SPACE - The Final Frontier

[thorfourwinds]

Greetings:

We have been avid Space fans for decades and here we find a great chance to share and discuss various aspects of todays space-related adventures.

We thank you for your time, consideration and participation and look forward to reader input.


FYI

First Issue of Space Quarterly Magazine Released





We are very pleased today to release the first issue of Space Quarterly Magazine with both the U.S. and Canadian editions now available.

We are also pleased to announce that the first issue is available for FREE as a digital PDF download. We sincerely hope you'll like our first issue and consider subscribing to future editions.

- U.S. Digital Edition Download (22MB PDF)

- Canada Digital Edition Download (22MB PDF)

We are also launching the SpaceRef Forum in the next couple of days. The forum provides subscribers an opportunity to view and comment on the stories in the magazine as well other topics. Non-subscribers will also be able to participate in the forum with the exception of the Space Quarterly forum.

The next issue of Space Quarterly is already being worked on for a December 2012 release.


Peace Love Light

tfw   

Liberty & Equality or Revolution

[thorfourwinds]

Greetings:

Have you ever given a thought as to exactly how many satellites there are presently in orbit?

In your estimation, be sure to include the 'out-of-service' and otherwise 'non-functioning' hunks of potentially lethal debris eventually de-orbiting... possibly to a place near you.

Let's see what the Chinese are up to these days.

We find it extremely interesting who's launching what for whom.


FOR THE RECORD:

NASASpaceFlight.com

China's 18th launch of 2012 sees Long March 3B loft ChinaSat-12
November 27th, 2012 by Rui C. Barbosa





The Chinese have launched the ChinaSat-12 (Zhongxing-12) communications satellite into orbit via a Long March 3B/E (Chang Zheng-3B/E) on Tuesday – their 18th orbital launch of the year. The launch took place at 10:13 UTC from the LC2 launch pad at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.


ChinaSat-12 Mission:
This bird was originally called Apstar-7B, a Spacebus-4000C2 platform geostationary communications satellite, with 24 C-band and 23 Ku-band high power beams. It was contracted to Thales Alenia Space of France for construction, on behalf of APT Satellites, in April of 2010.





Apstar-7B was a back-up satellite, in event Apstar-7 failed to make it to orbit. However, the launch – carried out on March 31, 2012 – was a success, allowing Apstar-7B to be transferred to a secondary agreement between APT Satellites and the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC).





With the secondary agreement in place, the satellite was taken by China Satcom – a state-owned satellite operator in Beijing – and renamed Zhongxing-12 (or ChinaSat-12). Zhongxing-12?s role is to replace Zhongxing-5A (ChinaSat-5A) at 87.5 degrees East.

Zhongxing-12 had a lift-off mass of 5,054 kg and a design lifetime over 15 years. It uses a S400 propulsion system and is equipped with two deployable solar arrays.

Part of the satellite's communications payload has been leased to Sri Lanka and is co-branded as SupremeSat-I. Recently, SupremeSat entered into a partnership agreement with CGWIC for the design, manufacturing and launching of the SupremeSat-III satellite and also to secure the marketing facilities of many other satellites owned and operated by CGWIC and the China Satellites Communications Corporation.

This satellite will be based on the DFH-4 platform and will be positioned at 50 degrees East Longitude after being launched by a CZ-3B/E launch vehicle. Supremesat-II will be launched in mid 2013 and will also lease capacity on the Zhongxing-11 (Chinasat-11) Chinese made communications satellite.

Zhongxing-12 will serve the demands of communication, satellite broadcasting, data transmission, digital broadband multimedia system and media streaming services in China, East Asia, South Asia, Middle East, Africa, Australia and China Sea area, and the Indian Ocean region.

The Spacebus 4000-based medium-class telecommunication satellite has a successful flight heritage, and can easily accommodate a large range of payloads in every band (Ku, C, Ka, X, S, L) to satisfy customer needs.

