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Category Archives: Space Shuttle
A Return to the Right Stuff?
In previous posts I’ve talked about the changing culture of risk at NASA and about the qualities and characteristics that make astronauts stand apart from the rest of the population. Recently, I’ve begun to notice a correlation between these two facets of … Continue reading
Rogallo After Gemini
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 Landing Systems, Manned Spaceflight, Moon, NASA, Rogallo, Space Shuttle, Spaceflight, Splashdown, USAF, X-15
6 Comments
Mapping Vintage Space
Regular readers of Vintage Space are doubtless aware that I have a tendency to link newer posts to older ones. This reflects the interrelation of all the topics I have (and will) discuss in this blog. I find this era … Continue reading
Posted in Aircraft, Apollo, Gemini, History of Space Science, Manned Spaceflight, Mercury, Planetary Science, Rockets, Soviet, Space Shuttle, Unmanned Spaceflight
Tagged Astronaut Selection, Gagarin, Gemini, Glenn, History of Rocketry, Korolev, Landing Systems, Manned Spaceflight, Mercury Program, Moon, NACA, NASA, Shepard, Soviet Space Program, Space Planes, Space Shuttle, Spaceflight, Splashdown, X-15
3 Comments
Spaceflight: Risky Business
One of the things that fascinates me about NASA’s early manned programs is the risks the organization took to achieve its goals. The Apollo Program is a great example: NASA had a goal, a time frame in which to achieve … Continue reading
The Space Shuttle Era, Winding Down
On February 24, 2011, the space shuttle Discovery launched for its final trip into orbit. The main objective of the STS-133 mission is to deliver and install a permanent multipurpose module (what NASA is calling a ‘floating closet’) to give … Continue reading
Posted in Apollo, Manned Spaceflight, Space Shuttle
Tagged American, Apollo, Landing Systems, Manned Spaceflight, Mars, Moon, NASA, Space Shuttle, Spaceflight, Splashdown
4 Comments
Talking Vintage Space
I’ve recently found that good things come from using Twitter! Mark Ratterman approached me (via email) asked if I would like to join him and fellow hosts Gene Mikulka, Gina Herlihy, and Sawyer Rosenstein on their podcast Talking Space. I … Continue reading
Inventing Landings
A couple of weeks ago I published a post outlining the principle reasons why splashdowns were a not an appropriate long-term method for astronauts returning to earth. Pointing to the ease of splashdowns as the primary reason behind their use … Continue reading