Questions tagged [technology]
Questions relating to the use of technology to further space exploration.
125 questions
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Am I correct in saying we are close to the point where transport will no longer be the largest technological hurdle in space colonisation? [closed]
In recent years, the costs of launch into Earth orbit and other space transportation costs have fallen significantly, some would even say dramatically.
If the end goal is a self-sustaining colony ...
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Are NASA computers really that powerful?
I've always seen jokes or memes comparing really good computers to NASA computers. However, I don't know whether their computers are really that good, and if so what computers do they use and why do ...
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Uses for the TPS Tiles after shuttle [closed]
After the space shuttle’s retirement, what has the technology seen with the orbiters thermal protection system (TPS Tiles) had a use for post 2011, since to my knowledge no other vehicles are using ...
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ESA: Does the ESA initiate the development of necessary new technologies if it is necessary? Does the ESA create new space missions?
I tried to do some research but I couldn’t find any definitive answer to this: Does the ESA initiate the development of necessary new technologies if it is necessary? And does the ESA create new space ...
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Has there ever been a fully-reusable big-dumb-booster design proposed?
I know of fully expendable Big Dumb Boosters, as well as "smart" reuse in systems like NEXUS (all versions) and their contemporaries, what I'm trying to figure out (after hours of sorting ...
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What material can a maser sail design use?
A quick recap for photon sails:
Photon sails are conceptual spacecraft propulsion systems that would generate thrust from radiation pressure. Types of photon sails include solar sails, laser sails and ...
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What will the live video and audio quality be like when astronauts next set foot on the moon?
What will the live video and audio quality be like when we watch an Artemis crewmember set foot on the moon?
The quality of the original Apollo footage from the 1960's is terrible by today's standards....
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How did the cost of delivery of cargo into orbit change with technology maturation?
I had an argument with my friend recently about the effect of technology maturation on spaceflight cost. In the process, I managed to find this infographic:
Image source
The trend for cost reduction ...
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With our current technology, how large could we make a useable space-based VLBI telescope?
I am trying to find an equation that models the current technical limits that we have on creating an effective space-based VLBI telescope.
Variables that are likely relevant in the model: distance of ...
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Could we launch from the moon to another planetary body? [closed]
Would it be possible with currently rocket technology or technology towards the end of its development (ex. SLS, Starship, New Glenn, etc.) to launch from the moon. Of course, we would send down a ...
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Can we launch from the moon?
Would it be possible with currently rocket technology or technology towards the end of its development (ex. SLS, Starship, New Glenn, etc.) to launch from the moon. Of course, we would send down a ...
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What are some of the obsolete technologies that space agencies used in day-to-day work during the 1960s?
This may be a vague question, please let me know if more info is needed.
As we know, NASA put a man on the moon using technologies that we no longer use, like slide rules and entire teams of people ...
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Has any piston machine been used on a space mission?
Inspired by question about engine lubrication in space.
Piston engines are not used for propelling spacecraft, but there are some possible uses for especially Stirling engines and compressors:
...
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First hemispherical resonator used in spaceflight? First used on a deep space mission?
This answer to How exactly did Cassini provide rock-solid attitude control to enable high resolution low light imaging? (1.2 arcsec/pixel for narrow angle camera) says:
Cassini was the first ...
user12102
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Why are the recent flights of two billionaires discussed in terms of space travel?
Recently, there has been much attention on the fact that billionaires Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson were passengers in very high-altitude flights. Reputed media outlets discussed these events as &...
