International law applies to outer space—everyone should conduct activities in space in accordance with international law. Space is not a “lawless” arena. Just because you’re on the far side of the Moon, doesn’t mean you can escape the long arm of international law.
Read MoreThe orbiting spacecraft designed, built, launched, and operated by 16 countries for permanent occupancy and continuous research. It is the largest international scientific project ever attempted. The first two modules were the Zarya (Russian) and the Unity (U.S.). Numerous additional modules, solarWe use the angle of incidenceWe use the angle of incidence, θ, to determine how much solar energy hits a solar panel. This angle lies between a line perpendicular to the cell and the Sun line. More, θ, to determine how much solarWe use the angle of incidence, θ, to determine how much solar energy hits a solar panel. This angle lies between a line perpendicular to the cell and the Sun line. More energyWe use the angle of incidence, θ, to determine how much solar energy hits a solar panel. This angle lies between a line perpendicular to the cell and the Sun line. More hits […]
Read MoreA specialized agency of the United Nations that manages, among other issues, geostationaryThis type of orbitThe oval-shaped path that a spacecraft follows. Orbits come in various shapes and sizes, but each one has a purpose: to let the spacecraft do its job. Higher orbits require more propellant to get a spacecraft there. More is circular with a period of about 24 hours and an inclinationDescribes the tilt of the orbital plane with respect to the fundamental plane. Has a range in values from 0 to 180. More of 0 degrees. It is particularly useful for communicationAn assembly of spacecraft components that collect, process, store, and transmit payload-mission and bus-housekeeping data. The communication and data-handling subsystem (CDHS) acts as the ears, brain, and mouth of the spacecraft • It has two primary portions — communication and data handling • It translates raw data from the payloads and subsystems into useful information and sends it to the ground system • Commands from ground controllers generally request information from and give specific instructions to individual subsystems More satellites because a spacecraft in this orbitThe oval-shaped path that a spacecraft follows. Orbits come in various shapes and sizes, but each one has a purpose: to let the spacecraft do its job. Higher orbits require more propellant to get a spacecraft there. More appears motionless to an Earth-based observer, such as a fixed ground […]
Read MoreInternational Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITARInternational Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are a set of US government regulations that controlThe job of the attitude determination and control subsystem (ADCS) is to keep its spacecraft pointed in the right direction. More the export and import of defense-related articles and services. US Space TechnologyThe science and technology of spaceflight. It includes designing, building, testing, and deploying spacecraft, launch vehicles, launch complexes, and many more space-related facilities. More cannot be shared with non-US persons without authorization from the Department of State or a special exemption. US persons can face heavy fines […]
Read MoreA limited number of frequencies exist and international coordination is needed to prevent interference. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU)A specialized agency of the United Nations that manages, among other issues, geostationaryThis type of orbit is circular with a period of about 24 hours and an inclination of 0 degrees. It is particularly useful for communication satellites because a spacecraft in this orbit appears motionless to an Earth-based observer, such as a fixed ground station for a cable TV company. More slot assignments and radio frequencyThe number of waves that go by in one second. More allocations for its member states. More coordinates frequencyThe number of waves that go by in one second. More use […]
Read MoreA rocketA fluid-dynamics concept that says as low-velocity gases pass into the converging part of a nozzleA type of rocket system that heats a propellant by passing it through a sustained electric arc, then ejects the energized gas through a nozzle. Its specific impulse is high compared to chemical rockets, but its thrust is very low. More, they accelerate to the speed of sound at the narrowest section (throat). Then, after they pass through the throat, they expand and accelerateA fluid-dynamics concept that says as low-velocity gases pass into the converging part of a nozzle, they accelerate to the speed of sound at the narrowest section (throat). Then, after they pass through the throat, they expand and accelerate to supersonic speeds. This principle is the basis for creating thrust in a thermodynamic rocket. More to supersonic speeds. This principle is the basis for creating thrust in a thermodynamic rocket. […]
Read MoreNewton’s Law of Universal GravitationNewton’s Law of Universal GravitationNewton's Law of Universal Gravitation states that the force of gravity between two bodies is directly proportional to the product of their two masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. More states that the forceAn object's increasing speed toward Earth's center, caused by the force of gravity (the force of attraction between two objects). More of gravity between two bodies is directly proportional to the product of their two masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. More states that the forceAn object’s increasing speed toward Earth’s center, caused by the forceAn object's increasing speed toward Earth's center, caused by the force of gravity (the force of attraction between two objects). More of […]
Read MoreA force on a re-entryThe reference frame used to analyze a space vehicle’s motionA rotating object’s spin rate. We use the right-hand rule to determine its direction. More after leaving orbitThe oval-shaped path that a spacecraft follows. Orbits come in various shapes and sizes, but each one has a purpose: to let the spacecraft do its job. Higher orbits require more propellant to get a spacecraft there. More until it lands. Its origin is at the vehicle’s center of mass at the beginning of re-entryThe reference frame used to analyze a space vehicle’s motion after leaving orbit until it lands. Its origin is at the vehicle’s center of mass at the beginning of re-entry. More. More vehicle caused by air flowing over a wing. It acts perpendicular to the vehicle’s motionA rotating object’s spin rate. We […]
Read MoreAccounting for the lifting forceAn object’s increasing speed toward Earth’s center, caused by the force of gravity (the force of attraction between two objects). More experienced by our re-entryThe reference frameThe reference frame used to analyze a space vehicle’s motion after leaving orbit until it lands. Its origin is at the vehicle’s center of mass at the beginning of re-entry. More used to analyze a space vehicle’s motionA rotating object’s spin rate. We use the right-hand rule to determine its direction. More after leaving orbitThe oval-shaped path that a spacecraft follows. Orbits come in various shapes and sizes, but each one has a purpose: to let the spacecraft do its job. Higher orbits require more propellant to get a spacecraft there. More until it lands. Its originDefines a physically identifiable starting point for the coordinate system. More is at the vehicle’s center of mass at the […]
Read MoreIdentify risks while there is still time to react and put in place mitigation strategies to minimize or eliminate risks. Risk is defined in two dimensions, probability of occurrence and consequence. Decompose top-level requirements to lower-level requirements in order to trace them and note changes. Pay particular attention to interfacesThe mechanicalA method to maintain a spacecraft's internal temperature using a closed-loop control system to measure current temperature and adjust inputs, outputs and internal heat flow. It requires a working fluid, heaters, pumps, or other mechanical devices. More and electrical connections between […]
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