The space launch system has become the
“easy” part of the missions. Though rocket launches are still risky. SpaceX gets credit for Falcon and FalconHeavy reusable rockets but
not the mission payload.
And NASA still uses a variety of launch rockets. That was the point of opening the
commercial launch services program.
So I totally standby my assertion that NASA is
still doing cutting edge stuff no commercial company has really taken over. But, today
NASA is even funding commercial company payloads like Firefly and Intuitive Machines.
3 Likes
92010Coogs
(What's another word for Thesaurus?)
22
Has NASA ever designed rocket boosters that come right back to the launching pad to be re-used again?
The answer is no.
What SpaceX has been able to do in such a short time is mind boggling.
2 Likes
Duce630
(DustinK - Damn it feels good to be a Cougar. -Dwight Davis)
23
What is considered meaningful is an opinion, not a fact. Plus we don’t know what the recent accomplishments will lead to in the future. Space X absolutely can be more nimble as they don’t have to go through Congress and be at the whim of a different President every four to eight years.
I will say if Space X can be more efficient on their missions, it frees up NASA to specialize in other missions or mission aspects. Certainly helps if both concentrate on what they are most efficient in.
Duce630
(DustinK - Damn it feels good to be a Cougar. -Dwight Davis)
28
From Google AI
NASA has developed numerous inventions that have found their way into everyday life, including scratch-resistant lenses, memory foam, water purification systems, and cordless power tools, among others. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Here’s a more detailed look at some of NASA’s inventions that are now commonly used: [1, 5]
• Scratch-Resistant Lenses: NASA developed a special coating for the plastic lenses used in space helmets and other equipment, making them more scratch-resistant. This technology was later adopted by the optical industry, leading to eyeglasses that are significantly more scratch-resistant than before. [1, 5, 6]
• Memory Foam: NASA engineers created memory foam as cushioning for astronauts who endured pressure from the G-Force during space flights. This material is now widely used in mattresses and other products for its comfort and pressure-relieving properties. [4, 7]
• Water Purification Systems: NASA developed water filtration systems for the Apollo spacecraft that used activated carbon to remove contaminants from the water. This technology is now used in home water filters. [2, 3]
• Cordless Power Tools: NASA contracted Black & Decker to create a lightweight, powerful, and compact vacuum drill for a mission to collect lunar samples, which led to the invention of the cordless vacuum cleaner. [8, 9]
• Infrared Ear Thermometers: NASA and Diatek developed infrared technology for ear thermometers, originally used to measure the temperature of celestial bodies. [10, 11]
• Freeze-Dried Food: NASA developed freeze-drying technology to preserve food lightly and without refrigeration for space missions, allowing astronauts to enjoy fresh food by rehydrating it. [12, 13]
• Insulation: NASA needed to develop insulation for spacecraft due to extreme temperatures in space, leading to the invention of aluminized polyester, now used as home insulation. [14, 15]
• Survival Blankets: NASA developed thin, heat-reflective blankets to protect satellites from sun radiation, which are now used in rescue operations to retain body heat. [16, 17]
• Baby Food: NASA research on algae for oxygen generation on long-haul spaceflights led to the discovery of fatty acids also found in breast milk, which are now used to enrich baby food. [18, 19]
• Tires: NASA’s quest for high-performance tires for lunar rovers resulted in the development of advanced tire technology, which has since been applied to tires used in everyday cars, providing better traction and fuel efficiency. [20]
• Mobile Phone Cameras: NASA’s need for lightweight, small, high-quality cameras for space missions led to innovations that are now used in the image sensors found in almost all mobile phones. [21, 22]
Generative AI is experimental.
1 Like
92010Coogs
(What's another word for Thesaurus?)
29
Full disclaimer I love NASA. My watch first choice is a Moonwatch above every Rolex or others because it personifies a milestone. For everyone interested by NASA you have to watch The right Stuff.
Chuck Yeager has a unique role in the movie. He may be the best astronauts that never went up in a NASA spacecraft. One of the greatest injustice against a hero.
Agree, I think that’s a lot of it. Really sad to watch what happened to Boeing.
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92010Coogs
(What's another word for Thesaurus?)
34
Might very well be. Going from an undisputed #1 status to today in less than 15 years is not an accident. It has to be an internal “culture” issue. They need to turn the corner. Having only Airbus is never a good thing.
Forbes had pretty good article on their downfall. I put it all on the CEOs.
The 737 MAX problem of Boeing is a clear illustration of what may happen when a firm puts haste and cost-cutting above product quality and safety. Boeing made important design and testing concessions on the 737 MAX in its haste to rival Airbus and provide a fuel-efficient aircraft, including problems with the MCAS software that finally resulted in two catastrophic tragedies.
Boeing’s long-term viability has suffered from its focus on short-term gains. Spending billions on stock buybacks, the corporation raised share values and met urgent needs for its shareholders. However, although this strategy brought short-term financial gains, it came at the expense of vital research, development, and innovation investments, vital to Boeing’s future competitiveness. Boeing’s emphasis stayed on increasing immediate returns rather than directing earnings toward the development of new technologies or the strengthening of product lines
Its not that weird just look at who they hero worship. I agree NASA paved the way for private companies to have the success they might have, show some respect.