Out-of-the-box Travelling Space

[Jet2]

I think Space Travel should try getting away from Rocket Science for they have already made and would just make more holes on our Atmosphere and further harm our environment.

 

Unless we no longer believe possibilities are endless. There should be other methods. I think we just don't get them yet.

 

We all know that Outer Space is really a different place. But then how can we assume that the Universe will obey our laws or logics? If there is really any, they are OTHER INTELLIGENCE. Hardly be like us.

 

I am not saying we should stop explore if we don't know or understand enough. In fact I strongly suggest that we should explore more especially on how we can find more and better methods on Space exploration.

 

Looking forward to hearing your comments.

 

Jet2:)

[Tormod]

Welcome to our space forum, Jet2! I agree that we need to look beyond today's polluting rocket fuel, but I don't quite understand what you mean by "getting away from rocket science".

 

There is a difference in how to *reach* space and how to *fly* in space. When launching from the ground, the only alternative we have (in operation) today is rockets, even though launches from airplanes and balloons are being tested.

 

I am not sure what you mean by more holes in the atmosphere, either (is it just a figure of speech?)

 

There is a lot of exiting research going on, like solar sails, ion propulsion (as was tested on for example the SMART-1 spacecraft) etc. But we still need a lot of time to find new ways to launch stuff into space.

[Stargazer]

Rockets are good for many purposes, but there are other methods that could be much better. My problem with rockets isn't really pollution, as they account for a very small part of the pollution our civilisation pours out. I think they are too inefficient though, as most of the rocket's mass is fuel. I love the space elevator concept, and I seriously think that the space budget should be greatly increased, and some of that funding should be allocated to technology research and development to prepare for a space elevator.

[Tormod]

I think the space elevator is feasible, and it's already being researched. IIRC NASA announced plans for a space elevator already back in 2000, but I don't know where that project stands atm.

 

Here is a cool website I found:

The Space Elevator - Elevator:2010

[CraigD]

I’ve long been fond of the “big gun” approach for getting stuff into space, where, as Tormod notes, quite a few neat low-power propulsion options become usable. This is basically just, as the name implies, a mechanical device for giving a vehicle on the surface the few thousand m/s speed necessary to reach a desired orbit (the 11200 m/s necessary to actually escape Earth altogether seems a bit more than can be initially hoped for). Some sort of many-kilometer-long barrel pumped out to a decent vacuum, with a vehicle magnetically propelled and levitated, seems a good engineering approach to making such a cannon (remembering to open the cap that preserves the vacuum before your vehicle impacts it).

 

The big problem with this approach is drag on the unpowered vehicle after it exits the barrel into the atmosphere. Putting the end of the barrel as high as possible, to avoid the thickest part of the atmosphere, can help, but at least a small rocket motor w/fuel, etc. is likely to still be necessary. Another big problem is the acceleration involved – for a 10 km tube with an exit speed of 3333 m/s, about 100 times that of gravity, for over 3 seconds. Putting people into space with a big gun (without killing them) seems far from easy.

 

Space elevators are another very popular alternative approach to getting stuff into space. We’ve discussed them a lot here at hypography – searching for “space elevator” will find many threads – my favorite was last year’s 5641, where we not only discussed variations on the usual plans, but did some interesting engineering calculations and simulations.

[Jet2]

I may be too Sci-Fi addicted or being too simplistic.

 

Regarding the 'other methods', I mean, they may be these:

 

- theoretical short cuts: say, a wormhole or even a 'stargate'.

- non-physical exploration: no human body involved, not mechanical (using nano technology or other newer technologies?)

- instead of going out to explore, is there any other solution / direction?

 

Jet2

[Theory5]

well the heat from the atmosphere that heats up the space ship on the way out is caused by going fast right?

so if you can make an engine that can go up enough but not that fast, you can gradually penetrate the atmosphere. not go straight up, slowly around and up. sorta like when you launch somthing into space, and you want to get it in a certain orbit, except slower.

[Theory5]

I may be too Sci-Fi addicted or being too simplistic.

 

Jet2

 

I am totally sci fi addicted, but all sci fi has at least some real science or it isnt science fiction its just fiction.

 

in fact Im only in 10th grade but I know and understand tons, just from Sci fi and a curiosity about space and science and technology in general.

[Jet2]

no wonder.

but I'm more interested in

non-physical exploration