Here's a capture of Unreasonable Rocket's Blue Ball NGLLC Level-1 flight this afternoon. It's wild, it's crazy, and, even though it ran out of fuel, it's awesome.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
My Halloween post
Boo! Very simple, before final clean-up:
For the record, we only had 15 trick-or-treaters. It was mild but slightly drizzly. Wouldn't have stopped me!
For the record, we only had 15 trick-or-treaters. It was mild but slightly drizzly. Wouldn't have stopped me!
Remembering the 8X300 Microcontroller
The Signetics 8X300 (originally made by Scientific Micro Systems) was fast when compared to the other microprocessors of the day. It was implemented in bipolar Schottky and could execute instructions in 250ns. The only other way to get those speeds was to roll your own semi-custom processor using bit slice components. The down side was that it only had 8 instructions - two to move data, 3 to manipulate data, one to test data, and two to control execution. But, you could do so much with so little. Data could be rotated, masked, and manipulated with a single instruction. This made the 8X300 a powerful controller for embedded applications.
In the day, we wrote code by hand, punched a card deck and compiled it on a large DEC machine. After the compilation errors were resolved, the output was another card deck. These were then entered into an in-circuit emulator. Patches to the code were made by manually inserting a JUMP, adding the new code, and JUMPING back. The small instruction set really helped with this manual process.
I recently dug up the following old article from EDN Magazine. The author, the project lead on my 1st 8X300 project, describes how to add interrupts to an 8X300-based system.
In the day, we wrote code by hand, punched a card deck and compiled it on a large DEC machine. After the compilation errors were resolved, the output was another card deck. These were then entered into an in-circuit emulator. Patches to the code were made by manually inserting a JUMP, adding the new code, and JUMPING back. The small instruction set really helped with this manual process.
I recently dug up the following old article from EDN Magazine. The author, the project lead on my 1st 8X300 project, describes how to add interrupts to an 8X300-based system.
My Unreasonable Level 1 Halloween post
This post will hold all my coverage of Unreasonable Rocket's Level-1 attempt. I'll try to watch the NGLLC Webcast. However, our plans may take me away from the festivities. I still need to carve my pumpkin :eek:
I see the two Pauls are going to get an extension to the schedule, so they can do L-1 today and L-2 tomorrow. Best of luck guys! May your new catalyst be pure.
Update 1 - UR was not happy with the initial engine tests. They think the peroxide is too cold after sitting out all night. They are going to wrap the Blue Ball in blankets and let the Sun heat it up. Meanwhile, they will start working on the Silver Ball. They will have to try later today in any event.
Update 2 - ~4:55PM EDT. UR getting ready to fly L1, then, BOOM. Luckily, it wasn't the Blue Ball but rather an anomaly on a neighboring pad there at FAR. Whew.
Update 3 - ~6:50PM EDT. 2 hour clock started (2:15 - 15 min penalty for pre-loaded fuel). Just saw a nice static test next door at the FAR pad.
Update 4 - Murphy is busy at FAR...a valve on the top of the vehicle failed and is being replaced. Reportedly, one of the few parts they have never had a problem with.
Update 5 - ~7:15PM CDT - Take off...a wild flight...landed a bit hard but looks OK. May be a bit lopsided. I'll repost the video of this one! Paul Breed says they are done for the day :( Evidently, they ran out of fuel after 85 sec, just shy of the required 90 sec. They are done with L-1 but will try L-2 tomorrow.
I see the two Pauls are going to get an extension to the schedule, so they can do L-1 today and L-2 tomorrow. Best of luck guys! May your new catalyst be pure.
Update 1 - UR was not happy with the initial engine tests. They think the peroxide is too cold after sitting out all night. They are going to wrap the Blue Ball in blankets and let the Sun heat it up. Meanwhile, they will start working on the Silver Ball. They will have to try later today in any event.
Update 2 - ~4:55PM EDT. UR getting ready to fly L1, then, BOOM. Luckily, it wasn't the Blue Ball but rather an anomaly on a neighboring pad there at FAR. Whew.
Update 3 - ~6:50PM EDT. 2 hour clock started (2:15 - 15 min penalty for pre-loaded fuel). Just saw a nice static test next door at the FAR pad.
Update 4 - Murphy is busy at FAR...a valve on the top of the vehicle failed and is being replaced. Reportedly, one of the few parts they have never had a problem with.
Update 5 - ~7:15PM CDT - Take off...a wild flight...landed a bit hard but looks OK. May be a bit lopsided. I'll repost the video of this one! Paul Breed says they are done for the day :( Evidently, they ran out of fuel after 85 sec, just shy of the required 90 sec. They are done with L-1 but will try L-2 tomorrow.
19 cm
Via Twitter:
NGLLC09
final unofficial accuracy was 28cm on the first leg, 10cm on the 2nd. Average: 19cm (via @mastenspace)
More Unreasonable bad news
I had to scoot so I didn't have the chance to follow Unreasonable Rocket's NGLLC efforts. I wish that I had missed a successful Level-1 flight, win or lose. Unfortunately, the Blue Ball had problems on both attempts. They plan to go down fighting with additional flights tomorrow. Pop over to the RLV and Space Transportation News blog for all the gory details and links to photos Masten's successful Level-2 win.
Friday, October 30, 2009
NGLLC Judging Protest
John Carmack isn't happy about the unanimous judge's decision to give Masten the extra window this morning. Read the text of his protest on ParabolicArc.
