Space Stuff and Launch Info

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses various recent developments and information in the field of aerospace, including upcoming launches, scientific missions, and discoveries related to space exploration. The scope includes theoretical insights, technical details, and observational data from missions such as SpaceX Dragon, NASA's Juno, and others.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants share links to upcoming SpaceX launches and express interest in following the events.
  • There is mention of a digital tape recovered from the Columbia crash that contains footage of reentry plasma flashes, with requests for information on where to view it.
  • Discussion includes a write-up on the K2 mission and its discoveries regarding exoplanets.
  • Participants highlight the significance of NASA's Juno mission to Jupiter, which aims to study the Great Red Spot and its heat dynamics.
  • There is mention of an anomaly in star formation related to the object CX330, which is located in a star-forming region but lacks the typical surrounding gas and dust.
  • Some participants express optimism about government cooperation with private industries in advancing space technology.
  • Information is shared regarding Io's fluctuating atmosphere and the TESS mission's goals in exoplanet exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the significance of recent developments, with some showing enthusiasm for collaborative efforts in space exploration while others raise questions about specific scientific phenomena. No consensus is reached on the implications of the discussed topics.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions involve complex scientific theories and observations that may depend on specific definitions or assumptions, which remain unresolved. The implications of certain findings are also not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in aerospace developments, space missions, and the latest scientific discoveries in astrophysics and planetary science may find this discussion valuable.

  • #1,591
russ_watters said:
CNN has an article, but I feel like there should be more coverage of this. Seems like kind of a big deal.

https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/17/science/nasa-artemis-ii-moon-mission
It is kinda sad that not enough people are interested in space. Yeah, I know things are going off the rails in 2026 (AI stuff and wars) and would rather be in 2013, but this launch will be historic. Man, my TV will be on all day on February 6th to watch the launch. Hopefully, no mishaps. If the launch happened in any other decade like the 2010s or before, the news would be all over the launch for months.
 
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Physics news on Phys.org
  • #1,592
https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/...rolls-to-launch-pad-but-key-test-looms-ahead/
Preparations for the first human spaceflight to the Moon in more than 50 years took a big step forward this weekend with the rollout of the Artemis II rocket to its launch pad.
IMG_0098-1-1536x1024.webp
 
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  • #1,594
Launch window calendar:
February 6, 7, 8, 10, 11
March 6, 7, 8, 9, 11
April 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 30
Each day has a 120 minute launch window during the local night. You want a fixed orientation between launch site and direction of the Moon, which happens every ~25 hours. Artemis II will fly around new Moon, which leads to the monthly pattern. It also means the launch has to happen during the night. The "missing days" are an artifact of the 25 hour pattern (e.g. Feb 8, 11:20 pm -> Feb 10, 0:06 am).

Mission plan
ARB = apogee raise burn, the transition from a low Earth orbit to an eccentric orbit
USS = upper stage separation burn
PRB = perigee raise burn
TLI = trans-lunar injection, that's where they commit to going around the Moon
OTC/RTC = outbound/return trajectory correction maneuvers, small corrections to stay on the planned path.

PAO = public affairs office? Likely video calls with the crew. Here is one "PAO" from 2020.

The timing of the burns considers both orbital mechanics and the sleep schedule of the crew. PRB has to interrupt sleep, the trajectory correction maneuvers are chosen to not do that. Here is a detailed analysis.

Edit: Crew is now in quarantine
 
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