Intuitive Machines’ Post

Strong early-stage space teams know how hard it is for spacecraft exploring planetary bodies to not crash into obstacles or objects while exploring terrain. Steep, slippery slopes can cause rovers to slip and lose traction. Rugged terrain with many rocks, holes and traps can damage wheels and chassis. Limited visibility from orbital images don't show all the hazards at ground level. Autonomous navigation systems can be tricky when faced with unexpected obstacles. #space #newspace #deepspace #aerospace #everythingspace 📸: NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

🌌 NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Lockheed Martin’s X-59 Space Plane Unveils the Future of Supersonic Commercial Flight... NASA and Lockheed Martin are on the brink of a breakthrough in aviation with the X-59 space plane. This pioneering aircraft promises to transform supersonic commercial flight by significantly reducing the notorious sonic boom. Key Highlights:🌟 🛫 Unprecedented Speed: The X-59 is designed to fly at 1.4 times the speed of sound. ✈️ Innovative Design: Measuring 30 meters in length and 9 meters in width, its unique tapered nose is engineered to soften sonic booms. 📹 Advanced Technology: An eXternal Vision System replaces the traditional cockpit view, enhancing pilot visibility with high-resolution cameras. Unlike its historic counterparts, the Tupolev TU-144 and Concorde, the X-59 is set to redefine the future of air travel. Scheduled for its first flight later this year, it could pave the way for a new era of faster, more efficient global travel, potentially shortening trans-Atlantic trips. What impact do you think the X-59 will have on the future of commercial aviation? https://lnkd.in/eXrtwJsw #AviationInnovation #SupersonicTravel #X59 #NASA #LockheedMartin

The upcoming launch of United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur rocket on January 8 is a milestone in spaceflight. This 202-foot rocket, ULA's first new design in 18 years, is vital for both U.S. national security and commercial space interests. Sign up to our #aerospaceengineering newsletter to get the latest on commercial space flight, deep space exploration, satellites, aeronautics, and more, every Tuesday. Subscribe now 👉 https://ie.social/e8Owk   #engineering #aerospace #aerospaceengineering 

Watch the NASA X-59 livestream. https://lnkd.in/expc6KBS Quieting the Sonic Boom In collaboration with NASA's Quesst Mission, the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® team is solving one of the most persistent challenges of supersonic flight – the sonic boom. The X-59 will be used to collect community response data on the acceptability of a quiet sonic boom generated by the unique design of the aircraft. The data will help NASA provide regulators with the information needed to establish an acceptable commercial supersonic noise standard to lift the ban on commercial supersonic travel over land. This breakthrough would open the door to an entirely new global market for aircraft manufacturers, enabling passengers to travel anywhere in the world in half the time it takes today. 

Idiotics: Because Physics Cannot Explain Dumb Business Decisions I saw a total disregard for customer service at the Kennedy Space Center yesterday. It did not surprise because NASA manages that amusement park. Boeing is a major player. You get the my drift, right? So my brother and I waited aproximately 45 minutes to get on a much touted ride RED PLANET JOURNEY (or something similar where you get to go to Mars and back). Well guess why our wait time took 45 minutes? On a good day, there are FOUR “gates from where rockets take off for Mars”. Each rocket has 15 seats . Yesterday, two gates were closed and on our rocket, 3 of the 15 seats were broken/unusable. The ride lasts SIX minutes. So say the service rate is 60 guests every 10 minutes, yesterday that number was 27. Sounds like corporate America at its worst (NASA lost two of their six shuttles due to quality defects) managing a showcase of American ingenuity!

High-tech spacesuits are sophisticated engineering marvels designed to ensure astronaut safety and functionality in space. Since the very beginning of space travel, NASA is on the race for making these suits that are equipped with advanced life support systems. And now, SpaceX is also rivaling NASA in the race of innovative spacesuits. They are constantly making these suits high-tech to enhance mobility and safety of astronauts. These suits also integrates unique communication systems that keep astronauts in constant contact with mission control. However, today’s high-tech spacesuits didn't just appear from nowhere, they have a long, rich history that includes significant events, competition, and evolution. How did these spacesuits come so far, how NASA and SpaceX are battling each other to make the best spacesuit? And how far will they go in the future? https://lnkd.in/guBqsQfU

The Curiosity rover's landing on Mars was indeed a groundbreaking achievement in space exploration. The sky crane maneuver was a unique and innovative approach that addressed the challenges of landing a heavy rover on the Martian surface. Here's a deeper look into the process and its significance: 1. **The Sky Crane Maneuver**: This technique involved a descent stage equipped with rockets that slowed Curiosity's descent. As the rover approached the surface, the sky crane deployed cables to lower it gently. This allowed the rover to land without the risk of damaging its sensitive instruments from a hard landing. 2. **Robotic Jetpack**: The descent stage acted like a jetpack, using its thrusters to control the landing. This was crucial because Mars' thin atmosphere makes traditional parachute landings less effective. The jetpack allowed for precise maneuvering during the final stages of descent. 3. **Safety Measures**: After Curiosity was safely on the ground, the sky crane cut the cables, allowing it to ascend and crash land at a safe distance. This was a critical safety feature, ensuring that the descent stage did not interfere with the rover's operations. 4. **Engineering Challenges**: The successful execution of this maneuver was the result of years of engineering, simulation, and testing. It required advanced algorithms to guide the rover during landing and adapt to changing conditions. 5. **Mission Objectives**: Curiosity's primary mission is to explore Gale Crater and assess Mars' habitability. Its findings have provided valuable insights into the planet's geology and climate, as well as evidence of past water activity. 6. **Legacy**: The success of the sky crane maneuver has influenced subsequent Mars missions, including the Perseverance rover, which landed on Mars in February 2021 using a similar approach. Overall, the sky crane maneuver not only showcased human ingenuity in aerospace engineering but also set a new standard for future planetary exploration missions.

Here's a real gem about the computer in the manned spaceflight during the Apollo era. This video highlights the means used to achieve the lunar landing. Do you imagine developing such complex projects with these means ?

Capture the magic of a total solar eclipse with these NASA-approved photography tips: prioritize safety with solar viewing glasses, utilize any camera with a tripod for stability, and discover captivating angles beyond the celestial spectacle. 🌑🌞 Sign up to our #aerospaceengineering newsletter to get the latest on commercial space flight, deep space exploration, satellites, aeronautics, and more, every Friday. Subscribe now 👉https://ie.social/N2gng #engineering #aerospace #aerospaceengineering 

With reference to Europa Clipper Space Craft, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a robotic solar-powered spacecraft built to conduct investigations of Saturn's icy moon Europa 2. Its main goal is to determine the features that can support life on Europa. 3. It is NASA’s Largest Planetary Mission Spacecraft Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3