Original Space Shuttle commander John Young dies

Posted on 06/01/2018 by Engadget RSS Feed

Spaceflight just lost one of its better-known icons: NASA astronaut John Young has died at the age of 87. He was best known as the commander of the first Space Shuttle mission, taking Columbia into orbit in 1981. However, that was just one of a serie...

China wants to build a nuclear-powered space shuttle by 2040

Posted on 16/11/2017 by Engadget RSS Feed

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for China's space program. This week, the GB Times reports that the company released an ambitious roadmap for China's space aspirations that could carry the country...

Someone stole a piece of the Space Shuttle’s thermal tile

Posted on 11/04/2017 by Engadget RSS Feed

A six-inch piece of thermal tile like the ones lining the belly of the space shuttle was stolen from an exhibit at NASA Kennedy Space Center over the weekend Popular Mechanics reports. Although the tile itself never actually flew on a shuttle and was...

Apollo and Space Shuttle pioneer George Mueller dies

Posted on 19/10/2015 by Jon Fingas

It's a sad week for space travel: acclaimed NASA administrator George Mueller (shown at right) has died at the age of 97. He was only with the agency for six years, but he's well-known for instituting key oversight changes that helped the Apollo p...

Canada puts its robot arms on $5 bills, leads the space currency race

Posted on 30/04/2013 by Jon Fingas

Americans like to tease Canadians about their colorful (and often animal-themed) money, but we think the tables might just have turned. When the Bank of Canada issues a new $5 polymer bill this November, one side will include both the Canadarm2 and Dextre manipulator robots in tribute to the nation's work on both the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. Let that sink in for a moment: a country's currency will reference space robots alongside the usual politicians. The only thing dampening the awesomeness is the irony of it all, as it's an ode to technology in a format that's being destroyed by technology. Still, we'll consider the $5 note a victory for geeks everywhere when we're buying a box of Timbits.

Filed under: Robots, Transportation

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Source: Bank of Canada

Create your own space program: NASA quietly flogging bits of the Kennedy Space Center

Posted on 05/01/2013 by Jamie Rigg

The idea of private space tourism is certainly taking off, but at such high costs, only 1 percent of the 1 percent will be able to afford it. But, what if you could just do it all yourself? You're going to need some infrastructure to get you started, and luckily, NASA is reportedly looking to lease or sell off some Kennedy Space Center assets it no longer needs. While that list has not been made public, it apparently includes Launch Pad 39A, a landing strip, the Launch Control Center, and various other high-tech equipment and buildings from its late shuttle program. NASA also wants some quick deals before anything falls into disrepair, so if you're serious about your new space venture, you might be able to snag a bargain or two with some strategic low offers. Now you've just gotta wait for a cheap rocket deal to pop up on eBay and you're good to go.

Filed under: Misc, Science, Alt

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Via: The Loop

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Visualized: Space shuttle Endeavour goes on a crosstown journey through LA streets

Posted on 17/10/2012 by Nicole Lee

The space shuttle Endeavour finally bid adieu to its fans in Southern California last weekend, not in the air, but on city streets. The L.A. Times captured this remarkable feat in a time-lapse video, and it's quite a sight to see the orbiter sailing past suburban houses and fast food drive-thrus. Along its 12-mile crosstown trip from LAX to the California Science Center in Exposition Park, the shuttle atop a special transporter had to maneuver past trees, utility poles and of course hundreds of enthralled residents. This came weeks after it made its farewell tour over the California coast perched on a Boeing 747. Take a peek at the Endeavour's final fascinating journey at the source.

Filed under: Transportation

Visualized: Space shuttle Endeavour goes on a crosstown journey through LA streets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 03:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Space Shuttle Atlantis hands-on: a look inside (video)

Posted on 06/10/2012 by Alexis Santos

Space Shuttles Discovery, Endeavour and Enterprise have all left Kennedy Space Center for new homes, but Atlantis? She's staying. Come November 2nd, the orbiter will be wheeled out to a 65,000-square-foot exhibit, which is still being constructed at KSC's visitor complex. Though the craft's cargo bay doors will be open and its remote manipulator arm extended when its displayed, visitors won't be able to climb aboard it -- or any of the other shuttles, for that matter. However, we got the chance to visit Bay 2 of the Orbiter Processing Facility, step inside Atlantis and give it the hands-on treatment. Look out below for the gallery or hit the jump for the full video tour.

Gallery: Inside Space Shuttle Atlantis

Continue reading Space Shuttle Atlantis hands-on: a look inside (video)

Filed under: Transportation, Science

Space Shuttle Atlantis hands-on: a look inside (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Oct 2012 14:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vizualized: Bay Area bids adieu to Space Shuttle Endeavour (update: video)

Posted on 21/09/2012 by Michael Gorman

NASA and the US government may have moved on from the shuttle program, but it's clear that the American people are still in love with our nation's cosmic cargo planes. An estimated 20,000 people showed up at the Ames Research Center/Moffet Air Force Base in Mountain View, California this morning to see Endeavour buzz the tower. With so many folks itchin' to see Endeavour's farewell tour firsthand, the line to get in was lengthy, but we braved the crowds to bring you some shots of the action. Enjoy.

Gallery: Visualized: Bay Area bids adieu to Space Shuttle Endeavour

[Thanks to Chris Williams for helping with some of the crowd shots]

Update: Canon/RED guru and LA-based DP Vincent Laforet caught the shuttle's final approach and landing at LAX. You'll find the slow-motion clip, shot at 5K resolution on a RED Epic at 96 frames-per-second with an 800mm Canon f/5.6 lens, just past the break.

Continue reading Vizualized: Bay Area bids adieu to Space Shuttle Endeavour (update: video)

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Vizualized: Bay Area bids adieu to Space Shuttle Endeavour (update: video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 18:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Space Shuttle Endeavour hitching a ride atop a 747 to its new home on September 17

Posted on 09/09/2012 by Alexis Santos

Space Shuttles Discovery and Enterprise have already settled into their new homes, and now Endeavour is scheduled to depart for its future abode at the California Science Center on September 17th. Taking to the skies atop a modified Boeing 747, the shuttle will make pit stops in Texas and at Edwards Air Force Base in the Golden State before touching down at Los Angeles International Airport on the 20th. During the journey out west, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft will buzz certain cities and NASA sites along its flight path at roughly 1,500 feet in altitude. After its voyage, Endeavor will head to the science center on October 13th, but won't be on display until the end of the month. Yearning to catch a glimpse of the historic vehicle before it reaches its final resting place? Head past the jump for its flight schedule and flyover details.

Continue reading Space Shuttle Endeavour hitching a ride atop a 747 to its new home on September 17