Back to the Moon - Part 1 | VOANews

Voice of America・2 minutes read

The Space Launch System (SLS) incorporates elements from past programs like the shuttle and Apollo to create a powerful vehicle for space exploration, with advancements in technology and materials driving mission success. Launch delays, hydrogen leaks, and complex preparations are part of the intricate process leading to major achievements like the first launch of Artemis 1, showcasing the evolution and complexity of space missions.

Insights

  • The Apollo missions were regarded as a monumental human achievement, likened to the construction of the pyramids, showcasing the historical significance and impact of these space exploration endeavors.
  • The transition from the Apollo program to the Space Shuttle program marked a shift towards reusable vehicles, emphasizing cost efficiency and operational sustainability in NASA's approach to space exploration.

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Recent questions

  • What was the reason for President Nixon cutting short the Apollo program?

    President Nixon cut short the Apollo program, attributing it to the Vietnam War. The Apollo missions were a significant achievement, akin to the pyramids for humanity.

  • What was the primary goal of the Space Shuttle program?

    The Space Shuttle program aimed to make space travel routine and lower launch costs. Spare parts were extensively used in American space programs like Skylab.

  • How did NASA transition from the Apollo program to the Shuttle program?

    NASA transitioned from Apollo to the Shuttle program, focusing on reusable vehicles. The vision for space exploration during George HW Bush's Administration included elements like the true exploration vehicle (Orion capsule) and rocket designs Aries 1 and Aries 5, with a test flight of Aries 1 conducted in experimental mode.

  • What led to the cancellation of the constellation program and the continuation of elements like Orion into the Artemis program?

    The cancellation of the constellation program led to the continuation of elements like Orion and ground systems (Launchpad, mobile launcher) into the Artemis program, utilizing existing investments and capabilities. Efforts to replace the shuttle in the 1990s with the x33 program were unsuccessful.

  • How does the Space Launch System (SLS) differ from the Space Shuttle in terms of configuration and design?

    The SLS's configuration differs significantly from the shuttle, with avionics for the upper stage, space shuttle main engines, and larger solid rocket boosters, building on past heritage while advancing capabilities. The SLS's size and power are driven by the need to escape Earth's velocity, with the vehicle's design focusing on physics and mission requirements, similar to the Apollo program's framework.

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Summary

00:00

Transition from Apollo to Shuttle: A Brief History

  • The hydrogen team will discuss their plan with the launch director once the clock stops in 60 seconds.
  • Violating launch commit criteria means the launch cannot proceed, based on requirements set.
  • The space launch system faced issues with hydrogen leaks during the ARs one campaign.
  • The launch of the space launch system with the Orion spacecraft was scrubbed by Charlie Blackb hson.
  • President Nixon cut short the Apollo program, attributing it to the Vietnam War.
  • The Apollo missions were a significant achievement, akin to the pyramids for humanity.
  • The Space Shuttle program aimed to make space travel routine and lower launch costs.
  • Spare parts were extensively used in American space programs like Skylab.
  • The Space Shuttle was initially intended to support a future space station.
  • NASA transitioned from Apollo to the Shuttle program, focusing on reusable vehicles.

22:08

Evolution of Space Exploration Programs and Technology

  • The vision for space exploration during George HW Bush's Administration included elements like the true exploration vehicle (Orion capsule) and rocket designs Aries 1 and Aries 5, with a test flight of Aries 1 conducted in experimental mode.
  • The heavy lift version called Aries 5, akin to a Saturn 5 class vehicle, continued into the space launch system during the Obama Administration, incorporating elements from the constellation program.
  • The shuttle was not designed for missions to the Moon, leading to the development of derivatives like shuttle C for large cargo capability, which could have sent mass to the Moon with a capsule.
  • The cancellation of the constellation program led to the continuation of elements like Orion and ground systems (Launchpad, mobile launcher) into the Artemis program, utilizing existing investments and capabilities.
  • Efforts to replace the shuttle in the 1990s with the x33 program, featuring advanced technology like composite tanks and linear Aeros Spike engines, were unsuccessful, leading to the shuttle's retirement after the 2003 accident.
  • The space launch system (SLS) core stage incorporates concepts from the shuttle and Apollo programs, utilizing assets like space shuttle main engines and solid rocket boosters for affordability and capability evolution.
  • The SLS configuration differs significantly from the shuttle, with avionics for the upper stage, space shuttle main engines, and larger solid rocket boosters, building on past heritage while advancing capabilities.
  • The SLS's size and power are driven by the need to escape Earth's velocity, with the vehicle's design focusing on physics and mission requirements, similar to the Apollo program's framework.
  • The SLS's structure includes components like the engine section, liquid hydrogen tank, intertank, liquid oxygen tank, and forward skirt, with advanced welding techniques like friction stir welding enhancing joint strength and reducing defects.
  • Technological advancements in spacecraft design, materials, avionics, and electronics have transformed space missions, with new spacecraft like Orion testing cutting-edge technology while building on Apollo's heritage, emphasizing the role of people in rocket development.

40:39

Artemis 1 Launch: Red Crew Contingency

  • The VAB to the top of the pad takes 8 hours, with a speed of 0.83 M hour to avoid excessive vibration.
  • A red crew, specially trained, is making an unplanned change to a replenish valve on the liquid hydrogen side.
  • Sending a red crew to the pad is a contingency, not a standard operation, due to the danger involved.
  • Hydrogen, being a small molecule, has historically caused leaks, but its performance benefits are significant.
  • Launch delays are common due to various factors like weather, with hurricanes necessitating rollbacks.
  • A hold at T-10 minutes ensures readiness before committing to launch, with no human interaction during this time.
  • The first launch of Artemis 1 was a significant achievement involving diverse teams and 10 years of challenging integration and development.
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