Since we’re still a century or two away from building awesome star-trekking vehicles like the Enterprise, a cash-strapped NASA has gone the sustainable route and opted for electric and cryogenic propellants for its future vehicles.
Slated for rigorous field-testing come 2014 is a Solar Electric Propulsion mission that combines solar panels and electric propellants on a spacecraft to find out if the combination proves a winner. In order to test its viability, NASA will pilot it around a defunct satellite to see how well it maneuvers and then let it perform tests on a nearby asteroid. This mission is crucial as it aims to demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of solar electric propulsion in deep space missions. By harnessing the power of the sun, the spacecraft can potentially travel farther and more efficiently than traditional chemical rockets. This technology could pave the way for future missions to distant planets and even interstellar travel.
The Future of Cryogenic Propellants
Next on the list is a satellite due for launch in 2015 loaded with cryogenic propellants. NASA is keen on finding out if frozen fuel is the best alternative for orbital refueling, and this flight may hold the answer. Cryogenic propellants, which are fuels stored at extremely low temperatures, have the potential to revolutionize space travel by providing a more efficient and powerful means of propulsion. This technology could enable longer missions and reduce the need for frequent refueling stops, making deep space exploration more feasible.
The use of cryogenic propellants is not without its challenges. Maintaining the extremely low temperatures required to keep the fuel in a liquid state is a significant engineering hurdle. However, if successful, this technology could be a game-changer for future space missions. The 2015 satellite mission will provide valuable data on the feasibility of using cryogenic propellants for long-duration space travel and orbital refueling.
Looking Ahead: Mars Missions and Beyond
Bigger stuff lies ahead, including a new habitat module for the International Space Station and heavy lift procedures for Mars missions. The development of a new habitat module is essential for long-term human presence in space. This module will provide astronauts with the necessary living and working space, as well as advanced life support systems to ensure their safety and well-being during extended missions.
Heavy lift procedures are another critical area of focus for NASA. These procedures involve the development of powerful rockets capable of carrying large payloads to Mars and beyond. The Space Launch System (SLS), currently under development, is one such rocket. It is designed to be the most powerful rocket ever built, capable of carrying astronauts and cargo on deep space missions, including potential manned missions to Mars.
Cash-strapped they may be, but NASA is certainly not sitting on their laurels. The agency is continually pushing the boundaries of space exploration and developing innovative technologies to make future missions possible. From solar electric propulsion to cryogenic propellants and heavy lift rockets, NASA is laying the groundwork for the next era of space exploration.
Now we’re wondering what plans the Russians are stressing over once they’ve relocated their space program from its traditional home in Baikonour, Kazakhstan. The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, has been working on its own ambitious projects, including the development of the Angara rocket family and plans for a new space station. As international collaboration and competition continue to drive advancements in space technology, the future of space exploration looks promising and exciting.
Via Dvice
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