Both Masten and Unreasonable Rocket to fly the NGLLC today (updates)
Masten around noon EDT and Unreasonable in the afternoon. I'm all for giving masten another shot, as long as it didn't squeeze Paul and his team. If it did, they should give him a window Sunday, even if that is technically past the competition window.
Update: It appears others agree about giving Unreasonable extra time too. See comments to Clark's post. Bending/reinterpreting the rules is a slippery slope. If Masten unseats Armadillo, does Armadillo get a chance to fly the 2nd window that they didn't originally use?
Updates #2 - #8 are buried below:
Update: It appears others agree about giving Unreasonable extra time too. See comments to Clark's post. Bending/reinterpreting the rules is a slippery slope. If Masten unseats Armadillo, does Armadillo get a chance to fly the 2nd window that they didn't originally use?
Updates #2 - #8 are buried below:
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Masten loading fuel and helium (updates)
Webcast is not running yet.
Update 1: Launch was supposed to go at nominally 5:50 EDT. Webcast froze at '1' in the countdown :eek:
Update 2: Text feed reports Xoie landed. Not sure of the duration. Then reports of fire. Video back showing blue sky only.
Update 3: Unofficial report is that they are done for the day, and the year. Valiant effort guys! GO UNREASONABLE!
Update 4: Don't take my last statement as gospel. Could they fly again tomorrow?
Update 4: Evidently there IS a possibility they will be allowed another opportunity tomorrow. Their accuracy was reported to be ~15cm. Here's a photo post-flight (click for a better quality copy):
Update 1: Launch was supposed to go at nominally 5:50 EDT. Webcast froze at '1' in the countdown :eek:
Update 2: Text feed reports Xoie landed. Not sure of the duration. Then reports of fire. Video back showing blue sky only.
Update 3: Unofficial report is that they are done for the day, and the year. Valiant effort guys! GO UNREASONABLE!
Update 4: Don't take my last statement as gospel. Could they fly again tomorrow?
Update 4: Evidently there IS a possibility they will be allowed another opportunity tomorrow. Their accuracy was reported to be ~15cm. Here's a photo post-flight (click for a better quality copy):
Ares I-X successful, but not perfect (updated)
Space.com discusses the apparent staging problem with Ares I-X. They cite comments from Mission Manager Bob Ess. He said to CNET, "So far, we're on a path to learn a lot. The separation seemed a little different than we predicted as far as how the upper stage reacted after separation. So right there's an opportunity for us to jump in and figure out what was different in the actual flight from our models. So, hugely successful."
I missed any previous references that NASA acknowledged the issue. However, various sport rocketeers have been discussing the issue: on TRF (starting at post #107), and on YORF (pretty much at the start of this page). Interesting stuff. I also thought more about the slight pitch over on boost than the tumbling top stage. The TRF post talks about both.
It would have been better for everything to be perfect but, after all, that's what testing is all about. I find it interesting that when new-space builds a little and tests a little, they get praised. When NASA wants to run a test, many people bash them. And their tests are supposed to be perfect.
Update: Chron.com reports that NASA says the bottom of the Ares I-X booster section was damaged. This is consistent with the partial deployment of the recovery system.
I missed any previous references that NASA acknowledged the issue. However, various sport rocketeers have been discussing the issue: on TRF (starting at post #107), and on YORF (pretty much at the start of this page). Interesting stuff. I also thought more about the slight pitch over on boost than the tumbling top stage. The TRF post talks about both.
It would have been better for everything to be perfect but, after all, that's what testing is all about. I find it interesting that when new-space builds a little and tests a little, they get praised. When NASA wants to run a test, many people bash them. And their tests are supposed to be perfect.
Update: Chron.com reports that NASA says the bottom of the Ares I-X booster section was damaged. This is consistent with the partial deployment of the recovery system.
Not one, not two, but FIVE rocket girls
Unfortunately, no embedding, no download, no borrowing. So, go here if interested.
Masten is loading LOX (update)
Live!
Update 1:49PM EDT: It looks like they are having the same problems as they did yesterday, which was a communications problem between the on-board computer and the GSE. This morning, they had one soft start, they refueled, and then had another glitch. They won't make this window but can have up to two more windows later in the day. Today is their last shot to dethrone Armadillo. Webcast is going down and I'm off to yard work... Back later!
Update 1:49PM EDT: It looks like they are having the same problems as they did yesterday, which was a communications problem between the on-board computer and the GSE. This morning, they had one soft start, they refueled, and then had another glitch. They won't make this window but can have up to two more windows later in the day. Today is their last shot to dethrone Armadillo. Webcast is going down and I'm off to yard work... Back later!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The Unreasonable fat lady did not sing
Paul Breed reports that when the goin' gets tough, the tough grind, bend, and weld their tanks back together. They may need a couple of more miracles, but their level-2 hopes are NOT DEAD.
ROCKETS Magazine, October 2009
This month, Bob and Neil's editorial discusses the state of rocketry magazines. During the last 4 months or so, we have lost 50% of our rocket magazines - both LAUNCH and Extreme Rocketry succumbed to the economy. The good news is that ROCKETS is doing well. Such is the benefit of being affiliated with a national organization. I'll also note that the magazine's parent, Liberty Launch Systems has branched out, offering videos, still photo prints, launch wear and even rocket kits. Keep up the good work guys, I like print magazines!
