Unanswered Questions
1,521 questions with no upvoted or accepted answers
20
votes
0answers
335 views
What is the current location of Link-built Apollo Mission Simulators?
There seems to be confusion about the final disposition of, and even the number of, Apollo Mission Simulators built by Link Flight Simulation Division. This question is not about any simulator built ...
17
votes
0answers
370 views
Was Jules Verne the first to propose the retro-rocket concept?
In his novels 'From the Earth to the Moon', and 'Around the Moon', Jules Verne writes about a set of rockets fitted to the spacecraft he imagined, that were intended to be fired in order to slow down ...
15
votes
0answers
284 views
Are there any superstitions practiced in space?
I know there are many superstitious rituals practiced on the ground before liftoff. A well known superstition/tradition is urinating on the rear right tire of the vehicle bringing cosmonauts and ...
15
votes
1answer
929 views
What is the value of the cross-track angle between the two designated CRS-4 first stage recovery zones?
For the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch on its Dragon/CRS-4 cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station, according to Spaceflight 101, two downrange safety zones have been identified:
The SpX-...
15
votes
1answer
2k views
How many astronauts have had spiritual experiences while in space?
In the video Overview 5 astronauts talk about having powerful spiritual experiences in space, and their descriptions match enlightenment experiences. This strikes me as rather more important than you'...
14
votes
0answers
153 views
What damage/repairs have to be done to the launch pad every time SpaceX launches?
As SpaceX is a company that is very focused on rapid reusability, low-cost operation and a philosophy of "the best part is no part", what repairs have to be done to the towers and general ...
14
votes
0answers
213 views
What were the Top 10 Shuttle Risks in John Young's “famous letter”?
Whilst reading A Technical History of the External Tank I ran across this comment:
Although the problem has not recurred, John Young, in his
famous top ten Shuttle risk letter ...
13
votes
0answers
305 views
How did “the kid” (John Meisenheimer) calculate that there was a wave in the jet stream and Explorer 1 would be okay to launch?
The tough but timely question NASA at sIxty years, will there be a new moonshot mandate? links to the NASA YouTube video NASA 60th: How It All Began which shows a lot of really nice, historical file ...
12
votes
0answers
162 views
Has NASA ever included a ground controller or astronaut becoming insane/irrational/belligerent in a training simulation?
NASA training simulations have included a wide variety of problems thrown at the pilots and ground controllers -- not only the typical technical failures, but also some unusual outside-world stuff ...
12
votes
0answers
206 views
Have there ever been any incidents where something valuable was unintentionally throw out with the trash?
In "What do astronauts do with their trash on the ISS?", a commentator asked the title question and was encouraged to make it a new question, but apparently never did.
The linked question is ...
12
votes
1answer
256 views
How does it feel to breathe 100% oxygen at low pressure?
Some space suits are designed to provide an atmosphere of 100% oxygen but at a reduced air pressure about 20% that of sea level.
Is breathing in such a suit uncomfortable? It seems like having such a ...
11
votes
0answers
156 views
What caused STS-129's low energy condition on the HAC?
I've never heard anyone comment on the trouble STS-129 seemed to experience during the Heading Alignment Cone (HAC) phase. I was hoping someone who was involved with the program might know why it ...
11
votes
0answers
160 views
How does increased environmental radiation affect medication potency, long and short term?
The issue of the effects of radiation on medication potency is not only important for long term stays in the ISS, but also very important for longer duration journeys and even for colonization.
One ...
10
votes
0answers
93 views
Do the ISS docking ports require maintenance?
Is it neccessary to maintain the docking ports of the ISS?
Inspection, cleaning, lubrication, replacement of worn out parts like O-ring seals?
Where are the seals, on both sides or only at the ...
10
votes
0answers
188 views
Why does the Starship methane header tank have so many holes in it?
This picture from Elon shows us the methane header tank positioned inside the main tank.
I understand that one of the reasons for header tanks is to keep them pressurized when the main tanks do not ...
