thomasantony
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Maybe there is hope after all..
A few months ago, NASA started analyzing different ways to best adjust the vibrations problem for the new moon-ship, Orion. The concern was mainly related to the fact that even though vibrations might not kill the astronauts, they will make it impossible for them to complete their tasks.
The problem was initially discovered in October and at first considered the main obstacle in completing the project. But as time passed and tests were made, the experts concluded that their worries were greatly exaggerated and the solution rather accessible.
Garry Lyles, the engineer leading the NASA team on this matter declared that “the leading solution is to put weight on springs in parts of the bottom end of the rocket and underneath astronauts' seats to dampen the vibrations,” according to the Associated Press. "These are actually absorbers that are used in vehicles today, especially one-ton and 1 1/2-ton pickup trucks," added Lyles.
Even though the matter seems to be successfully resolved, NASA wants to take no chance and keeps it on the top of the concern list, searching for additional solutions, as a back-up.
The Government Accountability Office underlined other possible complications, among which too much weight in both the rocket and Orion Capsule, design flaws, insufficient facilities for certain testing and the incapacity to replicate the 1960’s heat shield.
The project is part of the Bush administration’s space plan, and aims to have everything up and running by 2020. In order to keep progress rate constant, the 2009 budget request for the Constellation program is of $3 billion.
http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_NASA_Solves_Important_Rocket_Flaw_15967.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/04/science/04rocket.html?ref=us
A few months ago, NASA started analyzing different ways to best adjust the vibrations problem for the new moon-ship, Orion. The concern was mainly related to the fact that even though vibrations might not kill the astronauts, they will make it impossible for them to complete their tasks.
The problem was initially discovered in October and at first considered the main obstacle in completing the project. But as time passed and tests were made, the experts concluded that their worries were greatly exaggerated and the solution rather accessible.
Garry Lyles, the engineer leading the NASA team on this matter declared that “the leading solution is to put weight on springs in parts of the bottom end of the rocket and underneath astronauts' seats to dampen the vibrations,” according to the Associated Press. "These are actually absorbers that are used in vehicles today, especially one-ton and 1 1/2-ton pickup trucks," added Lyles.
Even though the matter seems to be successfully resolved, NASA wants to take no chance and keeps it on the top of the concern list, searching for additional solutions, as a back-up.
The Government Accountability Office underlined other possible complications, among which too much weight in both the rocket and Orion Capsule, design flaws, insufficient facilities for certain testing and the incapacity to replicate the 1960’s heat shield.
The project is part of the Bush administration’s space plan, and aims to have everything up and running by 2020. In order to keep progress rate constant, the 2009 budget request for the Constellation program is of $3 billion.
http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_NASA_Solves_Important_Rocket_Flaw_15967.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/04/science/04rocket.html?ref=us