August 2020
Interstellar aspirations
... potential for an Isp of several hundred thousand, which just begins to make interstellar missions plausible. The first engineering attempt to build a fusion-propelled rocket, based on Freeman Dyson’s Orion concept, began in the late 1950s. Dr Dyson...
May 2024
Out of this world – NASA’s textile technicians and innovations for space voyages
... products, sleeping bags, and blankets. Details of some innovative textiles and fibres follow. Membrane modules Membrane engineering is an innovative solution needed for deep space exploration. Filtration membranes for air and water purification and...
May 2024
The universe in acrylics - an artist’s passion
..., site. With QinetiQ, I used my creative flair to help describe the heritage of the organisation and I listened to the engineers to tailor my messaging (both written and visual) to aid their conversations and work progress. After QinetiQ, I was...
08 February 2019
New Orbex rocket revealed
... and executive offices. The Orbex venture is expected to create 130 jobs in the Scottish Highlands. “As well as a full engineering prototype of the complete Stage Two, we now have a growing roster of customers hoping to be among the first to launch...
October 2015
Green cosmonautics: an ideal to strive for
...Airbus concept for a partially resuable spacecraft – the main engine has wings to fly home Cost efficiency would also be ... energy density. Intellectualisation of failure diagnostics, of engine and onboard systems operations control, and of spacecraft...
January 2019
Materials make the space mission
...most demanding and hostile operational environments in which human engineering products are required to function Arrival at the ...and coatings, first noted in the early 1980s when engineers found Space Shuttle thermal blankets had been severely eroded...
