Return-path: X-Andrew-Authenticated-as: 0;andrew.cmu.edu;Network-Mail Received: from po5.andrew.cmu.edu via trymail for +dist+/afs/andrew.cmu.edu/usr1/ota/space/space.dl@andrew.cmu.edu (->+dist+/afs/andrew.cmu.edu/usr1/ota/space/space.dl) (->ota+space.digests) ID ; Thu, 14 Jul 88 04:09:41 -0400 (EDT) Received: from andrew.cmu.edu via qmail ID ; Thu, 14 Jul 88 04:07:30 -0400 (EDT) Received: by andrew.cmu.edu (5.54/3.15) id for +dist+/afs/andrew.cmu.edu/usr1/ota/space/space.dl; Thu, 14 Jul 88 04:06:32 EDT Received: by angband.s1.gov id AA14597; Thu, 14 Jul 88 01:07:04 PDT id AA14597; Thu, 14 Jul 88 01:07:04 PDT Date: Thu, 14 Jul 88 01:07:04 PDT From: Ted Anderson Message-Id: <8807140807.AA14597@angband.s1.gov> To: Space@angband.s1.gov Reply-To: Space@angband.s1.gov Subject: SPACE Digest V8 #272 SPACE Digest Volume 8 : Issue 272 Today's Topics: Re: Lithium Batteries (was Re: comments/reply for SPACE_DIGEST) Significant accomplishments in space Re: Hawaiian spaceport? (Was: Re: SPACE Digest V8 #221) Christine McAuliffe Re: Christine McAuliffe Re: Christine McAuliffe Mir elements Re: comments/reply for SPACE_DIGEST Space Shuttle Black Box Addendum to "Significant Accomplishments in Space Sciences" survey ... Mir passes for San Francisco Re: Cometesimals ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 11 Jun 88 06:12:59 GMT From: silver!chiaravi@iuvax.cs.indiana.edu (Lucius Chiaraviglio) Subject: Re: Lithium Batteries (was Re: comments/reply for SPACE_DIGEST) In article <1884@silver.bacs.indiana.edu> chiaravi@silver.UUCP (Lucius Chiaraviglio) writes: >In article <1139@thumper.bellcore.com> karn@thumper.bellcore.com (Phil R. >Karn) writes: [About the tendency of lithium batteries to explode] >>The reason NASA bans them from the shuttle is because they have been >>known to explode when shorted. [. . .] > > Wouldn't it make more sense for NASA to just require that the lithium >batteries be kept inside a housing that will contain explosion fragments, and >that they not be kept in areas in which a breathable atmosphere must be >maintained? [. . .] Somebody mailed me a message indicating that the weight of the extra housing would make it not worth it to send lithium batteries up. I did not intend to indicate putting an extra housing on, although now I see that my message actually reads this way. What I should have said was that any housing that is already there should be made so as to contain explosion fragments, and the lithium battery placed between other parts of the package so that they absorb the greater part of the energy of any explosion so that the housing does not have to be made unduly heavier. Also, the batteries should be designed with fracture points and/or safety gaskets so that they would burst earlier and with less vigor upon overheating. -- Lucius Chiaraviglio chiaravi@silver.bacs.indiana.edu lucius@tardis.harvard.edu (in case the first one doesn't work) "Gunpowder hasn't been invented yet." "It hasn't?!?!?" . . . ********!!!!!!!!!!BBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!******** "Well, I could be wrong, you know. . . ." ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 13 Jun 88 17:08 EST From: Subject: Significant accomplishments in space For reasons which are too detailed to go into here, I would like to conduct a survey on the net regarding what each of you feels are/will be the most significant achievements relating to mankind's efforts to explore and develop space. I am interested not only in those accomplishments directly related to space, but any development in any discipline which has contibuted to these efforts. Responses should however, be restricted to a time period beginning around 1900 A.D. and extending as