AstrotalkUK

Not for profit website/blog on astronomy, space and my writing

Episode 55: 4 August 2012: Mars Curiosity Rover

By Leave a Comment

Since the mid 1970s six spacecraft (Viking 1 & 2, Sojourner, Opportunity, Spirit and Phoenix)  have successfully landed on the surface of Mars. In probably the most audacious, breathtaking and risky space missions, in less than two days, another  Mars Curiosity Rover will arrive on Mars. Using a technique never used before, NASA has described the Entry Decent Landing as the seven minutes of terror.

Launched in November 2011, the arrival of Mars Curiosity will for the first time make a high precision landing which is so crucial to its primary scientific goal of finding evidence of earlier Martian environment that may have been suitable for life.

Also known as the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) it will be supported by a pair of NASA satellites (Odyssey and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) already in Martian orbit. Mars has never been under so much human scrutiny. In addition to the still functioning Opportunity, a rover on the surface of Mars (launched in 2004) and the two NASA satellites, there is also the European Space Agency’s Mars Express is also in Martian orbit.

Dr Anita Sengupta is a member of the Entry Decent Landing and Advanced Technologies group at Jet Propulsion Laboratory. In this interview recorded on August 2nd via telephone from her office in JPL she captures the sheer exhilaration of the dramatic entry decent and landing phase  and describes her role in the Mars Curiosity rover mission.

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB) | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

Mars Curiosity’s seven minutes of terror – in less than 3 minutes

By 1 Comment

Mars curiosity
Mars curiosity entry, decent and descent from http://www.extremetech.com/

Mars Curiosity landing in a nutshell (less than 3 minutes audio below)  by Dr Anita Sengupta  from the Entry Decent & Landing and Advanced Technologies group at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Full interview in Episode 55 – tomorrow.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB) | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Episode 54: 23 July 2012 – Manchester Interplanetary Society and Stanley Davis

By 1 Comment

Stanley Davis

The August 2012 edition of Spaceflight, the monthly magazine from the British Interplanetary Society carried an article where I discuss the Northwest of England’s contribution in Rocketry during the 1930s. An extended version of that article is available for free download on Astrotalkuk.org – here.

So on to today’ episode.

In 1937, two teenagers Harry and Stanley with an outrageous ambition to design and build rockets for space travel joined a newly formed group with a name to match – the Manchester Interplanetary Society. Soon each met a girl, fell in love, exchanged wedding rings and got married. They went off on their separate ways but pledged to stay stay in touch. In addition to his interest in rockets he had a strong interest in science. In the late 1930’s he went by train to London to hear a talk from H.G. Wells. Had he not died prematurely, he like Harry would have immersed himself in the sci-fi fandom movement that blossoming in Britain from the early 1930s.

Wooden Statue of Abraham Lincoln. Carved by Stanley Davis
Members of the Manchester Interplanetary Society. Harry Turner is 1st on the left

Two years later began the ferocious and violent events of World War Two that would shatter  their dreams and lives along with millions of others around the world. Harry Turner spent much of the War in India and following his return enjoyed a successful career as an artist. Stanley Davies died in August 1941 from injuries he endured at Dunkirk.

Recently this shared story brought together Harry’s son Philip and Stanley’s daughter Ann.  In episode 50 Philip recalled the memories of his father and in this episode Ann Sutcliffe remembers her father Stanley Davies.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 7:11 — 6.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

Gagarin Statue – Update 14 July 2012

By 3 Comments

To mark the 50th anniversary of his visit to Britain, a statue  of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin was installed outside the offices of the British Council near Trafalgar Square in London, one year ago today. The full story was covered in episode 47.  At the time the British Council announced that the statue had planning permission restriction and had to be removed to another location after twelve months.

Twelve months on it is still there!

Details of what actually transpired is not clear. This is what I do know.  In May the Russian embassy stated that they are were seeking an extension for the statue to remain in its current location whilst they sought another. The British Council have indicated that Roscosmos are visiting London to discuss the future of the statue on 16th July – two days from now. So a decision may be imminent. I will issue the next newsletter once once an announcement is made.

How is the campaign going to bring the statue to Manchester? No substantial change. The local council is willing to engage, assist and possibly offer suggestions for a city centre site but cannot offer financial assistance. There are now 704 individuals who support the campaign via the online petition. Authors Brian Harvey and Bert Vis along with Tony Lloyd MP have now joined Sir Patrick Moore and Apollo 15 astronaut  AL Worden who have all signed the open letter.

You can add your name to the petition here. More details in a newsletter – as soon as an announcement is made.