Questions tagged [technology]
Questions relating to the use of technology to further space exploration.
124 questions
18votes
4answers
6kviews
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 ...
- 2,493
2votes
1answer
141views
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 ...
- 319
3votes
1answer
453views
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 ...
2votes
1answer
224views
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 ...
- 1,195
3votes
1answer
113views
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 ...
7votes
1answer
292views
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....
- 1,684
2votes
2answers
811views
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 ...
5votes
1answer
117views
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 ...
- 51
-1votes
1answer
165views
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 ...
-1votes
1answer
256views
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 ...
20votes
6answers
6kviews
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 ...
- 319
16votes
3answers
4kviews
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: ...
- 3,466
3votes
1answer
170views
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 ...
- 153k
34votes
4answers
7kviews
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 &...
7votes
3answers
2kviews
Were Nixie tubes used by a space program?
I’ve been receiving this ad from a company selling Nixie tube clock kits online: The technology that was used in the first space shuttles and submarines can be in your home and moreover in a unique ...
- 1,378
