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The Tyranny of the Rocket Equation: An In-depth Examination

Space exploration has captivated our collective imagination for generations. However, it is by no means an easy feat. Among the many challenges space engineers grapple with, one particularly notorious hurdle is often referred to as the “tyranny of the rocket equation.”

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The Skylab Program: Pioneering NASA’s Human Spaceflight

The Skylab Program, announced by NASA in 1970, marked a significant chapter in the history of human spaceflight. It was America’s first experimental space station, designed for humans to live and work in for extended periods. The program’s ambitious scope aimed to expand our understanding of life in space; and ultimately ended up establishing the foundation for future international space stations.

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Report: Space Sustainability Isn’t Just About Space Debris – on the Atmospheric Impact of Space Launches (MIT 2022)

Throughout their life cycle, space launch vehicles impact their local and global environments on Earth and in space. Given the space industry’s projected growth, recent literature suggests that the atmospheric consequences of these activities are understudied and insufficiently addressed.

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Time in Space: A Review of Typical Milestones and NET/NLT Designations in Space Projects

Timing is paramount, particularly in the sphere of space exploration. Each mission can be likened to a complex puzzle, requiring each piece to slot perfectly into place for the broader picture to emerge. To ensure all parts align just right, there are two significant types of checkpoints used: ‘No Earlier Than’ (NET) and ‘No Later Than’ (NLT). These terms effectively bracket the ‘earliest’ and ‘latest’ dates for task completion. This article reviews these critical markers relative to their importance in maintaining the timely progression of space missions and ensuring the successful attainment of their objectives.

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US Space Force Programs: Space Prime

The first Space Prime effort, Orbital Prime will invigorate the OSAM market using Active Debris Remediation (ADR) as a use case for the foundational technologies. As congestion and debris threaten the long-term sustainability of the space domain, Orbital Prime will transition agile, affordable, and accelerated OSAM space capabilities to build the foundation for space logistics while preserving the global commons. On-orbit capability will be demonstrated on an accelerated timeline in two to four years.

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Orbital Satellites and Their Use of GPS

Global Positioning System, or GPS, has evolved from a simple navigation system into a sophisticated tool with numerous applications in various sectors. One intriguing area where GPS is making a significant impact is the operation of orbital satellites. Despite the common misconception that satellites simply “provide” GPS, many satellites, especially those in low Earth orbit, also utilize GPS signals for their functionality.

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