Product Reviews Net » NASA http://www.product-reviews.net Information on the latest gadgets, technology, news and product reviews Sun, 27 May 2012 08:13:54 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 China Tiangong-1 rocket launch a giant leap in space race http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/09/30/china-tiangong-1-rocket-launch-a-giant-leap-in-space-race/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=china-tiangong-1-rocket-launch-a-giant-leap-in-space-race http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/09/30/china-tiangong-1-rocket-launch-a-giant-leap-in-space-race/#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:16:50 +0000 Chris Maugham http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=141714 With the recent retirement of the NASA space fleet of shuttles, it means a window has opened up giving other nations the opportunity to try to catch up in the space race, and one country that is seemingly taking full advantage of it is China, as they take a giant step with their Tiangong-1 rocket launch.

Neil Armstrong is among several concerned prominent figures in the space community who have expressed concern that NASA and the US, after being ahead in the space race for years, may find themselves left behind by other nations. According to The Guardian, the Chinese launch, which occurred on Thursday, marked the first step in what could be the start of a change in power between competing nations.

Ever since the US beat the Soviets to landing the first human on the moon back in 1969, they have remained relatively unchallenged when it comes to dominance for forty years. Now it looks like China is on the verge of becoming the third nation to possess a manned space station in outer space, although this achievement in itself is not really significant one considering NASA launched their space station Skylab in 1973.

China has only been carrying out space research for a short period of time but has already invested millions of dollars and now has hardware to show for it. NASA on the other hand currently has nothing available, though they did announce plans for future spacecraft, the Space Launch System, which is promised to be the most powerful rocket the world has ever seen.

What do you think of the progress that China has made with their space research?

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/09/30/china-tiangong-1-rocket-launch-a-giant-leap-in-space-race/feed/ 0 Satellite plummets to Earth, may never be discovered http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/09/26/satellite-plummets-to-earth-may-never-be-discovered/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=satellite-plummets-to-earth-may-never-be-discovered http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/09/26/satellite-plummets-to-earth-may-never-be-discovered/#comments Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:41:19 +0000 Chris Maugham http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=141234 If you have been keeping up with recent headlines on the TV and the newspapers, you will be aware of the six-ton satellite that was plummeting to Earth from space. For those that aren’t already aware, it crash-landed recently, reportedly somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. The problem is the U.S space agency, NASA does not know the exact location of the debris meaning it may never be discovered.

Reports first began warning people that the giant piece of space equipment, the UARS (Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite), which had provided a service of twenty years in orbit, would be making an entry back into Earth’s atmosphere at some point, and that it could have quite an impact. They agency said the satellite would be torn apart during the re-entry meaning it wouldn’t all make it to land or ocean. It is believed that 26 pieces did survive the fall however, the heaviest piece of which was approx. 150Kg.

According to The Vancouver Sun, NASA believes the plunge ended at sometime between 20:23 and 23:09 Friday night, but was unable to pinpoint an exact location of neither where it fell nor a specific time. This is because they did not know the exact point of re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. NASA’s Chief orbital debris scientist, Nicholas Johnson, claims they ‘may never know.’ NASA also reported that most of the journey happened over water.

UARS is not the first or the biggest spacecraft to have plummeted to Earth, in 1979 NASA’s Skylab station, which weighed 75 tons, crashed to Earth uncontrollably and in 2001 Russia’s 135 tons space station Mir crashed into the Pacific Ocean, this was a controlled decent however. NASA claims that once a year a piece of the 20,000 different pieces of debris floating around in space will plummet to Earth with minute risk to public safety.

What are your thoughts on the amount of debris we have in space? Are you concerned for your safety?

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/09/26/satellite-plummets-to-earth-may-never-be-discovered/feed/ 0 New NASA space rocket to take people to mars in 20 years http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/09/15/new-nasa-space-rocket-to-take-people-to-mars-in-20-years/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-nasa-space-rocket-to-take-people-to-mars-in-20-years http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/09/15/new-nasa-space-rocket-to-take-people-to-mars-in-20-years/#comments Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:04:56 +0000 Chris Maugham http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=140642 Since the retirement of the NASA space shuttles, many people have been wondering what next is for the billion dollar company. That was until yesterday when they announced they plan on launching a huge new rocket that will be capable of taking people to Mars as well as asteroids and other parts of the Solar System.

