is used to power a laser levelling guidance
system that assists the pilots in their landing. It is used primarily in
war zones where the pilots need to perform "hot landings" where their glide
path is very steep and this system alerts them if they are coming in "too
hot". Solar Electric Supply has deployed these systems and systems like this one to Africa for the United Nations
and in the Middle East for the US Military.
This system included a battery charger for emergency generator charging, and
an outdoor NEMA 3R insulated battery enclosure that is powder-coated white
A battery charger was added for charging
the batteries with a generator if needed.


Unmanned Aerial Data Systems
eBee Unmanned Aerial Data System
Integrated Informatics Inc. now offers a complete aerial data solution, from data capture to analysis and data management, using senseFly’s eBee unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This solution offers a significant cost-reduction related to mobilization and demobilization of fixed-wing and helicopter surveys. This system allows for flexibility with respect to spatial resolution and vertical accuracy that will result in more accurate analysis results.
At less than 0.7 kg, the eBee is one of the lightest drones on the market. Its flexible foam airframe and rear-mounted propeller are designed to ensure the safety of both the drone and the people on the ground.
- Altitude: Operating altitude is defined by desired resolution but typically between 90 and 200 m AGL
- Resolution: Spatial resolution of output imagery ranges between 3 cm and 10 cm. The lower you fly, the finer the resolution. 5 cm is suitable for most applications with an AGL altitude of ~160 m
- Accuracy: With appropriate ground control, we can achieve 5 cm for vertical and horizontal accuracy
- Flight time: Limited to a maximum of 45 mins. per flight based on battery life. Flying at 160 m AGL, can cover 200 ha in 40 mins
- Range: Limited to 3 km from launch point based on maintaining radio communication and/or adherence to Visual Flight Rules


Bespoke industrial aerospace manufacturing technologies.
Expert’s professional project managers seek to build strong and lasting relationships with all of our customers, which is especially important in the aerospace industry, where projects can have lengthy lead times. Expert is an established and reliable engineering company that provides the latest techniques in advanced manufacturing technologies.
Expert’s sizeable and modern factory floors provide suitable facilities for large aerospace assemblies. Our adaptable shop floors also allow us to offer Contract Manufacturing services for the aerospace industry.
With 40+ years of tooling experience, Expert has the knowledge and expertise to develop the most effective equipment for every requirement. Our scope of facilities provides the capacity for a wide spectrum of tooling assembly, from small jigs and fixtures to large tooling for aero structures. Previously, we have designed, assembled and inspected tooling for a range of aviation projects, from aircraft noses to aero engines.
Our expertise in materials handling is vast, we specialise in providing materials handling systems, including all aspects of conveyor systems and lifters. Expert Group is committed to developing high quality, robust systems that are effective, efficient and match the client’s specification. Expert have worked with a multitude of material types, shapes, sizes and weights, which puts us in a strong position for any projects requiring materials handling.
Expert offer extensive experience in special purpose machinery, robotics and control systems to assemble component parts, ranging in complexity. The key advantages of automation to the aerospace industry are quality, accuracy, utilizing a no faults forward assembly approach and in-line inspection process. Benefit from Expert’s abilities to develop the most appropriate solutions from concept to commissioning.


Blue Origin, billionaire Jeff Bezos’ rocket company, disclosed US$2 million as the current highest bid for a seat on its New Shepherd spacecraft after the startup closed the first phase of its auction, Reuters reports.
The second phase of the auction is underway and will last until June 10. The process will conclude in a final phase on June 12 with a live online auction. (www.blueorigin.com) The rocket company is targeting July 20 for its first suborbital sightseeing trip on its spacecraft, a landmark moment in a competition to usher in a new era of private commercial space travel.
The New Shepard rocket-and-capsule combo is designed to autonomously fly six passengers more than 62 miles (100 km) above Earth into suborbital space.


