Questions tagged [technology]
Questions relating to the use of technology to further space exploration.
123 questions
5
votes
1
answer
224
views
Will the International Space Station's propulsion system be changed to electric propulsion?
I know the systems being used are very new and being used in very small satellites, but if a system could be scaled up in the near future, that would certainly help keep the station afloat. Thoughts?
- 76.4k
5
votes
1
answer
731
views
Why are pressure-stabilized rockets not more common?
The Atlas rockets and Centaur upper stages (often used in combination) successfully use(d) pressure-stabilized tanks to minimize dry mass. This technology was not used in any other rocket stages I'm ...
- 8,454
10
votes
3
answers
742
views
Could we deal with an asteroid threat given current technology?
If we discovered a sizeable (Tunguska-like mass or larger) near-earth object tomorrow that was on a definite collision course with Earth in the near future, could we deal with it with our current ...
- 11.7k
12
votes
2
answers
3k
views
What are the "everyday" technologies that are a byproduct of the Apollo program?
There is an ongoing debate about the pros and cons of space exploration. One of the oft-cited pros is integrating the spin-off technologies developed for space into everyday life.
Did the research ...
21
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Is the technology behind the Shuttle's heat-shielding tiles used in any product today?
Many NASA inventions have had subsequent lives in the commercial marketplace. Have the Space Shuttle's heat-shielding tiles also had a second life?
- 76.4k
22
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Were decommissioned Cold War missiles repurposed for peaceful spaceflight?
Those formerly on either side of the Iron Curtain can now admit that the Cold War had its plusses and minuses. The key minus, of course, is that the United States and the Soviet Union constructed ...
- 76.4k
8
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Adapting to Increased Gravity on Alien Planets
What would mankind use in order to adapt or merely cope with the effects of a large increase of gravity on an alien world?
Assuming there are no other problems we would face.
- 76.4k
6
votes
1
answer
236
views
Would a POV camera on Philae lander be possible if the mission was launched today?
I saw the question "Why is there no POV video of the Philae lander landing?", which lead me to this question:
The data transfer rate of Rosetta is only 28kb/s, which is not strange because it is very,...
CommunityBot
- 1
8
votes
1
answer
321
views
Why is there no POV video of the Philae lander landing?
Why is there no POV video of the Philae lander landing? All I can find are animations made beforehand mixed with commentary and one or two stills.
- 7,350
13
votes
3
answers
6k
views
On a Super-Earth 1.5x the volume and mass of Earth, would our rocket technology allow us to reach orbit? [duplicate]
To try and make parameters clear, can we say we are talking about 50% 'more Earth'? As in, Earth, but 1.5 times as big and heavy? And let us include the atmosphere. If there is 50% more of it by ...
- 675
13
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Realistic space battle, how it could looke like? No hollywood version or videogames like [closed]
I am about to program space exploration simulation game in the future, but I need to consider many factors. I would like to be as much realistic as possible, but keeping the game playable as well and ...
CommunityBot
- 1
12
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Where could we build a space elevator today (2014)?
A space elevator is an interesting concept, allowing for very low cost transit to orbit. Currently we don't seem to have a technology that will provide a strong enough cable to make the climb from ...
CommunityBot
- 1
7
votes
1
answer
934
views
How will the SRBs used by the SLS differ from those used by the Shuttle?
The Space Launch System, which recently secured funding from Congress, uses many features that were developed from the Shuttle program, including the first-stage engines and boosters, and it's overall ...
- 76.4k
13
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Can you print 3D with iron in space?
A couple of recent questions; How is the unwanted cold welding prevented in space? & Would unpainted iron or steel rust in space? indicate that some pure metals like iron that have been forged in ...
CommunityBot
- 1
4
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Did the StarFury die on the drawing board?
Years ago, J. Michael Straczynski of Babylon 5 reported that NASA had shown keen interest in using the show's Starfury design as a forklift for work in zero-g. I think he told them it was a great idea ...
- 76.4k
13
votes
2
answers
763
views
Is there any research going on launching into orbit with "space guns"? Why (not)?
Many have said that rocket launches are an outdated and inefficient technology and have predicted that other technologies will take over, yet to date, it's still the only thing we have to launch into ...
- 7,541
12
votes
2
answers
633
views
Interstellar eavesdropping
For about a century, humanity has broadcasted noise to space in the form of TV broadcasts, radio, etc...
The nearest star is 4.242 light-years away, so for about 90 years, aliens -- if they exist in ...
- 1,164
17
votes
2
answers
1k
views
What technological barriers, if any, prevent a manned mission to Mars at this time?
Is the technology currently in place to launch a manned mission to Mars (and is it thus just a resource constraint that's preventing such a mission from occurring), or are there still other ...
CommunityBot
- 1
10
votes
2
answers
870
views
What progress has there been in the design of modern spacesuits?
In the early 90's I remember seeing a program where they were discussion new designs in space suits that would be more flexible and allow for less restrictive movements of the occupant. These suits ...
CommunityBot
- 1
18
votes
1
answer
718
views
What technology could the Soviets have contributed to the Apollo program?
Spacedaily writes to say about President. Kennedy's Sept 20th 1963 address to the UN General Assembly
"I include among these possibilities," he added, "a joint expedition to the Moon." Why, the ...
CommunityBot
- 1
10
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Can we get energy from the motion of orbiting bodies?
Can we convert the motion energy of bodies (such as satellites) moving around a high-gravity objects (like Earth or the Sun) to some kind of usable energy?
- 130k
4
votes
0
answers
128
views
What technologies are being developed to ease the supply chain burden for space travel? [closed]
Gathering and delivering resources from Earth is ultimately too expensive and unsustainable for space exploration in the long term.
Emphasis has been made on extracting resources while in space, ...
- 561
2
votes
0
answers
35
views
Is it better to build a spaceship in total or in parts for orbital assembly? [duplicate]
Supposing a planned long-term manned-flight with a spaceship that has to be fairly large to accommodate many people and meet some requirements like decent shielding from radiation.
Is it better to ...
- 6,491