far into the future as you like. Projections for the future should be based on some logical extrapolation of current technology or theory (no science fiction please) and if highly speculative, the development path from current science should be described. Last of all, (naturally) responses should be E-mailed to me personally rather than put on the net. After I have received and analyzed the responses, it is my intent to put the results of the survey (i.e. the accomplishments that are generally felt by the majority to be the most significant) on the net. Maybe we'll even get one of two good topics of serious concern to space out of it, rather than some of the political and linguistic drivel (Flame expected) like "manned vs. femmed" or what "CBS should be doing" that seems to have permeated the net in the last couple of months. Your responses will be greatly appreciated. Rick R. Johnson RJOHNSON@CEBAF1 ------------------------------ Date: 13 Jun 88 04:01:46 GMT From: phri!dasys1!tbetz@nyu.edu (Tom Betz) Subject: Re: Hawaiian spaceport? (Was: Re: SPACE Digest V8 #221) I agree it would be unwise to build a launch base on Hawaii proper. But the general area is conducive to launch sites, so other alternatives should be investigated. Has anyone looked into the feasability of artificially- constructed "islands", perhaps just over the horizon to the south of the Hawaiian Islands? There must be suitable volcanic reefs there that are normally submerged... it would be a nontrivial task to install the necessary facilities, but it would be the least intrusive approach when it comes to affecting the tourist trade, and much of the facility (that which does not require absolute stability) could be constructed to float on the sea, much as oil drilling platforms do. The energy contributed to the launch process would be considerable... would it be enough to justify the expense? It seems that it might... and what are the relative pros and cons of sea ditching versus land ditching as regards safety to crew and others? Strikes me that Hawaii as a launch location would provide the Shuttle ample opportunity for both. -- Tom Betz {allegra,philabs,cmcl2}!phri\ ZCNY {bellcore,cmcl2}!cucard!dasys1!tbetz Yonkers, NY, USA 10701-2509 {sun}!hoptoad/ "Opinions? What opinions? These are >facts masticol@styx.rutgers.edu (Steve Masticola) writes: > >Does anyone know of a good biography of Christine McAuliffe? I also >remember seeing a video biography of her shortly after the Challenger >explosion; I could use this too if it's available. > >Thanks for your help! >- Steve Masticola (masticol@paul.rutgers.edu) I would recommend "I Touch the Future" (I think that's the title, since I don't have the book with me). It's a good, direct writeup by a reporter from Christa's home town. He had the closest contact of anyone during the selection process and her training. mike -- *** mike (starship janitor) smithwick *** "Being a dwarf does have it's shortcomings" [disclaimer : nope, I don't work for NASA, I take full blame for my ideas] ------------------------------ Date: 13 Jun 88 00:04:46 GMT From: m2c!jjmhome!lmann@husc6.harvard.edu (Laurie Mann) Subject: Re: Christine McAuliffe In article , masticol@styx.rutgers.edu (Steve Masticola) writes: > > Does anyone know of a good biography of Christine McAuliffe? Her full name was: Sharon Christa Corrigan McAuliffe. At least one has been written in the last two years. Read any news/personality magazine from mid-1985 through early 1986 and you're bound to find quite a bit about her. \* This is the way the future is... Hacking net address: {harvard,ulowell}!m2c!jjmhome!lmann ** lmann@jjmhome.UUCP Working net address: harvard!anvil!es!Laurie_Mann (Stratus