Bondtech is a full service company designing, engineering and manufacturing autoclave systems, with material handling, for technical industries such as infectious medical waste treatment, aerospace composites, glass lamination, rubber vulcanizing, wood treating, yarn setting and many other applications in industry and medical waste management.
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Neil Armstrong on the moon next to an American flag. Laika the dog sitting in a space capsule, shortly before becoming the first animal to orbit the Earth. Buzz Aldrin taking a selfie, our planet a blue curve behind him, in the first-ever self portrait produced in space.
These are just three of the 2,400 rare NASA photos now up for sale in an online auction hosted by the Christie's. The images capture "the golden age of space exploration," the auction house said in a press release.
The collection of original photographs spans a number of historic missions, from the Mercury and Gemini spaceflight programs to the Apollo moon missions. Some of the images are now iconic, like the "Blue Marble" picture taken by the crew of the Apollo 17 -- the first fully illuminated photo of Earth taken by a human in space.
Others, however, were not released by NASA at the time they were taken, and are new to the general public.
The most expensive item on offer is the only photo showing Armstrong on the Moon, taken by Aldrin during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. It's estimated to be worth between £30,000 and £50,000, according to the auction house.
Other high-value images include "Blue Marble," which is estimated to sell for up to £25,000, and a photo of the first "Earthrise" seen by humans in space, dated 1968 and worth up to £30,000.
The astronauts were instructed on how to take photos in space by NASA, alongside specialists from the likes of Kodak and National Geographic.
"Through their cameras, the astronauts-turned-artists were able to convey to mankind the beauty and profundity of their experience into space, forever changing the way we see ourselves and our place in the universe," said the release.
For decades, the unreleased photos were kept in the archives of the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas, and could only be accessed by accredited researchers. The items, assembled over the course of 15 years by private collector Victor Martin-Malburet, have been exhibited in museums around the world including the Grand Palais in Paris and the Kunsthaus in Zurich.
The online sale, named "Voyage To Another World: The Victor Martin-Malburet Photograph Collection," runs through November 19.


Emerging potential of quantum computing
From February 2022, Russia launched a “special military operation” by deploying military troops on Ukrainian territory. Beginning by shelling a few places in the east, north and south, the Russian army attacked Bakhmut in the Donbass region. The Russian army has extended its action to different places, including Mariupol. There are various horizons of war. From the point of view of Putin’s administration, he wants unity between Eastern Slavs (Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians) because they come from the same Rus Commonwealth, and they expect to be able to work together and share a common political understanding in the future. Moreover, the Putin administration claimed that the West (EU and US) was using Ukraine and Belarus as part of an “anti-Russian scheme”.
Back then, in 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and intervened in the Donbass using the “Commonwealth” and an identity similar to the people of Crimea. The conflict has influenced many sectors internationally, such as trade, the global agenda, currency, G20 meetings and the post-covid development process. However, we are missing something more important in the post-conflict aspect: outer space.
Russian in space activity
In the historical record, Russia was the main player in space activity; of Yuri Gagarin, the first cosmonaut to reach the galaxy, Russia’s capability in space cannot be underestimated. Thanks to Roscosmos, the Russian national entity in space, Russia has achieved many goals in space activity (even in Soviet times). Russia became the first country to send humans into space using spacecraft, the first country to send the world’s first satellite (Sputnik 1) and the first country to have a space station ( Salyut). In the modern era, Russia has become a superpower country with space weapons. Moscow shows interest in space weapons for military purposes. For example, Russia has the first fractional orbital bombardment (FOB) system as a nuclear delivery system. Russia also has advanced kinetic interception of satellites and can ground use and intercept satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). In addition, Russia has the most advanced capability in kinetic satellite jamming, GPS signal interference using mobile electronic warfare systems, Krona optical surveillance system for satellite detection and bodyguards satellites, which can protect other Russian satellites from threats in the galaxy.