The project, which is for the moment known as The Space Launch System, will be the most powerful launcher the world has ever seen, even more so than the Saturn V rockets that made visits to the Moon possible. They will have use 20% more thrust to clear the pad and will be 12m taller than the older vessels.

According to the report from the BBC, the SLS will be five to eight times the mass of the current most muscular rocket in operation, the Ariane 5. This mass will inevitably amount to more if a journey to Mars and back is the destination, possibly needing more than one SLS in order to cater for the amount of equipment needed for a mission like that.

The cost of a project like this is by no means cheap; the company reckons $18 billion will have been spent come 2017, when they intend to launch the test run. Even then that test rocket will only be able to lift about 70 tons, much less than the desired 130 tons which Congress has demanded. This could raise the cost to more like $30 billion.

A trip to Mars is unlikely to happen for another twenty years yet and a trip to an asteroid has also been mentioned for about 2025. What do you think of this project? Would you consider a trip to mars?

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/09/15/new-nasa-space-rocket-to-take-people-to-mars-in-20-years/feed/ 0 Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo: Boldly go where few can afford http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/08/02/virgin-galactic-spaceshiptwo-boldly-go-where-few-can-afford/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=virgin-galactic-spaceshiptwo-boldly-go-where-few-can-afford http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/08/02/virgin-galactic-spaceshiptwo-boldly-go-where-few-can-afford/#comments Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:10:11 +0000 Chris Maugham http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=138193 As one era of space flight comes to an end, with NASA’s shuttle program having ceased, so a new era begins. This promises to be a revolutionary type of space flight however as it will be available to the public, providing they have the cash to do so.

That’s right, Virgin’s new Galactic tours will be taking anyone who has ever dreamed of venturing into outer space on a two and a half hour journey, as much as seventy miles above the Earth aboard the SpaceShipTwo. The flights are expected to begin in 2013 and are thought to cost around £123,000, that’s $200,000 per seat.

The company has revealed that over 450 people have made plans to take part in the series of flights and the maiden voyage will consist of a mixture of wealthy people from entrepreneurs and scientists to celebrities. Each flight will have the capacity for eight people all together, including two pilots and six passengers.

Before taking part in the flight, each of the passengers must undergo several medical tests and training is required which is obtained through a three day course provided. The training is to prepare those going aboard the SpaceShipTwo for things like a zero-gravity environment and the rich travelers will also be required to take part in a human centrifuge machine which tests their ability to withstand the G-force that they will experience during the Virgin Galactic tour.

Once space bound, passengers will remain there for fifteen minutes, in which time they will be able to gaze at the stars and the Earth first hand through portholes, which are fitted throughout the vessel ensuring everyone gets the perfect view.

According to International Business Times, among the first group of names to apply for the tours are Professor Stephen Hawking, director Bryan Singer, designer Philippe Starck and comedian Russell Brand. Will you be among the other names in future applying to take part in the tour or is it too expensive for you?

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/08/02/virgin-galactic-spaceshiptwo-boldly-go-where-few-can-afford/feed/ 0 Atlantis space shuttle launch: Fleet’s final countdown http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/07/08/atlantis-space-shuttle-launch-fleets-final-countdown/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=atlantis-space-shuttle-launch-fleets-final-countdown http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/07/08/atlantis-space-shuttle-launch-fleets-final-countdown/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:15:14 +0000 Chris Maugham http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=136370 The end of an era of International space exploration is near as NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis prepares for its final launch and the last ever launch of from the fleet of manned shuttles. The final countdown has already begun and the takeoff is expected to be at 16:26 (11:26 Florida time).

According to the BBC, up to a million spectators are expected to be near the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to witness the final flight which marks the 135th takeoff for the space shuttle program. It is also the 33rd voyage for the Atlantis orbiter.