The event coverage ranges from Virginia to Australia. UT Arlington at Battle of the Rockets, Tripoli Western Australia's Williams "Wildfire" Winternationals, Mile High Mayhem in Colorado, and RocStock 29 in the SoCal desert.
There are four build and tech articles. MDRA's Dan Michael gives a detailed look at the Performance Rocketry 9.25" 1/3 scale Honest John. Dan is one of the best builders around and I hope to see this creation in the flesh at Red Glare VII. There is also an article on electronics and a review of the Rouse Tech CD3. Finally, Wes 'Dr. Zooch' Oleszewski shows you how to gap-stage black powder motors. ROCKETS is an equal-opportunity mag (e.g. they don't discriminate against low power). If it flies and you write about it, they will (probably) print it.
Finally, I want to point out the tag line from AeroTech's ad - "We chose to use RMS, not because they are easy, but because they are hard." This is clearly a response to the minor unpleasantness that recently arose on the forums, pitting the Aerotech and Cesaroni camps against each other. It was a cute twist on President Kennedy's famous quote, but I'm not sure that I would have chosen that message.
The event coverage ranges from Virginia to Australia. UT Arlington at Battle of the Rockets, Tripoli Western Australia's Williams "Wildfire" Winternationals, Mile High Mayhem in Colorado, and RocStock 29 in the SoCal desert.There are four build and tech articles. MDRA's Dan Michael gives a detailed look at the Performance Rocketry 9.25" 1/3 scale Honest John. Dan is one of the best builders around and I hope to see this creation in the flesh at Red Glare VII. There is also an article on electronics and a review of the Rouse Tech CD3. Finally, Wes 'Dr. Zooch' Oleszewski shows you how to gap-stage black powder motors. ROCKETS is an equal-opportunity mag (e.g. they don't discriminate against low power). If it flies and you write about it, they will (probably) print it.
Finally, I want to point out the tag line from AeroTech's ad - "We chose to use RMS, not because they are easy, but because they are hard." This is clearly a response to the minor unpleasantness that recently arose on the forums, pitting the Aerotech and Cesaroni camps against each other. It was a cute twist on President Kennedy's famous quote, but I'm not sure that I would have chosen that message.
Ares I-X Rocket Races Into the Sky (NASA, 10/28/09)
Follow the link below the photo to find more great shots.
Watch the Masten NGLLC flights (updates)
LiveThey experienced problems and the contest window closed. They will try again between 4PM and 5PM EST. I'm unclear if this is an official contest window or if they are just testing. The webcast will restart during this window.
Ares I-X flew!
I only found they were going to try again today a few minutes before the countdown was resumed from the T-4 hold. It looked great and visual tracking was maintained until well after booster separation. Very cool. Congrats to the Ares I-X team! Can't wait for some photos.
As I'm typing I hear the upper stage is down, no word on the recovery system worked.
PS - I guess I can never say that I haven't had any use for Twitter. If I hadn't seen a post announcing the last slip, I would have missed seeing it.
As I'm typing I hear the upper stage is down, no word on the recovery system worked.
PS - I guess I can never say that I haven't had any use for Twitter. If I hadn't seen a post announcing the last slip, I would have missed seeing it.
Unreasonable bad news
Paul Breed reports that The ball is dropped in the end zone. A tank failure in the Silver Ball has knocked him out of the NGLLC level 2 challenge. He's still going to prep the Blue Ball and try for level 1. He laments that it is looking like, after investing 3 years and a ton of his own money, that he will leave with nothing to show for his efforts. I hope after the pain subsides that he an his team are left with a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The engineer's desktop before computer desktops
When I started my professional career, I was given a desk in a bullpen and a ton of manuals to read. There were no PCs or web. We had drafting tools, parts catalogs, and a plethora of free print magazines.The IC Master was like a bible, except everyone didn't have a copy.
Prior to starting work, I subscribed to IEEE Spectrum, Transactions and Comm Society publications. These fit well in an academic environment. Over the previous year, I realized that I had learned enough to actually follow most of the articles and was happy with the publications. Then I hit the real world. I quickly observed what the other engineers had on their book shelves and began to populate mine.
I subscribed to probably ten free magazines. EDN was my favorite, balancing ads with tech articles that I actually used occasionally. They were the most graphically oriented with nice block diagrams. EE Times was more of a news paper and provided the closest to real time product announcements. Computer Design was probably the most technical. These were my favorites. At least as best I remember.
I'll also mention Electronics mag. This was similar to EDN and Computer Design, but was a paid subscription. I tried it only for a couple of years. Free was better. I also paid for Byte, which spanned the gap between my home and work interests. I liked Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, and I see this guy is still around.
There were others. Maybe not 10 total but close. Design News was a mechanical engineering mag that some of the people got. I never really used the material but there was occasionally an interesting article. I also requested samples of lots of cool mechanical doohickies like mini-solenoids. I now wish I had saved them!
Think you have a problem catching up with email? When I was stuck in our fab facility debugging and testing equipment, these mags really piled up - literally! I kept an 'unread' pile, a 'to be filed' pile, and a pile with special reference issues. I kept a few issues but in general would physically remove and file specific articles.
What prompted this post was a Nov. 20, 1976 copy of EDN. This was their 'Microcontroller Systems Reference Issue'. It actually was before I subscribed...I must have liberated it from another engineer. This issue described all of the 40 commercially available microprocessor chips, provided a huge list of related suppliers, and a great 11-part microcomputer design course.
