The information they learn will be applied to calibrate tools and models used to predict how composite materials and spacecraft will behave during reentry. Specifically, the researchers will try to estimate Columbia's maximum temperature by factoring in the weight, shape and recovery location of the components. The parts are made of a graphite/epoxy composite and range in size from a large beach ball to the length of a couch.Ĭompany researchers are interested in seeing how the skins weathered the Shuttle's superheated passage through the Earth's atmosphere. The company will spend the next year studying eight components associated with Columbia's propulsion system. The Aerospace Corporation is one of 20 organizations to express interest in borrowing the debris. The first company outside of the Agency to receive portions of Columbia is The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, Calif. "By allowing the scientific community access to the Columbia debris, researchers will have the opportunity to gain unprecedented knowledge about the effects of reentry." ![]() "NASA's mission includes the development of technologies that improve the safety and reliability of access to space," said NASA's Deputy Administrator Fred Gregory. Image to right: The Columbia debris on display on the 16th floor of Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. The agency believes permitting access to the debris will allow companies to design and build safer, more reliable components for future spacecraft. With sights set on the future of space flight, NASA is releasing the first pieces of Space Shuttle Columbia debris to the aerospace industry for research.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |