NASA has captured thermal images of a rocket launch. This doesn't sound like much but these thermal images could provide critical engineering information for future missions. NASA plans to have missions to Mars' surface. Robert Braun, principal investigator for NASA's PDT project, states, "Because the technologies required to land large payloads on Mars are significantly different than those used here on Earth, investment in these technologies is critical. This is the first high-fidelity data set of a rocket system firing into its direction of travel while traveling at supersonic speeds in Mars-relevant conditions. Analysis of this unique data set will enable system engineers to extract important lessons for the application and infusion of supersonic retro-propulsion into future NASA missions."
The NASA's PDT project manager, Charles Campbell says, "NASA's interest in building our Mars entry, descent and landing capability and SpaceX's interest and experimental operation of a reusable space transportation system enabled acquisition of these data at low cost, without standing up a dedicated flight project of its own."
Micheal Gazarik, NASA's associate adminitstor or Space Technology goes on to further explain,
"Through our partnership with SpaceX we're gaining access to real-world test data about advanced rocket stage design and retro-propulsion. Through this partnership we're saving the taxpayer millions of dollars we'd otherwise have to spend to develop and test rockets and flights in-house. This is another great example of American companies partnering with NASA to enable our future exploration goals."
I have always thought of technology to be expensive. And it can be, but to think about all the information it provides. Here we see how NASA has gained new data and information about design, saving millions of dollars. Technology may be expensive but the pay off and gain of information is worth it.
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A lot of taxpayers will be happy to hear that technology will be saving them money. I think that the development and money put into advancements of technology is worth it compared to using the money on multiple test rockets. Investing in technology will be a consistent thing that will continue to help NASA improve what they are doing.
ReplyDeleteThey had a documentary about a rover that stopped functioning and they had to drive the rover with one of the wheels locked up. Its crazy how much money goes into this but it is incredible how much we can learn.
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