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Discussions regarding Spaceflight that are not specific to other forum topics.
Your source for KSC / CCAFS relevant news and information concerning Center activities and mission developments.
The Space Transportation System
DIRECT 3.0 was an alternative approach to launching missions planned under NASA's new mandate: The Vision for Space Exploration (VSE). DIRECT would replace the separate Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) and Ares V Cargo Launch Vehicle (CaLV) with one single "Jupiter" launcher, capable of performing both roles. This forum as of now is closed. It will be available for your reading pleasure for historical purposes.
NASA's Ares I rockets named for the Greek god associated with Mars. Future astronauts will ride to orbit on Ares I, which uses a single five-segment solid rocket booster, a derivative of the space shuttle's solid rocket booster, for the first stage. A liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen J-2X engine derived from the J-2 engine used on Apollo's second stage will power the crew exploration vehicle's second stage. The Ares I can lift more than 55,000 pounds to low Earth orbit.
The Ares I–X vehicle will consist of a functional four-segment solid rocket booster stage, a fifth segment mass simulator, an upper stage mass simulator, which will be similar in shape and equal in total mass to the actual upper stage, as well as a simulated Orion crew exploration vehicle and launch abort system. Since the actual upper stage hardware cannot be produced in time for the flight test, the upper stage mass simulator will allow the booster to fly approximately the same trajectory through the first stage of flight. The dummy "Orion" capsule launched by the Ares I-X will not be recovered because it will fall into the ocean along with the upper stage simulator.
The Ares V (formerly known as the Cargo Launch Vehicle or CaLV) is the cargo launch component of the upcoming Constellation program, which will replace the Space Shuttle after its retirement in 2010. Initially, the Ares V will launch the Earth Departure Stage and Altair lunar lander when NASA returns to the Moon, which is currently planned for 2019, but will also serve as the principal launcher for missions beyond the Earth-Moon system, including the program's ultimate goal, a manned mission to Mars after 2030.[2] The unmanned Ares V will complement the smaller, and man-rated Ares I rocket for the launching of the 4-6 person Orion spacecraft. Both rockets, deemed safer than the current Space Shuttle, will utilize technologies developed for Project Apollo, the Shuttle, and the Delta IV EELV program.
A component of the Vision for Space Exploration, Orion’s development is taking place in parallel with missions to complete the International Space Station using the space shuttle before the shuttle is retired in 2010. Orion will be capable of carrying crew and cargo to the space station. It will be able to rendezvous with a lunar landing module and an Earth departure stage in low-Earth orbit to carry crews to the moon and, one day, to Mars-bound vehicles assembled in low-Earth orbit. Orion will be the Earth entry vehicle for lunar and Mars returns. Orion’s design will borrow its shape from the capsules of the past, but takes advantage of 21st century technology in computers, electronics, life support, propulsion and heat protection systems.
Commentary and discussion led by select InsideKSC members.
A discussion devoted to the past, present and future of space exploration. Jim McDade is the host of this wide ranging, in-depth space exploration seminar. If you want to ask questions or discuss the who, what, why, where, when and how of space exploration, this discussion is the best place to begin.
A critical view, sometimes too serious in nature regarding issues that impact manned space flight.
Over the decades, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has embodied the adventurous spirit that lifted this nation to greatness and inspired people around the world. Barack Obama believes that the United States needs a strong space program to help maintain its superiority not only in space, but also here on earth in the realms of education, technology, and national security. Over the years, NASA technology has been applied to improve everything from computers and medical technology to baby formula and automobiles. Work done at NASA, whether here on earth or in outer space, impacts the daily lives of all Americans.
A forum for Inside KSC members to express recollections, data and media related to the original "Space Race", specifically the Apollo Program.
Inside KSC's Spaceflight Video Vault.
Discussions that do not pertain specifically to Space Flight
Your place for discussions on topic, off topic, and out of this world. Come on in and relax a bit.
A forum for posts that are of a personal attack nature, that are not suitable for the websites normal forums. WARNING: Some of these posts might include offensive personal attacks. If you enter, do so at your own descretion. InsideKSC.com does not condone or support the text in this forum
Do you believe that Apollo never went to the moon? Do you believe that space aliens originally brought our human ancestors to Earth? Do you believe that JFK was assassinated by Moon people who objected to his decision to send Earthlings to the Moon? Do you agree or disagree with Al Gore about global warming? Other than a posting that might be call into question the character or reputation of specific individuals, or when comments posted might be considered libelous or slander by the moderator from a legal viewpoint, this is the place where you can feel free to share your beliefs without fear of censorship of your ideas and concepts. No naughty words allowed, please. Have fun, but don't be insulting to others. Feel free to express your differences with the posting here, but personal (ad hominem or Tu Quoque) attacks are forbidden.
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