The solar array power offered by the Spacebus 4000 is up to 15.8 kW with a payload power up to 11.6 kW, typically 80 to 100 active channels with medium RF power (105/110W in Ku band), standard equipment and system designs available in Ku/C and Ka frequency bands, while other frequency bands (X, S, L) can be proposed.

China's 18th launch in 2012 was also the 173rd successful Chinese orbital launch, the 173rd launch of a Chang Zheng launch vehicle, the 9th launch from Xichang in 2012 and the 77th orbital launch from Xichang.





Developed from the Chang Zheng-3A, the Chang Zheng-3B is the most powerful launch vehicle on the Chinese space launch fleet. The Apstar-7 launch was the 23rd flight of CZ-3B and the 55th flight of CZ-3A series launch vehicles.

The CZ-3B features enlarged launch propellant tanks, improved computer systems, a larger 4.2 meter diameter payload fairing and the addition of four strap-on boosters in the core stage that provide additional help during the first phase of the launch.

The rocket is capable of launching a 11,200 kg satellite to a low Earth orbit or a 5,100 kg cargo to a geosynchronous transfer orbit.

The CZ-3B/E (Enhanced Version) launch vehicle was developed from the CZ-3B, increasing the GTO capacity up to 5,500kg. The CZ-3B/E has nearly the same configurations with CZ-3B bar its enlarged core stage and boosters.

On May 14, 2007, the first flight of CZ-3B/E was performed successfully, accurately sending the NigcomSat-1 into pre-determined orbit. With the GTO launch capability of 5,500kg, CZ-3B/E is dedicated for launching heavy GEO communications satellite.




The Xichang Satellite Launch Centre is situated in the Sichuan Province, south-western China and is the country's launch site for geosynchronous orbital launches.

Equipped with two launch pads (LC2 and LC3), the centre has a dedicated railway and highway lead directly to the launch site. The Command and Control Centre is located seven kilometers south-west of the launch pad, providing flight and safety control during launch rehearsal and launch. The CZ-3B launch pad is located at 28.25 deg. N – 102.02 deg. E and at an elevation of 1,825 meters.

Other facilities on the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre are the Launch Control Centre, propellant fuelling systems, communications systems for launch command, telephone and data communications for users, and support equipment for meteorological monitoring and forecasting.

The first launch from Xichang took place at 12:25UTC on January 29, 1984, when the CZ-3 Chang Zheng-3 (CZ3-1) was launched the Shiyan Weixing (14670 1984-008A) communications satellite into orbit.

(Images via ChinaDaily.cn, Xinhua and weibo.com members at the location).



Peace Love Light

tfw   

Liberty & Equality or Revolution

[rdunk]

SPACE - The Final Frontier

Hey fourwinds, possibly a great topic for general and specific discussion. For instance, the first thought I had about this subject puts a little different philosophical twist on actually how we might view any part/role humanity has in space.

Since the beginning of man, humanity has been faced with a huge assortment of frontiers, involving every aspect of life and of this planet - fire, food, shelter, energy, metals, medicine, wheel, flight, human body, weather, electronics, microscopes, telescopes, ships,
elements of the periodic table, ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ , and etc.. And still new "frontiers" are still being discovered, as humanity continues to do what humanity does, in its search for all knowledge of life and existence.

However, for the "frontier of space", at which man is only nearing the very beginning,  the word "final" strikes me as being oxymoronic. To me, it seems that "space" is not really "A" frontier! Rather space is generally accepted to be the infinite and as yet very unknown Universe, a Universe that is literally unknown, and a Universe that will likely have a new and different "frontier(s)", with every step man takes outward, into it. 

As man becomes a part of "space" he will have to deal directly with every frontier that presents itself - likely nearing an infinite number, in the infinity of space.

Maybe, "Space, The Beginning DADDY of all Frontiers" could be an alternate way to think about the generality of this OP subject!

Another way to help us visualize this subject is - - Earth is simply the first place in this infinite universe that man has had opportunity to encounter "space frontierS". 