Early on, Russia established the world’s first rudimentary station by linking the two Soyuz vehicles in 1969. After that, the United States developed its own space station called US Skylab. After 24 years and more than 30 completed missions, Russia plays an important role in the ISS. At the end of July 2022, Russia brought some important technologies to the ISS, namely: the full-configuration docking system, the Orlan MKS spacesuit and the robot Fedor, the first humanoid cosmonaut for security purposes. In the past, Russia has provided various modules, and the critical technology for the ISS was the Zvezda service module. The Zvezda is an old part of the Mir-2 space station in Soviet times and is still in use until now.
Impact on space activity
After the start of the war, EU member states banned Russia from all economic activity, followed by the United States. The crisis has taken us to the edge of a cliff. According to the EU Consilium, EU member states applied six-month embargo packages, covering; finance, energy, technology, dual-use goods, industry, transport and luxury goods. After various embargoes and currency limitations, Moscow responded to EU policies by cutting off oil distribution to EU countries. The Putin administration also demanded commercial payments with Russian currency. The conflict between two countries has turned into a multi-state conflict. Before diving too deeply into this problem, it is essential to know how the ISS works. The International Space Station or commonly known as ISS, was a multilateral cooperation between the countries of the world. The main purpose of the ISS was to explore potential resources in space. The ISS has 15 member states and develops various missions, such as the development of technology and the maintenance of service sectors such as telecommunications, banking, commerce and education.
The Putin administration knows Russian power. As we have already seen above, Russian space capabilities cannot be underestimated. Faced with embargoes launched by the West, Moscow has decided to leave the ISS in 2024, according to Yuri Borisov, head of state-controlled space company Roscosmos, and focus on building their space station. With all of Russia’s contributions to the ISS, this orbital outpost depends on Russian modules that have been around for a long time, like the Zvezda service module and a few Russian-owned modules. The next question mark over our heads is, what is the impact of Russia leaving the ISS? For example, Zvezda, Russia’s vital contribution, had a necessary task in the operation of the ISS. This module was central to providing accommodation as well as a resupply capability to the fledgling ISS. Additionally, the Zarya control module has the ability to maneuver and supply vendors during the initial phase of the station’s life and later became a storage vehicle for cargo and thruster. NEP, Science and Power platform, is also necessary. This module has a special beam and was to carry an array of solar panels, power generation concentrators, heaters and science payloads.
Future Space Rivalry
Due to the cost and limitations of technology, space should be administered through cooperation between countries. The transfer of knowledge and technologies is the key to a serene management of space. However, international players and important nations around the world are trapped in competition. Bring outer space into the world of anarchy. Every major government was militarizing outer space with high-tech weaponry. Today, China has established its own space outpost called Tiangong, supplying its satellites with “safety” weapons, testing their space weapon and creating a billion pieces of space junk. India has tested its FOBs and the jamming of attached satellites at various locations across the country, and the EU has launched a mega constellation project in the near future to boost telecommunications services and secure their assets in the ‘space. It can be assumed that after Russia leaves the ISS and builds its own space station, the space rivalry will become more complex and uncontrollable, especially as many private sectors and developing countries show their interest in space. .
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If you are having difficulty locating your drone lost thanks to a faulty RC connection or inclement weather conditions, then these 5 best drone trackers will help you get out of some serious trouble!
A drone lost out in the woods is nothing short of a nightmare come true for drone aficionados. Drones can get strayed owing to several reasons including loss of connectivity, interference from other Radio Frequency devices in the vicinity, or simply violent weather conditions. Regardless of the reasons, drone enthusiasts are going to find it tough if they end up losing their drone as they may have strenuous search and rescue operations to find their lost gadget. To help you out in the worst and most testing of times, we have scoured the internet and bring to you the 5 best drone trackers to have hit the shelves.
Some of the top drone manufacturers on the market produce drones equipped with drone trackers. There are some developers which incorporate the option that enables the drone to return to its home location safely. Having said that, if your drone has not come loaded with a tracking device, then you need not to fret over it! There are several trackers out there on the market that can be used either as dedicated tracking gizmos or as a general tracking machines as well.
