MicroLaunch is a potentially game changing development for access to space for nano and pico satellites (1 to 50kg) which today are being used in ever greater numbers by commercial providers (e.g. Skybox Imaging, Planet Labs), universities, domestic space agencies and military research organisations. These satellites are poorly served by today’s launch marcet, generally having to ‘piggy back’ a...

Einstein’s equations admit solutions corresponding to photon rockets. In these a massive particle recoils because of the anisotropic emission of photons. In this paper we ask whether rocket motion can be powered only by the emission of gravitational waves. We use the double series approximation method and show that this is possible. A loss of mass and gain in momentum arise in the second approx...

Species-specific antigens from Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia prowazekii were readily solubilized by French pressure cell extraction or sonication of Renografin density gradient-purified rickettsiae and were identified by rocket immunoelectrophoresis. As measured by quantitative rocket immunoelectrophoresis, the species-specific typhus rocket antigens (STRAs) appeared to be proteins; they were...

This paper describes the initial results of applying two machine-learning-based unsupervised anomaly detection algorithms, Orca and GritBot, to data from two rocket propulsion testbeds. The first testbed uses historical data from the Space Shuttle Main Engine. The second testbed uses data from an experimental rocket engine test stand located at NASA Stennis Space Center. The paper describes fou...

The laser fusion rocket, which is expected as a rocket that it replaces one of the chemical propulsions, can be efficiently operated by using a shaped target. The shaped target is made of fusion pellet and the pellet is surrounded by a moderator (propellant). We here examine the applicability of the impact fast ignition scheme to the shaped target. It was found that it is difficult to increase ...

Several turning points in aerospace history are examined to explore possible alternative outcomes and important aspects of the historical significance of the divergences and the impact upon aerospace technology. In early aviation, the aviators Otto Lilien-thal, Samuel Langley, and the Wright Brothers are considered as likely candidates for alternative historical paths. In early rocket developme...

This paper investigates the dynamical behavior of an assembled beam like structure with tip masses modeling a two stage space rocket structure. The beam like structure is composed of two beams connected together carrying two masses at the free ends to model the payload, and the stabilizing fins mass properties. The effect of non-homogeneity of the structure due to different cross section proper...