We have all seen the amazing video footage being streamed from outer space, such as the space walk with the earth spinning in the background...
The methods that we are using to reach space are derived from ideas that are over a century old:
"Tsiolkovsky not only solved theoretically such age-old questions as how to escape from the Earth’s atmosphere and gravitational field, but he also described several rockets. The first, conceived in 1903, was to be powered by liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen—a very modern propellant combination . . . [Tsiolkovsky] made another discovery—the multistage rocket, which he called the ‘rocket train.’ Actually, this concept was not as new as Tsiolkovsky, who discovered it independently, thought; firework makers had used the principle for at least 200 years. But Tsiolkovsky was the first to analyze the idea in a sophisticated manner. The multistage technique, he concluded, was the only feasible means by which a space vehicle could attain the velocity necessary to escape from the Earth’s gravitational hold" (Von Braun & Ordway, History of Rocketry and Space Travel [1975] 42).
We have planes that can fly at over 60 miles above the ground.
Point to ponder: Could we be reaching a level of technology where we will soon be able to attain spaceflight without expensive rockets? Then every nation, and even individuals who can afford small space flight planes, will be able to visit the moon and beyond. Attach an award to appropriate discoveries and we can have individual level advanced space flight in the next 2 years.
No comments:
Post a Comment