To be precise, one should ensure that the tracker has been installed very near to the center of gravity of the drone to prevent the device from portraying undesirable behavior in the air. Furthermore, once you get your hands on a tracker, it is advisable to get some hands-on practice with the gadget sticking to your drone. Hey! You may as well go for a scavenger hunting spree with your loved ones! It can always be a nerve-wracking experience to see your expensive gizmo searing through the winds knowing that it can get lost in the blink of an eye.
Types of drone trackers
- GPS Drone Trackers: Such a tracker is connected to an array of satellites revolving around the earth as part of the global positioning system typically known as the GPS. This technology lets the drone enthusiasts look for their drone virtually anywhere on the face of the earth. However, it does come with a couple of restrictions. Firstly, it has to be ensured that the signal of the tracking device is not disrupted by solid structures or buildings. The trackers are not really effective indoors as best results are obtained outdoors. Secondly, a cellular plan has to be purchased separately for the tracking device as it does not have the ability to transmit its position to the mobile phone.
- RF Drone Trackers: RF drone trackers transmit radio waves that are received in return by detection paraphernalia. This tech is superior to the GPS one in the sense that one does not have to purchase a separate cellular plan to enable the device send its position. This ability makes this device suitable for far flung areas. Having said that, most of the RF drone trackers out in the market offer a tracking range of no more than 2 miles.
Another type of drone trackers
The past few years have seen the introduction of devices that instead of relying on GPS features, employ Bluetooth technology offering a 10 to 15-meter range. These devices bank on users of similar systems whose mobile phones locate the device’s position via the drone tracker’s Bluetooth transmission.
However, this technology is yet to gain traction amongst fans as crowd tracking has not become a hit. So, we have not enlisted any of such devices in our post.
1 – DroneScape FindtheDrone
Manufactured by DroneScape, these drone trackers are an excellent option for tracking lost drones. It comes with a vast array of features that are unique to the DroneScape FindtheDrone tracker. For instance, drone aficionados can access crucial data such as battery life and signal strength. The DroneScape FindtheDrone can be attached with a Velcro to the drone.
It is pertinent to mention here that the DroneScape FindtheDrone relies on the GSM network which enables the finder of the drone to contact the owner via the phone and speak to him. Hence, one needs to purchase a monthly cellular plan to keep this device functional. The location of the drone can be viewed in a smartphone app. In a similar manner, one may also define a geofence, which when crossed by the drone, initiates a series of alerts.
Weighing around 85 grams, the DroneScape FindtheDrone should not really hamper the drone’s flying abilities.
2 – Loc8tor Lite
The Loc8tor Lite drone tracker relies on RF technology. In essence, the signal transmitted by the tracking device is detected by a receiver which in turn identifies and shows the position of the drone with a blend of sounds and lights. The Loc8tor Lite is also being marketed by the manufacturer as a handy device to keep track of pets and keys. However, thanks to its small size, the Loc8tor Lite comes across as a great option for drones as well.
In contrast to other options enlisted here, no cellular plan is required to be purchased for the Loc8tor Lite. So, it is really a superb alternative for drone enthusiasts who are accustomed to flying their drone in far-flung areas where no GSM network is available. The drone trackers are quite cost-effective. However, it offers a range of just 122 meters. The detector that receives the signal transmitted by the tracker is just about the size of a credit card so it can be put in one’s pocket with ridiculous ease.
3 – Marco Polo Drone Tracking Field System
Here comes yet another prolific RF drone tracker: Marco Polo Drone Tracking Field System. Employing Doppler automatic direction-finding technology, this device comes with a handheld locator. Once the tracking mode has been triggered on the detector, the screen tends to direct the drone pilot with the help of arrows to the exact location of the device. Having said that, the handheld locator is quite large in size. However, the Marco Polo Drone Tracking Field System weighs only about 12 grams which is quite incredible.