                                         
                                                 

   

[thorfourwinds]

Greetings Esteemed Member rdunk:

That is a wonderful way to take this out of the gate. 

We are adding varying content and figured this forum is a better home than where STFF was first placed.

Thank you!

Peace Love Light

tfw   

Liberty & Equality or Revolution

[undo11]

it drives me bonkers when my brain points out to me, without my own forethought, that rockets look like penises and planets look like giant eggs waiting to be fertilized by rockets lol

any cure for my strange ability to see metaphor and symbol in things?  it's useful for prophecy reading, art, writing, music, but gets a bit over the top from time to time.  this is one of those times.   (no i will not blame it on 2001 a space odyssey!)

[rdunk]

it drives me bonkers when my brain points out to me, without my own forethought, that rockets look like penises and planets look like giant eggs waiting to be fertilized by rockets lol

any cure for my strange ability to see metaphor and symbol in things?  it's useful for prophecy reading, art, writing, music, but gets a bit over the top from time to time.  this is one of those times.   (no i will not blame it on 2001 a space odyssey!)

undo, the long haired redhead just above, posted by fourwinds, obviously could simply be one of those infinite and unknown "space frontiers" I was referring to! 

Or, with a couple of "small threads", this spacey redhead that fourwinds has given you, might make a good new entity for your "space game".  She is pretty much "out of this world" isn't she?!!

Or, maybe fourwinds post of the redhead is just to show to us how very acute our expectations for "differences" in the unknown "frontiers of space" should be! Every step will be a step into the "unknown".

fourwinds, tks for the "home run" note, as I have always liked baseball. I played Little League the first three years that it was in my home town. My team manager for those three years was Monty Stratton, a famous and outstanding Chicago White Sox pitcher in the late 1930's. You might remember the movie, "The Stratton Story", starring James Stewart, as Monty Stratton. Monty shot himself in the leg in a hunting accident, which ended his career. He was a great guy, and a good coach!!

[PLAYSWITHMACHINES]

Very informative post Thor, i'll read that PDF tomorrow

[Captain Dave]

it drives me bonkers when my brain points out to me, without my own forethought, that rockets look like penises and planets look like giant eggs waiting to be fertilized by rockets lol

any cure for my strange ability to see metaphor and symbol in things?  it's useful for prophecy reading, art, writing, music, but gets a bit over the top from time to time.  this is one of those times.   (no i will not blame it on 2001 a space odyssey!)

I'm so attracted to you right now! 

Sorry, just kidding around...

I bet everyone does that geometric shape, metaphorical thing. Funny how our baser instincts can sometimes override our logical self causing an internal argument?! Well... happens to me all the time anyway.

Watching all those Star Trek episodes when I was a kid probably didn't help either... Watching James T. Kirk bring Love to all those alien planets.

[thorfourwinds]

Greetings:

Did not the ZorgMeister cover this in ancient history?


These guys act like it is 'new' because it came up on YouTube recently, highlighted in a thread on ATS and was immediately torpedoed by previous links to ABSOLUTE PROOF that it is an errant insulation tile... now we don't have to worry about that one anymore, thanks to Phage, Chadwickus and Jim Oberg.   

Published on Jan 21, 2013

This Triangle Shaped UFO found while looking through photos on the NASA archive images site. This Triangle shaped UFO is interesting and important because it is actually captured in two photos.

This UFO is in the more traditional shape. Given its size relative to earth is it possible that this triangle shaped UFO is responsible for sightings such as the Phoenix Lights?

You can find the original photo and link to the original photo here http://ufosightingz.blogspot.com/2013/01/amazing-triangle-shaped-ufos.html

And they're on the ball at Tango...     Gotta love Human_Alien's lead:


"Two photos would pretty much cancel out the 'smear or smudge' theory..."







21 January 2013

Here'e his thread on ATS:

Triangle Shaped UFO in NASA Photo



OK, let us look for the information straight from the horse's, errr, mouth.

"The cloudy surface of the earth is used as a background."





And the build-up, analysis and dismissal is of interest; we'll let the pictures tell the story:





















This is good...   