I have chunked most of the mags and all but one of the articles. I have one EDN article written by one of the senior folks I worked with. I'm going to find, scan and post it for historical purposes.
Prior to starting work, I subscribed to IEEE Spectrum, Transactions and Comm Society publications. These fit well in an academic environment. Over the previous year, I realized that I had learned enough to actually follow most of the articles and was happy with the publications. Then I hit the real world. I quickly observed what the other engineers had on their book shelves and began to populate mine.
I subscribed to probably ten free magazines. EDN was my favorite, balancing ads with tech articles that I actually used occasionally. They were the most graphically oriented with nice block diagrams. EE Times was more of a news paper and provided the closest to real time product announcements. Computer Design was probably the most technical. These were my favorites. At least as best I remember.
I'll also mention Electronics mag. This was similar to EDN and Computer Design, but was a paid subscription. I tried it only for a couple of years. Free was better. I also paid for Byte, which spanned the gap between my home and work interests. I liked Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, and I see this guy is still around.
There were others. Maybe not 10 total but close. Design News was a mechanical engineering mag that some of the people got. I never really used the material but there was occasionally an interesting article. I also requested samples of lots of cool mechanical doohickies like mini-solenoids. I now wish I had saved them!
Think you have a problem catching up with email? When I was stuck in our fab facility debugging and testing equipment, these mags really piled up - literally! I kept an 'unread' pile, a 'to be filed' pile, and a pile with special reference issues. I kept a few issues but in general would physically remove and file specific articles.
What prompted this post was a Nov. 20, 1976 copy of EDN. This was their 'Microcontroller Systems Reference Issue'. It actually was before I subscribed...I must have liberated it from another engineer. This issue described all of the 40 commercially available microprocessor chips, provided a huge list of related suppliers, and a great 11-part microcomputer design course.
I have chunked most of the mags and all but one of the articles. I have one EDN article written by one of the senior folks I worked with. I'm going to find, scan and post it for historical purposes.
A snapshot of the U.S. Naval Observatory
DCist provides an interesting peek inside the USNO. Blogger Heather Goss documents a recent tour, from the 12" Alvin Clark refracting telescope that was built in 1892, to original works by Tycho Brahe, to the clock room where you see every piece of timing equipment used throughout history (except for the current operational hydrogen masers). I have never been on this tour, but it is now on my list. The USNO web site has information about tours and events.
Expecting It's a scrub (updated...twice)
Last opportunity to resume the Ares I-X count was 11:24EST...and the weather didn't cooperate. Rescheduled for Wednesday.
It struck me that this may be NASA's most important unmanned launch ever.
It struck me that this may be NASA's most important unmanned launch ever.
T-4:00, a close view of the pointy end, and triboelectrification
I'm watching NASA TV and Florida Today during the extended T-4:00 delay of the Ares I-X launch. Looks touch and go. They said something about the failure of a range radar, which is mandatory for launch. I missed the details since the wife turned on the TV. But they seem to be getting ready to resume the count. They are hoping for the current band of clouds to slip by.
During this period, I found NASA's Ares I-X blog. Two posts caught my eye. One shows the ultimate pointy end of the bird - the "five hole probe". The other introduces me to the fancy term triboelectrification, aka “P-static”. Big word for the static caused as a rocket zips through precipitation or water vapor.
During this period, I found NASA's Ares I-X blog. Two posts caught my eye. One shows the ultimate pointy end of the bird - the "five hole probe". The other introduces me to the fancy term triboelectrification, aka “P-static”. Big word for the static caused as a rocket zips through precipitation or water vapor.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Virtual rocket girl reports real time flight data
I guess Vern Knowles wanted to watch his rocket's flight and not the real time data displayed on a computer screen...so he developed the Kate Voice Narrator. This is so cool.
Ares I-X/Space Shuttle twofer
In his post on tomorrow's Ares I-X launch (maybe...weather "may be a problem"), Wayne Hill posted the following cool, and historic, photo of both the Ares and Shuttle on their pads. Couldn't resist cross-posting this! The next is provided...just because.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Big launch week ahead (update)
Ares I-X is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center's launch pad 39B at 8 a.m. Tuesday. The typical Florida weather may be a problem, however. The window is open until noon. See it live on NASA TV.
Three teams will try to unseat Armadillo in the Northrop Gruman Lunar Lander Challenge. The schedule as compiled by Clark Lindsey:
Three teams will try to unseat Armadillo in the Northrop Gruman Lunar Lander Challenge. The schedule as compiled by Clark Lindsey:
Oct. 26-27, Mon-Tues - FAR test site - BonNovA will go for both Level I and Level IIApparently, BonNovA has thrown in the towel.
Oct.28-29, Wed-Thurs - Mojave Spaceport - Masten Space will go for Level II
Oct. 30-31, Fri-Sat - Far Test site - Unreasonable Rocket goes for both Level I and Level II
Oct. 26-31, Mon-Sat - Caddo Mills, TX - Armadillo Aerospace will be waiting to see if they their Sept. 12th flights won them the Level II 1st, 2nd or no prize.
Unreasonable problems
Via Paul Breed on Twitter:
Silver ball catalyst pack died mid test. Puts 180 very much in doubt, still trying, but doubtful.He and his team are fighters!