Computer) uS(n)ail: Laurie Mann, Stratus, M22PUB, 55 Fairbanks Blvd, Marlboro, MA 01752 ------------------------------ Date: 12 Jun 88 05:16:00 GMT From: kenny@m.cs.uiuc.edu Subject: Mir elements The elements I posted for Mir (they were labeled, `Progress 36') a couple of days ago are still usable for visual observation. I observed Mir overfly Champaign, IL at 22:34 CDT (03:34 UTC) tonight. It was not more than about ten seconds away from predicted time; I would say that it was more likely a few seconds early than late. I noticed that it was about half a magnitude brighter than usual (perhaps not as bright as Arcturus, but comparable to Vega). The additional reflecting surfaces provided by the solar panels of the second Soyuz are, apparently, quite noticeable. Clear skies for the rest of the overflights this week! Ad astra, Kevin ------------------------------ Date: 11 Jun 88 16:45:16 GMT From: aplcen!aplcomm!stdc.jhuapl.edu!jwm@mimsy.umd.edu (Jim Meritt) Subject: Re: comments/reply for SPACE_DIGEST In article <1139@thumper.bellcore.com> karn@thumper.bellcore.com (Phil R. Karn) writes: }> >So, just what are Lithium batteries, and why would they be prohibited on }> >a space flight, when I am allowed to take one in my watch and mingle }> >around thousands of people in public places? Are they radioactive? What }> >about a leak? } }The reason NASA bans them from the shuttle is because they have been }known to explode when shorted. They can usually tolerate a short }lasting a few seconds (typically 5), which is how they can be }wave-soldered to PC boards. No, they are not radioactive. They don't like getting wet much, either. Is this a consideration for something launched over an ocean that spends most of its time (when it is not in a warehouse) above water? Disclaimer: Individuals have opinions, organizations have policy. Therefore, these opinions are mine and not any organizations! Q.E.D. jwm@aplvax.jhuapl.edu 128.244.65.5 (James W. Meritt) ------------------------------ Date: 13 Jun 88 19:44:40 GMT From: ganelon.usc.edu!robiner@oberon.usc.edu (Steve) Subject: Space Shuttle Black Box I posted this request a few months back, but alas, no responses. Perhaps someone new is listening: I heard that a court case last year ordered NASA to release the cockpit black box tape from Challenger. This was around June or so of last year. There was a reported 2-3 minutes of tape *AFTER* the explosion. Anyone know any details on this. The case was brought to court by the New York Times, but I haven't seen anything in there about it. =Steve= ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 14 Jun 88 12:28 EST From: Subject: Addendum to "Significant Accomplishments in Space Sciences" survey ... I just realized after my first couple of responses to my "Significant Achievements In Space" survey, that I was perhaps not absolutely clear in my request for responses. What I am interested in in addition to the mention of the accomplishments themselves, are the dates that you think they were/will be completed. For those of you that have already responded, I would appreciate a follow up on your responses containing this information. Also, although the accomplishments in the future are of prime importance, please include info on the past accomplishments, since part of my interest is to see how familiar everyone is with these past accomplishments, and which ones you all feel have been the most important. Sorry about the vagueness, and thanks once again. Rick R. Johnson RJOHNSON@6414 ------------------------------ Date: 14 Jun 88 07:21:32 GMT From: snowdog@athena.mit.edu (Richard the Nerd) Subject: Mir passes for San Francisco Hi! These are predictions for the passes of the Soviet space