At some point in life, everyone's dream has been to be able to pilot or be part of the crew of spaceships. Living that experience is something that only the most physically and mentally capable can endure, since it is not easy at all.
In addition, it entails a series of risks that must also be taken into consideration when facing such a reality. However, today the NASA and space transit, has its hopes high thanks to the advancement of technology. Therefore, new models are being designed to guarantee an excellent mission and crew safety.
You may also be interested in our article: Do you know the asteroid that could impact the Earth in this 2020?
Clear up any doubts knowing exactly what spaceships are
spaceships, they are an advanced technological invention of the human being, considered as a star vehicle. For decades, they have been the subject of constant improvements and advances, in order to go beyond the limits. To this end, even today NASA, in conjunction with Space X, has taken a big step forward with respect to these means of transportation.
But, in general terms, to understand what spaceships are, first of all, one must have something very clear. In this respect, spaceships differ completely from space rockets as such.
Ships are defined such as a capsule, shuttle or artificial satellite, capable of a specific purpose. Based on this, it can also be classified into those ships that are manned and those that are not. However, regardless of the path they follow, they are designed to fulfill, as far as possible, their objective.
Source: NatGeo
For its part, space rockets are defined as an annex to which a spacecraft is linked. On its own, the ship cannot escape the gravitational pull of Earth's orbit, nor can it properly propel itself from the ground. To do this, it requires a propellant motor, provided by these rockets.
Understanding that difference will make you understand exactly what spaceships really are. Although the rocket and the ship are traditionally considered the same structure, they are really separate and fulfilling different functions.
What characteristics define spacecraft today? Find out about the most advanced in astronautics!
Since man landed on the moon with the Apollo missions, science has come a long way to match these spacecraft. Although there are endless conspiracy theories about this event, the truth is that it represented a before and after in astronautics.
Today, spacecraft are being increasingly developed and better built, especially thanks to the support of SpaceX. The company that dreams of commercial trips to the moon or Mars has been a key player in the design of certain features for spacecraft.
New module design
The module is the most important part of these sidereal vehicles, since the cosmonauts are located inside them. Failing this, it is the person who will carry the respective probe or type of instrument to be launched into space.
Since the last Apollo mission and the moon landing, tried to repeat the formula, but improved with current technology. Therefore, at present, the most recent project of NASA, Orion, teaches about its new spacecraft.
This module is equipped with better navigation and crew capacity, excellent electrical backup and propulsion. In turn, it has a thermal control or thermoregulation capacity that was not previously available. As if that were not enough, it incorporates a precise water system to guarantee certain functions, being comfortable and practical for its astronauts.
Reuse starts to sound loud
spaceships, now they are designed so that they can re-enter to Earth and that can be reused. With a view to not having so much budget, making these warehouses synonymous with reuse is an excellent step.
To do this, the modules now integrate better damping and propulsion systems to re-enter the planet. In this way, the shock impact is reduced when landing, once again, on the planet.
propulsion and coupling
In addition to the named features, the most recent spaceships, They have a great propulsion capacity. In this way, the risk with respect to take-off and related events has been completely minimized.
For this reason, now the ships are capable of driving and docking with other modules without failure. Thanks to this, it is possible to make them or attend to any minor setback that may arise during the mission as such.
Better materials
Although not much has been changed regarding the materials used, it is true that spaceships are becoming less heavy. It has been possible to optimize the construction of the same, reducing a little the use of aluminum and titanium.
By methodically adding carbon fiber without pushing the limits, that transition in weight has flowed beautifully. As a result, more precise and durable ships have been obtained over time.
Have you ever wondered what fuel spacecraft use?
Space propulsion is one of the most impressive events that can be witnessed. At the moment when the first combustion occurs, it is impossible not to feel goosebumps. So to understand exactly how it works, you need to know what fuel spacecraft use.
Source: ElPais
Thanks to the use of certain components, it is possible to generate the spark that the space engine needs. The amount of fuel will need to be ideal to fully drive the most powerful engine that is in constant use.
To power the engine, liquid fuel and solid fuel are needed. Since it is a jet engine, you must combine both elements to generate a result make it explosive.
Liquid fuel is usually kerosene, liquid oxygen, or liquid hydrogen. They are subjected to the fuel capacity of solid fuel, which is usually aluminum with ammonium perchlorate. Understanding this premise answers the question of what fuel spacecraft use.