Abstract This project is designed to study the topic of space exploration. We took an in depth look at propulsion, space physics, moon base feasibility, and launch systems. We determined that for launch the best way to reach space would be rocket propulsion and then when in space a combination of plasma thrusters and solar sail. This project would best be used as a resource and a starting point for others who are interested in the colonization of space. i Table Of Contents Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... i Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 1 Chapter 1 – Space Mythology .................................................................................................................. 3 Space in Greek Mythology ................................................................................................................... 3 Middle Eastern Historical View of Space .............................................................................................. 4 Chinese Myths of the Sky ..................................................................................................................... 4 The Heavens in Norse Mythology ........................................................................................................ 6 Viking Myths .................................................................................................................................... 6 Neighbors in the North – Finnish Mythology .................................................................................... 6 Chapter 2 - History .................................................................................................................................. 8 Early Flight ........................................................................................................................................... 8 The History of Skylab ........................................................................................................................... 9 Design History of Spacecraft .............................................................................................................. 10 Mistakes and Disasters in Space......................................................................................................... 15 Chapter 3 - Satellites ............................................................................................................................. 18 Global Positioning Systems ................................................................................................................ 18 Communications Satellites ................................................................................................................. 19 Defense Satellites .............................................................................................................................. 20 Defense Satellite Communications System ..................................................................................... 20 Defense Meteorological Satellites Program .................................................................................... 22 Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) .......................................................................................... 22 Chapter 4 - Thrust ................................................................................................................................. 24 Aircraft Propeller ............................................................................................................................... 24 Understanding the Gas-Turbine Jet Engine and the Brayton Cycle ..................................................... 26 Solar Sails .......................................................................................................................................... 28 Plasma Thrusters ............................................................................................................................... 30 Nuclear Propulsion ............................................................................................................................ 31 Understanding Kepler’s Second Law and Gravitational Assist ............................................................. 32 Rocket Propulsion .............................................................................................................................. 36 Understanding Rocket Physics ........................................................................................................... 37 Single Stage Rocket Physics: ........................................................................................................... 37 Multi Stage Rocket Physics: ............................................................................................................ 39 Tachyon Particle Propulsion: Fact and Fiction .................................................................................... 42 ii Chapter 5 – Space Flight ........................................................................................................................ 44 Space: The Mission has to Start Somewhere and that’s the Launch.................................................... 44 Launch Systems ................................................................................................................................. 45 Basic Launch Considerations .......................................................................................................... 45 Launch System Selection Process ................................................................................................... 46 Space Craft Design Envelope and Environments ............................................................................. 47 Moon Base: Getting There and Lunar Landing .................................................................................... 48 Moon Base ........................................................................................................................................ 53 Re-entry ............................................................................................................................................ 54 Method 1 Powered Deceleration ................................................................................................... 54 Method 2 Mass Shedding .............................................................................................................. 54 Method 3 Energy Dissipation ......................................................................................................... 55 Six Degree-Of-Freedom Equations ..................................................................................................... 56 Graphic Analysis of the Six Degrees of Freedom Equations ................................................................ 57 Equations ...................................................................................................................................... 57 Graphical Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 58 rC ....................................................................................................................................................... 58 Θ ................................................................................................................................................... 59 Φ ................................................................................................................................................... 59 Vr ................................................................................................................................................... 60 γ .................................................................................................................................................... 60 Ψ ................................................................................................................................................... 61 Issues and Sources of Error ............................................................................................................ 61 Applications of the Six Degrees of Freedom in Gaming ...................................................................... 61 The Van Allen Belts and Radiation in Space ........................................................................................ 64 Impact of Space Exploration on Humanity ......................................................................................... 66 Recommendations For Future Projects .................................................................................................. 69 Bibliography .......................................................................................................................................... 70 iii Executive Summary The problem that is addressed in this project is one of understanding space exploration. The problem was narrowed down to propulsion in space, spacecraft launches, launch systems, re-entry, moon base feasibility, and space physics. Investigation into the space environment