NASA Goes Back to Rockets

As the 30 year old, Space Shuttle Program came to a close this month, Space-Rocks has talked about future possibilities. In doing so, we decided to look further into the specifics of the Space Shuttle replacement. The program is in fact going back to rockets. One might question why would NASA revert back to technology of the past? In an article by Sean Fears of BrightHub.com, explains the similarities and differences and why this direction could be more beneficial. Fears explains that the launch of the shuttle and a rocket with capsule is almost completely the same concept..."they both function as rockets in that phase." But the re-entry back into Earth's atmosphere is different- for the better. In order to classify it as a more beneficial, Sean Fears explains the two advantages is that a capsule has less friction at 5 miles a second and handles heat better (about 2,400 degrees) upon re-entry.

The chart diagram above illustrates the comparison of the new Ares rockets to the Space Shuttle and the Apollo Saturn rocket. An article on CNET.com say that not only are the Ares rockets equipped to service the International Space Station, but is well capable and plans to go to the moon. Both Ares I and Ares V are required to house the crew in Ares I and carry the lunar lander in Ares V. The interesting thing that the article explains is that the lunar lander is bigger and capable of keeping astronauts on the moon for seven days compared to two days with Apollo lunar module.

Other directions NASA has taken is the privatization of spaceflight. One of the companies with contracts from NASA is SpaceX with the Falcon 9. This is a rocket with capsule technology and have been through vigorous testing with NASA to replace the Space Shuttle Program. Wikipedia confirms The program NASA initiated in 2006 is called "Commercial Orbital Transportation Services." SpaceX is one of the private companies to receive funding from NASA's program.

As far as other great significance of the company, a recent Youtube video from SpaceX outlining it's crew development proposal actually indicates that "SpaceX is the first commercial company to return a private-sector craft from orbit." The video outlining their current goals and further information can be viewed here.