station Mir over San Francisco. Since the Soyuz TM-5 is now docked to Mir, the complex is now about 0.5 magnitudes brighter than usual! These passes should indeed be spectacular. According to Mr. K. Kenny who has been very helpful in keeping me up to date (he gets all the good weather!), Mir is 7 seconds early compared to the element set upon which this prediction was based. If you would like to receive predictions like this, calculated for your own location, send me email. For smooth operation, it would help if you could find your exact coordinates and time zone. -Rich Prediction for: San Francisco CA Lat: 37.800000 Lonw: 122.400000 Ht: 0. Zone: 8.00000 DST: 1.0 Satellite: Mir 16609 Age: 10.3 days Unc: 46 sec Local Date: 1988 6 14 TIME MAG ILL AZ EL R.A. DEC RANGE VANG -------- ----- --- --- -- ----- ----- ----- ---- 21:46:30 3.0 18 344 29 06:21 74.4 669 0.48 21:46:50 2.3 26 355 35 06:03 85.5 584 0.63 21:47:00 2.0 31 2 37 19:28 87.7 550 0.70 21:47:10 1.7 37 11 40 18:47 80.4 524 0.77 21:47:20 1.4 44 22 42 18:42 72.4 507 0.82 21:47:30 1.2 51 33 43 18:40 64.0 500 0.85 21:47:40 1.1 58 45 42 18:40 55.5 504 0.84 21:47:50 1.1 65 56 41 18:40 47.4 517 0.79 21:48:00 1.0 71 65 39 18:41 39.7 539 0.73 21:48:10 1.1 76 73 36 18:41 32.8 570 0.66 21:48:20 1.2 80 80 33 18:42 26.6 608 0.58 21:48:30 1.3 83 85 30 18:43 21.1 651 0.51 21:48:40 1.4 86 90 27 18:44 16.4 700 0.45 Prediction for: San Francisco CA Lat: 37.800000 Lonw: 122.400000 Ht: 0. Zone: 8.00000 DST: 1.0 Satellite: Mir 16609 Age: 11.3 days Unc: 56 sec Local Date: 1988 6 15 TIME MAG ILL AZ EL R.A. DEC RANGE VANG -------- ----- --- --- -- ----- ----- ----- ---- 22:12:20 3.1 21 280 25 09:42 23.4 743 0.40 22:12:40 2.5 27 272 30 10:19 20.0 644 0.52 22:12:50 2.2 32 266 33 10:40 17.6 602 0.60 22:13:00 1.9 37 260 36 11:04 14.7 565 0.67 22:13:10 1.6 43 251 39 11:29 11.3 536 0.75 22:13:20 1.3 50 242 41 11:56 7.3 515 0.81 22:13:30 1.1 57 231 42 12:24 2.9 504 0.84 22:13:40 1.0 64 219 43 12:53 -1.8 503 0.84 22:13:50 0.9 71 208 42 13:21 -6.3 512 0.82 22:14:00 0.9 77 198 40 13:47 -10.6 531 0.76 22:14:10 1.0 82 189 37 14:12 -14.5 559 0.69 22:14:20 1.1 86 182 34 14:36 -17.9 594 0.61 Prediction for: San Francisco CA Lat: 37.800000 Lonw: 122.400000 Ht: 0. Zone: 8.00000 DST: 1.0 Satellite: Mir 16609 Age: 13.3 days Unc: 77 sec Local Date: 1988 6 17 TIME MAG ILL AZ EL R.A. DEC RANGE VANG -------- ----- --- --- -- ----- ----- ----- ---- 21:29:20 3.1 18 271 26 09:30 16.8 723 0.46 21:29:40 2.5 26 260 30 10:08 11.9 641 0.58 21:29:50 2.2 31 254 33 10:29 8.7 609 0.64 21:30:00 1.9 36 246 35 10:52 5.2 584 0.70 21:30:10 1.7 42 237 36 11:17 1.3 567 0.74 21:30:20 1.5 49 228 37 11:42 -2.9 559 0.76 21:30:30 1.4 55 218 37 12:07 -7.1 560 0.76 21:30:40 1.3 62 209 36 12:32 -11.2 571 0.73 21:30:50 1.3 67 201 34 12:57 -15.1 590 0.69 21:31:00 1.3 72 193 32 13:20 -18.6 617 0.63 21:31:10 1.4 77 187 30 13:42 -21.6 651 0.57 21:31:20 1.4 80 181 28 14:02 -24.2 690 0.51 21:31:30 1.5 83 177 25 14:21 -26.5 735 0.45 Enjoy! ------------------------------ Date: 13 Jun 88 19:01:07 GMT From: dietz@cu-arpa.cs.cornell.edu (Paul F. Dietz) Subject: Re: Cometesimals In article <18206@cornell.UUCP> dietz@loki (Paul F. Dietz) writes: > Frank et. al. estimate a density of about 3e-12 cometesimals per > cubic kilometer. Travelling at 20 km/sec, the flux of comets > near the earth would be something like 6e-11 per square kilometer > per second. A ten square kilometer powersat would be hit once > every fifty years, on average. Correction: 3e-11 per km^3, and 10 km/sec, not 20. So the powersat is hit once every ten years, on average, if the cometesimals exist. Paul F. Dietz dietz@gvax.cs.cornell.edu ------------------------------ End of SPACE Digest V8 #272 *******************