Monthly Archives: June 2011

Before This Decade is Out

Posted on June 30, 2011 by asteitel

As part of my ongoing interest and fascination with proposed manned missions to Mars, I finally made my way through Robert Zubrin’s ‘The Case for Mars’. In it, he outlines a plan for a mission called Mars Direct. Coming from … Continue reading →

Posted in Apollo, History of Space Science, Manned Spaceflight | Tagged , , , , , , | 21 Comments

What to Do After the Moon?

Posted on June 21, 2011 by asteitel

In previous posts I’ve mentioned, albeit in passing, the Apollo Applications Program (AAP) – it was one of the possible applications of the Rogallo paraglider wing after the system was cancelled from the Gemini program in 1964. AAP was the … Continue reading →

Posted in Apollo, History of Space Science, Manned Spaceflight | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Preparing Planetary Parachutes

Posted on June 14, 2011 by asteitel

In previous posts I’ve talked a little about the challenges of landing on other planets. A planet’s unique composition and gravity have a major effect on a spacecraft’s entry into and descent through the atmosphere, as well as its landing … Continue reading →

Posted in Planetary Science, Unmanned Spaceflight | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Rogallo After Gemini

Posted on June 5, 2011 by asteitel

In a previous post, I looked at the Rogallo paraglider wing landing system and its failed development as part of NASA’s Gemini program. I also mentioned that the landing system didn’t disappear right away. After its cancellation from Gemini, NASA … Continue reading →

Posted in Apollo, Gemini, Manned Spaceflight, Mercury, Space Shuttle | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments