October 2019
Time to overcome the expendable rocket mindset
.... A typical trajectory is shown in the graph. Ascender would accelerate to Mach 1.8 using only its jet engines before its rocket engine is started and it pull up to a climb angle of 70 degrees. It would then accelerate on this steep climb to a speed...
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...
April 2021
Satellite servicing comes of age
... down because they have run out of station-keeping propellant MEV-1 uses highly efficient Electric Propulsion (EP) engines, utilising xenon propellant to produce far more delta-v (velocity change) than standard chemical propellants. In fact, MEV...
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...