While the shuttle was being readied and fueled, speculation over whether the launch will actually go ahead still lingers. This is due to some unfavorable weather that the city is experiencing. The chances of launch are currently at about 30% as it is expected to worsen. If the launch is delayed, chances of launch on Saturday or Sunday going ahead are more favorable due to better weather conditions.

As far as technicality problems go, the shuttle is in perfect condition for launch and preparations are going well. Fuelling the familiar orange tank even finished ahead of schedule. It looks as though the weather is the only factor that could affect launch time, which is why it is being kept a close eye on.

We previously brought you news of the Endeavour shuttle launch which eventually took place in May. That launch date had been rearranged twice before. The reason for this is because NASA scientists must be 100% assured that nothing will go wrong and as close to perfect conditions as possible are aimed for. This is so there is no repeat of the tragedies that occurred in 2003 when space shuttle Challenger exploded killing the whole crew.

While this is a sad day as it marks the end of an era, it is also a day that NASA should feel very proud with what they have achieved. It also marks the beginning of a new era. The first space shuttle launch was in 1981 when Colombia took off. This shuttle also exploded during re-entry into the Earth’s orbit.

Ultimately the dangers of this type of space exploration led to the retirement of the fleet. Though NASA would have loved for their final launch to be faultless and perfect, it seems that it isn’t such smooth sailing. We will have to wait until launch time to find out if the flight still takes place. Check out the link above where you will find a live stream of the launch. How do you feel about the retirement of the space shuttle fleet?

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/07/08/atlantis-space-shuttle-launch-fleets-final-countdown/feed/ 0 Space Shuttle Endeavour’s Final Departure, Fleet’s Penultimate http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/05/16/space-shuttle-endeavours-final-departure-fleets-penultimate/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=space-shuttle-endeavours-final-departure-fleets-penultimate http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/05/16/space-shuttle-endeavours-final-departure-fleets-penultimate/#comments Mon, 16 May 2011 20:04:47 +0000 Chris Maugham http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=131072 Today marked the day of NASA’s space shuttle Endeavour’s final launch and the current fleet’s penultimate departure. Atlantis will be the last of the present line of shuttles to launch one last time, lifting off in July. Endeavour’s departure arrives after being rescheduled twice, the last delay just two weeks ago.

The flight, which took off in Cape Canaveral, Florida also marked NASA’s 134th. It was previously delayed due to concerns over an auxiliary power unit heater. The mission for Endeavour’s six man crew lasts 16 days and they are to deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.

During the launch there were few problems and they included the view not being great for which Mike Moses apologized for in jest and a tile needed repairing. These problems were minor and handled perfectly.

According to the article at NASA an award is given out after every launch, the award is meant to honor one of the many teams involved in a successful liftoff. This award went to the APU test/repair team. Mike Leinbach is the person who decides who wins the award.

You can see more details about the Endeavour launch by clicking the link above. Did you witness the launch? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/05/16/space-shuttle-endeavours-final-departure-fleets-penultimate/feed/ 1 NASA Glory Satellite’s Glorious Journey Comes to an End, 3 Minutes Later http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/03/04/nasa-glory-satellites-glorious-journey-comes-to-an-end-3-minutes-later/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nasa-glory-satellites-glorious-journey-comes-to-an-end-3-minutes-later http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/03/04/nasa-glory-satellites-glorious-journey-comes-to-an-end-3-minutes-later/#comments Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:03:26 +0000 Chris Maugham http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=124353 NASA didn’t exactly get morning Glory today when they launched their Glory satellite only for the rocket casing to malfunction a few minutes later.

According to the space experts NASA the Taurus XL rocket shell did not separate as it was supposed to so it is likely that instead of space, the Glory will inevitably be heading for the bottom of the ocean in the opposite direction.

A briefing was made soon after detailing the events but NASA says a full investigation is needed to figure out exactly what went wrong. The exact whereabouts of where the satellite itself is now is also unknown at this moment in time.

