Electric propulsion could replace chemical rockets

NASA's Psyche and Lunar Gateway already using that method.

NASA is using supercomputer simulations of iron engine exhausts effects which could help refine the designs that we could wonder using the solar system and beyond even for human transport.

Could more effective or adjust the designs one day also be useful in atmosphere propulsion?

Magnetoplasma propulsion and fusion-based drives could be the frontier of new kinds of propulsion. And with AI and Quantum computing these concepts and ones we haven't discovered eg: by making an AI or a quantum computer that has the goal of discovering faster than light travel options would be amazing. I feel we are at the cusp of something amazing.

I really hope that in my lifetime I can leave the Earth and discover the universe without breaking the bank. As simple as taking a flight to another city in the world.

The road to faster-than-light travel is long, but each innovation brings us closer to a future where distant worlds are within reach. What are your thoughts on the potential of electric propulsion?

Reference article on Space.com: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/tech/electric-spacecraft-propulsion-may-soon-take-a-leap-thanks-to-new-supercomputer

I've been learning how to make stained glass for the past 6 months and made myself this suncatcher of the mission patch for STS-27!

I chose this particular patch because I love the colors and because it was simple enough for me to translate into a pattern for stained glass as a beginner. I'm really happy with how it turned out :)

here is a little behind the scenes from my instagram if you are interested in how I made it!

(apologies in advance if I did anything wrong!)

https://preview.redd.it/v84q4phh8sge1.jpg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=31848d84b134e50269b2a023847d2e1b1a78e2a2

https://preview.redd.it/wrbszxci8sge1.jpg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2b34830f8285c3bcdde18467ababb3049ca923e1

Many of the best and brightest scientists and engineers that hold decades of knowledge that keep the US’s hold on space dominance are remote. NASA has spent 20 years recruiting and attracting talent on the teleflexibilty and work-life balance. Many cannot RTO because their spouses have built careers in the private sector that does not exist around NASA centers. Most will be forced out. This will have a devastating irreversible effect on our beloved space program and ambitions to the Moon and Mars. Just my somewhat uneducated speculation and opinion!

https://preview.redd.it/xmcgb36i3jge1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4d4363c375c5e7c798226b356c254561ba0138fb

Which rocket launch is better to watch while being on-tour in Kennedy Space Center? I can see there are different spots ("Kennedy Space Center" and "Cape Canaveral SFS"), 8 miles away from each other, so does it matter? Trying to schedule a best possible timing for a Kennedy Space Center tour.

P.S. Time Windows displayed on the screenshot are given in European timezone, so +6 hours difference.

https://preview.redd.it/zb8kl03j7ige1.png?width=1170&format=png&auto=webp&s=6b52e30142c96d8047bd7377126df8df2d9ea877

I’m part of a spacecraft development team, and I’m trying to get a better understanding of which CCSDS protocols are required for a spacecraft’s communication system. Specifically, I’m wondering:

Which CCSDS standards are the responsibility of the spacecraft manufacturer vs. the ground segment?

I know telemetry (TM) and telecommand (TC) protocols (CCSDS 132.0-B-3 & 231.0-B-3) are essential for spacecraft-to-ground communications, but where does the responsibility line get drawn?

If we're implementing CCSDS File Delivery Protocol (CFDP, CCSDS 735.0-B-2) for file-based data transfer, is this something handled entirely in software (C&DH software stack), or does it require specific hardware support?

Open to any info or support in this, I'm a little out of the realm of my experience and trying to learn more.

Thanks team

I'm headed to Orlando for a volleyball tournament the last week of June and was able to carve out 2 full days for myself at KSC (sat/sun June 28/29). I've always wanted to go to KSC, so I'm super excited. I've read that for space nerds like me, one day may not be enough time to see everything (I also tend to be slow when visiting places like this). One idea is to do a leisurely 2 day trip to KSC. Another idea I had was to do the ATX, which sounds super cool, but I don't know much time I'd have to do "normal" KSC visiting after.

Has anyone done the ATX? Is it worth it for a single adult (no family)? Or is it more geared for kids? How much time do you have to visit after the ATX finishes?

So many questions! Thanks!

I believe I got this boarding pass around 2020. Now five years pass and I found it in my cloud storage. I've tried searching the recent news about NASA's Mars mission but I didn't find anything. Could anybody let me know if this mission is still planned, or if it has been cancelled 😔

Do they ever allow access or tours of the the different Launch Complex's, specifically LC34? I know it used to be open to the public but that changed after some person thought it was a good idea to steal the plaque off of the pilar.

Looking for viewing locations for next week’s Starlink Launch from Kennedy Space Center. Would appreciate ideas.