The manufacturer has marketed this device to be operational within a radius of 02 miles of the locator. This is not a great range in comparison with other devices enlisted in this post. However, one of the great benefits of the Marco Polo Drone Tracking Field System is that one does not need to purchase a cellular plan separately. All in all, it is a great option for drone pilots who fly their gizmos in distant areas.
4 – Scout Universal GPS Tracker
Here is a device that employs a blend of GPS, GSM, Bluetooth, vibration sensing, and accelerometer technologies; thereby enabling drone pilots to retrieve data regarding speed, direction, and position tracking in real-time. It goes without saying that the Scout Universal GPS Tracker is not necessarily drone trackers. However, its meager weight of 24 grams renders it suitable to be used in combination with drones. The users can locate their drones via both iOS and Android-powered applications.
The Scout Universal GPS Tracker enables its users to sketch geofences in the application which issues requisite alerts once the drone crosses the geofences. The drone tracker also comes equipped with a vibration sensor that informs the pilot as soon as someone tries to move the drone. One of the drawbacks that come with the Scout Universal GPS Tracker is that it relies on the GSM network to work and hence its users will have to purchase a monthly cellular plan to use it effectively. It surely is one of the best drone trackers out there on the market.
5 – Trackimo Drone GPS Tracker
The Trackimo Drone GPS Tracker can be attached to any drone and lets the pilots monitor their gadgets via Android and iOS powered applications or the web. The tracking is functional at any place on the earth and works in real-time. Again, the Trackimo Drone GPS Tracker also relies on the GSM network and the pilot needs to purchase a monthly cellular plan to make it work.
The Trackimo Drone GPS Tracker comes with a universal drone attachment kit, batteries, and a SIM. It weighs only around 40 meters and hence does not affect the performance of the drone in the air. If you want to know more about these innovations, make sure to check out our website blogs. You can also check out the recommendations regarding a high-quality drone tracker.


Airborne Metals is a global distributor of high quality semi-finished products. They focus on the distribution of titanium alloys for the aerospace industry, and other industries where these alloys are used in life critical applications. The company works exclusively with partners who maintain relevant system certification.
|Industry:||services, materials, research and development|
Jonkheer Meester A.F. de Savornin Lohmanstraat 52, 4207 NV Gorinchem, Netherlands
+31 6 36 52 95 50


This fulldome planetarium show about asteroids explores how they can tell us more about the origins of our solar system, how they could provide stepping-stones for human space exploration, and how they can pose a potential danger to life on Earth. There is so much to learn about asteroids in this visually stunning fulldome planetarium show from National Geographic. If you want to see asteroids as if you just landed on one, this is the show for you! Plus, each screening will include a “Live” planetarium show about the NASA’s OSIRIS-REX mission to return a sample from an asteroid! The University of Arizona is leading the first NASA mission that will fly to an asteroid and return to Earth with a pristine sample.
Show Times (January January 9th - May 11, 2017)


These lesson plans for the Condor 1 flight simulator are designed to be used with the Flight Training Manual for Gliders and either the Glider Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, or the corresponding courses of the GLIDERBOOKS Academy Online Soaring School.
(This folder only works in the original Condor.)
Files to use in Condor for above "Lesson Plans"
Condor2 Flight Lesson Template (for download)
These notes describe how to use the record keeping system supplied with the books, the Flight Training Manual for Gliders and the Glider Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and their corresponding workbooks.
To help you study for the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test (i.e. the “written test”), we have developed an index to the FAA Written Test Questions. At test preparation websites, such as www.exams4pilots.org, you can practice taking the FAA written test. This index shows you where in the Glider Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge or the Flight Training Manual for Gliders you can find the information to correctly answer the questions.
This 2-page file contains a version of the Flight Training Progress Record that has been modified to fit onto a folded 8 1/2 x 11 card. The reverse side contains a form that allows the instructor to record student information, including the records required by the FAA, and SSA Badge requirements.
This file contains the color-coded version of the Knowledge Training Progress Record that is included in the front of the Glider Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
This file contains a blank glide slope ruler template, as described on pages 268-273 of the Glider Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
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