Repairs, grid fin thoughts, and pending purchases
This afternoon, I ventured into the Dungeon for the first time since returning from sunny, warm Florida. I surveyed my growing list of partially completed projects and gravitated to the grid fin Crayon rocket. I had built a annular grid fin for a Crayon bank a while back. It consists of a circular piece of a fluorescent lighting cover attached in a large wooden ring that I found at Michael's. As I fretted about the incalculable stability on a largish stubby rocket, I decided that I need to try a grid fin on something cheaper and easier. Then it struck me...why not try a saucer-like thing? They are the quickest and easiest. Maybe I'll build a 24mm-powered saucer from a thin slice of tube and some of the light cover. Maybe I'll make a spool out of it. Maybe it will work.
While pondering it, I decided to repair my F-104 Starfighter. Luckily, nothing was actually broken. A slot of the joints had separated as neither liquid or gel plastic cement does a good job on that plastic. But I ain't buyin' anythin' else for this rocket. I don't know if I'll ever fly it again...but at least now I can.
The saucer project should keep me off the streets while I wait for the Quest MLAS (Nov. 1 release) and the V2 and Delta X15 from Hostile projectiles (available in a week or so).
While pondering it, I decided to repair my F-104 Starfighter. Luckily, nothing was actually broken. A slot of the joints had separated as neither liquid or gel plastic cement does a good job on that plastic. But I ain't buyin' anythin' else for this rocket. I don't know if I'll ever fly it again...but at least now I can.
The saucer project should keep me off the streets while I wait for the Quest MLAS (Nov. 1 release) and the V2 and Delta X15 from Hostile projectiles (available in a week or so).
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Rockets on Lock and Load
I just watched The History Channel's Lock and Load hosted by R. Lee "Gunny" Ermey. (on-demand) Took a few notes and took some real-time 'screen snaps'. This show is worth the price of admission!
Unreasonable stable hover
Via Paul Breed on twitter:
Stable no faults silver hover! Now to do a perfrormance hover test with known propellant weights.That's great news!
Iridium-Cosmos, 8-months later
(Oops, almost forgot to credit Clark Lindsey for spotting this.)
Do something, even if it's wrong
There is a lot of discussion about the viability and even sensibility of NASA's Ares rockets and its exploration plans in general. Most recently, the discussions and arguments have centered around the Augustine Commission and their 155 page report. (The latest post I saw is from Alan Boyle's Cosmic Log.)
I got up too early and could use another cup of java and this is what popped into my tiny brain this Saturday AM.
If Ares is canceled and NASA goes back to the drawing board, where does that leave us? Will NASA itself go away? Not likely. I suspect NASA's next project will undoubtedly be under funded, jerked around by politics, and will not do everything for everybody. Maybe the new program can also be cancelled after 4 or 8 years.
So, maybe its better to do something (anything) rather than nothing. The Shuttle program was afar from perfect. Still it attained a lot. It seems to me that politics and finances world have taken their toll on any large project. I thinks it's awfully sad that we didn't continue Lunar exploration and it now appears it may be many more years before a US astronaut will return. And I may be sadder if the only way we can get to the ISS is via foreign rockets. I'll also be even sadderer (intentional mis-spelling) if China and India are moon-faring while we sit on our thumbs.
Maybe new-space will save us all? I think it might get us to LEO but we still need NASA for the Moon, Mars, etc.
This was basically rhetorical, but you are welcome to comment if you'd like. Want...that...coffee...
I got up too early and could use another cup of java and this is what popped into my tiny brain this Saturday AM.
If Ares is canceled and NASA goes back to the drawing board, where does that leave us? Will NASA itself go away? Not likely. I suspect NASA's next project will undoubtedly be under funded, jerked around by politics, and will not do everything for everybody. Maybe the new program can also be cancelled after 4 or 8 years.
So, maybe its better to do something (anything) rather than nothing. The Shuttle program was afar from perfect. Still it attained a lot. It seems to me that politics and finances world have taken their toll on any large project. I thinks it's awfully sad that we didn't continue Lunar exploration and it now appears it may be many more years before a US astronaut will return. And I may be sadder if the only way we can get to the ISS is via foreign rockets. I'll also be even sadderer (intentional mis-spelling) if China and India are moon-faring while we sit on our thumbs.
Maybe new-space will save us all? I think it might get us to LEO but we still need NASA for the Moon, Mars, etc.
This was basically rhetorical, but you are welcome to comment if you'd like. Want...that...coffee...
LAUNCH Magazine, the book
A Rocketry Planet reader got this pre-order announcement from Amazon:
Launch Magazine's History of Rockets & Model Rockets
Mark Mayfield
List Price: $14.95
Price: $10.08
You Save: $4.87 (33%)
Release Date: October 28, 2009
Product Description
Launch Magazine presents the complete history of rocketry and the hobbies it inspired. In 1954, before the United States had even launched its first satellite into orbit, a Nebraska shoe salesman named Orville Carlisle developed a small black powder motor that could fire a toy rocket to 1,000 feet or more, blast out a parachute with a small "ejection charge," and allow the model to float harmlessly to the ground. America was hooked and hobby rocketry was born. Complete with explanations of the events and scientific developments that led to the proliferation of hobby rocketry, Launch Magazine's History of Rockets & Model Rockets is a full-color pictorial history of aerospace endeavors around the world.
100 color photographs.
A blog post powered by a black hole
The Next Big Future discusses the possibility of using artificial black holes to power future spaceships. This idea is pretty far out there and the conclusion is that it is "at the edge of possibility." I think this concept is far enough over the event horizon that I'll never live to find out. The blog post is based on the following paper:
Are Black Hole Starships Possible? (20 page pdf) By Louis Crane and Shawn Westmoreland, Kansas State University (H/T Crowlspace)If you want to see equations, tables, and citation to other papers, take a look. If not, just stay in The Next Big Future.