In a report from Slashgear you can read what NASA’s project mission states, where they also explain the satellite was intended for. What are your thoughts on this mission failure? What are your thoughts on space launches in general? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/03/04/nasa-glory-satellites-glorious-journey-comes-to-an-end-3-minutes-later/feed/ 2 Challenger Shuttle Disaster: Apps and 25th Anniversary http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/01/28/challenger-shuttle-disaster-apps-and-25th-anniversary/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=challenger-shuttle-disaster-apps-and-25th-anniversary http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/01/28/challenger-shuttle-disaster-apps-and-25th-anniversary/#comments Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:45:26 +0000 Tina Chubb http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=120127 As many of you will know, today (Friday 28th January, 2011) marks the 25th anniversary of the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster, which saw the seven crew members – including Christa McAuliffe, who was the very first member of the Teachers in Space Project – tragically lose their lives.

There is an app available for the Apple iPhone that not only serves as a historical document, but also as a tribute to the women and men who lost their lives that day. The app we are talking about is the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster application, which costs $0.99/£0.59.

As noted over on the appshopper.com website, the NASA documentary shows you a little more insight into the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster. It not only charts the lead up to the mission and the take off, but also the subsequent disaster and the investigation that took place afterwards.

Once iPhone users have downloaded Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster, they don’t even need a Wi-Fi or 3G connection to view the self-contained “film in an app.” The app also includes a synopsis page, an information page function, an image gallery and the director’s biography page.

According to information provided over on the itunes.apple.com website, the app – which is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch – requires iOS 3.0 or later. Another app worth taking a look at is the Shuttle Cams app, which allows users to check out the action at the Kennedy Space Center.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/01/28/challenger-shuttle-disaster-apps-and-25th-anniversary/feed/ 0 Astronaut Foursquare Check-in: Unlocks NASA Explorer Badge http://www.product-reviews.net/2010/10/23/astronaut-foursquare-check-in-unlocks-nasa-explorer-badge/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astronaut-foursquare-check-in-unlocks-nasa-explorer-badge http://www.product-reviews.net/2010/10/23/astronaut-foursquare-check-in-unlocks-nasa-explorer-badge/#comments Sat, 23 Oct 2010 09:56:14 +0000 Peter Chubb http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=111748 It seems that you do not need to be on earth to enjoy social media, as a NASA astronaut has managed to check-in on Foursquare and earn his NASA Explorer Badge. He is the first person to do this from space, and will no doubt be the last.

Commander Douglas H. Wheelock was aboard the International Space Station at the time, would have been way cooler if he had did this while doing a space walk. This is a new badge available on Foursquare, and future space travelers will make it their mission to earn this badge.

However, you do not have to be in space to unlock the badge, Foursquare and NASA has placed badges at a number of locations in the U.S. A fine example this is the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum – where else?

Catharine Smith from the Huffington Post explains that Commander Wheelock is known for sending a number of images from space back down to us on earth, which you can see here.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2010/10/23/astronaut-foursquare-check-in-unlocks-nasa-explorer-badge/feed/ 0 NASA: Face in Space on Twitter and Facebook http://www.product-reviews.net/2010/06/08/nasa-face-in-space-on-twitter-and-facebook/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nasa-face-in-space-on-twitter-and-facebook http://www.product-reviews.net/2010/06/08/nasa-face-in-space-on-twitter-and-facebook/#comments Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:06:55 +0000 Peter Chubb http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=101672 With only two more Shuttle missions to go, NASA thought that they would offer to send your face into space – these headshots will then be posted on Twitter and Facebook during the mission. This is not the first time that the space agency has done such a thing.

Mara Gay from AOL News said that it has now become very easy to become part of history, and is a way for us to go along for the ride with the astronauts on the last two shuttle missions. Once you have uploaded your image onto the NASA website you just need to chose which shuttle you want your photo to go up on.

Discovery will go up first and is scheduled to launch in September, while Endeavour will make its final trip to the International Space Station in November. The last time that NASA took souvenirs into space was in 1997 aboard the Cassini spacecraft.

When both shuttles return to earth, those who had their photo taken to space will be given a “flight certificate”, all of which will be signed by the mission commander.

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