NASA recently tested a new configuration of their RS-25 Rocket. This rocket will power their Space Launch System or SLS.
The RS-25 Rocket has been around a long time. It was originally developed as the main engine for the space shuttle. This repurposed rocket will be part of a stage that will help push us further out into space. Those playing Kerbal should be familiar with rocket stages and sizes needed to get outside of the atmosphere and into deep space. There were four of these beasts powering the shuttle launch plus two rocket boosters. Having a more traditional rocket shape for future flights means that less force will be needed with less drag. In the past they were limited on how much power they can put into these rockets since the goal was to keep them reusable, but in the future these rockets will be disposable. So now it’s about how much more overclocking we can get out of these engines and still keep the mission safe.
New Production on the Horizon
While they are doing a great job keeping costs down by reusing older rockets, NASA will eventually use up remaining engines. So they have already begun work to restart the manufacturing of these rockets with the help of Aerojet Rocketdyne. Their goal is to reduce costs by 30 percent. It will be a challenge, but it will be well worth it.
Even with the “right stuff,” it’s really hard to make it to another planet, land safely, and return. It will require the best tools, talent and efforts by everyone to ensure a success. It’s weird to think we had this technology back in 69. At that time the space race to the moon was like its own Olympics, where countries were racing to win. While the computing power that took us to space back then is dwarfed by the modern cellphone, today’s rockets however have become more of a form of space shipping rather than taking us to new places. With more and more private companies competing in the space race, it’s becoming more likely were start exploring with people again in the near future.
Reusing Parts
Refurbishing is becoming a thing for NASA. They recently announced that they will be pulling water tanks from the Shuttle Endeavor that was on display in the California Science Center. While the shuttles final flying missions are over, there’s plenty of stuff onboard that’s already rated for space, and there’s no reason to let it go to waste.
Get Your Name to Mars
Want to go to mars for free? Well you can’t, but at least you can get your name there. NASA is sending names to mars. You’ll even get a boarding pass and frequent flier miles. So while we probably won’t get a chance to fly to mars, we can at least get our name out there.
What do you think the future of space travel will be like?