Friday, October 23, 2009
October launch scrubbed (by me)
Mid 60's and 90% chance of rain. Bah. Also, it's 50/50 that I'll have at least some conflict with Red Glare in November. Bah^2 (Still, my fingers are crossed.)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
X-37B to launch atop an Atlas booster
I want to see this one! This space.com article reports it is manifested for April 2010. (big hat tip to Clark Lindsey)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Radio controlled monocopter
Here is a video of a $500 radio controlled monocpoter developed by University of Maryland grad students. While the prototype cost $500, productions models may be on toy store shelves by the time the team lead graduates in May of next year. Cool. I want one.
BTW, here's a reference to another small guided mono, which was developed by Woody Hoberg at MIT. Woody is a sport rocketeer too.
BTW, here's a reference to another small guided mono, which was developed by Woody Hoberg at MIT. Woody is a sport rocketeer too.
House of Reps extends commercial space indemnification
I didn't know commercial launches were ever indemnified at the federal level. Clark Lindsey's post was short, so I lifted the whole thing:
The House passes a bill to extend for another three years the indemnification against third party damages above the maximum probable loss for which launch companies must obtain insurance:
/-- House passes launch indemnification extension - Space Politics - Oct.20.09
/-- House Approves S&T Bill to Extend Commercial Space Transportation Liability Regime and Two Resolutions - Committee on Science and Technology, U.S. House of Reps - Oct.20.09
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Introducing...The Beer Garden
In my previous post, I mused about what was wrong with the Dungeon (the blog, not the rocket lab). The first two respondents basically thought the problem was not enough beer. So, I thought I'd start blogging about the beers I've enjoyed. This will be a regular but probably infrequent feature as I just don't get out that much and I have a largish stash of Yuengling Lager to work on here at home.
Last weekend I tried Atwater Vanilla Java Porter on tap at a T-Bonz in Ellicott City. Here's how the brewer describes it:
I found it interesting - dark and rich with a small thick head. However, the vanilla flavor was overpowering. It tasted like vanilla extract was added after it was brewed vs. being infused during the process.
Bottom line is that I am not sorry that I tried it but, unless the selection of microbrews is scant, I probably wouldn't give it another try. If you like trying new things and have never tried a vanilla flavored beer, I'd say give it a shot.
Last weekend I tried Atwater Vanilla Java Porter on tap at a T-Bonz in Ellicott City. Here's how the brewer describes it:
A robust porter made with chocolate malt. We blend it with Vanilla and Java beans, and balance it with U.S. Golding Hops.
I found it interesting - dark and rich with a small thick head. However, the vanilla flavor was overpowering. It tasted like vanilla extract was added after it was brewed vs. being infused during the process.
Bottom line is that I am not sorry that I tried it but, unless the selection of microbrews is scant, I probably wouldn't give it another try. If you like trying new things and have never tried a vanilla flavored beer, I'd say give it a shot.
Top 10 reasons the Dungeon isn't more popular
This post was prompted by the sharp drop off in my readership after a week-long lull in posting during my vacation.
- In terms of the blogosphere, sport/hobby/amateur rocketry is a niche market.
- Too much off topic stuff. Spaceflight and science is probably OK but few
rocketeerspeople care about my random interests, my taste in movie/music, etc. - Rocketeers seem to be forum hounds not bloggers. Even when I was really active on the forums, it didn't look like many members read the Dungeon regularly. The Dungeon is just another place they'd have to check semi-hourly?
- In general, mine are smaller than...many others. (Yes, my rockets, geeesh.)
- Lack of op-eds. Yeah, there is little deep commentary here. Too many times, when I've tried, I get... complaints. Real opinions are like work. Plus, I have had enough moderation duties elsewhere.
- Lack of 'advertising' and promotion.
- Too many rocket girls.
- Too few rocket girls.
- Too little clothing on the rocket girls.
- Too much clothing on the rocket girls.
Ares I-X unveiled
And on the pad.
Launch is scheduled for Oct. 27 at 8 a.m. EDT.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Ya' gotta know your motor plug color codes
I can keep the black and white ones straight, but never can remember the others. So, trial and error is required at every LPR launch. Via TRF:
1/4A3, 1/2A3, A3 - Orange
A10 - Green
1/2A6, A8, B4 - Yellow
B6, C6 - Magenta
B8, C5 - Blue (these motors have been OOP for several years)
D12 - White
C11, E9 - Black
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
The rocket girls that never were
Here is a photo of some of them at a 1995 reunion:
From left: Gene Nora Jessen, Wally Funk, Jerrie Cobb, Jerri Truhill, Sarah Rutley, Myrtle Cagle and Bernice Steadman.
(Images via NASA)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
LockMart spaceplane flies again from Spaceport America
I saw a report on the third flight test of Lockheed Martin's small rocket glider a last week but didn't notice a photo...until now. The launch was from UP Aerospace's rail and the landing was in the designated zone. (reminder thanks to Clark Lindsey)
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Another UFO (YouFoe) from China Lake
Ken is at it again. Looks like a cross between the Bat Plane, a lifting body, the alien vehicle from Independence Day, and something 'Big Daddy' Ed Roth built.ZZakk's Lab - 2, Rocket Dungeon - 0
If you think know what this thing is, pop over to his Lab and let him know.
