Mr Whippy
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| posted on 14/2/08 at 12:48 PM |
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Nasa's locost option?
Ok I'll admit this has nothing what so ever to do with cars and yes I have posted it on a more appropriate forum (yes I'm everywhere  )
but maybe it would interest some of you...
Hi,
Here’s a thought that has been bothering me.
It seems strange that it appears no one has suggested using the international space station as part of manned mars mission. I mean quite literally
modifying it so it could be used as the spacecraft to go to mars in. This may seem a crazy idea but isn’t the station a engineless spacecraft just
going round in circles. As far as I am aware it is fit for long stays, loaded with instruments, scientific equipment and has as much living area as
two 747’s.
In my mind the proposed mars ship would share many of the design features already used on the station like modular construction, solar panels, docking
ports, water storage, toilets and the list goes on. Why build and launch more of the same to create something new when most of what you need is
already in orbit.
Of course I am not suggesting it’s not going to require a lot of modifications but surely using the station as the basis would save billions of
dollars and bring the date for a mission much closer.
With many questioning the purpose of the station and its enormous cost, I can not think of a better use for this resource.
note - edited to make it clearer...
[Edited on 14/2/08 by Mr Whippy]
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iank
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| posted on 14/2/08 at 12:54 PM |
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It doesn't have the radiation shields necessary for keeping people alive/healthy for a trip through the Van Allen belts never mind in the full
cosmic ray nastiness on the long trip to Mars.
Not sure it's mechanically strong enough to deal with the acceleration/deceleration it would need either. Wouldn't have hard points for
the motors either, but that could be fixed I'm sure.
Otherwise it's an interesting idea.
--
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Anonymous
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DarrenW
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| posted on 14/2/08 at 01:01 PM |
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Wouldnt it be a bit like putting a viper engine into an old Sprite musketeer and driving the jockey wheel.
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ceebmoj
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| posted on 14/2/08 at 01:04 PM |
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hi,
origonaly there where plans to build vhecle at the station using a simaler from of infestructure but with apropreat radation shealding and susfisently
strong to deal with the g loads of more powerfull engin burns howevere that plan was cost cut long ago. also as the space station is litle more than
core compleat it is not the facility that it was intended prity mutch what can be said for most of the present programs
if you are intrested in some other
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02GF74
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| posted on 14/2/08 at 02:49 PM |
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Don't tell anyone but I know for a fact that Ron Champion is currenlty writing a book about making one.
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Mr Whippy
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| posted on 14/2/08 at 02:54 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by 02GF74
Don't tell anyone but I know for a fact that Ron Champion is currenlty writing a book about making one.
 would it involve rather a lot of dustbins followed by a bicycle pump pressure test?
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coozer
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| posted on 14/2/08 at 02:57 PM |
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Why the hell do people want to go to Mars? We went to the moon about 100 years ago and haven't been back since.
What a waste of money, they should be looking at cheap renewable energy for the masses instead.
1972 V8 Jago
1980 Z750
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smart51
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| posted on 14/2/08 at 03:12 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by 02GF74
Don't tell anyone but I know for a fact that Ron Champion is currenlty writing a book about making one.
I want THAT book! My nephew thinks I can make anything. He wants me to make him a locost, in yellow, and a space ship. I need that book!
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zilspeed
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| posted on 14/2/08 at 06:14 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by DarrenW
Wouldnt it be a bit like putting a viper engine into an old Sprite musketeer and driving the jockey wheel.
I knew I wasn't the only one !!
What version of sprite musketeer.......
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carpmart
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| posted on 14/2/08 at 08:19 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by coozer
Why the hell do people want to go to Mars? We went to the moon about 100 years ago and haven't been back since.
What a waste of money, they should be looking at cheap renewable energy for the masses instead.
Ah but did we though?
You only live once - make the most of it!
Radical Clubsport, Kwaker motor
'94 MX5 MK1, 1.8
F10 M5 - 600bhp Daily Hack 
Range Rover Sport - Wife's Car
Mercedes A class - Son's Car
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Simon
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| posted on 14/2/08 at 08:32 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by coozer
Why the hell do people want to go to Mars?
For exactly the same reason that you are building/have built a car.
Research, to prove you can and cos it just has to be done.
Anyway, we have the way there already, it's just a bit secret:
ATB
Simon
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coozer
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| posted on 14/2/08 at 09:20 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Simon
For exactly the same reason that you are building/have built a car.
EH!?? I want a nice quick sports car to show off and blast around in, is that why people want to go to MARS???
Theres nowt there man, no roads or cars, or ANYTHING! Plus it takes ages to get there. You can't come home for dinner..
I just don't get it. DOH!
1972 V8 Jago
1980 Z750
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JoelP
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| posted on 14/2/08 at 09:33 PM |
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i believe space exploration is an essential step for mankind. I dont believe we as a race will survive the next hundred years anyway, but thats no
reason to give up. Assuming humanity does survive 1000 years, its ridiculous to think we will all still be stuck on earth!
A modular system is definately the way forwards. I was thinking along the lines of lots of modules linked like a necklace, spinning for simulated
gravity. Then if one has a minor mishap its not the end of the line! A few crosslinks here and there for strength.
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02GF74
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| posted on 15/2/08 at 08:33 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by coozer
EH!?? I want a nice quick sports car to show off and blast around in, is that why people want to go to MARS???
Theres nowt there man, no roads or cars, or ANYTHING! Plus it takes ages to get there. You can't come home for dinner..
I just don't get it. DOH!
Eh? I'd be first in the queue for that rocket to get away from this government.
And this is what supposedly Martian girls look like:
Looks suspiciously like an earthling with dodgy hair and outfit to me, but wahey if they do!!!
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Simon
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| posted on 15/2/08 at 09:31 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by coozer
I just don't get it. DOH!
So, if someone can't understand why you built a car, then you shouldn't have done it?
Best shape for a spaceship will be cylindrical, and big, like Arthur C Clarke described in the RAMA books. For an idea of scale see this
Get towards the central axis and you could fly around all day on arm powered wings Just don't get vertigo
ATB
Simon
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