Space Robotics - Tohoku University Space Robotics Laboratory Is Working On Robots For Space Exploration And Resource Extraction - Part 1 of 2 Parts

Part 1 of 2 Parts
     So far, the main purpose of visiting moons, planets and asteroids in the solar system has been scientific research. However, the primary interest of commercial investors in space industries is the use of space as a source of valuable materials, both natural and manufactured, that cannot be created on Earth.    

Spacecraft - Polaris Spaceplanes Working On Prototypes Of Space Planes

     Current space transportation is based on vertically launched expendable rockets. However, reusable rocket-propelled “spaceplanes” for horizontal take-off offer significant savings as well as fundamental improvements in flexibility and safety. Spaceplanes would be able to operate similar to airplanes from airports. They would not require a launch pad with complex and expensive infrastructure.

Power Generation - Aerospace Corp. and Oak Ridge National Laboratory Are Working On Shrinking Radioactive Thermoelectric Generators

     Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) have been the power plants of interplanetary spacecraft for fifty years. However, one major problem is that they are relatively heavy. Modern RTGs may weigh hundreds of pounds. They are fine for large-scale missions, but they are prohibitively big for small scale missions to the outer planets.

Power Generation - Aerospace Corp. and Oak Ridge National Laboratory Are Working On Shrinking Radioactive Thermoelectric Generators

     Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) have been the power plants of interplanetary spacecraft for fifty years. However, one major problem is that they are relatively heavy. Modern RTGs may weigh hundreds of pounds. They are fine for large-scale missions, but they are prohibitively big for small scale missions to the outer planets.

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