Continue reading »]]>

SpaceX successfully test fired their new SuperDraco engines. These engines will be part of the new launch escape system for manned rockets. Unlike most proposed designs. SpaceX’s launch escape system will utilize built in engines rather than a launch escape tower that is seen on most older rockets. The goal of these engines (or launch escape system) is to jettison the capsule away from the launch site in the event that something horribly goes wrong on the launch pad. SpaceX hopes that these same engines will eventually help land the capsule in a pre-determined location when astronauts return to Earth.

Video: SpaceX

Continue reading »]]>

This interesting video is from the University of Pennsylvania where a team of roboticists are creating these little quadrotors. These things are incredible. They are able to maneuver through tight obstacles and fly in formation without hitting anything or each other.

This technology is cool. Just imagine the ways people could use these in the future.If they get them quiet enough, the military could use these things to scan buildings before enter. Also, these things can be used for search-and-rescue missions all around the world.

Continue reading »]]> Just thought I’d share with you an announcement from NASA regarding the next Falcon 9 launch to the International Space Station.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., — Media accreditation for NASA’s second Commercial Orbital Transportation Services demonstration flight is open. Liftoff of a Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., is targeted for Feb. 7, 2012.

During the flight, the Dragon spacecraft will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems in advance of a rendezvous with the International Space Station. The primary objectives for the flight include a fly-by of the space station at a distance of approximately two miles to validate the operation of sensors and a flight system necessary for a safe rendezvous and approach. The spacecraft also will demonstrate the capability to abort the rendezvous.

 

NASA has officially given SpaceX permission to combine their next two COTS flights which now means that the Dragon capsule will approach the International Space Station. Although the capsule will approach the station, it will not dock itself. Instead the crew will use the station’s grappling arm to take the capsule and attach it. The capsule will then deliver supplies.

Credit: NASA

Continue reading »]]>

Tomorrow morning (Nov. 26), NASA plans on launching the Mars Science Laboratory dubbed “Curiosity” aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta V rocket from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 41. Curiosity is the most complex, scientifically capable rover that has ever been built to study another celestial body. The $2.5 billion rover will be land on Mars in August 2012 in pursuit of microbes and signatures beyond Earth. When the orbiter arrives in 2012, it will land on the Gale Crater where it is believed that water once flowed millions of years ago. NASA hopes this area will have evidence of microbes because water is considered a prerequisite to any  life.

If you wish to want to watch the launch, it will be available on NASA TV on either your TV or on the NASA website. I bet the United Launch Alliance will also be airing it on their website as well since it will be riding aboard a ULA-built rocket. Launch time is at 10:02am with the launch window closing at 11:14am Eastern Time.

Continue reading »]]> When I was signing up with UStream yesterday, I found this very interesting CAPTCHA that not only stops automated computers from signing up, but it also advertises to the real humans that sign up. It’s a really great idea because it gives users no choice but to take a look at an ad when they sign up. Kind of cool.

Continue reading »]]> When I watch any Chuck Lorre Production, I notice this big screen full of text (and sometimes pictures) at the end of every show. If you are nosy like me, you probably have wondered what these damn paragraphs are about. Well, I have your answer! These are called vanity cards. Basically, after every episode, Chuck Lorre writes these vanity cards and shows them for a split second at the end of every single show he makes. Most of the stories are vary random and it makes you wonder if he’s on drugs or something.

If you want to take a closer look at these interesting forms of Chuck Lorre’s expressions, you can take a look at them by looking at them on his site by clicking here