"i've never seen any of the regular skeptics (ArMaP is one of the few i've seen who is more understanding) accepting anything that has an interdimensional or extra terrestrial..."

Well, ArMap?
What is it?





Good thing another 'expert' chimed in...


We must beef up the Classified Section...how'd we miss this?




Goldberg Coins and Collectibles


Peace Love Light
tfw      Liberty & Equality or Revolution

[PLAYSWITHMACHINES]

As usual Thor, your threads are a mine of information

Isn't that one of the 'lost' X-37's
LOL
Great work, mate

[zorgon]

That NASA triangle photo...

I contacted NASA and ordered the print.

The process works like this.  You contact the curator of the NASA images. You can download a fairly good high res copy for free...

OR you can get the NEGATIVE SCANNED for a fee.

So I ordered it.  The curator then takes the negative next door to Bay Area Imaging (in Houston next to JPL)  They then scan it and/or print it in any resolution you wish. I ordered it on cd at 600 DPI scan and an 11 x 14 print.

That cost me $110.00

However since NASA images are public domain, I am allowed to print them from that disk and sell them

I plan to offer them as posters with the caption...

NASA says... "Space Debris"

Anyone wants one?

[ArMaP]

Well, ArMap?
What is it?

A triangular Chinese lantern? 

Seriously, I don't have the slightest idea of that thing is, although, because it looks close to the camera, I think the generic "space debris" explanation is likely to be correct, but it could be anything.

[thorfourwinds]

That NASA triangle photo...

I contacted NASA and ordered the print.

The process works like this.  You contact the curator of the NASA images. You can download a fairly good high res copy for free...

OR you can get the NEGATIVE SCANNED for a fee.

So I ordered it.  The curator then takes the negative next door to Bay Area Imaging (in Houston next to JPL)  They then scan it and/or print it in any resolution you wish. I ordered it on cd at 600 DPI scan and an 11 x 14 print.

That cost me $110.00

However since NASA images are public domain, I am allowed to print them from that disk and sell them

I plan to offer them as posters with the caption...

NASA says... "Space Debris"

Anyone wants one?

Are you re-gifting last year's Christmas present?   

[rdunk]

Seriously, I don't have the slightest idea of that thing is, although, because it looks close to the camera, I think the generic "space debris" explanation is likely to be correct, but it could be anything.

Well, "looking close to the camera", for this triangle we see, is a bit relative to our perspective, in looking at this photo. We can know for sure, that the black triangle is closer to the camera, than are the clouds. But, our "perspective" also can be affected by tele-photo properties of the camera. Also "close" is not a very meaningful description, when describing something in space.

But, simply from a viewing standpoint, how close, or how far away an object looks to be, is also very relative to its size. For instance, consider how huge is a B-747 aircraft, when standing a few hundred feet away from it on the ground. Now consider how small the 747  appears to us while looking up at it from the ground, when it is flying just 35,000 to 40,000 feet above us - just a huge difference in size appearance for only a few feet, in spatial relevance.

Shuttle tile? "Not even", in my opinion. To quote a tile info page, "Except for closeout areas, the HRSI tiles are nominally 6- by 6-inch squares. The HRSI tiles vary in sizes and shapes in the closeout areas on the orbiter". So, the Space shuttle tiles are "nominally" very small. And description with the pic of tiles in the above post also show these are very small pieces of tile.

So, if a piece of tile was right at the window, a camera might see it. But, a 6 inch tile, only several hundred feet away, if seeable, would appear as a speck of "black pepper".  And it would become un-seeable at any farther distance.

So, it is a U-F-O by definition, because no one seems to know what it is. Maybe additional higher resolution pics will turn up someday!!

[Somamech]

Well we need to know how Black Tiles are Thermo Coupled to Each Other!

Interesting thing I learnt whilst at work is that a Triangle Shape is Utterly Useless for Thermo Coupling with space around it in a powder form.

Its kinda hard to verify what I am saying without giving myself away completely