I have to check out the China lake Alumni site.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Just a huge BB gun
Parabolic Arc posts on a New Scientist article on a Space Investment Summit presentation on an air boost launcher. (that's a lotta 'on's) John Hunter and two other ex-LLNL scientists have formed a company called Quicklaunch, to develop a more powerful version of a gun they built at LLNL.
(Amateur versions: the howitzer; the Jujubee.)
(Amateur versions: the howitzer; the Jujubee.)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Shameless plug for EMRR Rocket Family contest - VOTE!
EMRR has opened the voting for his Rocket Family photo contest. Entry number 3 is my family of Fireball XL5 and Fireball XL5-like objects. 'Nuff said ;)
UFO at China Lake
ZZakk's Lab has unearthed and is analyzing a photo of what appears to be a monocopter...or is it? Read his post and decide for yourself.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Saturday WANT
Here's a shot of the forthcoming BT-60 V2 from Hostile Projectiles. If you click and expand the the image, you can see some of the detail on the cast cone and boat tail. I was thinking about a much larger V2 when this came along. I guess this will be cheaper and even cheaper to fly.
And he's busy working on the Delta X15 too.
Friday, October 09, 2009
What's next, environmental impact statements for the moon?
National Geographic - LCROSS Impact: Are NASA Moon Crashes Worth the Damage?
With about a half million craters already there, I personally am not concerned with today's LCROSS experiment. I guess if you didn't pick your site at all you could damage the several dozen historic artifacts that are already there. Meh.
With about a half million craters already there, I personally am not concerned with today's LCROSS experiment. I guess if you didn't pick your site at all you could damage the several dozen historic artifacts that are already there. Meh.
Space dreaming (LCROSS)
As expected, the LCROSS lunar impact occurred roughly an hour ago, spewing some 350 tons of moon dirt around 6.2 miles high. I must have had LCROSS on the brain because I dreamed about it last night. In my dream, the plume from the impact was clearly visible in the morning hours with the naked eye. However, Space.com reports that this was not the case in reality. Hopefully, the satellite images are worth seeing. And, I also hope they find their water.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Rocket weight inflation
Egads, the as-built weight of the Raygun Gothic HoJo is sitting at a whopping 35 oz without motors. I weighed all the 'major' parts before assembly but it appears that I left something out (like the epoxy, shock cord, etc.). So, I updated the over-rides and reran the RockSim model. It says the HoJo is stable and a -5 delay is almost perfect. Referencing the handy thrust-to-weight chart on ROL InfoCentral, the loaded weight of 36.5 oz falls about 3/5's of the way between 'safe' and 'marginal'. Close enough for me - I'm going with the RockSim (sim details below). I am sure glad I didn't add 4 oz of copper to the cone!
LCROSS to shoot the Moon this Friday
This Friday at 7:30 EDT, the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) will fire its spent upper-stage Centaur rocket into the Cabeus crater near the lunar south pole. Scientists hope to find water in the tons of debris tossed into the lunar 'sky'. Here is an artist's depiction of the event.
You can read more on space.com. BTW, I can't believe that other bloggers haven't used this image in an LCROSS post. The late night talk shows did. Of course, they just talked about blowing up the moon.
You can read more on space.com. BTW, I can't believe that other bloggers haven't used this image in an LCROSS post. The late night talk shows did. Of course, they just talked about blowing up the moon.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Xombie cookin' the X-Prize
Check out this downward looking camera on Masten's NGLLC run earlier today. Totally awesome.
Another Ares Parachute Drop Test
This test unit designed only to go down would make an interesting scale model intended to go up :)
Reminds me of the Aries "Fat Albert". Hmm, even the name is similar.
Reminds me of the Aries "Fat Albert". Hmm, even the name is similar.
Plugging the holes...without birds
Masten appears to have successfully completed Leg #2
Xombie's second leg was unofficially timed at 91 seconds. It has been moved back to the prep area to the cheers of the observers. Again unofficial, but the mean landing accuracy was around 6 inches. I forget what they get for completing Level-1, other than to go for Level-2. Update: I guess they qualified for the purse of $150,000. They'll win it assuming BonNovA (on Oct. 26-27) or Unreasonable Rocket (on Oct. 30-31) don't complete their two legs with greater mean landing accuracy.
Masten is flying the NGLLC again today
Clark Lindsey reports that Xombie has flown the first leg of the Level I challenge with a total flight time over the required 90 seconds and great accuracy. Leg #2 is immanent. The following photo shows how close the landing was.
Vintage range boxes
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Raygun Gothic HoJo - completed, except...
Except for a plug for the gaping hole in the cone and possibly the name.
I gave up on brass/copper tubing or fittings for trim. I didn't want to hold up the build as I get close to vacation and it would only add unnecessary weight. So with the help of Don and stantonjtroy on TRF, I fashioned the spin motors from triangular prism shaped scrap balsa. These scraps were formed when a big block of nose cone balsa was roughed-out. I seldom throw anything away when it could be used for another rocket.
As you can see, I kept the trim to a minimum to keep what I hope is a recognizable, albeit goony, HoJo look. The body and lower cone are Rustoleum dark olive drab, the top and rim of the circular port is gold leaf brush-on, and the silver band is automotive pin striping.
I gave up on brass/copper tubing or fittings for trim. I didn't want to hold up the build as I get close to vacation and it would only add unnecessary weight. So with the help of Don and stantonjtroy on TRF, I fashioned the spin motors from triangular prism shaped scrap balsa. These scraps were formed when a big block of nose cone balsa was roughed-out. I seldom throw anything away when it could be used for another rocket.
As you can see, I kept the trim to a minimum to keep what I hope is a recognizable, albeit goony, HoJo look. The body and lower cone are Rustoleum dark olive drab, the top and rim of the circular port is gold leaf brush-on, and the silver band is automotive pin striping.
NARHAMS launch captured on Google Maps!?!
On the history of Air Turbo Rockets and Robert Hutchings Goddard
Plasma Wind is featuring a great post on the history of the Air Turbo Rocket (ATR). The pioneering work on ATRs was performed by Robert Hutchings Goddard during his time in Roswell, New Mexico. and the article should prove interesting to all amateur rocket historians and fans of Dr. Goddard. I wasn't aware of the Roswell Museum and Art Center (RMAC), which apparently has one of the best collections of Goddard artifacts, including a recreation of his workshop and his actual launch tower. The article has some cool photos from the museum.
(My previous post on ATR's can be found here.)
I should also point out that October 5th was Dr. Goddard's birthday. (hat tip to Wayne Hill)
(My previous post on ATR's can be found here.)
I should also point out that October 5th was Dr. Goddard's birthday. (hat tip to Wayne Hill)
Monday, October 05, 2009
New FTC rules on manufacturer sponsored evaluations
Angelo Castellano of Sunward Aerospace Group Limited notes on Rocketry Planet that the FTC has released new rules regarding testimonial advertising...and blogging. Here's an excerpt from the new rules that Angelo posted:
I've never purposely concealed that fact that I had received a free kit for evaluation, but it may not have always been clear and conspicuous. Like you may have had to read the entire review to get to the conclusion where this tidbit was stored. Or, follow the post label to find the original post. Or whatever.
Disclosure of material connections.
When there exists a connection between the endorser and the seller of the advertised product that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement (i.e., the connection is not reasonably expected by the audience), such connection must be fully disclosed.
Example 7: A college student who has earned a reputation as a video game expert maintains a personal weblog or "blog" where he posts entries about his gaming experiences.....the manufacturer of a newly released video game system sends the student a free copy of the system and asks him to write about it on his blog......Accordingly, the blogger should clearly and conspicuously disclose that he received the gaming system free of charge.
I've never purposely concealed that fact that I had received a free kit for evaluation, but it may not have always been clear and conspicuous. Like you may have had to read the entire review to get to the conclusion where this tidbit was stored. Or, follow the post label to find the original post. Or whatever.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Nothing normal about this rocket
Actually, it had four fins and a nose cone, motors and a 'chute, so I guess I should clarify.
This is the latest creation from Inverse Engineering. It is staged and clustered - 4 Ks to one L. All PVC sugar motors. The rocket is mainly PVC also. All staging and deployment is done by relays and a steel ball. This guy does it his own way.
The rocket boosts a little squirrelly; staging looks like it occurred mostly horizontal; boosters shredded off; rocket never seen again. Nevertheless, the video is entertaining. It also has some quick footage of the Miramar Air Show and ends with the launch of a simple K-powered sugar rocket. He jokes how this is his first rocket that he's actually had to lug back home.
This is the latest creation from Inverse Engineering. It is staged and clustered - 4 Ks to one L. All PVC sugar motors. The rocket is mainly PVC also. All staging and deployment is done by relays and a steel ball. This guy does it his own way.
The rocket boosts a little squirrelly; staging looks like it occurred mostly horizontal; boosters shredded off; rocket never seen again. Nevertheless, the video is entertaining. It also has some quick footage of the Miramar Air Show and ends with the launch of a simple K-powered sugar rocket. He jokes how this is his first rocket that he's actually had to lug back home.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Non-pyro deployment set-up
The attached video shows a non-pyro ejection scheme that is being developed for sugar motors. It employs a bungee-powered plunger that is initiated by a burn string, in this case fishing line. The video provides a detailed explanation as well as some static tests. I realize that 'non-pyro' isn't technically accurate since a delay charge buring a line is pyro. However, no additional initiator or charge is required.
Hostile Projectiles
The title sounds like a description of some of my projects, but it is actually the name of a new kit vendor. Their one current offering is the V-23 Bomber Manned Rocket but a standard V2 is in the works. The discriminator with these kits is that they feature detailed, hollow, resin cast cones and boat tails. The V2 will also feature molded fin slots, which will make assembly a real snap. (Cover art borrowed without asking.)
Friday, October 02, 2009
X marks the spot
This is what happens when a 10' tall rocket with a 48 lb nose cone lawn darts. That's the solid clay floor of the Black Rock Desert. Hard stuff.
HDR photo of the old Apollo launch pad, taken at sunset
I thought this HDR (high dynamic range) photo of the old Apollo pad at KSC was pretty cool. It struck me as a modern day Stonehenge...an abandoned monument whose purpose is fading.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Homebrew Rocket Howitzer
Here's the 'flight' report for the pneumatic rocket cannon that I blogged about a few days ago. Click the photo and learn how trigonometry allowed this shot to be captured.
Unlike the Jujubee, which ignited a motor as the rocket left the tube, it doesn't sound like this cannon 'staged' to an actual rocket motor. (P.S. - the Jujubee met with limited success.)
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